JP2006269118A - Contactless switch and electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a contactless switch capable of realizing high reliability, high durability, reduction of size and thickness and power saving, and to provide an electronic apparatus having this. <P>SOLUTION: This contactless switch 10A comprises a button 11 for transmitting pressing force from outside of a case 1 to inside of the case 1, a stress-induced light emitting body 14 for emitting light when receiving stress by pressing the button 11 and a light receiving element 15 for generating an electrical signal by receiving light L emitted by the stress-induced light emitting body 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch used as an input device for home appliances, portable devices, electronic computers, and the like, and more particularly to a contactless switch that does not have a contact for opening and closing an electrical connection.

Many of the switches currently used are contact switches having contacts. As a conventional contact switch, there are a membrane switch, a metal dome, and the like that are frequently used in portable devices (cell phones, digital still cameras, digital video cameras, etc.) and home appliances.
Membrane switches are made by facing two electrodes formed on a flexible film, separating the opposing electrodes by a spacer with an opening in the vicinity of the electrode (contact point), and the film bends and contacts the electrode when a button is pressed. When the pressing force is released, the electrode is separated again by the elasticity of the flexible film (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
The metal dome is a click element made of metal (made of a conductor), and in addition to the realization of a click feeling (a feeling of pressing a switch to the user), in many cases also serves as an electrical contact (for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4). reference).
In addition, a click sheet made of a click element by embossing one place or a plurality of places such as a plastic film may be used, and a membrane switch for electrical contact (switch mechanism) and a click feeling are realized. A switch combining a metal dome or a click sheet is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 5).

  7 (a) and 7 (b) show a first example of a conventional contact switch. The contact switch 20A includes a button 21 inserted into a hole 2 formed in the housing 1, a metal dome or click sheet 22 that contacts a protrusion 21a at the lower end of the button 21, and two flexible films. A membrane switch 23 is formed by separating electrodes 25a and 25b formed on 24a and 24b by spacers 26, respectively. In the contact switch 20 </ b> A of this example, the electrical contact is carried by the membrane switch 23, and the lifting and clicking feeling of the button 21 is realized by the metal dome or the click sheet 22.

  8A and 8B show a second example of a conventional contact switch. The contact switch 20B includes a button 21 inserted into a hole 2 formed in the housing 1, a flexible sheet 3 supporting the button 21, and a protrusion 3a formed on the lower surface of the flexible sheet 3. It comprises a metal dome or click sheet 22 that abuts and a membrane switch 23 in which electrodes 25a and 25b formed on two flexible films 24a and 24b are separated by a spacer 26, respectively. In the contact switch 20B of Example 2, the electrical contact is carried by the membrane switch 23, and the click feeling is realized by the metal dome or the click sheet 22.

  9A and 9B show a third example of a conventional contact switch. The contact switch 20C is formed on the button 21 inserted into the hole 2 formed in the housing 1, the flexible sheet 3 supporting the button 21, and the two flexible films 24a and 24b. The membrane switch 23 is formed by separating the electrodes 25 a and 25 b with a spacer 26. In the contact switch 20C of Example 3, the electrical contact is carried by the membrane switch 23, and the button 21 is lifted by the flexible sheet 3. Since there is no metal dome or click sheet 22, the click feeling is poor, but the configuration can be simplified.

  10A and 10B show a fourth example of a conventional contact switch. The contact switch 20D includes a button 21 inserted into a hole 2 formed in the housing 1, a metal dome 22 that contacts the protrusion 21a at the lower end of the button 21, and electrodes 25a and 25b formed on the substrate 4. And is composed of. The metal dome 22 exhibits conductivity (usually made of metal), and the outer periphery of the metal dome 22 is fixed in contact with one electrode 25a. When the button 21 is pressed, the central portion of the metal dome 22 is deformed and brought into conduction by contacting the electrode 25b below.

  11 (a) and 11 (b) show a fifth example of a conventional contact switch. The contact switch 20E includes a button 21 inserted in a hole 2 formed in the housing 1, a flexible sheet 3 supporting the button 21, and a protrusion 3a formed on the lower surface of the flexible sheet 3. The metal dome 22 is in contact with the electrodes 25a and 25b formed on the substrate 4. The button 21 is fixed on the flexible sheet 3, and only a vertical stroke is possible in the hole 2 of the housing 1.

