JP2003132763A - Variation corresponding dome switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a variation corresponding dome switch which makes a design change easy, makes space saving be possible, and further makes installation range extend. SOLUTION: It consists of a front sheet 22 which can be reversed to the inner face side while projecting in an external surface side and has the dome- like projection part 27 formed with an electrode 28 in the inner face, a FPC24 which has the point-of-contact 34, to which the electrode 28 of the projection part 27 contacts, a spacer sheet 23 which is intervened between the front sheet 22 and FPC24 and forms the penetration hole 29 for securing contact of the electrode 28 and a point-of-contact 34, and has the adhesion sheet 25, which has a circuit component attachment face to the FPC24 in one side, and an adhesion fixing surface to an attached component on the other side. Further, while forming the front sheet 22 as a transparent component, a design part 26 corresponding to the variation is formed in the inside (and/or the external surface) of the front sheet 22.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dome switch provided with a front sheet having a dome-shaped protrusion, a spacer sheet, a circuit body, an adhesive sheet, and movable and fixed contacts, and more particularly to various variations. The present invention relates to a variation-compatible dome switch that is compatible with the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In FIG. 27, an instrument panel 1 which is one of automobile components is provided with a plurality of switches 2 to 6 at appropriate positions around an instrument 7. For example, the configuration of the switch 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 28. The switch 2 includes a circuit body 8, rubber switches 9 and 9, key tops 10 and 10, and a bezel 1.
1 and are configured.

The circuit body 8 has a hard plate 12,
A plurality of circuits 13 are arranged therein in an appropriate pattern. Further, on the circuit 13, contacts 14, 14 for the rubber switches 9, 9 and a plurality of electric functional parts 15 are provided. Reference numeral 16 in FIG. 27 indicates an FFC, and 17 indicates a connection portion of the FFC 16.

In the above structure, the circuit body 8 is attached to the inside of the instrument panel 1 via the hard plate 12. Further, on the contacts 14, 14 of the circuit body 8,
Rubber switches 9 and 9 are attached. Furthermore, on the rubber switches 9, 9, key tops 10, 1
0 and the bezel 11 are sequentially attached. The bezel 11 fits into an opening formed in the instrument panel 1. In addition, the design portion 18 is formed on the surfaces of the key tops 10 and 10 and the bezel 11 by printing or decoration.
Is provided.

[0005]

In the above-mentioned prior art, when the design portion 18 needs to be changed, the key top 10,
Printing and decoration must be changed for each of 10 and the bezel 11, and there is a problem that the change becomes complicated. For example, when it is necessary to provide a variation according to the grade of the automobile, the design portion 18 must be changed according to the variation, and there is a problem that the change becomes more complicated. .

Further, in the above-mentioned prior art, since the switch 2 (similar to the other switches 3 to 6) is thick, the switch 2 should be installed unless a large storage space is provided inside the instrument panel 1. It has a problem that it can not be done. This also applies naturally when an optional switch is installed.

Further, in the above-mentioned prior art, in order to install the switch 2 (similarly for the other switches 3 to 6),
There is a problem that the switch 2 cannot be installed unless a plane without the two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved surfaces is provided (in other words, the installation site is limited). .

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a variation-compatible dome switch that facilitates design changes, enables space saving, and has a wider installation range. To do.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the dome switch according to the present invention according to the first aspect of the present invention has a dome-shaped projecting portion projecting to the outer surface side and reversible to the inner surface side. A front sheet, a movable-side contact that is displaced with the reversal of the protrusion, a fixed-side contact that faces the movable-side contact, and a circuit body having the fixed-side contact, One or a plurality of spacer sheets which are interposed between the front sheet and the circuit body and have through holes for ensuring contact between the movable side contact and the fixed side contact, and adhesion to a mounted member A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet having a fixed surface, and the front sheet is molded as a transparent member, and a design portion corresponding to a variation is formed on the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the front sheet. It is characterized in that digit.

A variation-compatible dome switch according to a second aspect of the present invention is the variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1, wherein the spacer sheet,
The circuit body and the adhesive sheet are commonly used products that are used regardless of the variation, and the front sheet is a variation compatible product in which the protrusion is formed at the position of the through hole according to the variation. It is characterized by being.

A variation-compatible dome switch according to a third aspect of the present invention is the variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the design portion provided on the inner surface of the front sheet is provided on the inner surface. It is characterized by being printed and / or decorated.

[0012] A variation-compatible dome switch according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the design portion provided on the inner surface of the front sheet is provided on the inner surface. It is the applied printing and / or decoration, and the design portion provided on the outer surface of the front sheet is a synthetic resin coat layer applied to the protruding portion.

A variation-compatible dome switch according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the variation-compatible dome switch according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the front sheet also serves as a bezel.

The variation-compatible dome switch of the present invention according to claim 6 is the variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the design portion provided on the outer surface of the front sheet has the outer surface It is characterized in that it is a sheet-like cover member which is integrally formed with a push-down portion which covers the push-out portion and is capable of pushing down the push-out portion.

A variation-compatible dome switch of the present invention according to claim 7 is the variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the design portion provided on the outer surface of the front sheet has the outer surface It is a cover member having a key top that covers and can press the protrusion by contacting the protrusion.

A variation-compatible dome switch of the present invention according to claim 8 is the variation-compatible dome switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The front sheet, the spacer sheet, the circuit body, and the adhesive sheet have flexibility, and the circuit body has an external connection means used for electrical connection to the outside.

A variation-compatible dome switch according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the variation-compatible dome switch according to the eighth aspect, wherein the external connection means is
It is characterized by having an edge connector terminal or a connector.

A variation-compatible dome switch according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the variation-compatible dome switch according to the ninth aspect, characterized in that the external connection means further has a wiring circuit portion drawn from the circuit body. I am trying.

A variation-compatible dome switch according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the variation-compatible dome switch according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the adhesive sheet has a release paper on the adhesive fixing surface. It has a feature.

According to the invention described in claim 1,
It is provided with a front sheet, a spacer sheet, a circuit body, an adhesive sheet, and contacts on the movable side and the fixed side, and the switch operation works as follows depending on its configuration. That is, when the movable side contact and the fixed side contact come into contact with each other after the protruding portion is pushed down and the protruding portion is inverted, a conductive state is obtained. When the depression of the protruding portion is released and the protruding portion returns to the original state, the conduction state is released accordingly. that's all,
A switch operation function can be obtained with a small configuration and a simple structure. Also, with a small number of configurations and a simple structure, it becomes thin,
Since it is installed on the member to be attached via the adhesive sheet, the installation is easy and space saving becomes possible. Then, since the front sheet is molded as a transparent member and the design portion corresponding to the variation is provided on the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the front sheet, it is possible to easily change the design and cope with the variation only by the front sheet. Will be possible. The spacer sheet functions at least as a member for preventing deformation of the front sheet.

According to the invention described in claim 2,
Protrusions may or may not be partially formed on the through holes of the spacer sheet. As a result, it is possible to widen the range of dealing with variations.

According to the present invention described in claim 3,
The printing and / or decoration on the inner surface of the front sheet becomes the design portion. Since the front sheet is transparent, it is possible to provide the design portion on the inner surface of the front sheet. Then, by changing the printing and / or the decoration, it is possible to widen the range of dealing with variations.

