JP2003162934A - Lighting button switch system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lighting button switch system capable of freely changing the height, emission color, size and shape, sense of clicking, sounds generated, etc., of a switch, according to utilizing purpose. <P>SOLUTION: The switch system 1 is constituted of a free combination of LED unit, a push switch 4 and a cap 2. The LED unit 3 includes a through-hole 3a in a central portion and a plurality of light-emitting elements 7 is arranged in the peripheral area. The push switch 4 is provided including a contact on a place, corresponding to the through-hole 3a of the LED unit 3. The transparent or translucent cap 2 includes a projection 2a in the inside center bottom of an opening, enclosed with the LED unit 3 and the push switch 4 in the opening, and is provided with this projection 2a penetrating the through-hole 3a. The push switch 4 is operated by the pushing movement of the cap 2, indicates operation by the light from the LED unit 3, and makes the cap 2 restored by own reaction force of the push switch 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an illuminated push button switch system which can be freely attached to a small object such as a mobile product or a large object such as a control panel or a board. Further, the illuminated push-button switch system of the present invention can freely adjust the height by adjusting the height of the tactile push switch, the length of the lead of the LED unit or the LED unit, and the length of the protrusion at the lower center of the operating plate or the cap. It is something that can be controlled. In addition, the size and shape of the cap and actuating plate can be freely set, and the light emitting element of each color and the selector circuit provided in the LED unit and a signal corresponding to the number of pushes of the switch and the emission color can be obtained in whole or in part. Is something that can be done. In addition, depending on the type of tactile push switch, an illuminated push button switch suitable for the purpose can be used to change the feeling of click and the sound generated when the switch is pushed, such as LED unit, tactile push switch, cap or operating plate. It can be obtained by selection.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional illuminated push-button switch has a light-emitting element on the key top portion of an operating push button or a light-emitting element incorporated into the push-button switch body for the purpose of displaying the open / closed state of the switch. Those provided with are generally known. For example, an illuminated push button switch is known in which three coil springs for electrical conduction are provided between a display unit that illuminates a key top portion and a switch body that opens and closes the switch by a pressing operation. . In this illuminated push button switch, two of the three coil springs are always connected to the negative terminal regardless of the pushing operation, and the other one is provided with one end locked by the spring support hole. Is provided with a positive terminal. In this illuminated push button switch, power is supplied to the display unit by a push operation to display the open / closed state of the switch. Further, an electric switch is configured by a contactor provided on the inner side surface of the case body facing the switch contact provided on the side of the switch body.

Further, the illuminated push button switch disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-73773 is provided with switch contacts at the center and the periphery of a recess provided in the center of the inner bottom surface of the switch body fixing portion, and the periphery of these contacts. The LED is arranged in the concave portion. In addition, the switch body movable portion configured by the cap, the cap holder, and the like is made of a material that transmits light. Then, the click dome is pressed to the center of the bottom surface of the cap holder by the convex portion for driving the switch, and the switch contact is conducted and the LED on the peripheral bottom surface of the switch body fixing portion is turned on to illuminate.

[0004]

Since the conventional illuminated push-button switch uses a coil spring for energization to supply a current to the display unit that illuminates the key top portion, it is possible to prevent biasing when pressed. There are problems such as malfunction due to occurrence, wear of contacts due to long-term use, contact failure, and limitation of current value due to contact of small area at the instant of pressing operation.

Further, as described above, in the illuminated push button switch disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-73773, the switch dome is pressed on the central portion of the bottom surface of the cap holder to push the click dome, and the switch contact is formed. And the LED on the bottom surface around the switch main body fixing portion is turned on to illuminate, but there is a problem that the change of the current capacity cannot be dealt with because the switch portion and the illuminating portion are integrated. Moreover,
Since the size and the brightness of the illumination are constant, it cannot be changed according to the user's request and purpose of use, and there is a problem in versatility.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an LED push button switch, an LED unit, a tactile push switch, a cap with a projection, or a combination of an operating plate and a cap can be freely selected as an illuminated push button switch. The height of the illuminated pushbutton switch, various emission colors, size and shape, click feeling and generated sound can be freely controlled, and small objects such as mobile products and large-sized control panels can be controlled. An object is to provide an illuminated pushbutton switch system that can be freely attached to any place such as a substrate or board.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an illuminated push-button switch system according to a first aspect of the present invention has a through hole in its central portion, and a plurality of light emitting elements are mounted around the through hole. An installed LED unit, a tactile push switch disposed with a contact at a position corresponding to the central portion in the lower center of the LED unit, and the LED
There is a space above the unit for accommodating the LED unit and the tactile push switch inside, and a columnar or prismatic projection is provided at the lower center of the inside to provide the LED.
A transparent or translucent cap capable of pushing the tactile push switch through the through hole of the unit, and an inner side surface of the cap and an outer peripheral side surface of the LED unit are loosely fitted, The tactile push switch is operated by the pushing motion of the cap, and the LE
It is characterized in that the operation display can be performed by the light from the D unit and the cap can be moved up and down by returning the cap upward by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch itself.

