JP2010118282A - Cover member for lighted push-button switch and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure the amount of light projected to a keytop and to prevent the keytop from peeling off, in a cover member for lighted push-button switch used in various kinds of equipment and devices such as on-vehicle equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The cover member for lighted push-button switch 1 includes a key sheet 3 having a light-transmitting opening 3d formed through its light-shielding sheet body 3c. The keytop 5 is disposed on one side of the light-transmitting opening 3d in a state that it is joined to the sheet body 3c and a light source 7 is disposed on the other side of the light-transmitting opening 3d so as to project illumination light to the keytop 5 through the light-transmitting opening 3d. In the light-transmitting opening 3d, a light-transmitting member 10 for scattering the illumination light from the light source 7 and guiding the light to the keytop 5 is formed so as to couple the sheet body 3c to the keytop 5. The illumination light projecting area can be increased without reducing the joined area of the keytop 5 by scattering the illumination light from the light source 7 through the light-transmitting member 10 and guiding the light to the keytop 5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is used in various devices and apparatuses (for example, in-vehicle devices, mobile phones, game machines, remote controllers, etc.) that facilitate key input operations in a dark place, and has a function of illuminating a key top from the inside. The present invention relates to a cover member for an illuminated pushbutton switch.

  Conventionally, as this type of illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1, as shown in FIG. 5, a key sheet surrounding the light source 7 is provided to prevent light leakage of the light source 7 placed on the circuit board 2. 3 has been proposed that uses a light-shielding material (for example, polyester-based or styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer) (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

That is, in this illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1, the light-shielding key sheet 3 is placed on the circuit board 2 so as to surround the light source 7, and the key top 5 is fitted on the key sheet 3 with the case 6. Adhering to the position of the hole 6a, the key sheet 3 is formed with a transparent opening 3d penetrating vertically. When the light source 7 shines, the illumination light passes through the light transmission opening 3d of the key sheet 3 and is projected onto the key top 5, so that the key top 5 is brightened.
JP 2003-249139 A JP-A-9-139143 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-306900

  However, in this case, the adhesion area of the key top 5 is inevitably reduced by the amount of the light transmitting opening 3d formed in the key sheet 3. For this reason, if the light transmission opening 3d is enlarged for the purpose of ensuring the amount of light emitted to the key top 5, the key top 5 is likely to be peeled off from the key sheet 3 due to insufficient adhesion due to a decrease in the bonding area of the key top 5. On the contrary, there is a problem in that the amount of light emitted to the key top 5 cannot be secured if the light transmitting opening 3d is made small because the key top 5 may be peeled off.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention is capable of preventing light leakage of the light source, as well as an illuminated pushbutton switch capable of ensuring both the amount of light emitted to the key top and preventing the key top from peeling off. An object of the present invention is to provide a cover member and a manufacturing method thereof.

  In the present invention, attention is paid to the use of the scattering (diffraction) phenomenon of illumination light from a light source.

  That is, the present invention according to claim 1 has a key sheet (3) formed by penetrating a light-transmitting opening (3d) in a light-shielding sheet body (3c), and the light-transmitting opening. A key top (5) is provided on one side of the sheet body so as to be joined to the sheet body, and a light source (7) is passed through the light transmitting opening on the other side of the light transmitting opening. Illuminated pushbutton switch cover member (1) provided so as to be able to project illumination light on the light-transmitting opening, the illumination light from the light source is scattered to the key top. The translucent member (10) for guiding is an illumination type pushbutton switch cover member provided so as to connect the sheet main body and the key top.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to the first aspect, the light transmitting member (10) includes a plurality of light blocking members that block the light transmitting opening (3d). The small holes are formed in a mesh shape by penetrating through.

  Moreover, in addition to the structure of Claim 1 or 2, this invention which concerns on Claim 3 has a semi-transparent mirror (13) between the said keytop (5) and the said translucent member (10). It is provided so as to transmit light only in one direction from the light transmitting member side to the key top side.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to the first or second aspect, a translucent mirror (13) is provided on the surface of the key top (5) from the key top side. It is characterized by being provided so as to transmit light only in one side direction to the opposite side.

  Furthermore, the present invention according to claim 5 is the method of manufacturing the illumination type push button switch cover member (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the key top (5) has a display portion (8). ), A key top decorating step for forming the light shielding layer (9), a key sheet forming step for preparing an integral body in which the light transmitting opening (3d) is closed with a closing member, A key top joining step for joining the key top to the integrated body so that the sheet main body (3c) and the closing member abut against the key top; and the translucent member (10) by punching the closing member. And a key sheet placing step of placing the key sheet (3) and the key top on the circuit board (2). It is characterized by

  Here, in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, the description has been made in association with the reference numerals of the drawings representing the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, since the key sheet surrounding the light source has a light-shielding property, it is possible to prevent light leakage of the light source, and to transmit the illumination light from the light source. By diffusing the material and guiding it to the key top, it is possible to widen the illumination light projection area without reducing the key top joint area, so ensuring the amount of light emitted to the key top and preventing the key top from falling off. It is possible to achieve both.

  According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, since the display unit floats on the key top, the key input operation in the dark place is further facilitated.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, an illuminated pushbutton switch cover member having the above-described effects can be manufactured.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
Embodiment 1 of the Invention

  FIG. 1 is a diagram according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1 has a circuit board 2, and a light-shielding key sheet 3 made of black silicone rubber is placed on the circuit board 2. . The key sheet 3 includes a base portion 3a, a skirt portion 3b, a sheet main body 3c, and a translucent opening 3d. Here, the base portion 3a is placed on the circuit board 2, and a sheet body 3c is continuously provided above the base portion 3a via a skirt portion 3b. Further, a light-transmitting opening 3d is formed in the center of the sheet body 3c so as to penetrate vertically.