Examples of the contactless switch having no contact include an optical contactless switch (see, for example, Patent Documents 6 to 11), an electromagnetic induction type and electromagnetic coupling type contactless switch (for example, see Patent Documents 12 to 15), a magnet, and a magnetic switch. Non-contact switch that detects body movement with a magnetic element (see, for example, Patent Documents 16 to 24), Non-contact switch that detects distortion with a piezoresistor (see, for example, Patent Documents 25 and 26), Capacitance type Non-contact switch (see, for example, Patent Documents 27 and 28).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-234459 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-103851 JP 2002-216581 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-290000 JP 2001-028220 A JP 05-047661 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-065674 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-220561 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-220592 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 08-273492 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-025820 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 05-017731 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 05-034619 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-103868 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-054348 JP-A-10-134682 JP-A-11-108689 JP 2000-003651 A JP 2000-161475 A JP 2001-351488 A JP 2004-146285 A JP 2004-184090 A JP 2004-198186 A JP 2004-219191 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-122046 JP 2004-014451 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-009430 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-227782

  (A) In the contact switch, the contact itself is mechanically displaced to make electrical contact and disconnection. For this reason, contact wear and dirt (especially conductors constituting the contact and powders of oxides thereof) are likely to cause contact failure and short circuit, and it has been difficult to realize a switch having high repeatability.

  (B) An optical contactless switch requires a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and an optical path changing element (shielding plate or mirror), and has a large number of parts, and it is necessary to change the optical path over a distance greater than the beam diameter. Therefore, a space for moving the optical path conversion element over a sufficient stroke length is required. For this reason, it is difficult to reduce the size and thickness. If the optical path conversion element is a mirror, the optical path can also be changed by changing the angle of the mirror, but in this case, the angle larger than the beam diameter must be rotated sufficiently. Still, miniaturization and thinning are difficult. Furthermore, in order to efficiently receive the emitted beam with the light receiving element, in many cases, it is necessary to arrange a collimating lens for collimating the beam between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. For this reason, the volume required for mounting increases and it becomes more difficult to reduce the size and thickness.

  (C) In the case of an electromagnetic induction type or electromagnetic coupling type solid state switch, an electromagnetic coil having a sensitivity capable of detecting an induced current and a stroke amount / stroke speed of a magnetic material are required (when it is moved slowly) Are difficult to detect). In either case, it is difficult to reduce the size and thickness. In order to improve the sensitivity of the electromagnetic coil, it is effective to insert a magnetic core or increase the number of turns of the electromagnetic coil, but these increase the size of the switch. Furthermore, in a switch as an input device for portable devices and home appliances, a stroke amount of about 0.2 mm to several mm is appropriate, and in order to detect the displacement of a magnetic body with this amount of stroke by an electromagnetic induction method. However, it is necessary to enlarge the magnetic material or increase the sensitivity of the electromagnetic coil, but in either case, it is disadvantageous for downsizing and thinning of the switch.

  (D) In a contactless switch of a type that detects the movement of a magnet or magnetic body with a magnetic element, the displacement of the magnet or magnetic body (often a metal such as iron or iron alloy) is detected with an electromagnetic coil However, in order to reduce the size and thickness of the switch, it is necessary to reduce the displacement (stroke amount) of the magnet or the magnetic material. However, in order to detect a small displacement with sufficient resolution, it is necessary to increase the number of turns of the electromagnetic coil, resulting in an increase in the size of the electromagnetic coil. For this reason, it is difficult to reduce the size and thickness of this type of switch.

  (E) A contactless switch of a type that detects strain with a piezoresistor utilizes a piezoresistive effect (an effect that changes the electrical resistance of a material subjected to stress or strain), but has a piezoresistive effect. In order to measure the change in electrical resistance, it is necessary to energize at all times. For this reason, even when the resistance value is increased or the current is suppressed to a low level, power is always consumed, and it is difficult to save power, which is important for portable devices.