An illuminated push-button switch system according to a first aspect of the present invention has an LED unit having a through hole in the center and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on the periphery of the through hole.
A tactile push switch disposed with a contact at a position corresponding to the center of the lower center of the unit, and an LED
There is a space above the unit to store the LED unit and the tactile push switch inside, and a columnar or prismatic projection is provided in the lower center of the inside to allow the tactile push switch to pass through the through hole of the LED unit. A transparent or translucent cap that can be pushed, and an inner side surface of the cap and an outer peripheral side surface of the LED unit are loosely fitted,
The tactile push switch is operated by the pushing motion of the cap, the operation display is made possible by the light from the LED unit, and the cap can be moved up and down by returning the cap upward by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch itself. Since the through hole penetrates through the center of the LED unit and the protrusion of the movable cap is passed through the through hole to push the tactile push switch directly below, the light emitting element etc. is attached to the movable part such as the cap. Since it does not need to be mounted, there is no lighting or malfunction of the light emitting element, and the entire cap can be illuminated. Moreover, because it is a lightweight movable cap only, it can be moved only by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch, and the protrusion provided at the center position inside the cap allows it to move smoothly without being caught even if you press anywhere on the cap, It can be easily operated regardless of the size of the tactile push switch.

The illuminated push-button switch system according to a second aspect of the invention has an LED unit having a through hole in the center and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on the periphery of the through hole.
A tactile push switch disposed with a contact at a position corresponding to the central portion at the lower center of the LED unit, and a surface having a size substantially equal to the LED unit above the LED unit, A transparent or semi-transparent actuation plate having a cylindrical or prismatic projection in the lower center and allowing the tactile push switch to be pushed through the through hole of the LED unit, and the LED unit and the A transparent or semi-transparent cap having a space for accommodating the tactile push switch and the operating plate inside, and the inner side surface of the cap, the outer periphery of the operating plate, and the outer peripheral side surface of the LED unit. It is loosely fitted, and the tactile push switch is operated by the pushing motion of the cap, and the operation display is possible with the light from the LED unit. It characterized with that to allow up and down movement of the cap by returning the cap upward by the repulsive force of the tacticity Le push switch itself to.

An illuminated push-button switch system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an LED unit having a through hole in the center and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted around the through hole, and an LED unit.
A tactile push switch disposed with a contact at a position corresponding to the center of the lower center of the unit, and an LED
LE has a surface of the same size as the LED unit above the unit, and has a cylindrical or prismatic protrusion in the lower center.
There is a transparent or semi-transparent actuation plate that can push the tactile push switch through the through hole of the D unit, and a space that can house the LED unit, the tactile push switch, and the actuation plate inside. Equipped with a transparent or translucent cap, the inner side surface of the cap, the outer periphery of the operating plate and the outer peripheral side surface of the LED unit are loosely fitted, and the tactile push switch is operated by the pushing motion of the cap, The operation of the LED can be displayed and the cap can be moved up and down by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch itself, allowing the cap to move up and down. The tactile push switch underneath is pushed through the through hole of the operating plate, Since it is not necessary to mount the light emitting element or the like in such a movable part, there is no non-lit or malfunction of the light emitting element,
The entire cap can be illuminated. Moreover, since only the cap and actuating plate are lightweight and movable, it can be moved only by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch, and the protrusions provided at the center of the inside of the cap allow it to move smoothly without being caught even if the cap is pressed anywhere. However, it can be easily operated regardless of the size of the tactile push switch.

Further, in the illuminated push-button switch system according to a third aspect of the present invention, the LED unit is smaller than the inside of the cap, and the color of light emitted by the light emitting element is a single color or a plurality of colors, and the outer shape and the central through hole are formed. It is characterized by having a rectangular shape or a circular shape.

In the illuminated push-button switch system according to a third aspect of the present invention, the LED unit is smaller than the inside of the cap, and the color of light emitted from the light emitting element is a single color or a plurality of colors of emission, and the outer shape and the central through hole are rectangular. Alternatively, since it has a circular shape, the cap can be smoothly moved without being caught in the central portion or the outer peripheral portion of the LED unit. Moreover, full-color light emission can be performed with a single color of emission color or a plurality of (RGB) emission colors.

The illuminated push-button switch system according to a fourth aspect is characterized in that the outer shape of the cap is a rectangular shape or a circular shape, and colorless or colored or a wavelength conversion material is mixed.

In the illuminated push button switch system according to the fourth aspect, since the outer shape of the cap is a rectangular shape or a circular shape and colorless or colored or a wavelength conversion material is mixed, the light from the light emitting element is transmitted. Light emission is obtained in a rectangular or circular shape, and the coloring that is equivalent to the color of the light emitting element allows the emission color of the light emitting element to pass, and when the emission color of the light emitting element is colored in a complementary color, the emission color of the light emitting element is changed. Instead, the colored color can pass only the wavelength contained in the emission color of the light emitting element. Furthermore, since the wavelength conversion material is mixed in the cap, a different emission color from that of the light emitting element is obtained so that, for example, the color of light finally emitted by the light emitting element emitting blue light and the wavelength conversion material emitting yellow light becomes white. Obtainable.