According to the present invention described in claim 4,
The printing and / or decoration applied to the inner surface of the front sheet and the synthetic resin coat layer applied to the outer surface of the front sheet form the design portion. Since the front sheet is transparent, it is possible to provide the design portion on the inner surface of the front sheet. Then, by changing the printing and / or the decoration, it is possible to widen the range of dealing with variations. On the other hand, since the coat layer on the outer surface of the protruding portion changes the feel of the protruding portion, it is possible to further widen the range for the variation correspondence by the coat layer.

According to the present invention described in claim 5,
The front sheet is also used as a bezel. That is, when installed on the attached portion, the front sheet also functions as a bezel.

According to the present invention described in claim 6,
The sheet-shaped cover member provided on the outer surface of the front sheet serves as a design portion. Then, by changing the sheet-shaped cover member, it is possible to widen the width for coping with variations.

According to the present invention described in claim 7,
The cover member provided on the outer surface of the front sheet serves as a design portion. Then, by changing the cover member, it is possible to widen the range for coping with variations.

According to the present invention described in claim 8,
Since the circuit body is flexible and has the external connection means, the circuit body can be installed on a portion such as a curved surface according to the needs of the user.

According to the present invention described in claim 9,
Electrical connection to the outside is made via the edge connector terminal or the connector.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the electrical connection with the outside is performed within the range of the length of the wired circuit portion drawn from the circuit body.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the adhesive fixing surface is protected until the end use. Further, it becomes possible to carry the switch with the release paper on the adhesive fixing surface.

[0031]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a variation-compatible dome switch of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the flexibility, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the switch is operated, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the switch is operated.

In FIG. 1, a polydome switch according to the present invention (corresponding to a variation-compatible dome switch described in the claims) indicated by reference numeral 21 is a front sheet 22, a spacer sheet 23, an FPC 24, and an adhesive sheet 25. And an electrode 28 and a contact 34 which will be described later. Further, in the polydome switch 21 of the present invention, the front sheet 22 is formed as a transparent member. Then, on the inner surface of the front sheet 22,
The design portion 26 is provided so that only the front sheet 22 can be used to easily change the design and accommodate variations.

First, the above-mentioned constituent members will be described in detail, and then the assembling and operation of the polydome switch 21 will be described.

The front sheet 22 is transparent and has flexibility. Further, the front sheet 22 is formed with a plurality of protrusions 27. Each protrusion 27
Is formed in a dome shape that protrudes to the outer surface side and can be inverted to the inner surface side. Further, the design portion 26 and an electrode 28 (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the FPC 24 (corresponding to the movable side contact described in the claims) are provided on the inner surface of each protruding portion 27. The electrode 28 (see FIG. 2) is provided on the top of the inner surface.

Explaining the front sheet 22 in a little more detail, the front sheet 22 is a transparent sheet member made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and is hot pressed (pressed from the inner surface side to the outer surface side). It has a plurality of dome-shaped projecting portions 27 formed by applying the (. The electrodes 28 provided on the tops of the inner surfaces of the dome-shaped protrusions 27 are made of carbon or the like (in the case of the electrodes 28 made of carbon, they are provided by printing).

The design portion 26 is a print and / or decoration provided on the inner surface of the front sheet 22, and in the present embodiment, for example, is white and is “ON”, “OFF”, “U”.
Characters printed with "P", "DOWN", and "1" to "4" correspond to the design portion 26 (projection portion 27).
Is printed near the). Further, in the present embodiment,
For example, the background color printed in black also corresponds to the design portion 26 (the electrode 28 made of carbon is provided after these printings).

The spacer sheet 23 is a flexible sheet member made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and made of synthetic resin, and functions as a member for preventing the deformation of the front sheet 22. . In addition, the spacer sheet 23 has the protrusion 2
It also functions as a member to secure the stroke size of No. 7 (a positive function that has not been available in the past).

In the present embodiment, the spacer sheet 23 is formed in a sheet shape having, for example, a thickness that is about half the dimension that allows the protrusion 27 to make the maximum stroke. For example, the thickness of the front sheet 22 (excluding the height of the protruding portion 27) is 125 μm, and the dimension by which the protruding portion 27 can make the maximum stroke is 1.5 mm (of which the protruding portion 2 is
7 has a height of 750 μm) and the spacer sheet 23 has a thickness of 750 μm.

Explaining the spacer sheet 23 in a little more detail, the spacer sheet 23 has adhesive layers (not shown) on the front and back surfaces, and the spacer sheets 23 and F
The PC 24 and the PC 24 can be fixed to the front and back surfaces, respectively. In addition, the spacer sheet 23 has a plurality of through holes 29 and a plurality of air escape portions 30,
The inverted protrusions 27 are inserted, and the air existing on the inner surface side when the protrusions 27 are inverted is appropriately released.

Each through hole 29 is formed in accordance with the position of the corresponding protruding portion 27. In addition, each through hole 2
9 are each formed to have a diameter larger than that of the corresponding protrusion 27 (see FIG. 2).
The diameter may be the same). Each air escape portion 30 has a slit shape, and the spacer sheet 23
Are formed between the through-holes 29 arranged in the longitudinal direction.
In addition, each air escape portion 30 is formed so as to communicate with the corresponding through hole 29.

The FPC 24 (FPC: flexible printed circuit) corresponds to the circuit body described in the claims and has a circuit body main body 32 having a plurality of circuits 31 arranged in a desired pattern. And external connection means 33 used for electrical connection to the outside.

On the spacer sheet 23 side of the circuit body 32, a contact 34 with which the electrode 28 (see FIG. 2) comes into contact.
A plurality of (corresponding to the fixed side contacts described in the claims) are provided. Further, in the vicinity of the center of the circuit body 32, air escape holes 35, 35 communicating with the air escape portion 30 of the spacer sheet 23 are formed so as to penetrate therethrough. In this embodiment, the FPC 24 has a thickness of 100 μm. As the circuit body described in the claims, FP
It is not limited to C (FPC24) (provided that flexibility is not impaired).

The external connection means 33 is provided with a connection circuit section 36 connected so as to be drawn out from the circuit body 32, and a plurality of edge connector terminals 37 provided at the tip of the connection circuit section 36. Has been done. Connection circuit section 3
6 has an appropriate length, and the circuit 31 drawn out from the circuit body 32 is arranged. The circuits 31 drawn out from the circuit body 32 are connected to the corresponding edge connector terminals 37.

The adhesive sheet 25 is formed so that the FPC 24 can be adhered and fixed. That is, the adhesive sheet 25 has a circuit body attachment surface for the FPC 24 on one side. In addition, the adhesive sheet 25 is
The other side has an adhesive fixing surface for various kinds of attached members.

The adhesive sheet 25 is formed with air escape holes 38, 38 which are similar to the air escape holes 38, 38 communicating with the air escape holes 35, 35 of the FPC 24. The air escape hole 3
8 and 38 are formed so that if there is a space in the member to be attached, air can escape to the space.

A release paper (not shown) is provided on the adhesive fixing surface of the adhesive sheet 25. The release paper (not shown) is provided to protect the adhesive fixing surface until the final use and to make the polydome switch 21 portable.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 25 can also function as a reinforcing member as long as the flexibility of the polydome switch 21 is not impaired.