  (F) Capacitance type non-contact switch uses the phenomenon that the parasitic capacitance of the electrode and electric circuit wiring changes due to the proximity of the conductor. In order to measure the change in capacitance, Since it is necessary to periodically charge and discharge a minute capacity, it is difficult to save power.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a contactless switch capable of realizing high reliability, high durability, downsizing, thinning, and power saving, and an electronic apparatus having the same. This is the issue.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the contactless switch according to claim 1 of the present invention is a button that transmits a pressing force from the outside of the housing to the inside of the housing, and a stress based on a pressing operation of the button. And a light receiving element that generates an electrical signal by receiving light emitted from the stress light emitter.
The non-contact switch according to claim 2 is the non-contact switch according to claim 1, wherein the stress-stimulated illuminant is disposed on one side of the translucent film, and the translucent film is connected to the stress-stimulated illuminant. It is interposed between the light receiving elements.
The contactless switch according to claim 3 is the contactless switch according to claim 1, wherein the stress-stimulated illuminant is disposed on one side of the flexible film, and the pressing force based on the pressing operation of the button is the The flexible film is applied to a region on the back side of the stress-stimulated illuminant.
A contactless switch according to a fourth aspect is the contactless switch according to the first aspect, wherein the stress-stimulated luminescent material is formed by dispersing a stress-stimulated luminescent material in a solid medium.

The contactless switch according to claim 5 is the contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the button is supported on a flexible sheet, and the button of the flexible sheet is Is characterized in that a protrusion for transmitting a pressing force to the stress-stimulated illuminant is provided on the opposite back surface.
The contactless switch according to claim 6 is the contactless switch according to claim 5, wherein the flexible sheet has a spring property, and the position of the button is returned to the pressing operation of the button. It is characterized by giving power.
The non-contact switch according to claim 7 is the non-contact switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a metal dome or a click sheet having a spring property is disposed between the button and the stress light emitter. It is characterized by being.

The contactless switch according to claim 8 is the contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the button directly presses the stress-stimulated illuminant by pressing the button, or A member interposed between the stress light emitter is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the button and transmits a pressing force to the stress light emitter, so that the stress light emitter is subjected to stress. It is characterized by.
The contactless switch according to claim 9 is the contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the stress-stimulated illuminant is arranged in a predetermined region of the film, and by pressing the button, The button directly presses a predetermined area of the film, or a member interposed between the button and the stress light emitter is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the button to press the predetermined area of the film. The film is deformed by transmitting the stress, and the stress-stimulated illuminant is subjected to stress by the deformation of the film.

A contactless switch according to a tenth aspect is the contactless switch according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the light receiving element is a semiconductor element.
A contactless switch according to an eleventh aspect is the contactless switch according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the light receiving element is a photodiode.
A contactless switch according to a twelfth aspect is the contactless switch according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the light receiving element is a phototransistor.
A contactless switch according to a thirteenth aspect is the contactless switch according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the light receiving element is a surface-mount type component.
An electronic apparatus according to a fourteenth aspect includes the contactless switch according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects.

  According to the present invention, a non-contact switch having no contact can be configured with a small number of parts, so that the reliability and durability are high, and the miniaturization, thinning, and weight reduction are easy, and low power consumption is achieved. A contactless switch can be realized.

The present invention will be described below based on the best mode.
The contactless switch of the present invention receives a stress illuminant that emits light (electromagnetic wave) such as visible light (without power supply) when subjected to stress, and receives the light emitted from the stress illuminant to generate an electrical signal. A light receiving element (photoelectric conversion element) to be converted is combined. That is, when a stress is applied to the stress light emitter by operating a button (operation unit), the stress light emitter emits light, and this light is detected by the light receiving element, thereby realizing a switching function.

The mechanism for generating stress in the stress-stimulated illuminant by the operation of the button will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 below. However, the configuration shown in FIGS. The invention is not limited. As the mechanism, for example, the button may directly press the stress light emitter, or a member interposed between the button and the stress light emitter (for example, a flexible sheet 3 described later, a metal dome, or a click sheet). 12) may be configured to transmit the pressing force to the button to the stress light emitter by being displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the button.
Further, the stress luminescent material is disposed in a predetermined region of a film (for example, the translucent film 13 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 or the flexible film 17 shown in FIG. 4), and the button is pressed by the button pressing operation. A predetermined region of the film (that is, a region where the stress illuminant is disposed) is directly pressed, or a member interposed between the button and the stress illuminant is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the button. The film may be deformed by transmitting a pressing force to a predetermined region of the film, and the stress-stimulated luminescent material may be subjected to stress by the deformation of the film. Here, as an aspect which arrange | positions a stress light-emitting body in the predetermined area | region of a film, for example, a stress light-emitting body may be arrange | positioned on the single side | surface of a film, and a stress light-emitting body may be arrange | positioned on both surfaces of a film. Two or more films may be laminated to enclose the stress-stimulated luminescent material between the films.