Further, in the illuminated push button switch system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the actuating plate portion is smaller than the inside of the cap and the outer shape is rectangular or circular, and colorless or colored or a wavelength converting material is mixed. Is characterized by.

In the illuminated push-button switch system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the actuating plate portion is smaller than the inside of the cap and has an outer shape of a rectangular shape or a circular shape, and a colorless or colored or wavelength conversion material is mixed, so that the operation is performed. Even a rectangular or circular cap that covers the plate can be moved smoothly. In addition, the light emitted from the light emitting element can be transmitted and the color of light emitted from the light emitting element can be transmitted through coloring that is equivalent to the color of the light emitting element, and the color of light emitted from the light emitting element can be transmitted through when the light emitting element is colored in a complementary color. Instead, only the wavelength of which the colored color is included in the emission color of the light emitting element can be transmitted. Further, since the wavelength conversion material is mixed in the operating plate, for example, the emission color different from that of the light emitting element so that the color of the light finally emitted by the light emitting element emitting blue light and the wavelength conversion material emitting yellow light becomes white. Can be obtained.

The illuminated push-button switch system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the tactile push switch comprises any of a rubber switch, a disc spring switch, and a spring switch.

In the illuminated push button switch system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the tactile push switch is constituted by any one of a rubber switch, a disc spring switch and a spring switch. The capacity and the like can be changed depending on the purpose of use.

Further, the illuminated push-button switch system according to claim 7 is characterized in that the LED unit is equipped with a light-emitting element and a selector circuit to supply power to the light-emitting element corresponding to a signal from the tactile push switch. To do.

In the illuminated push-button switch system according to the seventh aspect, the LED unit is equipped with a light-emitting element and a selector circuit, and power is supplied to the light-emitting element corresponding to a signal from the tactile push switch. Even if is used like a function switch, the corresponding color change can be visually recognized.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illuminated push-button switch system according to the present invention is provided with a through hole in the central portion, a plurality of LED light emitting elements mounted around the LED unit, and an LED unit equipped with a selector circuit, and a columnar protrusion capable of penetrating the through hole. And a tactile push switch provided on the same line as the through hole and the projection and a substrate on which the tactile push switch is mounted.
ED unit, cap with projection or combination of operating plate and cap, selection of tactile push switch to obtain size (height), control amount, and various (full color) emission colors for visual confirmation and recognition. is there.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an illuminated push button switch system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an illuminated push button switch system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an illuminated push button switch system in which a rubber switch 4 ′ is used for the tactile push switch 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the illuminated push-button switch system 1 (1A) of the first embodiment includes a cap 2, an LED unit 3, and a tactile push switch 4.
And a mounting substrate 5.

The cap 2 is made of an insulating thermoplastic resin such as modified polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, liquid crystal polymer made of nylon 46 or aromatic polyester. The cap 2 is injection-molded by heating the above materials and applying pressure. Although the cap 2 in the example of FIG. 1 has a rectangular shape, it may have a circular shape.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the cap 2 is
The rectangular shape has a concave shape with one surface open, and the inside of the opening is a space for housing the LED unit 3, the tactile push switch 4, and the operating plate 5. Further, the cap 2 has a prismatic projection 2 at the center of the inside of the back side inside the opening.
a is provided.

The prismatic protrusion 2a passes through the through hole 3a penetrating the central portion of the LED unit 3 and is arranged so as to come into contact with the contact 4a of the concentric tactile push switch 4 in contact therewith. . This prismatic protrusion 2a
When the cap 2 is pushed downward, the tip end surface thereof comes into pressure contact with the contact 4a of the tactile push switch 4. The protrusion 2a in the example of FIG.
Is a prism, but may be a polygonal column, a column, or the like, and any column having a strength corresponding to the pushing area may be used.

The prismatic protrusion 2a has an outer diameter slightly smaller than that of the through hole 3a of the LED unit 3, and is formed so that it can be smoothly moved up and down along the through hole 3a.

Further, the cap 2 is formed with holes 2c at four locations on the facing side surface portion 2b. Into the hole 2c, bosses 3c provided at four positions on the facing side surface 3b of the LED unit 3 are inserted so as to be substantially equal to the variation amount of the tactile push switch 4. As a result, the lower surface of the hole 2c and the lower surface of the boss 3c come into contact with each other when the cap 2 is not operated, and when the cap 2 is pushed downward, the upper surface of the hole 2c and the upper surface of the boss 3c collide with each other to function as a stopper. And serves as a guide for the cap 2 and to prevent blurring. The cap 2
The inside of the side surface portion 2b is formed to be slightly larger than the side surface 3b of the LED unit 3. That is, the cap 2
The LED unit 3 is loosely inserted in the opening so that the cap 2 can smoothly move up and down.