In the above structure, the polydome switch 21 is assembled as follows. First, the front sheet 22
Is adhered and fixed to the surface of the spacer sheet 23,
Adhesively fix the FPC 24 to the back surface of the spacer sheet 23,
Next, they are assembled by adhering and fixing them from the FPC 24 side to the circuit body mounting surface of the adhesive sheet 25.

Since the polydome switch 21 assembled in this manner has flexibility as described above, it can be easily bent in the arrow direction of FIG. Further, for example, it can be installed on the curved surface of the attached member 39 having a curved surface as shown in FIG.
During installation, the release paper (not shown) of the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 25 is peeled off, and the entire adhesive fixing surface is stuck onto the curved surface in a close contact state.

Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the operation of the polydome switch 21 when it is installed on a flat member 39 'to be attached will be described.

In FIG. 3, when the load is not applied to the protrusion 27 before the switch operation, the protrusion 27
Due to its shape retention, the shape is maintained.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when the switch operation is performed and the protrusion 27 is pushed in the arrow direction (when a load is applied in the arrow direction), the protrusion 27 receives the load in the arrow direction. While resisting, it buckles and reverses at a certain load (at this time, a click feeling occurs). When the protruding portion 27 buckles or reverses, the load in the arrow direction decreases, and the pressing of the protruding portion 27 proceeds smoothly. The inverted protrusion 27 is inserted into the through hole 29 of the spacer sheet 23, and the electrode 28 provided on the protrusion 27 contacts the contact 34 (see FIG. 1) of the FPC 24 through the through hole 29.

As a result, the circuit 31 (see FIG. 1) becomes conductive, and the polydome switch 21 is turned on.
On the other hand, when the load in the arrow direction is released, the protruding portion 27 returns to the original state. Then, along with this, the conduction state is released, and the polydome switch 21 is turned off.

As described above, the polydome switch 21 of this embodiment
Can obtain the same switch operation function as the conventional one with a small configuration and a simple structure. Further, since the configuration is small and the structure is simple, it is possible to reduce the thickness and weight of the switch and improve the degree of freedom of the shape.
Furthermore, since it is significantly thinner than before, it is possible to save space in the mounted member,
It is possible to eliminate the need for a through-opening portion for attachment (which leads to an increase in the rigidity of attached members and manufacturability). Furthermore, since the FPC 24 has the adhesive sheet 25, has flexibility, and the FPC 24 has the external connection means 33,
It is possible to widen the installation range as compared with the conventional one and facilitate the attachment to the attached member.

As described at the beginning of this embodiment, the front sheet 22 is formed as a transparent member, and the design portion 26 corresponding to the variation is provided on the inner surface of the front sheet 22. It is possible to easily change the design and deal with variations only by dealing with the front sheet 22 including.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, if the spacer sheet 23 is thickened and the necessary stroke dimension is secured within the range where flexibility is not impaired, the stroke of the protrusion 27 can be increased (in other words, in other words). For example, depending on the thickness of the spacer sheet 23, the stroke dimension of the protrusion 27 at the time of switch operation can be set to a required dimension).

Next, a second embodiment of the variation-compatible dome switch according to the present invention will be described. Figure 5
[FIG. 4] is a sectional view of a key portion showing a second embodiment.

In FIG. 5, the polydome switch of the present invention (corresponding to the dome switch corresponding to the variations described in the claims) indicated by reference numeral 101 is a front sheet 22, a spacer sheet 23, an FPC 24 and an adhesive sheet 25. And an electrode 28 and a contact 34. Further, in the polydome switch 101 of the present invention, the front sheet 22 is formed as a transparent member. The design portions 26 and 102 are provided on the inner surface and the outer surface of the front sheet 22, respectively.
Only the front sheet 22 including 6 and 102 can be used to easily change the design and accommodate variations.

Incidentally, the polydome switch 101 of the present embodiment
Is the same as the polydome switch 21 to which the design portion 102 is further added. Therefore, the operation of the switch operation is the same as that of the polydome switch 21, and the effect of providing the design portion 102 is added. In addition, the polydome switch 101 of this embodiment is
It is designed to give a more luxurious feel than the polydome switch 21.

The design portion 102 is a coating layer 103 made of synthetic resin applied to the protruding portion 27 of the front sheet 22, and in this embodiment, has an appropriate shape and thickness centering on the outer surface top portion of the protruding portion 27. Has been formed. Design Department 10
2 (coat layer 103) is provided in order to change the feel of the protruding portion 27, so that it is possible to further widen the width for coping with variations.

Next, a third embodiment of the variation-compatible dome switch according to the present invention will be described. Figure 6
Is an exploded perspective view showing a third embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, reference numeral 111
The poly dome switch of the present invention (corresponding to the dome switch corresponding to the variations described in the claims) of the present invention is shown in the table sheet 22, the spacer sheet 23 and the FPC2.
4 and the adhesive sheet 25, the electrode 28 and the contact 34 are provided. Further, in the polydome switch 101 of the present invention, the front sheet 22 is formed as a transparent member. A design portion 112 is provided on the outer surface of the front sheet 22, so that the design sheet can be easily changed and variations can be handled by adapting only the front sheet 22 including the design portion 112.

The polydome switch 111 of this embodiment is used.
The design portion 26 of the polydome switch 21 is replaced with the design portion 112. The polydome switch 111 according to the present embodiment has a higher-grade feeling than the polydome switch 21.

The design portion 112 is a sheet-like cover member 113 that covers the outer surface of the front sheet 22, and includes the protruding portion 2
A plurality of push-down portions 1 that come into contact with 7 and push down the protrusions 27
14 is integrally formed, and a design portion spacer sheet 116 interposed between the design portion surface sheet 115 and the front sheet 22 is configured.

The surface sheet 115 for the design part is a transparent sheet member made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and is subjected to hot pressing (pressure is applied from the inner surface side to the outer surface side). It has a plurality of rectangular dome-shaped push-down portions 114 formed (the push-down portion 114 may be formed in a circular dome shape larger than the outer diameter of the protrusion 27). Further, the design part front sheet 115 is formed to have flexibility.

In the present embodiment, the design portion front sheet 115 has, for example, white “ON”, “OFF”, and
The characters "UP", "DOWN", and "1" to "4" are printed (printed in the vicinity of the pressing portion 114).
Similarly, the background color is also printed in black on the inner surface.

The push-down portion 114 is formed so as to project to the outer surface side and to be able to be inverted to the inner surface side. In addition, a coating layer 117 made of synthetic resin is provided on the outer surface of the pressing portion 114 to change the feel of the pressing portion 114. The formation of the coat layer 117 is optional.

The design portion spacer sheet 116 is a flexible sheet member made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
It functions as a member for preventing the deformation of the design portion front sheet 115. Further, the design portion spacer sheet 116 has an adhesive layer (not shown) on the front and back surfaces thereof, and the design portion front sheet 115 and the front sheet 22 are provided.
And can be fixed to the front and back surfaces, respectively.