As stress-stimulated luminescent materials, ZnS (zinc blende, zinc blend) and the like have been known for a long time, but various materials described in Japanese Patent No. 3136338, Japanese Patent No. 3136340, etc. have high luminous efficiency. Inorganic materials are known. _{Specifically, ZrO 2, CeO 2, HfO} 2, Y 2 O 3, Cr 2 O 3, Ti 2 O 3, MgAl 2 O 4, CaAl 2 O 4, SrAl 2 O 4, Al 2 O 3, SrMgAl _In the base crystal of a metal oxide or composite oxide such as ₁₀ O ₁₇ , rare earth metal ions such as Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy or V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co , Ni, Cu, Zn, Nb, Mo, Ta, W, etc., is an inorganic material to which transition metal ions are added as emission center ions, and emits light reversibly by elastic deformation caused by applying mechanical external force Materials can be mentioned. Such a light emitting material has a property of emitting light when elastically deformed by applying stress (without using driving power or the like) and stopping light emission when the shape is restored by releasing the stress. Further, as this type of stress luminescent material, powder that can emit visible light in the vicinity of green with high luminance (for example, about 10 cd / m ² ) and can be mixed with rubber or resin (center particle size of 5 to 5). 10 μm) is supplied from Daiko Furnace Materials Co., Ltd. (composition name: TAIKO-ML-1), and may be used.
In the present invention, the stress-stimulated luminescent material may be one obtained by molding or processing the above-described luminescent material into a predetermined shape (for example, a plate shape or a film shape), or may be one in which the luminescent material is dispersed in a medium. In particular, if the luminescent material is dispersed and solidified in a solid medium such as rubber or resin, the amount of the luminescent material can be reduced, and the stress luminescent material can be formed into a desired shape or the stress luminescent material can be eliminated. Since it becomes easy to arrange in the desired position in a contact switch, it is preferable.

Various light receiving elements (photoelectric conversion elements) are currently used, but a semiconductor light receiving element is preferable in view of its simple and inexpensive configuration, small size, and easy mounting on a substrate. Examples of the semiconductor light receiving element include a phototransistor and a photodiode.
A phototransistor is an element whose internal resistance is greatly reduced by light reception. Ideally, there is an infinite internal resistance when no light is received. Operate. When a phototransistor is used as the light receiving element, when the light is received, for example, the electrical resistance value between the CE electrodes or between the source and the drain decreases, so that the received light can be detected. Even if voltage is applied to the phototransistor, the internal resistance is sufficiently large and the power consumption is sufficiently small unless light is received. It can be said that it is a switching element that works in
In addition, the photodiode is an element that generates a photovoltaic force by receiving light. When a photodiode is used as the light receiving element, light reception can be detected by generating an electromotive force in the electrode when light is received. Therefore, by using a photodiode as the light receiving element and monitoring the electromotive force when the light is received, a switching circuit with sufficiently low power consumption during standby can be configured.
That is, a stress light emitter (light emitting without power supply when stress is applied) is used as a light emitter, a semiconductor light receiving element (such as a phototransistor or a photodiode) is used as a light receiving element, and these elements are combined. It can be said that, in principle, the contactless switch can save power during standby (standby power).

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a first embodiment of the contactless switch of the present invention. The contactless switch 10A includes a button 11 (key switch) inserted into a hole 2 formed in the housing 1, a metal dome or click sheet 12 that contacts the protrusion 11a at the lower end of the button 11, and a light-transmitting property. The light-emitting element 14 is arranged on one side of the film 13, the light-receiving element 15 mounted on the substrate 4, and a spacer 16 provided with a through hole 16 a in which the light-receiving element 15 is accommodated.
The translucent film 13, the spacer 16, and the substrate 4 are laminated so that the stress light emitter 14, the through hole 16 a, and the light receiving element 15 are arranged at positions that overlap in the vertical direction. The spacer 16 is interposed between the translucent film 13 and the substrate 4, thereby ensuring a height (space) for mounting the light receiving element 15 therebetween.
The stress-stimulated illuminant 14 is disposed on the upper surface of the translucent film 13, and only the air in the translucent film 13 and the through hole 16 a is interposed between the stress-stimulated illuminant 14 and the light receiving element 15. Therefore, when the stress light emitter 14 emits the light L, the light L reaches the light receiving element 15.