The cap 2 is formed so that the color of light emitted from the LED unit 3 can be confirmed. Specifically, the cap 2 is molded with a transparent or translucent resin. In addition, the cap 2 is colored so as to have transparency. In this case, if the cap 2 is colored with a color similar to the color emitted from the LED unit 3, the color emitted will pass through. Also, LE
When the cap 2 is colored with a complementary color of the emission color from the D unit 3, only the wavelengths contained in the emission color pass through the colored color without passing through the emission color. Then, various caps 2 as described above are prepared in advance, and by changing only the cap 2, the illumination color emitted from the illuminated pushbutton switch 1A is changed, and the entire illuminated pushbutton switch 1A is replaced. Without this, you can easily change the illumination color to suit your purpose.

Furthermore, the cap 2 can convert the emission color from the LED unit 3 into another emission color by mixing a transparent molding resin with a wavelength conversion material. For example, a wavelength conversion material that emits blue light from the LED unit 3 and yellow light is mixed in the cap 2. As a result, the color of the light finally emitted from the illuminated push button switch becomes white due to the blue emission color and the yellow emission color, and the LED unit 3
It is possible to obtain an emission color different from the emission color from.

It is preferable that the projection 2a of the cap 2 and the through hole 3a of the LED unit 3 have a corresponding shape in order to prevent blurring when the cap 2 is pushed.
For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the projection 2a of the cap 2 has a prismatic shape, and the shape of the through hole 3a in the central portion of the LED unit 3 is rectangular. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when a rubber switch 4'having a top shape (contact point) in a cross shape is adopted as the tactile push switch 4, the protrusion 2a of the cap 2 is made into a cross shape, and the rubber switch 4 is used. The protrusion 2a of the cap 2 and the through hole 3a of the LED unit 3 may be formed in a circular or polygonal shape with a size that covers the top-shaped portion of ".

The LED unit 3 has a through hole 3a having a circular shape, a rectangular shape or the like formed in the center thereof. LE
The projection 2a of the cap 2 is inserted into the through hole 3a of the D unit 3.
Is inserted into the through hole 3a, and the projection 2a of the cap 2
Can be moved up and down smoothly.

In addition, the peripheral portion 3 at the center of the LED unit
A plurality of light emitting elements 7 are mounted on d. As the plurality of light emitting elements 7 mounted on the LED unit, all of them can emit monochromatic light or full-color RGB (red, green, blue) can be mounted.

Further, the LED unit 3 is provided with bosses 3c at four positions on the facing side surface 3b. These bosses 3c are inserted into holes 2c provided at four locations on the side surface portion 2b of the cap 2 which faces the cap 2. As a result, when the cap 2 is pushed down, the upper surface of the hole 2c collides with the upper surface of the boss 3c, and only the operation amount required to drive the tactile push switch 4 (required vertical movement amount) can be changed. In addition, the tactile push switch 4 serves as a stopper to prevent an abnormal load from being applied to the tactile push switch 4 so that the tactile push switch 4 does not fluctuate more than necessary (vertical amount). Further, the cap 2 serves as a guide for smoothly moving up and down to prevent blurring.

A selector circuit 8 is mounted on the peripheral portion 3d of the central portion of the LED unit 3. The selector circuit 8 counts the signal from the tactile push switch 4 according to the number of times the cap 2 is pressed, outputs an output according to the number of counts to an output terminal, and the light emitting element 7 of each emission color is output to this output terminal. By connecting with, it is possible to obtain an emission color corresponding to the count number. For example, a light emitting element 7 that emits light of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) is used, and the light emitting element of B is used as the output terminal of the count number 1 and the light emission of G is used as the output terminal of the count number 2 of the selector circuit 8. The light emitting element of R is connected to the element and the output terminal of the count number 3 respectively. In this case, the B light emitting element emits light at a count of 1, the G light emitting element emits light at a count of 2, and the R light emitting element emits light at a count of 3.

Further, the LED unit 3 is provided with a terminal 3e, supplies power to the light emitting element 7 and transmits a signal (electric quantity) from the tactile push switch 4 to the selector circuit 8.

As described above, by using the tactile push switch 4 as a function switch by the selector circuit 8, a color change corresponding to the number of times the cap 2 is pressed can be visually recognized.

The terminal 3e of the LED unit 3 is fixed to the substrate 5 by soldering or the like. At this time, the height (length) of the terminal 3e is adjusted so that when the cap 2 is pushed down, only the amount of movement required to drive the tactile push switch 4 (necessary vertical movement amount) can be varied. Further, the tactile push switch 4 is prevented from being abnormally loaded so that the tactile push switch 4 does not fluctuate more than necessary (vertical amount).

The LED unit 3 in the example of FIG.
Has a rectangular shape, but may have a shape corresponding to the cap 2, for example, a circular shape.