A plurality of through holes 118 through which the inverted push-down portions 114 are inserted are formed in the design portion spacer sheet 116.
Are formed. The through-holes 118 are formed so as to match the positions of the corresponding protrusions 27, and the protrusions 27 are inserted during assembly.

In the above structure, the polydome switch 111 is assembled as follows. First, the front sheet 2
2 is adhered and fixed to the surface of the spacer sheet 23, the FPC 24 is adhered and fixed to the back surface of the spacer sheet 23, and then these are adhered and fixed from the FPC 24 side to the circuit body mounting surface of the adhesive sheet 25. Further, the design portion 112 is assembled by adhering and fixing the design portion 112 to the surface of the front sheet 22.

Since the polydome switch 111 assembled in this manner has flexibility as described above, a curved surface, for example, a curved surface is formed regardless of the member 39 'having a flat surface as shown in FIG. It can also be installed on the curved surface of the member to be attached.

On the other hand, the operation of the polydome switch 111 when it is installed on the attached member 39 'is as follows (operation drawings are omitted).

When the switch operation is performed and the protruding portion 27 is pressed down via the pressing portion 114 (when a load is applied downward in FIG. 7), the protruding portion 27 resists the load due to the pressing and a certain load is applied. Buckling and reversing at the boundary (at this time, a click feeling occurs). When the protruding portion 27 buckles or reverses, the downward load is reduced, and the pressing of the protruding portion 27 proceeds smoothly. The inverted protruding portion 27 is inserted into the through hole 29 of the spacer sheet 23, and the electrode 28 provided on the protruding portion 27 has the contact 34 of the FPC 24 through the through hole 29 (see FIG. 6).
To contact.

As a result, the circuit 31 (see FIG. 6) becomes conductive and the polydome switch 111 is turned on. On the other hand, when the downward load is released, the protruding portion 27 and the pressing portion 114 return to their original state. Then, along with this, the conduction state is released, and the polydome switch 11
1 is turned off.

As described above, the polydome switch 11 of this embodiment
1, the front sheet 22 is molded as a transparent member, and the design portion 112 corresponding to the variation is provided on the outer surface of the front sheet 22, so that only the front sheet 22 including the design portion 112 can be easily handled. Design changes and variations are possible.

Further, the polydome switch 11 of the present embodiment
1 has the same switch operation function as the conventional one with a small configuration and a simple structure. Further, since the switch has a small number of structures and a simple structure, it is possible to reduce the thickness and weight of the switch and improve the degree of freedom of the shape. Furthermore, since it is much thinner than before, it is possible to save space in the mounted member and to eliminate the through opening for mounting (stiffness UP of the mounted member, improved manufacturability). Lead to). Furthermore, since the FPC 24 is provided with the adhesive sheet 25 and is flexible and the FPC 24 has the external connection means 33, it is possible to widen the installation range as compared with the conventional one and facilitate the attachment to the attached member. it can.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the variation-compatible dome switch according to the present invention will be described. Figure 8
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part of FIG.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, reference numeral 121
The poly dome switch of the present invention (corresponding to the dome switch corresponding to the variations described in the claims) of the present invention is shown in the table sheet 22, the spacer sheet 23 and the FPC2.
4 and the adhesive sheet 25, the electrode 28 and the contact 34 are provided. Further, in the polydome switch 121 of the present invention, the front sheet 22 is formed as a transparent member. A design portion 122 is provided on the outer surface of the front sheet 22, so that only the front sheet 22 including the design portion 122 can be used to easily change the design and accommodate variations.

The polydome switch 121 of the present embodiment
Is obtained by replacing the design portion 26 of the polydome switch 21 with the design portion 122. The polydome switch 121 according to the present embodiment has a higher class feeling than the polydome switch 21.

The design portion 122 is a cover member 123 that covers the outer surface of the front sheet 22, and includes a plurality of synthetic resin key tops 124 that come into contact with the protrusions 27 and press the protrusions 27, and the keys thereof. A cover member main body 125 made of a synthetic resin that holds the top 124 in a retractable manner is configured.

A sliding portion 126 with respect to the cover member main body 125 is formed on a side portion of the key top 124.
In addition, a bar or convex push-down portion 127 that comes into contact with the protrusion 27 is formed in the center of the inside of the key top 124.
The key top 124 is formed in an appropriate color.

The cover member main body 125 has an upper wall 128 and a frame-shaped side wall 129. Further, the cover member main body 125 is formed in an appropriate color. An opening 130 and a guide portion 131 for the key top 124 are formed on the upper wall 128. Also, the upper wall 128
Is, for example, "ON", "OFF", "U" in appropriate colors
The letters "P", "DOWN", and "1" to "4" are printed (printed near the outer opening edge of the opening 129). The guide portion 131 is formed in the vicinity of the inner opening edge of the opening 130, and the sliding portion 126 of the key top 124.
Can be slidably guided.

In the above structure, the polydome switch 121 is assembled as follows. First, the front sheet 2
2 is adhered and fixed to the surface of the spacer sheet 23, the FPC 24 is adhered and fixed to the back surface of the spacer sheet 23, and then these are adhered and fixed from the FPC 24 side to the circuit body mounting surface of the adhesive sheet 25. Further, after these are installed on the member 39 ′ to be attached, the design portion 112 is fixed so as to cover the surface of the front sheet 22 to be assembled.

It should be noted that the polydome switch 121 can be installed on a curved surface of an attached member having a curved surface, for example, by forming a curved portion at the free end of the side wall 129 of the cover member main body 125. It has become.

On the other hand, the operation of the polydome switch 121 when installed on the attached member 39 'is as follows (operation drawings are omitted).

When the switch is operated, the key top 12
When the protrusion 27 is pressed down via 4 (when a load is applied downward in FIG. 9), the protrusion 27 buckles and reverses at a certain load while resisting the load due to the pressing (at this time). ,
Click feeling occurs). When the protruding portion 27 buckles or reverses, the downward load is reduced, and the pressing of the protruding portion 27 proceeds smoothly. The inverted protruding portion 27 is inserted into the through hole 29 of the spacer sheet 23, and the electrode 2 provided on the protruding portion 27 is inserted.
8 contacts the contact 34 (see FIG. 8) of the FPC 24 through the through hole 29.

As a result, the circuit 31 (see FIG. 8) becomes conductive, and the polydome switch 121 is turned on. On the other hand, when the downward load is released, the protrusion 27 returns to the original state. Further, the key top 124 also returns to the original position. Then, along with this, the conduction state is released, and the polydome switch 121 is turned off.

As described above, the polydome switch 12 of this embodiment
1, the front sheet 22 is molded as a transparent member, and the design portion 122 corresponding to the variation is provided on the outer surface of the front sheet 22, so that only the front sheet 22 including the design portion 122 can be easily handled. Design changes and variations are possible.

