JP2002324448A - Key top plate - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key top plate that can easily form a key top, in which a character and the like can be made to be seen as a relief with three- dimensional feeling on the print of a background or characters, etc. SOLUTION: A first film plate 20 made of a flexible transparent resin film is curved upward and a key top 30 made of transparent mold resin is formed in a curved part 23. Furthermore, a second film plate 40 made of the flexible transparent resin film is arranged on the undersurface side of the key top 30, and a print layer 41 is formed. A print layer 21 is, for example, for characters, a graphic or symbols, and the print layer 41 is for a print for use in a background that is printed with the same color as a plane form.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key top plate suitable for use in a push button switch.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a key top plate in which a molded resin key top is formed on a film plate made of a resin film has been developed in order to reduce the size and thickness of the film. A key top plate has been developed in which a display layer is displayed, and the display layer is illuminated by a lighting unit disposed below the display layer.

FIG. 5 shows a conventional key top plate 200 of this type.
It is a principal part schematic side sectional view which shows the part of one key top 211 in it. Note that a plurality of key tops 211 are actually arranged on the key top plate 200. The key-top plate 200 shown in FIG. 3 has a predetermined portion of a film plate 201 made of a transparent resin film having flexibility, and a predetermined portion of the film plate 201 is bent upward. Molded and key top 211
Is formed by display-forming a display layer 213 made of a desired character, figure, symbol, or the like on the planar lower surface.

When the key top plate 200 is illuminated from below by a lighting means (not shown), the colors and characters of the display layer 213 displayed on the lower surface of the key top 211 can be clearly displayed on the surface side of the key top 211. Thus, the key top 211 can be given a high-class feeling.

In the above-mentioned conventional example, for example, in order to provide a more luxurious feeling, when characters and the like are displayed on a background solid display in which the same color is displayed in a plane,
The solid display and the display of characters and the like are superimposed twice on the display layer 213.

However, when characters and the like are displayed directly on the solid display of the background, the characters and the like are formed on the same plane. I couldn't get the feeling.

Further, in the above conventional example, the film plate 2
01, the key top 211 is simply attached to the lower surface of the curved portion 203, so that the film plate 201 and the key top 2
In the case where the adhesion of the key top 11 is poor, the key top 211 may be detached from the film plate 201.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to easily form a key top which allows characters and the like to float on a display such as a background. It is to provide a key top plate that can be used.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a key top plate having a structure in which the key top does not come off from the film plate even if the key top plate has a structure in which the film top covers the top surface of the key top. .

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a film plate made of a flexible transparent resin film, which is curved upward, and a transparent molded resin film is formed in the curved portion. A key top plate formed by molding key tops, wherein a display layer is formed on the film plate, and a display layer is also provided on the lower surface side of the key top.

In the key top plate according to the present invention, a first film plate made of a flexible transparent resin film is curved upward, and a transparent molded resin key top is formed in the curved portion. Further, a second film plate made of a transparent resin film having flexibility is arranged on the lower surface side of the key top, and a display layer is formed on each of the first film plate and the second film plate. It is characterized by the following.

Here, the key top contact portion of the second film plate is projected downward from the peripheral portion of the key top.

[0013] The key top contact portion of the second film plate may be formed in a flat shape so as to be flush with a peripheral portion of the key top.

Preferably, the two display layers are both characters, figures, or symbols. The display layer formed on the first film plate may be a character, a graphic, or a symbol, and the display layer formed on the second film plate may be a background display in which the same color is printed in a plane.

The key top plate according to the present invention is mounted on the upper and lower surfaces of the key top made of a molded resin so as to cover the first film plate and the second film plate made of a flexible resin film. It is characterized by the following.

Here, the first film plate and / or the second film plate are provided with a hinge portion extending outward from a portion covering the key top, and this key top plate is connected to another member at the tip of the hinge portion. , A fixing portion for fixing the fixing member is provided.