The button 11 is an operation unit for operating the contactless switch from the outside of the housing 1. The button 11 according to the present embodiment is a push button provided so as to be linearly displaced in the inside / outside direction (vertical direction in the drawing) of the housing 1. However, in the contactless switch according to the present invention, the button 11 is operated. As long as the stress is applied to the stress light emitter, the configuration of the button is not particularly limited.
The metal dome or the click sheet 12 is formed by forming a spring elastic material such as metal or plastic in a dome shape, and realizes a click feeling and also functions as a spring that pushes back the button 11.
The translucent film 13 is a film formed of plastic or the like, for example, and needs to transmit at least part of the light emitted from the stress-stimulated illuminant 14. The translucent film 13 may be a flexible film having flexibility, or may be a hard film with poor flexibility. As a method of disposing the stress-stimulated illuminant 14 on the translucent film 13, the luminescent material is mixed with a binder made of resin, rubber, or the like, or dispersed in a liquid, and the translucent film 13 is applied by coating or printing. The method of forming a film | membrane on the top is mentioned. Desirably, it is preferable to perform drying (for removal of a solvent, etc.), standing at a constant temperature, heating, baking, etc. after film formation as needed.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, when the button 11 is pushed, the metal dome or click sheet 12 is pushed by the projection 11a at the lower end of the button 11, and the center part of the metal dome or click sheet 12 is deformed. The stress illuminant 14 is contacted and a pressing force is applied to the stress illuminant 14. At this time, the stress-stimulated illuminant 14 emits light L due to stress based on the pressing force, and this light L enters the light receiving element 15 through the translucent film 13. The light receiving element 15 receives the light L and outputs an electrical signal. Further, when the external force applied to the button 11 is released, the elasticity of the metal dome or click sheet 12 returns the button 11 to its original position as shown in FIG. Output stops.

  When the metal dome or click sheet 12 is used, even when the button 11 is slowly pushed with a finger or the like, the stress illuminant 14 is struck when the metal dome or click sheet 12 performs a click operation (for a short time). Can give concentrated stress and deformation faster than a certain level). For this reason, even when the button 11 is pushed slowly, the stress-stimulated illuminant 14 can be illuminated with a certain level of brightness, light reception is reliable, the light-receiving element 15 with low light-receiving sensitivity can be used, and stress light emission. The feature is that the amount of the body 14 used can be reduced.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a second embodiment of the contactless switch of the present invention. The contactless switch 10B is formed on a button 11 (key switch) inserted into a hole 2 formed in the housing 1, a flexible sheet 3 that supports the button 11, and a lower surface of the flexible sheet 3. The metal dome or click sheet 12 that contacts the protrusion 3a, the stress light emitter 14 disposed on one side of the translucent film 13, the light receiving element 15 mounted on the substrate 4, and the light receiving element 15 are accommodated. The spacer 16 is provided with a through hole 16a.
The button 11 is fixed to the upper surface of the flexible sheet 3 (flexible sheet), and a projection 3 a is formed on the lower surface of the flexible sheet 3 at a position on the back side of the button 11. The translucent film 13, the spacer 16, and the substrate 4 are laminated so that the stress light emitter 14, the through hole 16 a, and the light receiving element 15 are arranged at positions that overlap in the vertical direction. The spacer 16 is interposed between the translucent film 13 and the substrate 4, thereby ensuring a height (space) for mounting the light receiving element 15 therebetween.
The stress-stimulated illuminant 14 is disposed on the upper surface of the translucent film 13, and only the air in the translucent film 13 and the through hole 16a is interposed between the stress-stimulated illuminant 14 and the light receiving element 15. Therefore, when the stress light emitter 14 emits the light L, the light L reaches the light receiving element 15.

As the flexible sheet 3, for example, a sheet formed from rubber or plastic can be used. In FIG. 2, the button 11 is formed separately from the flexible sheet 3 and is integrated with the flexible sheet 3 by an adhesive, in-mold molding, or the like. The sheet 3 and the button 11 can be integrally formed of the same material.
In this embodiment, since the pressing of the button 11 is accompanied by the deformation of the flexible sheet 3, the button 11 is easier to move in the direction perpendicular to the surface than the direction along the surface of the flexible sheet 3. Therefore, unnecessary operation of the button 11 (such as being pushed in a bent direction) can be minimized, which contributes to improving the durability of the switch mechanism.