Further, the polydome switch 12 of the present embodiment
1 has the same switch operation function as the conventional one with a small configuration and a simple structure. Further, since the configuration is small and the structure is simple, the switch can be made thinner / lighter than the conventional one, and the degree of freedom of the shape can be improved. Furthermore, since it is thinner than the conventional one, it is possible to save space in the member to be attached and to eliminate the through opening for attachment (lead to improvement in rigidity UP of the member to be attached and productivity). ). Furthermore, the adhesive sheet 25 is provided,
The FPC 24 has flexibility and the external connection means 33
By having the above, it is possible to widen the installation range as compared with the conventional one and to facilitate the attachment to the attached member.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the variation-compatible dome switch according to the present invention will be described. Figure 1
0 is an exploded perspective view showing the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 11 is FIG.
It is a principal part sectional view of 0.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, reference numeral 2
The polydome switch of the present invention shown by 1 '(corresponding to the dome switch corresponding to the variations described in the claims) is a front sheet 22', a spacer sheet 23 and an FP
The electrode 28 is provided with the C24 and the adhesive sheet 25.
And a contact 34. In the polydome switch 21 'of the present invention, the front sheet 22' is formed as a transparent member. Furthermore, in the polydome switch 21 'of the present invention, the front sheet 22' is formed with the required number of protrusions 27 according to variations. A design portion 26 'is provided on the inner surface of such a front sheet 22', so that only the front sheet 22 'including the design portion 26' can be used to easily change the design and accommodate variations. It has become

The polydome switch 21 'of this embodiment
The number of protrusions 27 is smaller than that of the polydome switch 21. Further, the printing of characters is changed according to the number of the protrusions 27. Therefore, the operation of the switch operation is the same as that of the polydome switch 21. The polydome switch 21 ′ of this embodiment includes the effects produced by the polydome switch 21.

In the front sheet 22 ', a protrusion 27 is formed at the position of the through hole 29 of the spacer sheet 23 according to variations. In other words, the protrusion 27 is partially formed or not formed. Here, the through hole 29 and the contact 34 in the portion where the protrusion 27 is not formed are dummy (FIG. 1).
1).

As described above, the polydome switch 2 of this embodiment
1'has the above-mentioned front sheet 22 ', so that it is possible to widen the range of correspondence to variations.
Further, when applied to each of the above-described embodiments, the range for coping with variations can be further widened.

From the above description of each embodiment, the spacer sheet 23, the FPC (circuit body) 24, the electrode 28, the contact 34, and the adhesive sheet 25 are positioned as common products to be used regardless of variations. You can Further, the front sheets 22 and 22 'can be positioned as variations-compatible products.

Next, the polydome switch 21 will be cited as a representative example from the above-mentioned respective embodiments, and its modifications and various installation examples will be described. Modifications and various installation examples will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 25 in order.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining another example of the external connection means 33. The external connection means 3
3, a plurality of edge connector terminals 37 are provided. As shown in FIG. 12, instead of the plurality of edge connector terminals 37, a connector 41 as shown by a virtual line is connected to the connection circuit section 36. It may be provided at the tip portion. In this way, the configuration of the external connection means 33 can be appropriately changed according to the form of the connection partner.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view for explaining still another example of the external connection means 33. Although the external connection means 33 is provided with a wiring circuit portion 36 having an appropriate length, it may be configured to have only a plurality of edge connector terminals 37 as shown in FIG. The plurality of edge connector terminals 37 are connected to the circuit body 32.
It may be bent so as to be orthogonal to, or may be bent so as to be along the adhesive fixing surface of the adhesive sheet 25. In this way, the configuration of the external connection means 33 can be appropriately changed according to the form of the connection partner.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an instrument panel of an automobile showing a first installation example. The polydome switch 21 can be installed, for example, at the positions of arrow A to arrow D in the instrument panel 42 as a member to be attached (more specifically in FIGS. 15 to 20). It should be noted that it can be naturally installed not only on the instrument panel 42, but also on panels such as doors and ceilings. Can be installed in the position and members).

In FIG. 15, reference numeral 43 indicates a polydome switch in which the external shape, design, and the like of the polydome switch 21 are changed (basically the same as the polydome switch 21). . Further, reference numeral 44 indicates a recess formed at the position of arrow A in FIG. 14, for example.

The polydome switch 43 has a front sheet 4
3a, spacer sheet 43b, FPC (circuit body) 43c
And an adhesive sheet 43d. Also,
The polydome switch 43 is formed to have flexibility. A plurality of protrusions 27 are formed on the front sheet 43a. Further, electrodes (not shown) and characters and symbols as shown are printed on the inner surface of the front sheet 43a. The spacer sheet 43b has protrusions 2
A through hole (not shown) and an air escape portion (not shown) corresponding to No. 7 are formed. The FPC 43c is provided with external connection means 33 having a connection circuit section 36 and a connector 41.

The recess 44 is formed by the instrument panel 4
2 has a curved surface 45 formed along the surface thereof.
On the curved surface 45, a small through hole 46 for connection to the external connection means 33 is formed.

In the above structure, the polydome switch 43 can be installed in the recess 44 as follows. That is, if the polydome switch 43 is curved according to the curved state of the curved surface 45 and is attached to the recess 44 via the adhesive sheet 43d, the polydome switch 43 can be easily installed in the recess 44. At this time,
The connector 41 of the external connecting means 33 is connected to the wire harness 47 inside the instrument panel 42 via the through hole 46.
Shall be connected to the connector.

In FIG. 16, reference numeral 48 indicates a polydome switch in which the external shape, design and the like of the polydome switch 21 are changed (basically the same as the polydome switches 21 and 43). To). Further, reference numeral 49 indicates an opening / closing body of the instrument panel 42 formed at the position of arrow B in FIG. 14, for example.

The polydome switch 48 comprises a front sheet 48a, a spacer sheet 48b, an FPC (circuit body) 48c and an adhesive sheet 48d as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17A. Further, the polydome switch 48 is formed to have flexibility. A plurality of protrusions 27 are formed on the front sheet 48a. In addition, the electrode 2 is provided on the inner surface of the front sheet 48a.
8 and characters and symbols as shown are printed. The spacer sheet 48b is formed with a through hole 29 corresponding to the protruding portion 27 and an air escape portion 30. FPC48
A circuit body 32 having a contact 34 and an external connecting means 33 having a connection circuit portion 36 and a connector 41 are provided at c.

In the above structure, the polydome switch 48 can be installed on the opening / closing body 49 as follows. That is, if the polydome switch 48 is curved according to the surface shape of the opening / closing body 49 (if it is flat, it is left as it is) and attached to the surface of the opening / closing body 49 via the adhesive sheet 48d, the polydome can be easily attached to the opening / closing body 49. Switch 4
8 can be installed. At this time, the connector 41 of the external connecting means 33 is connected to the wire harness (not shown) inside the instrument panel 42 through a through hole (not shown).
Shall be connected to the connector.

As described above, by installing the polydome switch 48 on the opening / closing body 49, a small item can be inserted by opening the opening / closing body 49, and a switch operation can be performed by closing the opening / closing body 49. Therefore, it goes without saying that it is effective for space saving.

The front sheet 48a may be modified as follows. As shown in FIG. 17B, a frame portion 50 may be provided so as to collectively cover the side portions from the spacer sheet 48b to the adhesive sheet 48d. Further, as shown in FIG. 17C, a frame portion 51 may be provided so as to collectively cover the side portions from the spacer sheet 48b to the opening / closing body 49. Frame 50,
It is assumed that 51 can have rigidity within a range that does not impair flexibility (a frame provided separately can be insert-molded at the edge of the front sheet 48a). The frame portions 50 and 51 have an advantage that they look good when the opening / closing body 49 is opened.