As the tactile push switch 4, any one of a disc spring switch, a spring switch and the like can be used in addition to the rubber switch 4'shown in FIG. 3, and the tactile push switch 4 is selected according to the purpose as a switch. As a result, the action and click feeling of the tactile push switch 4 and the size, current capacity, and the like can be changed according to the purpose of use.

The tactile push switch 4 is
Although not shown, the electric connection terminals are connected to the wiring pattern of the substrate 5 by soldering or the like.

The substrate 5 is made of a material having heat resistance and insulation. The substrate 5 may be provided with a wiring pattern on the front surface and / or the back surface, or may be directly wired from the LED unit 3 or the tactile push switch 4. Note that FIG.
In the above example, the board 5 is shown as an example, but the illuminated push button switch system 1 can be mounted not only on the board 5 but also anywhere as long as the system is constructed.

Next, an illuminated push button switch system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those of the illuminated push button switch system 1A of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

As shown in FIG. 2, the illuminated push-button switch system 1 (1B) of the second embodiment includes a cap 2
1, an LED unit 3, a tactile push switch 4, a substrate 5 and an operating plate 6.

The cap 21 is made of an insulating thermoplastic resin such as modified polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, liquid crystal polymer made of nylon 46 or aromatic polyester. The cap 21 is injection-molded by heating the above material and applying pressure. Although the cap 21 in the example of FIG. 2 has a rectangular shape, it may have a circular shape.

Further, the cap 21 has a concave shape in which one surface of the rectangular shape is opened, and the inside of the opening is a space for accommodating the LED unit 3, the tactile push switch 4 and the operating plate 5.

Further, the cap 21 is formed with holes 21c at four positions on the side surface portion 21b facing each other. Bosses 3c provided at four positions on the facing side surface 3b of the LED unit 3 are inserted into the hole 21c so as to be substantially equal to the variation amount of the tactile push switch 4. As a result, the lower surface of the hole 21c and the lower surface of the boss 3c come into contact with each other without operating the cap 21, and when the cap 21 is pushed downward, the upper surface of the hole 21c and the boss 3c.
It collides with the upper surface of c and acts as a stopper and also for the purpose of preventing the guide and blurring of the cap 21. The inside of the side surface portion 21b of the cap 21 is LE
It is formed to be slightly larger than the side surface 3b of the D unit 3. That is, the LED unit 3 is loosely inserted into the opening of the cap 21 so that the cap 21 can smoothly move up and down.

The cap 21 is used for the LED unit 3
It is molded with a transparent or semi-transparent resin so that the emission color from is transmitted through the operating plate 6 and the emitted light color converted can be confirmed. Further, the cap 21 can be colored so as to have transparency. Specifically, the cap 2 has a color similar to the color emitted from the LED unit 3 and the operating plate 6.
When 1 is colored, the emission color is transmitted. When the cap 21 is colored with a color complementary to the color of light emitted from the LED unit 3 or the operating plate 6, only the wavelength of which the colored color is included in the color of emitted light does not pass through the color of emitted light. Then, the various caps 21 as described above are prepared in advance, and the cap 2
By exchanging only 1, the illumination color emitted from the illuminated push button switch 1B can be changed, and the illuminated color can be easily changed according to the purpose without replacing the entire illuminated push button switch 1B.

Furthermore, the cap 21 is made by mixing a wavelength converting material with a transparent molding resin, and the LED unit 3 and the operating plate 6 are mixed.
The emission color from can be converted to another emission color. For example, the wavelength conversion material that emits yellow light is mixed in the cap 21 and the blue emission color from the LED unit 3 or the operation plate 6.
As a result, the color of the light emitted from the illuminated pushbutton switch 1B finally becomes white due to the blue emission color and the yellow emission color, and an emission color different from the emission color from the LED unit 3 can be obtained.

The operating plate 6 is made of an insulating thermoplastic resin such as modified polyamide, polybutylene terephthalate, liquid crystal polymer made of nylon 46 or aromatic polyester. This operating plate 6 heats the above materials,
It is injection molded by applying pressure.

Although the operating plate 6 in the example of FIG. 2 has a rectangular shape, it may have a circular shape. Also, the operating plate 6
May have the same shape as the cap 21, be smaller than the inside of the cap 21, and be fixed inside the cap 21 in a free state or inside the cap 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the actuating plate 6 has a plate-like shape, and a prismatic projection 6a is provided in the central portion on the back side. Although the projection 6a in the example of FIG. 2 has a prism shape, it may have a polygonal pillar shape, a cylindrical shape, or the like.

The prismatic protrusion 6a passes through the through hole 3a penetrating the central portion of the LED unit 3 and is located above the contact 4a of the concentric tactile push switch 4. The projection 6a of the prism is the cap 21
When the button is pushed downward, the tip end surface comes into pressure contact with the contact 4a of the tactile push switch 4. Although the projection 6a in the example of FIG. 2 is in the shape of a prism, it may be in the shape of a polygonal pillar, a cylinder, or the like, as long as it has a strength corresponding to the pushing area. Also, the prismatic protrusion 6a
Has an outer diameter slightly smaller than that of the through hole 3a of the LED unit 3, and is formed so as to allow smooth vertical movement along the through hole 3a.