Further, the method of manufacturing a key top plate according to the present invention is characterized in that a first mold having a cavity for molding the upper shape of the key top and a second mold having a cavity for molding the lower shape of the key top are provided. Between the first and second film plates, first and second film plates made of a flexible transparent resin film are overlapped and sandwiched, and a molten mold resin is injected between the first and second film plates. The cavity provided in the two molds is filled with a molten resin, and after the molten resin is solidified, the first and second molds are removed to take out the key top plate.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a main part showing a part of one key top 30 in a key top plate 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. -A cross section), and FIG. 2B is a plan view. Note that a plurality of key tops 30 are actually arranged on the key top plate 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the key top plate 10 is formed by molding a key top 30 made of a mold resin in a curved portion 23 formed by bending a first film plate 20 upward, and furthermore, a lower surface of the key top 30. The second film plate 40 is also arranged on the side. In other words, the key top plate 10 is configured to be attached to the upper and lower surfaces of a key top 30 made of a molded resin so as to cover the first film plate 20 and the second film plate 40. Then, the first film plate 20 and the second film plate 4
0 is provided with display layers (hereinafter, referred to as “print layers” according to this embodiment) 21 and 41, respectively. Hereinafter, each component will be described.

The first film plate 20 is made of a transparent resin film having flexibility. In this embodiment, a polyethylene terephthalate film is used. Of course, resin films made of other various materials may be used. A curved portion 23 having the same shape as the upper surface of the key top 30 is provided in a portion of the first film plate 20 covering the key top 30, and the printed layer 21 is printed on the lower surface of the curved portion 23. The printing layer 21 is, for example, a character, a figure, or a symbol. Although an adhesive layer is actually provided on the lower surface side of the printing layer 21, it is omitted in the drawings.

The second film plate 40 is made of a transparent resin film having flexibility. In this embodiment, a polycarbonate film is used. Of course, resin films made of other various materials may be used.
Then, a portion of the second film plate 40 in contact with the key top 30 (specifically, the entire lower surface of the key top 30 including the flange portion 31) is provided around the key top 30 (specifically, the First film plate 20 at outer periphery
And a concave portion 43 which protrudes downward from the joint portion a) of the second film plate 40 and accommodates the key top contact portion, and a printed layer 41 is printed on the lower surface of the concave portion 43. The printing layer 41 is, for example, solid printing for the background (printing the same color on substantially the entire lower surface of the key top 30), and is printed with a color (for example, white) and a thickness that allow light to pass through. A through hole 45 is provided in one corner of the concave portion 43.

The key top 30 is made of a transparent thermoplastic material. In this embodiment, a polycarbonate resin is used. Of course, a molding resin made of other various materials may be used. The collar portion 31 is provided so as to project in a substantially ring shape from the lower outer periphery of the key top 30 outward. A tongue-shaped protruding portion 33 protrudes from one corner of the brim portion 31, and a through hole 45 of the second film plate 40 is located below the protruding portion 33.

If a switch contact (not shown) is arranged below the key top 30 and the key top 30 is pressed,
The switch contact turns on. If a light emitting means such as a light emitting diode is arranged below the key top plate 10 and the light is guided to the key top 30, the transparent second film plate 4
The printed layers 21 and 41 printed on the first and second film plates 20 and 40 are brightly illuminated on the surface of the key top plate 10 through the 0, the key top 30 and the first film plate 20. In the present invention, since the two printing layers 21 and 41 are separated from each other, characters, figures, and the like of the printing layer 21 appear to rise three-dimensionally on the printing layer 41 serving as a background, giving a three-dimensional appearance and a high-grade appearance. I can do it.

Further, in the case of the present embodiment, the key top 30 made of the molded resin is configured to be covered with the first film plate 20 and the second film plate 40. There is no danger of detachment from the second film plates 20, 40.

In this embodiment, the lower surface including the flange 31 of the key top 30 is housed in the recess 43 of the second film plate 40, so that the surface (upper surface) of the flange 31 is formed.
And the surface (upper surface) of the second film plate 40 in the peripheral portion of the key top 30 is made the same.
In other words, the surface (upper surface) of the brim portion 31 and the key top 3
The depth dimension of the concave portion 43 is formed so that the surface (upper surface) of the second film plate 40 in the peripheral portion of 0 is flush with the surface.

With this configuration of the key top plate 10, even when the case 60 is disposed thereon as shown in FIG. 2 and the key top 30 protrudes from the through hole 61 provided in the case 60, the collar portion is formed. 31 and the second film plate 4
0, the flange 31 does not protrude above the second film plate 40, and the case 6 has a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the flange 31.
Therefore, the thickness of the electronic device using the key top plate 10 can be reduced. If such an effect is not expected, it is not always necessary to provide the recess 43.