In FIG. 18, reference numeral 52 indicates a polydome switch in which the external shape, design and the like are changed from the polydome switch 21 (basically the same as the polydome switches 21, 43 and 48). Assumed). Further, reference numeral 53 indicates an auxiliary device such as an audio device. The polydome switch 52 is shown in FIG.
It is installed at the position indicated by arrow C in FIG.

The polydome switch 52 is included in the front sheet 5
2a, a spacer sheet, an FPC (circuit body), and an adhesive sheet. Moreover, the polydome switch 52 is formed to have flexibility. A plurality of protrusions 27 are formed on the front sheet 52a, and electrodes (not shown) and characters and symbols as shown are printed on the inner surface of the front sheet 52a.
The FPC is provided with external connection means 33 having a wiring circuit section 36 and a connector 41.

In the above structure, the polydome switch 52 can be installed as follows within the range of the length of the wiring circuit section 36. That is, the external connection means 3
After connecting the connector 41 provided in No. 3 to the connecting portion 54 of the auxiliary machine 53, the polydome switch 52 is curved according to the surface shape of the instrument panel 42 (as it is when it is flat), and an adhesive sheet is used. The polydome switch 52 can be easily installed by attaching it to a position on the surface of the instrument panel 42 where it can be easily operated.

19 and 20, the reference numeral 5
Reference numeral 5 denotes an accessory main body that constitutes an accessory 56 such as an audio device installed at the position of arrow D in FIG. Further, reference numeral 57 indicates an accessory 56 provided on the front surface of the accessory main body 55.
2 shows a polydome switch as a switch operation part of the.

The polydome switch 57 includes a front sheet 57a which also serves as a bezel, a spacer sheet 57b and an F sheet.
It is configured by including a PC (circuit body) 57c and an adhesive sheet 57d. Further, the polydome switch 57 is formed so as to have flexibility. Front sheet 5
A plurality of projecting portions 27 are formed on 7a, and electrodes 28, designs, etc. are printed on the inner surface of the front sheet 57a. The spacer sheet 57b is formed with a through hole 29 corresponding to the protruding portion 27 and an air escape portion (not shown). The FPC 57c is provided with external connection means 33 composed of edge connector terminals 37.

Reference numeral 58 indicates an insertion slot for a CD, MD, etc. (it is assumed that the auxiliary machine body 55 also has a similar insertion slot). If it is necessary to provide a dial switch, a through hole may be formed at the position of reference numeral 59 or the like. Further, the frame portion 50 (see FIG. 17) may be provided on the edge portion of the front sheet 57a.

In the above-mentioned structure, the polydome switch 57 has the same adhesive sheet 57 as the polydome switch 57.
If it is attached to the front surface of the accessory main body 55 via d, it can be easily installed. At this time, the external connection means 33
It is assumed that the edge connector terminal 37 is connected to a connection portion (not shown) of the accessory main body 55.

Such a polydome switch 57 is
This has the advantage that the switch operating unit of the auxiliary machine 56 can be changed appropriately according to the needs of the user.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile phone showing a second installation example. In FIG. 21, reference numeral 60 indicates a polydome switch in which the external shape, design, and the like of the polydome switch 21 are changed (basically the same as the polydome switch 21). Further, reference numeral 61 indicates a recess formed in the mobile phone 62 as a member to be attached.

The polydome switch 60 has a front sheet 6
0a, spacer sheet 60b, FPC (circuit body) 60c
And an adhesive sheet 60d. Also,
The polydome switch 60 is formed to have flexibility. A plurality of protrusions 27 for push operation are formed on the front sheet 60a. Further, electrodes (not shown) and characters and symbols as shown are printed on the inner surface of the front sheet 60a. Spacer sheet 60
A through hole (not shown) corresponding to the protruding portion 27 and an air escape portion (not shown) are formed in b. The FPC 60c is provided with external connection means 33 composed of edge connector terminals 37.

The concave portion 61 has a curved surface 63 formed along the surface of the mobile phone 62. The curved surface 6
3, a connection portion 64 for the external connection means 33 is formed.

In the above structure, the polydome switch 60 can be installed in the recess 61 as follows. That is, if the polydome switch 60 is curved according to the curved state of the curved surface 63 and is attached to the recess 61 via the adhesive sheet 60d, the polydome switch 60 can be easily installed in the recess 61. At this time,
It is assumed that the edge connector terminal 37 of the external connection means 33 is connected to the connection portion 64 of the mobile phone 62.

Such a polydome switch 60 is
It has an advantage that the switch operation unit of the mobile phone 62 can be appropriately changed according to the needs of the user (effective for changing the layout, changing the design, etc.).

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a remote control device showing a third installation example. In FIG. 22, reference numeral 65 indicates a polydome switch whose external shape, design and the like are changed from those of the polydome switch 21 (basically the same as the polydome switch 21).
Further, reference numeral 66 indicates a remote control unit.
In this example, a remote control device 67 including a polydome switch 65 and a remote control unit 66 is installed on, for example, a table 68 as a member to be attached, and adjusts channels, volume, etc. of the television 69, for example. Is able to.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a variation-compatible dome switch (polydome switch) showing a second example of the spacer sheet 23. In FIG. 23, the polydome switch indicated by reference numeral 70 is configured to include a front sheet 22, a spacer sheet 71, an FPC 24, and an adhesive sheet 25. Further, the spacer sheet 71 includes an upper layer spacer sheet 72 and a lower layer spacer sheet 73.

The spacer sheet 71 is a flexible resin sheet member made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and functions as a member for preventing the deformation of the front sheet 22. . In addition, the spacer sheet 71 includes the protrusion 2
It also functions as a member for securing the stroke size of No. 7.

The upper spacer sheet 72 of the spacer sheet 71 is formed thinner than the lower spacer sheet 73. The upper spacer sheet 72 has the protruding portion 27.
The sheet member functions as a sheet member for fine adjustment when ensuring the stroke size. That is, this point is different from the spacer sheet 23. In the present embodiment, the spacer sheet 71 has an upper spacer sheet 72 of 150 μm and a lower spacer sheet 73, for example.
Has a thickness of 300 μm.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a variation-compatible dome switch (polydome switch) showing a third example of the spacer sheet 23. In FIG. 24, the polydome switch indicated by reference numeral 74 is configured to include the front sheet 22, the spacer sheet 75, the FPC 24, and the adhesive sheet 25. Further, the spacer sheet 75 is configured to include an upper layer spacer sheet 72 and lower layer spacer sheets 73, 73 (thickness of the three layers of the spacer sheet 75 is 750 μm in total).

The spacer sheet 75 has the same function as the spacer sheet 71, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a variation-compatible dome switch (polydome switch) showing a fourth example of the spacer sheet 23. In FIG. 25, the polydome switch indicated by reference numeral 76 is configured to include the front sheet 22, the spacer sheet 77, the FPC 24, and the adhesive sheet 25. The spacer sheet 77 is configured to include an upper layer spacer sheet 78 and lower layer spacer sheets 73, 73 (thickness of the three layers of the spacer sheet 77 is 750 μm in total).