The operating plate 6 is made of a transparent or translucent resin so that the color of light emitted from the LED unit 3 can be confirmed. Thereby, the emission color from the LED unit 3 can be directly transmitted to the cap 21. Further, the operating plate 6 may be colored so as to have transparency. In this case, when the operating plate 6 is colored in a color similar to the color emitted from the LED unit 3, the emitted color is transmitted. Also LED
When the operating plate 6 is colored with a complementary color of the emission color from the unit 3, the emission color is not transmitted, and only the wavelengths contained in the emission color are transmitted. Then, by preparing in advance the various operating plates 6 and replacing only the operating plate 6, the illumination color emitted from the illuminated pushbutton switch 1B is changed, and the entire illuminated pushbutton switch 1B is changed. It is possible to easily change the emission color to suit the purpose without replacement.

Further, the operating plate 6 can convert the emission color from the LED unit 3 into another emission color by mixing a transparent molding resin with a wavelength conversion material. For example, the color of the blue light emitted from the LED unit 3 and the wavelength conversion material that emits yellow light to the operating plate 6 are mixed, and the color of the light finally emitted from the illuminated push-button switch by the blue light emission color and the yellow light emission color is It becomes white. In this way, an emission color different from the emission color from the LED unit 3 can be obtained.

It is preferable that the projection 6a of the operating plate 6 and the through hole 3a of the LED unit 3 have a corresponding shape in order to prevent blurring when the cap 21 is pushed.
For example, in the example of FIG. 2, the projection 6a of the operating plate 6 has a prismatic shape, and the shape of the through hole 3a at the center of the LED unit 3 is rectangular. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when a rubber switch 4'having a top shape (contact point) in a cross shape is adopted as the tactile push switch 4, the protrusion 6a of the operating plate 6 is made into a cross shape, and 4 '
The protrusion 6a of the operating plate 6 and the through hole 3a of the LED unit 3 may be formed in a circular shape or a polygonal shape in such a size as to cover the top-shaped portion.

Further, with respect to the operating plate 6, when the shape of the through hole 3a of the LED unit 3 is changed, the cap 21 can be used as it is by simply replacing the operating plate 6, and the operating plate 6 which is easy to perform injection molding. The degree of freedom of change increases,
This has the effect of expanding the range of choices.

The LED unit 3 and the tactile push switch 4 are the same as those in the illuminated push button switch system 1 of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted to avoid duplication.

As described above, in the illuminated push button switch system 1 according to the present invention, the cap 2 with the projection 2a or the combination of the cap 21 and the operation plate 6, the LED unit 3,
The tactile push switch 4 can be freely selected and assembled. Then, the height of the tactile push switch 4, the height of the LED unit 3, the length of the lead of the LED unit 3, and the projection 6a of the operating plate 6
Alternatively, the height of the illuminated push-button switch 1 can be freely controlled by adjusting or selecting the length of the protrusion 2a at the lower center of the cap 2.

Further, by freely selecting the size and shape of the cap 2, the operating plate 6 and the like, it can be freely attached to any place such as a small mobile product to a large control panel or the like. . In addition to this, by the light emitting elements 7 of each color and the selector circuit 8 provided in the LED unit 3, various emission colors can be changed or obtained in whole or in part by a signal corresponding to the count number pressed by the switch 4.

Further, by selecting the type of the tactile push switch 4, it is possible to freely change the click feeling, the generated sound and the like when the switch 4 is pushed according to the purpose of use.

In this way, by selecting the LED unit 3, the tactile push switch 4, the cap 2 with the protrusion 2a or the combination of the cap 21 and the operating plate 6, the illuminated push button switch system 1 suitable for the purpose of use is obtained. be able to.

[0063]