Next, a method of manufacturing the key top plate 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing the key top plate 10. First, as shown in FIG. 3 (a-1), a printing layer 41 having a color and a thickness that allows light to pass through, for example, solid printing for the background, is printed on the lower surface of the second film plate 40. Next, a through hole 45 is provided at a predetermined position of the second film plate 40.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (b-1), the portion of the second film plate 40 where the lower surface of the key top 30 is in contact is drawn by using a die to form a recess 43. I do. The shape of the concave portion 43 is the same as the shape of the lower surface side of the key top 30 including the flange portion 31, and the depth dimension is the same as the thickness dimension of the flange portion 31.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3A-2, a printing layer 21 made of, for example, characters, figures, or symbols is printed on the lower surface of the first film plate 20, and the lower surface side of the printing layer 21 An adhesive layer (not shown) is printed on the entire portion to be the curved portion 23 in the process.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (b-2), the first film plate 20 is drawn by using a die to be curved so as to be upwardly convex to form a curved portion 23. I do. The shape of the curved portion 23 is made substantially the same as the shape of the upper surface of the key top 30 (the shape is not necessarily the same, for example, the height may be about half the depth of the cavity 71 of the mold 70 described below). ).

Next, as shown in FIG. 3C, the drawn first and second film plates 20 and 40 are overlapped, and these are placed between the first and second molds 70 and 80. To be pinched. Here, the first mold 70 is provided with a cavity 71 having the same shape as the shape for accommodating the curved portion 23 of the first film plate 20, that is, the shape of the upper portion of the key top 30. Further, the second mold 80 has a cavity 81 having the same shape as the shape of the lower portion of the key top 30 in which the concave portion 43 of the second film plate 40 is housed, and a through hole 45 of the second film plate 40. A pin gate 83 is provided at a connecting position.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 3D, the molten resin is press-fitted from the pin gate 83 to fill the cavities 71, 81 of the first and second molds 70, 80 with the molten resin. After the molten resin is solidified, the first and second molds 7
By removing 0 and 80, the key top plate 10 shown in FIG. 1 is completed.

In the above embodiment, the first film plate 20 and the key top 30 are bonded by an adhesive layer printed on the lower surface of the curved portion 23, and the second film plate 40 and the key top 30 are formed of a material. Are made of polycarbonate, so that they can be bonded together by the heat and pressure of the molten resin without an adhesive.

The method of manufacturing the key top plate 10 can be modified in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first film plate 20 is not drawn, and as shown in FIG. It is sandwiched between the first and second molds 70 and 80 as a flat plate,
When the molten resin is press-fitted from the pin gate 83 to fill the cavity 71, 81 of the first and second molds 70, 80 with the molten resin, the first film plate 20 is moved by the heat and pressure of the molten resin. The inner wall surface of the tee 71 may be curved and deformed to thereby produce the state shown in FIG.

In the above embodiment, for example, the printing layer 21
Although 41 is provided on the lower surfaces of the first and second film plates 20 and 40, respectively, they may be provided on the upper surfaces thereof. However, it is preferable to display the printed layer 21 on the lower surface of the first film plate 20 because the printed layer 21 is reliably prevented from peeling due to abrasion.

In the above embodiment, the key top 30 is configured to be covered with the first and second film plates 20 and 40. However, the lower second film plate 40 is omitted and the print layer 41 is omitted.
May be printed directly on the lower surface of the key top 30. That is, the printing layer 213 is provided on the lower surface of the key top 211 as shown in FIG.
And a printing layer is also provided on the lower or upper surface of the curved portion of the film plate 203 at the same time. However, in the case of a structure in which the printing layer is printed directly on the lower surface of the key top, it is necessary to print the printing layer on each of the key tops mounted on one key top plate, so it takes time and further accuracy is maintained. It is difficult, but the second film plate 4
When 0 is used, the printed layer 41 can be easily and simultaneously formed on a plurality of key top formation portions of the second film plate 40, so that the printed display can be easily performed.

In the above-described embodiment, the printing layer 21 is formed of characters and graphics, and the printing layer 41 is formed of solid printing for the background. However, it goes without saying that the printing state can be variously changed. In the above embodiment, a printed layer is used as a display layer. However, a display layer formed by vapor deposition means other than printing may be used.