The upper-layer spacer sheet 78 is the same as the upper-layer spacer sheet 72 except for the air escape portion 30, and is affected by the edge formed at the connecting portion between the through hole 29 and the air escape portion 30. It is something that is surely not received.

Next, another configuration example of the variation compatible dome switch will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing another configuration example. It is assumed that some of the poly dome switches (variation compatible dome switches) described above may have a configuration like the other configuration example of FIG. 26.

In FIG. 26, the polydome switch of the present invention indicated by reference numeral 141 (corresponding to the dome switch corresponding to the variations described in the claims) is
Front sheet 142, spacer sheet 143, membrane sheet 144, second spacer sheet (spacer sheet) 145, FPC 146, and a plurality of adhesive layers 147.
And a pressure sensitive adhesive sheet 148, and a movable contact 149 and a fixed contact 150. The above components will be described in detail below.

The front sheet 142 is a flexible sheet member made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and having flexibility, and is formed by applying one or more heat presses. Has a protruding portion 151.
The protruding portion 151 is formed in a dome shape that protrudes to the outer surface (front surface) side of the front sheet 142 and can be inverted to the inner surface (rear surface) side. Such a front sheet 142 is
Since it is made of the above material, it is originally transparent, and in the present embodiment, the design portion (for example, the design portion 26) as described above is provided on the inner surface or the outer surface of the front sheet 142.

The spacer sheet 143 is a flexible resin sheet member made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), which prevents deformation of the front sheet 142 and prevents the protrusion 151 from being deformed. It is provided in order to realize air bleeding at the time of reversing and to secure the stroke size of the protrusion 151. The known adhesive layers 147 are provided on the front and back surfaces of the spacer sheet 143, respectively, so that the front sheet 142 and the membrane sheet 144 can be fixed to the front and back surfaces, respectively.

Such a spacer sheet 143 has through holes 152 formed corresponding to the positions of the protrusions 151.
And an air escape portion (not shown). Through hole 1
52 is formed to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the protrusion 151 (may be the same as the diameter of the protrusion 151). The inverted protrusion 151 is inserted into the through hole 152.

The membrane sheet 144 is a flexible thin-walled sheet member made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) and has a flexible surface against the FPC 146. Movable contact 1
49 are provided.

The second spacer sheet 145 is a flexible resin sheet member made of, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), which prevents deformation of the membrane sheet 144 and the membrane sheet 144. It is provided to secure the stroke size of. Adhesive layers 147 are provided on the front and back surfaces of the second spacer sheet 145, respectively.
The PC 146 and the PC 146 can be fixed to the front and back surfaces, respectively. Such a second spacer sheet 14
5 has a through hole 153 formed corresponding to the position of the contact 149 on the movable side.

The FPC 146 is a circuit body,
A circuit body 154 having a switch circuit (not shown) arranged in a desired pattern and an external connecting means (not shown) used for electrical connection with the outside are provided. On the side of the second spacer sheet 145 of the circuit body 154, the contact 15 on the fixed side in contact with the contact 149 on the movable side
0 is provided (in addition, a light emitting element such as an LED may be provided. When the light emitting element is provided, for example, the spacer sheet 143 and the membrane sheet 1 are provided.
44, and a housing portion for the light emitting element that extends over the second spacer sheet 145 and has a light transmissive function). The external connection means (not shown) includes a wire connection circuit portion that is drawn out from the circuit body main body 154, and an edge connector terminal, for example, provided at the tip of the wire connection circuit portion.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 148 is the same as the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 25 (see FIG. 1) described above, has an adhesive fixing surface, and has the base plate 1 as a member to be attached.
It is formed so as to be adhesively fixed to 55.

In the above structure, the polydome switch 141 is assembled as follows. First, the front sheet 1
42 is adhesively fixed to the surface of the spacer sheet 143. Then, the membrane sheet 144 is attached to the second spacer sheet 1
The FPC 146 is adhesively fixed to the front surface of the second spacer sheet 145 while being fixed to the front surface of the second spacer sheet 145. Subsequently, the membrane sheet 1 is formed on the back surface of the spacer sheet 143.
44, the second spacer sheet 145, and the switch portion composed of the FPC 146 are adhesively fixed, and these are connected to the FPC.
Assembling is performed by adhesively fixing the adhesive sheet 148 to the circuit body attachment surface of the adhesive sheet 148. The flexible polydome switch 141 assembled in this manner is attached to the base plate 155 and operates as follows (operation drawings are omitted).

Before the switch operation, in the state where no load is applied to the protrusion 151, the shape is maintained by the shape retention of the protrusion 151 itself. Then, when the switch operation (including blind operation) is performed and the protrusion 151 is pressed in the arrow direction by the finger 156 of the person who performs the switch operation (press operation of applying a load downward),
The protruding portion 151 buckles and reverses at a certain load while resisting the load due to the pressing of the finger 156 (at this time, a click feeling is generated).

When the protrusion 151 buckles or reverses, the downward load is reduced, and the pressing of the protrusion 151 proceeds smoothly. The inverted protrusion 151 is further pushed and inserted into the through hole 152 of the spacer sheet 143 to press the membrane sheet 144. When the membrane sheet 144 is pressed, it bends, and the contact 149 on the movable side provided on the membrane sheet 144 becomes the second spacer sheet 1.
The contact 150 on the fixed side of the FPC 146 is contacted via the through hole 153 of 45.

As a result, the switch circuit (not shown) of the FPC 146 becomes conductive, and the polydome switch 1
41 is turned on. On the other hand, when the finger 156 is released and the downward load is released, the membrane sheet 144 and the protrusion 151 return to the original state. Then, along with this, the conduction state is released, and the polydome switch 141 is turned off.
F will be done.

As described above, the polydome switch 141 of the present embodiment, which is another example of the configuration, can obtain the same switch operation function as the conventional one with a small configuration and a simple structure. Further, since the configuration is small and the structure is simple, it is possible to reduce the thickness and weight of the switch and improve the degree of freedom of the shape. Further, since it is remarkably thinner than the conventional one, it is possible to achieve space saving in the member to be attached and to eliminate the through opening for attachment (to improve the rigidity UP of the member to be attached and improve manufacturability). Connect). Furthermore, since the FPC 146 is provided with the adhesive sheet 148 and has flexibility and the FPC 146 has an external connection means, the installation range can be expanded as compared with the conventional one, and the attachment to the base plate 155 as the attached member can be easily performed. can do.

Then, as described at the beginning of the present embodiment as another configuration example, the front sheet 142 is formed as a transparent member, and the inner surface (or outer surface) of the front sheet 142 has a design portion corresponding to variations. Since the above is provided, it is possible to easily change the design and cope with variations by only using the front sheet 142 including the design portion.

In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0146]

As described above, according to the present invention described in claim 1, the front sheet is provided with the front sheet, the spacer sheet, the circuit body, the adhesive sheet, and the movable side and the fixed side contacts. Provided with a variation-compatible dome switch, which is formed as a transparent member and is provided with a design portion corresponding to variations on the inner surface and / or outer surface of the front sheet, which facilitates design change and enables space saving. There is an effect that can be.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 2,
Since the front sheet is a variation-compatible product in which the protruding portion is formed at the position of the through hole of the spacer sheet according to the variation, there is an effect that it is possible to widen the width for the variation.