As described above, the illuminated push-button switch system according to the first aspect of the invention has an LED unit having a through hole in the center and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted around the through hole. There is a space for accommodating the tactile push switch, which is arranged in the center of the lower part of the LED unit with a contact at a position corresponding to the center, and above the LED unit, which can house the LED unit and the tactile push switch inside. However, it has a cylindrical or prismatic protrusion in the lower center of the inside
A transparent or semi-transparent cap capable of pushing the tactile push switch through the through hole of the ED unit is loosely fitted, and the inner side surface of the cap and the outer peripheral side surface of the LED unit are loosely fitted to each other to push the cap. By moving the tactile push switch by movement, it is possible to display operation by light from the LED unit, and by returning the cap upward by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch itself, it is possible to move the cap up and down. Since the through hole penetrates through the center of the LED unit and the tactile push switch directly below is pushed through the protrusion of the cap that moves in the through hole, the light emitting element or the like is not mounted on the movable part such as the cap. It is possible to illuminate the entire cap without the light emitting element not illuminating or malfunctioning. Moreover, since only the cap is light and movable, it can be moved only by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch. Further, the protrusion provided at the center position inside the cap allows the cap to be smoothly moved even if it is pushed anywhere without being pushed, and can be easily operated regardless of the size of the tactile push switch. In addition, the size, height, and shape of the illuminated pushbutton switch can be freely changed by adjusting the height of the tactile push switch, the length of the LED unit or LED unit lead, and the length of the protrusion under the center of the cap. , The height of the illuminated pushbutton switch can be controlled freely. In addition, it is possible to obtain the emission color obtained by obtaining the emission color corresponding to the tactile push switch by the light emitting elements of the respective colors provided in the LED unit. In addition, depending on the type of tactile push switch, you can change the feeling of click when pressing the switch, the sound generated, etc. with an illuminated push button switch that suits your purpose, LED unit, tactile push switch,
It can be obtained by selecting a cap. This allows
It is possible to construct an illuminated pushbutton switch system that can be freely attached to the base or board of a small object such as a mobile product or a large object such as a control panel.

The illuminated push-button switch system according to a second aspect of the invention has an LED unit having a through hole in the center and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on the periphery of the through hole.
A tactile push switch disposed with a contact at a position corresponding to the center in the lower center of the LED unit;
It has a surface that is approximately the same size as the LED unit above the LED unit, and has a columnar or prismatic projection in the lower center part that allows the tactile push switch to be pushed through the LED unit through the through hole. Or a translucent operating plate, a transparent or translucent cap having a space for accommodating the LED unit, the tactile push switch, and the operating plate inside, and the inner side surface of the cap and the operating plate. The outer periphery of the LED unit and the outer peripheral side face of the LED unit are loosely fitted, and the tactile push switch is operated by the pushing motion of the cap, enabling operation display by the light from the LED unit and the cap by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch itself. Since the cap can be moved up and down by returning the LED to the upper direction, the through hole penetrates through the center of the LED unit. Since the tactile push switch underneath is pushed through the protrusion of the movable operating plate in the through hole, the light emitting element etc. are not mounted on the movable part such as the cap or the operating plate, so there is no lighting or malfunction of the light emitting element. ,
The entire cap can be illuminated. Moreover, since only the cap and actuating plate are lightweight and movable, it can be moved only by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch, and the protrusion provided at the center of the inside of the cap allows it to move smoothly without being caught even when pressed anywhere on the cap. , Tactile push switch can be operated easily regardless of the size. Furthermore, the size, height, and shape of the illuminated pushbutton switch can be freely changed, and the height of the tactile push switch, the length of the LED unit or the lead of the LED unit, and the length of the protrusion below the center of the operating plate or cap can be changed. The height of the illuminated pushbutton switch can be freely controlled by adjusting the and. In addition, LED
By using the light emitting elements of the respective colors provided in the unit, it is possible to obtain the light emitting color corresponding to the tactile push switch in whole or in part. In addition, depending on the type of tactile push switch, an illuminated push button switch suitable for the purpose can be changed so that the click feeling and the sound generated when the switch is pushed can be changed to LED units, tactile push switches, caps and operating plates. It can be obtained by selection. As a result, it is possible to configure an illuminated pushbutton switch system that can be freely attached to a small object such as a mobile product or a large object such as a control panel or a board or any other place such as a board.

Further, in the illuminated push-button switch system according to the third aspect, the LED unit is smaller than the inside of the cap, and the color of light emitted from the light emitting element is a single color or a plurality of colors, and the outer shape and the central through hole are formed. Since it has a rectangular shape or a circular shape, the cap can be smoothly moved without being caught at the central portion or the outer peripheral portion of the LED unit. Moreover, a single emission color or multiple (RG
Full color emission can be performed according to the emission color of B). As a result, the illumination color can be changed according to the purpose of the illuminated pushbutton switch, and an illuminated pushbutton switch system with a high degree of operability and safety that allows easy visual confirmation can be configured. be able to.

Further, in the illuminated push button switch system according to the fourth aspect, since the outer shape of the cap is a rectangular shape or a circular shape and colorless or colored or a wavelength converting material is mixed, the rectangular or circular light emission shape is obtained. Therefore, the light from the light emitting element can be transmitted. Moreover, when the coloring is the same as the color of the light emitting element, the light emitting color of the light emitting element is transmitted, and when the color of the light emitting element is complementary to the color of the light emitting element, the light emitting color of the light emitting element is not passed, and the colored color is the color of the light emitting element. Only wavelengths contained in the emission color can be transmitted.
Furthermore, by mixing a wavelength conversion material in the cap, for example, a blue light emitting element and a yellow wavelength converting material emit light different in color from the light emitting element so that the final emitted light is white. Obtainable. As a result, white light can be obtained according to the purpose or without using the light emitting elements of the three primary colors, and an illuminated push button switch system rich in variety can be configured.