  In the flow from the pressing motion of the button 11 in the contactless switch 10B of the second embodiment to the output of the electrical signal by the light receiving element 15 through the light emission of the stress light emitter 14, the protrusion 3a of the flexible sheet 3 is a metal. Except for deforming the dome or click sheet 12, it is the same as in the case of the contactless switch 10A of the first embodiment. The advantage of using the metal dome or the click sheet 12 as a member that realizes the click feeling is the same as that of the contactless switch 10A of the first embodiment. In the case of the contactless switch 10B of the second embodiment, since the spring property for the button 11 is realized by the metal dome or the click sheet 12, the flexible sheet 3 may be one having low elasticity.

3A and 3B show a third embodiment of the contactless switch of the present invention. The contactless switch 10 </ b> C is disposed on one side of a button 11 (key switch) inserted into a hole 2 formed in the housing 1, a flexible sheet 3 that supports the button 11, and a translucent film 13. The stress light emitter 14, a light receiving element 15 mounted on the substrate 4, and a spacer 16 provided with a through hole 16 a in which the light receiving element 15 is accommodated.
The button 11 is fixed to the upper surface of the flexible sheet 3 (flexible sheet), and a projection 3 a is formed on the lower surface of the flexible sheet 3 at a position on the back side of the button 11. The stress light emitter 14 is disposed below the protrusion 3 a of the flexible sheet 3.

The translucent film 13, the spacer 16, and the substrate 4 are laminated so that the stress light emitter 14, the through hole 16a, and the light receiving element 15 overlap in the vertical direction. The spacer 16 is interposed between the translucent film 13 and the substrate 4, thereby ensuring a height (space) for mounting the light receiving element 15 therebetween.
The stress-stimulated illuminant 14 is disposed on the upper surface of the translucent film 13, and only the air in the translucent film 13 and the through hole 16 a is interposed between the stress-stimulated illuminant 14 and the light receiving element 15. Therefore, when the stress light emitter 14 emits the light L, the light L reaches the light receiving element 15.

  In the contactless switch 10C of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the button 11 is pressed down, the flexible sheet 3 is deformed in conjunction with the displacement of the button 11, and the flexible sheet 3 The protrusion 3 a on the lower surface of the contact member contacts the stress light emitter 14 and applies a pressing force to the stress light emitter 14. At this time, the stress-stimulated illuminant 14 emits light L due to stress based on the pressing force, and this light L enters the light receiving element 15 through the translucent film 13. The light receiving element 15 receives the light L and outputs an electrical signal. When the external force applied to the button 11 is released, the elasticity of the flexible sheet 3 returns the button 11 to its original position as shown in FIG. 3A, and the light emission of the stress light emitter 14 and the signal output of the light receiving element 15 Stops. In the case of this embodiment, the configuration can be simplified by omitting the metal dome or the click sheet 12.

4A and 4B show a fourth embodiment of the contactless switch of the present invention. The contactless switch 10 </ b> D is disposed on one side of a button 11 (key switch) inserted into a hole 2 formed in the housing 1, a flexible sheet 3 that supports the button 11, and a flexible film 17. The stress light emitter 14, a light receiving element 15 mounted on the substrate 4, and a spacer 16 provided with a through hole 16 a in which the light receiving element 15 is accommodated.
The button 11 is fixed to the upper surface of the flexible sheet 3 (flexible sheet), and a projection 3 a is formed on the lower surface of the flexible sheet 3 at a position on the back side of the button 11.