According to the present invention described in claim 3,
Since the design portion is printed and / or decorated on the inner surface of the transparent front sheet, by changing the printing and / or decoration, it is possible to widen the range of coping with variations.

According to the present invention described in claim 4,
Since the design portion is the printing and / or decoration applied to the inner surface of the transparent front sheet and the coat layer applied to the outer surface of the front sheet, changing the printing and / or decoration and the presence of the coat layer As a result, there is an effect that it is possible to further widen the range of coping with variations.

According to the present invention described in claim 5,
In addition to the effect of the invention of claim 3 or claim 4, the effect that the front sheet can also be used as a bezel is exhibited.

According to the present invention described in claim 6,
Since the design portion is the sheet-shaped cover member provided on the outer surface of the front sheet, there is an effect that it is possible to widen the width to cope with variations by changing the sheet-shaped cover member.

According to the present invention described in claim 7,
Since the design portion is the cover member provided on the outer surface of the front sheet, by changing the cover member, it is possible to widen the range for coping with variations.

According to the present invention as set forth in claim 8,
Since the circuit body is flexible and has the external connection means, there is an effect that the circuit body can be installed in a portion according to the needs of the user, such as a curved surface. Therefore,
Combined with the above effects, it is possible to easily change the design, enable space saving, and provide a variation-compatible dome switch with a wider installation range.

According to the present invention described in claim 9,
Since electrical connection with the outside is made via the edge connector terminal or the connector, there is an effect that installation can be further facilitated in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 8.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the electrical connection with the outside is made within the range of the length of the wired circuit portion drawn out from the circuit body, so that the ninth aspect of the present invention is achieved. In addition to the effect of the invention, the effect that the installation range can be further expanded is achieved.

According to the present invention described in claim 11, in addition to the effect of the invention of any one of claims 1 to 10, it is possible to protect the adhesive fixing surface and carry the switch. Play.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a variation-compatible dome switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining flexibility.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before a switch is operated.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when a switch is operated.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of essential parts showing a second embodiment of a dome switch for variations according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a third embodiment of a variation-compatible dome switch according to the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of FIG.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of a variation-compatible dome switch according to the present invention.

9 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of FIG.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of a variation-compatible dome switch according to the present invention.

11 is a cross-sectional view of an essential part of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view for explaining another example of the external connection means.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining still another example of the external connecting means.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an instrument panel of a vehicle showing a first installation example of a variation-compatible dome switch.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view for explaining an example of installation in the recess of the instrument panel.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view for explaining an example of installation on the opening / closing body of the instrument panel.

17 is a cross-sectional view of the example of FIG. 16, (a) of FIG.
3B is a cross-sectional view of the front sheet shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the front sheet of another example, and FIG.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view for explaining an example of installation as an option switch of an auxiliary device such as an audio device on the surface of the instrument panel.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view for explaining an example of installation on an auxiliary device such as an audio provided on the instrument panel.

20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a mobile phone showing a second installation example of the variation compatible dome switch.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a remote control device showing a third installation example of the variation compatible dome switch.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a variation-compatible dome switch showing a second example of a spacer sheet.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a variation-compatible dome switch showing a third example of a spacer sheet.

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a variation-compatible dome switch showing a fourth example of a spacer sheet.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the variation-compatible dome switch.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an instrument panel provided with a conventional switch.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a conventional switch.

[Explanation of symbols]

21 Poly Dome Switch (Dome Switch for Variation) 22, 22 'Front Sheet 23 Spacer Sheet 24 FPC (Circuit Body) 25 Adhesive Sheet 26, 26' Design Part 27 Projection Part 28 Electrode (Movable Side Contact) 29 Through Hole 30 Air Relief part 31 Circuit 32 Circuit body 33 External connection means 34 Contact (fixed side contact) 35, 38 Air escape hole 36 Wire connection circuit part 37 Edge connector terminal 39 Attached member 41 Connector 101 Polydome switch (variable dome switch) 102 Design Part 103 Coat Layer 111 Poly Dome Switch (Variation Compatible Dome Switch) 112 Design Part 113 Sheet Cover Member 114 Depressing Part 121 Poly Dome Switch (Variation Compatible Dome Switch) 122 Design Part 123 Cover Member 1 4 key top 141 poly dome switch (dome switch compatible with variations) 142 front sheet 143 spacer sheet 144 membrane sheet 145 second spacer sheet (spacer sheet) 146 FPC (circuit body) 147 adhesive layer 148 adhesive sheet 149 movable contact 150 fixation Side contact 151 Projections 152, 153 Through hole 154 Circuit body 155 Base plate 156 Finger

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Keizo Nishitani             1500 Onjuku, Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture Yazaki Corporation             Within (72) Inventor Kenichiro Kawaguchi             1500 Onjuku, Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture Yazaki Corporation             Within F-term (reference) 5G006 AA02 AB25 AC07 AZ01 BA01                       BB03 CB05 CD04 CD06 FB04                       FB17 FB22 FD02 JA01 JF02                 5G052 AA21 BB01 HA02 HA14 HB07                       JA02 JB13

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A front sheet having a dome-shaped projecting portion projecting to the outer surface side and reversible to the inner surface side, a movable side contact displaced when the projecting portion is reversed, and a movable side contact. A fixed side contact that faces each other, a circuit body having the fixed side contact, and a movable side contact and a fixed side contact that are interposed between the front sheet and the circuit body. One or a plurality of spacer sheets having through holes for ensuring contact, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet having an adhesive fixing surface for a member to be attached, and the front sheet is formed as a transparent member and the front sheet is formed. A variation-compatible dome switch, characterized in that a design portion corresponding to a variation is provided on the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the seat. 2. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1, wherein the spacer sheet, the circuit body, and the adhesive sheet are commonly used products that are used regardless of the variation, and the front sheet is A variation-compatible dome switch, which is a variation-compatible product in which the protrusion is formed at the position of the through hole according to the variation. 3. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1, wherein the design portion provided on the inner surface of the front sheet is a print and / or decoration provided on the inner surface. Dome switch that supports variations. 4. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1, wherein the design portion provided on the inner surface of the front sheet is a print and / or decoration provided on the inner surface, A variation-compatible dome switch, wherein the design portion provided on the outer surface of the sheet is a synthetic resin coat layer applied to the protruding portion. 5. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 3, wherein the front sheet also serves as a bezel. 6. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1, wherein the design portion provided on the outer surface of the front sheet covers the outer surface and is in contact with the protruding portion. A variation-compatible dome switch, which is a sheet-shaped cover member integrally formed with a pressing portion capable of pressing. 7. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1, wherein the design portion provided on the outer surface of the front sheet covers the outer surface and is in contact with the protruding portion. A variation-compatible dome switch, which is a cover member having a key top that can be pressed. 8. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1, wherein the front sheet, the spacer sheet, the circuit body, and the adhesive sheet have flexibility, and the circuit body is A variation-compatible dome switch having an external connection means used for electrical connection with the outside. 9. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 8, wherein the external connection means has an edge connector terminal or a connector. 10. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 9, wherein the external connection means further includes a connection circuit portion drawn from the circuit body. 11. The variation-compatible dome switch according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive sheet has a release paper on the adhesive fixing surface.