Further, in the illuminated push-button switch system according to the fifth aspect, since the operating plate portion is smaller than the inside of the cap and the outer shape is rectangular or circular, and colorless or colored or a wavelength converting material is mixed. Even a rectangular or circular cap that covers the operating plate can be moved smoothly. Moreover, the light emitted from the light emitting element can be transmitted, and when the coloring is the same as the color of the light emitting element, the light emitting color of the light emitting element is transmitted, and when the light emitting element is colored in a complementary color, the light emitting color of the light emitting element is changed. Instead, the colored color can pass only the wavelength contained in the emission color of the light emitting element. Further, by mixing a wavelength conversion material in the operating plate, for example, a blue light emitting element and a yellow wavelength converting material emit white light so that the final emitted light color is different from that of the light emitting element. Can be obtained. This makes it suitable for your purpose,
White light can be obtained without using the three primary color light emitting elements,
A variety of illuminated pushbutton switch systems can be constructed.

Further, in the illuminated push button switch system according to the sixth aspect, since the tactile push switch is composed of any one of a rubber switch, a disc spring switch and a spring switch, the action, click feeling and size of the tactile push switch are large. It is possible to change the sheath current capacity and the like depending on the purpose of use, and it is possible to construct a wide variety of illuminated pushbutton switch systems by various combinations.

Further, in the illuminated push button switch system according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the LED unit is equipped with the light emitting element and the selector circuit, and power is supplied to the light emitting element corresponding to the signal from the tactile push switch. Even if the push switch is used like a function switch, since the corresponding color change can be visually recognized, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation and recognize the selected purpose during use.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an illuminated push button switch system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an illuminated push button switch system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an illuminated push button switch system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 (1A, 1B) ... Illuminated push button switch system,
2, 21 ... Cap, 3 ... LED unit, 4 ... Tactile push switch, 4 '... Rubber switch, 5 ... Substrate, 6 ... Operating plate, 7 ... Light emitting element, 8 ... Selector circuit, 2
a, 6a ... Protrusion, 2b, 21b ... Side part, 2c, 21c
... Hole, 3a ... Through hole, 3b ... Side surface, 3c ... Boss, 3
d ... peripheral part, 3e ... terminal.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 5G006 AA01 AB01 BB01 BB03 CB01                       CD02 DD02 FB03 JA01 JB03                       JC01 JD01 JE03

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An LED unit having a through hole in the center thereof, and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on the periphery of the through hole, and a contact at a position corresponding to the center at the lower center of the LED unit. A tactile push switch arranged to have a space for accommodating the LED unit and the tactile push switch inside the LED unit, and a columnar or prismatic protrusion in the lower center of the inside. And a transparent or semi-transparent cap that can push the tactile push switch through the through hole of the LED unit, and the inner side surface of the cap and the outer peripheral side surface of the LED unit can play freely. The tactile push switch is operated by the pushing movement of the cap, and the operation display is made possible by the light from the LED unit. The illuminated push-button switch system characterized in that the cap can be moved up and down by returning the cap upward by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch itself. 2. An LED unit having a through hole in the center thereof, and a plurality of light emitting elements mounted on the periphery of the through hole, and a contact at a position corresponding to the center at the lower center of the LED unit. A tactile push switch provided with the LED unit, a surface having substantially the same size as the LED unit above the LED unit, and a columnar or prismatic protrusion at the lower center to penetrate the LED unit. There is a transparent or semi-transparent actuation plate capable of pushing the tactile push switch through the hole, and a space for accommodating the LED unit, the tactile push switch and the actuation plate inside. A transparent or semi-transparent cap, the inner side surface of the cap, the outer periphery of the operating plate and the outer peripheral side surface of the LED unit are loosely fitted to each other, and The tactile push switch is operated by the pushing motion of the LED unit, the operation display is enabled by the light from the LED unit, and the cap is moved upward and downward by the repulsive force of the tactile push switch itself to move the cap up and down. Illuminated pushbutton switch system characterized by enabling movement. 3. The LED unit is smaller than the inside of the cap and has a single or a plurality of emission colors of the light emitting elements, and has an outer shape and a through hole at the center of a rectangular shape or a circular shape. The illuminated pushbutton switch system according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The illuminated pushbutton switch system according to claim 1, wherein the cap has an outer shape of a rectangular shape or a circular shape and is mixed with colorless or colored or a wavelength conversion material. . 5. The actuating plate portion is smaller than the inside of the cap and has an outer shape of a rectangular shape or a circular shape and is mixed with colorless or colored or a wavelength conversion material. Illuminated push button switch system described in 2. 6. The illuminated push-button switch system according to claim 1, wherein the tactile push switch comprises any one of a rubber switch, a disc spring switch, and a spring switch. 7. The LED unit is provided with a selector circuit together with the light emitting element, and supplies power to the light emitting element corresponding to a signal from the tactile push switch. Illuminated pushbutton switch system described.