In the above embodiment, the pin gate 83 is provided on the second mold 80 side, and the molten resin is injected into the cavities 71 and 81 from the through holes 45 provided in the second film plate 40. As shown in FIG.
A pin gate 73 may be provided on the 0 side so that molten resin is injected into the cavities 71 and 81 from the through holes 25 provided in the first film plate 20.

The printing layers 21 and 41 need not always be provided only for the purpose of preventing the key top 30 from falling off.

In the above embodiment, the key top 30 and the first,
The second film plates 20 and 40 are fixed to each other with an adhesive or the like. A hole is formed in the first film plate 20 or the second film plate 40, and the key top 30 is inserted through the hole.
The first film plate 20 and the second film plate 40 are mechanically fixed by sandwiching the first and second film plates 20 and 40 between the mold resin and the key top 30 which have reached the opposite side of the film plate. May be configured.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a key top plate 10-2 according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 7 (a) is a plan view and FIG. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B, and FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view taken along a line CC in FIG. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts as those of the key top plate 10 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also in this key top plate 10-2, the first film plate 2
The key top 30 is formed by molding a key top 30 made of a mold resin in the curved portion 23 formed at 0, and further arranging a second film plate 40 on the lower surface side of the key top 30.
The key top plate 1 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on the upper and lower surfaces so as to cover the first and second film plates 20 and 40.
Same as 0. This embodiment is different from the above-described embodiment in the following points.

First, in this embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (c), the portion (surface) of the second film plate 40 which is in contact with the key top 30 is formed in a flat shape so as to be flush with the peripheral portion (surface) of the key top 30. Is a point. Therefore, the protruding portion 33 separates the first film plate 20 from the peripheral portion of the key top 30 (specifically, the joint portion a between the first film plate 20 and the second film plate 40 on the outer periphery of the key top 30). It is formed by projecting upward. In this embodiment, the collar portion 31 shown in the key top 30 of FIG. 1 is omitted. However, if the collar portion 31 is provided, the first film plate 20 will be deformed. When the case 60-2 is arranged on the keytop plate 10-2 as shown in FIG. 8, a concave portion 63 for accommodating the protruding portion 33 is provided in the case 60-2. , Case 60
When the thickness of the portion provided with the concave portion 63 of -2 is set to a thickness maintaining its strength, the thickness L-2 of the other portion is increased. However, with such a configuration, the thickness of the portion of the key top 30 protruding from the lower surface of the case 60-2 can be reduced, so that the distance between the lower surface of the case 60-2 and a switch board surface (not shown) disposed thereunder can be reduced. The distance can be reduced, and it is possible to meet the demand for making this distance smaller than the thickness of the case 60-2. In addition, with such a configuration, the second film plate 40 is provided with the concave portion 43 as shown in FIG.
This eliminates the need for a drawing step of providing the same, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the cost.

Next, in the key top plate 10-2, the printing layer (display layer) formed on the first film plate 20
Both the printed layer 21 and the printed layer (display layer) 41 formed on the second film plate 40 were characters, figures, or symbols. With this configuration, of the two types of characters, figures, or symbols displayed on the same key top 30, the characters, figures, or symbols formed by the upper printing layer 21 and the lower printing layer 4
1 can be provided with a three-dimensional effect between the character, the figure, or the symbol, the character, the figure, or the symbol by the upper printing layer 21 can be emphasized, and the character, the figure, or the symbol by the lower printing layer 41 can be differentiated. Is preferred.

Next, the first and second film plates 20 and 40 of the key top plate 10-2 are provided with the key tops 3 respectively.
Hinge portions 27 and 47 extending outward from the portion covering the first key top plate 10-
Fixing portions 29 and 49 for fixing 2 to another member are provided. The fixing portions 29, 49 are provided with three hinge portions 27, 47.
Are connected, and two fixing holes 50 are provided in portions corresponding to the hinge portions 27 and 47, respectively. Since the key top plate 10-2 is configured as described above, a longer life, a thinner thickness, and a shorter length can be achieved as compared with the case where the hinge portion is formed of a molded product.

In the above embodiment, the hinge portions 27, 47 are extended from both the first and second film plates 20, 40, but the hinge portions may be provided on only one of the film plates. Also in this embodiment, the lower second film plate 40 may be omitted, but the first film plate 20 and the key top 30 are overlapped by pressing the key tops 30 repeatedly.
When there is a possibility that the key top 30 may fall off due to weakened adhesion with the second film plate, it is preferable to provide the second film plate 40.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical idea described in the specification and the drawings. Is possible. It should be noted that any shape, structure, or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as the effects and effects of the present invention are exhibited.