The flexible film 17, the spacer 16, and the substrate 4 are laminated so that the stress light emitter 14, the through hole 16a, and the light receiving element 15 overlap in the vertical direction. The spacer 16 is interposed between the flexible film 17 and the substrate 4 so as to secure a height (space) for mounting the light receiving element 15 therebetween.
The stress light emitter 14 is disposed on the lower surface of the flexible film 17, and since only the air in the through hole 16 a is interposed between the stress light emitter 14 and the light receiving element 15, the stress light emitter 14. When light radiates light L, the light L reaches the light receiving element 15. The flexible film 17 is a film made of, for example, plastic or rubber, and may be a translucent film or an opaque film.
As a method for disposing the stress-stimulated illuminant 14 on the flexible film 17, the luminescent material is mixed with a binder made of resin, rubber, or the like, or dispersed in a liquid, and the flexible film 17 is coated or printed. The method of forming a film | membrane on the top is mentioned. Desirably, it is preferable to perform drying (for removal of a solvent, etc.), standing at a constant temperature, heating, baking, etc. after film formation as needed.
In the case of this embodiment, the area of the stress light emitter 14 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the through hole 16 a, and a recess is formed in the upper peripheral edge of the through hole 16 a so that the stress light emitter 14 does not contact the spacer 16. 16b is formed.

  In the contactless switch 10D of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, when the button 11 is pushed down, the flexible sheet 3 is deformed in conjunction with the displacement of the button 11, and the flexible sheet 3 The projection 3a on the lower surface of the light-emitting element 14 comes into contact with the region 17a on the back side of the stress-stimulated luminescent material 14. At this time, the pressing force due to the depression of the button 11 is transmitted to the stress light emitter 14 via the flexible sheet 3 to apply the pressing force to the stress light emitter 14. At this time, the stress light emitter 14 emits light L due to stress based on the pressing force, and this light L enters the light receiving element 15 through the through hole 16a. The light receiving element 15 receives the light L and outputs an electrical signal. When the external force applied to the button 11 is released, the elasticity of the flexible sheet 3 returns the button 11 to its original position as shown in FIG. 4A, and the light emission of the stress light emitter 14 and the signal output of the light receiving element 15 Stops. In the case of this embodiment, the configuration can be simplified by omitting the metal dome or the click sheet 12.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a fifth embodiment of the contactless switch of the present invention. The non-contact switch 10E includes a button 11 (key switch) inserted into a hole 2 formed in the housing 1, a flexible sheet 3 that supports the button 11, and a luminescent material dispersed in a solid medium. The stress-stimulated illuminant 14 formed by solidification, the light receiving element 15 mounted on the substrate 4, and a spacer 16 provided with a through hole 16a in which the light receiving element 15 is accommodated.
The button 11 is fixed to the upper surface of the flexible sheet 3 (flexible sheet), and a projection 3 a is formed on the lower surface of the flexible sheet 3 at a position on the back side of the button 11.

  The spacer 16 has a recess 16b formed on the upper periphery of the through hole 16a. The stress light emitter 14 is fixed to the recess 16b using an adhesive or the like. The area of the stress light emitter 14 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the through hole 16a, and the stress light emitter 14 does not fall down from the recess 16b. In this embodiment, for example, a resin, rubber, or the like can be used as a solid medium used for dispersing the light emitting material.

  In the contactless switch 10E of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the button 11 is pushed down, the flexible sheet 3 is deformed in conjunction with the displacement of the button 11, and the flexible sheet 3 The protrusion 3 a on the lower surface of the contact member is in contact with the stress light emitter 14 and applies a pressing force to the stress light emitter 14. At this time, the stress light emitter 14 emits light L due to stress based on the pressing force, and this light L enters the light receiving element 15 through the through hole 16a. The light receiving element 15 receives the light L and outputs an electrical signal. When the external force applied to the button 11 is released, the elasticity of the flexible sheet 3 causes the button 11 to return to its original position as shown in FIG. 5A, and the light emission from the stress light emitter 14 and the signal output from the light receiving element 15. Stops. In the case of this embodiment, the configuration can be simplified by omitting the metal dome or click sheet 12 and the films 13 and 17.

  In the configuration using the stress luminescent material 14 in which the luminescent material is dispersed and solidified in a solid medium, a metal is interposed between the stress luminescent material 14 and the flexible sheet 3 as shown in FIG. A dome or click sheet 12 can also be interposed. Further, as in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, a configuration in which the flexible sheet 3 is omitted and the button 11 is supported by the metal dome or the click sheet 12 may be employed. Further, when the metal dome or the click sheet 12 is used as a member for realizing the click feeling, the advantages are the same as those of the contactless switches 10A and 10B shown in FIGS.