[0046]

As described in detail above, the present invention has the following excellent effects. Since the display layers are provided on both the upper and lower surfaces of the keytop, the upper display layer can be displayed three-dimensionally with a sense of perspective on the lower display layer, giving the display a sense of quality. it can. In particular, if the display layer provided on the upper surface side of the keytop is a character, a figure, or a symbol, and the display layer provided on the lower surface side of the keytop is a solid display for the background, the characters and the like appear to rise three-dimensionally on the background. Key tops can be easily formed. If the upper and lower display layers are both characters, figures, or symbols, of the two types of characters, figures, or symbols displayed on the same keytop, the upper character, figure, or symbol and the lower character or figure are displayed. Alternatively, a three-dimensional effect can be provided between the character and the symbol, the upper character, graphic, or symbol can be emphasized, and can be differentiated from the lower character, graphic, or symbol.

Since the first film plate and the second film plate are mounted on the upper and lower surfaces of the key top so as to cover the key film, only the film plate covers the upper surface of the key top, and no special fixing means is provided. Even with a key top plate, there is no danger that the key top will come off the film plate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a key top plate 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3A is a schematic sectional view (a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3B), and FIG. 3B is a plan view.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a key top plate 10 is arranged on a lower surface of a case 60.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a method of manufacturing the key top plate 10;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of another manufacturing method of the key top plate 10;

FIG. 5 is a schematic side sectional view showing a main part of a conventional key top plate 200.

FIG. 6 is a view showing another method of manufacturing the key top plate 10;

FIG. 7 is a key top plate 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a plan view, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C is a view of FIG. It is a CC sectional view taken on the arrow.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a key top plate 10-2 is arranged on a lower surface of a case 60-2.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 key top plate 20 first film plate 21 print layer (display layer) 23 curved portion 30 key top 31 collar portion 33 protrusion 40 second film plate 41 print layer (display layer) 43 concave portion 45 through hole 60 case 70 First mold 71 Cavity 80 Second mold 81 Cavity 83 Pin gate 10-2 Key top plate 27, 47 Hinge part 29, 49 Fixing part 50 Fixing hole 60-2 Case 63 Recess

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuo Kojima 335 Kariyuku, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa F-term in Teikoku Communication Industrial Co., Ltd. 5G006 CB09 JB03 JC01 JD03 JF02 5G023 AA11 CA30 CA41

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A key top plate formed by bending a film plate made of a transparent resin film having flexibility upward and forming a key top made of a transparent mold resin in the curved portion. A key top plate having a display layer formed on a film plate and a display layer provided on a lower surface side of the key top. 2. A first film plate made of a transparent resin film having flexibility is bent upward, a key top made of a transparent mold resin is formed in the curved portion, and a lower surface of the key top is formed. A key top plate, wherein a second film plate made of a transparent resin film having flexibility is arranged on the side, and a display layer is formed on each of the first film plate and the second film plate. . 3. The key top plate according to claim 2, wherein the key top contact portion of the second film plate protrudes downward from a peripheral portion of the key top. 4. The key top plate according to claim 2, wherein the key top contact portion of the second film plate is formed in a flat shape so as to be flush with a peripheral portion of the key top. 5. The key top plate according to claim 1, wherein each of the two display layers is a character, a graphic, or a symbol. 6. A key top plate mounted on upper and lower surfaces of a key top made of a molded resin so as to cover a first film plate and a second film plate made of a flexible resin film. . 7. The first film plate and / or the second film plate has a hinge portion extending outward from a portion covering the key top, and the key top plate is connected to another member at the tip of the hinge portion. The key top plate according to claim 6, further comprising a fixing portion for fixing the key top plate. 8. A transparent resin having flexibility between a first mold having a cavity for molding the upper shape of the keytop and a second mold having a cavity for molding the lower shape of the keytop. The first and second film plates made of film are stacked and sandwiched, and a molten mold resin is injected between the first and second film plates to melt the inside of the cavities provided in the first and second molds. A method for manufacturing a key top plate, wherein the key top plate is taken out by removing the first and second molds after filling with a resin and solidifying the molten resin.