The electronic device of the present invention is an electronic device having one or more contactless switches of the present invention. In the electronic device of the present invention, the contactless switch of the present invention can be used as an input device for home appliances, portable devices (such as mobile phones, digital still cameras, and digital video cameras), electronic computers, and the like.
As an example, FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of a contactless switch in the mobile phone of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows the structure from the case 1 on the front side (button 11 side) of the mobile phone to the printed circuit board 4 on which the light receiving element 15 is mounted. A housing on the back side of the cellular phone, mounting parts other than the light receiving element 15 on the printed circuit board 4, wiring, and the like are not shown.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 6, the case where the contactless switch 10 </ b> B of FIG. 2 is applied is illustrated, but it goes without saying that contactless switches of other configurations may be applied.
Further, as in the direction key 11A shown in FIG. 6, one button 11 is associated with two or more stress light emitters 14, 14,..., And the stress is 1 depending on the pressed position of the button 11. You may comprise so that it may be applied to the one or two or more stress light-emitting bodies 14. FIG. In this case, the light receiving element only needs to be capable of distinguishing and detecting the light emission of each of the stress light emitters 14, 14,..., But in this example, the stress light emitter 14 and the light receiving element 15 are paired one by one. It is provided as follows.

  The present invention can be used as a switch in various devices in addition to input devices such as home appliances, portable devices, and electronic computers.

It is a figure which shows the non-contact switch which concerns on the 1st form example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the non-contact switch which concerns on the 2nd form example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the non-contact switch which concerns on the 3rd form example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the non-contact switch which concerns on the 4th form example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the non-contact switch which concerns on the 5th example of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows schematic structure of an example of the electronic device of this invention. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of a contact switch. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of a contact switch. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of a contact switch. It is a figure which shows the 4th example of a contact switch. It is a figure which shows the 5th example of a contact switch.

Explanation of symbols

L: Light, 1 ... Housing, 3 ... Flexible sheet, 3a ... Projection, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E ... Non-contact switch, 11 ... Button, 12 ... Metal dome or click sheet, 13 ... Translucent , 14 ... Stress light emitter, 15 ... Light receiving element, 17 ... Flexible film.

Claims (14)

  A button for transmitting a pressing force from the outside of the housing to the inside of the housing, a stress light emitter that emits light when subjected to stress based on a pressing operation of the button, and light emitted by the stress light emitter is received. And a light receiving element for generating an electrical signal. The contactless switch according to claim 1,
The contactless switch, wherein the stress-stimulated illuminant is disposed on one side of a translucent film, and the translucent film is interposed between the stress-stimulated illuminant and the light receiving element. The contactless switch according to claim 1,
The stress illuminant is disposed on one side of the flexible film, and a pressing force based on a push operation of the button is applied to a region on the back side of the stress illuminant in the flexible film. A contactless switch characterized by The contactless switch according to claim 1,
The contactless switch, wherein the stress-stimulated luminescent material is obtained by dispersing a stress-stimulated luminescent material in a solid medium. A contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The button is supported on a flexible sheet, and a protrusion for transmitting a pressing force to the stress light emitter is projected on the back surface of the flexible sheet opposite to the button. A contactless switch. The contactless switch according to claim 5,
The contactless switch according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sheet has a spring property, and applies a reaction force for returning the position of the button in response to a pressing operation of the button. A contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A contactless switch, wherein a metal dome or click sheet having a spring property is disposed between the button and the stress-stimulated luminescent material. A contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
When the button is pushed, the button directly presses the stress light emitter, or a member interposed between the button and the stress light emitter is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the button and the stress light emitter. A contactless switch, wherein the stress light emitter is subjected to a stress by transmitting a pressing force to the switch. A contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The stress illuminant is disposed in a predetermined region of the film;
By pressing the button, the button directly presses a predetermined area of the film, or a member interposed between the button and the stress light emitter is displaced in conjunction with the displacement of the button, and the film A contactless switch, wherein the film is deformed by transmitting a pressing force to a predetermined area of the film, and the stress light emitter is subjected to stress by deformation of the film. A contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
A contactless switch, wherein the light receiving element is a semiconductor element. A contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A contactless switch, wherein the light receiving element is a photodiode. A contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The contactless switch, wherein the light receiving element is a phototransistor. A contactless switch according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A contactless switch, wherein the light receiving element is a surface-mounted component.   An electronic apparatus comprising the contactless switch according to claim 1.

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