  Then, on the upper side of the key sheet 3, as shown in FIG. 1, an adhesive layer is formed so that the key top 5 made of a hard material such as transparent polycarbonate resin closes the upper side of the transparent opening 3 d of the key sheet 3. The key top 5 is fitted in the fitting hole 6 a of the case 6. The key top 5 has a structure in which a flange portion (a collar portion) 5b is provided around a lower portion of a hexahedral key top main body 5a. The key top 5 extends from the key top main body 5a to the flange portion 5b. The light shielding layer 9 is formed on the surface of the key top body 5a so as to represent the display portion 8 such as predetermined characters, numbers, symbols, symbols, and the like in a die shape.

  On the circuit board 2, a light source 7 such as a light emitting diode is mounted below the light transmitting opening 3 d of the key sheet 3 as shown in FIG. 1. Above the light source 7, a translucent member 10 is provided integrally with the key sheet 3 so as to connect the sheet main body 3 c of the key sheet 3 and the key top main body 5 a of the key top 5. Is a plurality of (two or more) small holes (diameter 0.05 to 0.2 mm) in a light-shielding disc-shaped closing member made of black silicone rubber that closes the upper part of the light transmitting opening 3d of the key sheet 3. About a round hole or the like) is formed in a mesh shape (mesh shape). Further, a contact 11 is placed on the circuit board 2 so as to surround the light source 7, and a contact 12 is attached to the bottom surface of the sheet body 3 c of the key sheet 3 so as to face the contact 11. Yes.

  In addition, when manufacturing this illumination type pushbutton switch cover member 1, it follows the following procedure.

  First, in the key top decorating process, the light shielding layer 9 is formed by painting so that the display portion 8 is represented in a die shape on the key top 5.

  Next, the process proceeds to a key sheet forming step, and an integrated body in which the upper part of the light transmitting opening 3d of the key sheet 3 is closed with a closing member is prepared.

  Specifically, for example, it can be prepared by molding as follows. That is, 100 parts by mass of a silicone rubber compound (for example, “KE-951U” manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 2 parts by mass of a crosslinking agent (for example, “C-8” manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) Then, 2 parts by mass of a carbon colorant (for example, “KE-COLOR-CB” manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) is kneaded with two rolls and then sheeted. Then, a separately formed contact 12 having a diameter of 3 mm is disposed on the mold, and then the previously seated compound sheet is disposed on the contact 12 and compression molded at 160 ° C. for 5 minutes. Excess burrs of the molded compound sheet are cut off to prepare an integrated body in which the upper part of the light transmission opening 3d of the key sheet 3 is closed with a closing member.

  Next, the process proceeds to a key top joining step, and the key top 5 is bonded to the upper side of the integrated body with an adhesive. As this adhesive, cyanoacrylate-based, moisture-curable silicone-based adhesive, epoxy-based, urethane-based thermosetting adhesive, and the like can be used. At this time, the bonding operation is performed so that the sheet main body 3 c of the key sheet 3 and the entire upper surface of the closing member are in contact with the bottom surface of the key top 5.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to a key sheet punching process, and the closing member blocking the upper part of the light transmitting opening 3d of the key sheet 3 is punched by a laser such as a CO ₂ laser, a YAG laser, or an excimer laser. Thus, the translucent member 10 is formed.

  Finally, the process proceeds to the key sheet placing step, and the key sheet 3 and the key top 5 are placed on the circuit board 2. At this time, the contact 12 is positioned so as to face the contact 11. Then, the translucent opening 3d of the key sheet 3 is positioned above the light source 7, and the key top 5 is fitted into the fitting hole 6a of the case 6.

  Here, the manufacturing operation of the illumination type push button switch cover member 1 is completed, and the illumination type push button switch cover member 1 is completed.

  In the illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1, when the light source 7 shines, the illumination light passes through the translucent opening 3 d of the key sheet 3 and the translucent member 10 and is projected onto the key top 5. The key top 5 becomes brighter. As a result, the display unit 8 is displayed brightly, and the key input operation in the dark place becomes easy.

  At this time, since the key sheet 3 surrounding the light source 7 has a light shielding property, light leakage of the light source 7 can be prevented.

In addition, since the illumination light from the light source 7 is scattered by the translucent member 10 and guided to the key top 5, the illumination light projection area can be expanded without reducing the adhesion area (joint area) of the key top 5. it can. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both ensuring the amount of light emitted to the key top 5 and preventing the key top 5 from peeling off.
[Embodiment 2 of the Invention]

  FIG. 2 is a diagram according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

  In this illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1, as shown in FIG. 2, a translucent mirror (half mirror) 13 is interposed between the key top 5 and the translucent member 10 over the entire upper surface of the translucent member 10. The translucent mirror 13 has a function of transmitting light only in one direction from the light transmitting member 10 side to the key top 5 side. The translucent mirror 13 is formed on the translucent member 10 by using, for example, a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method, a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) method, a hot stamp, or a method of attaching a vapor-deposited sheet member. It can be provided by forming a thin film. Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

Therefore, this illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1 has the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above. In addition to this, the illumination light projected from the light source 7 through the transparent opening 3d of the key sheet 3 and projected onto the key top 5 is reflected by the light shielding layer 9 and then by the translucent mirror 13. To repeat this, the display unit 8 floats on the key top 5. As a result, the key input operation in the dark place becomes easier.
Embodiment 3 of the Invention

  FIG. 3 is a diagram according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  In this illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1, as shown in FIG. 3, instead of providing a light shielding layer 9 on the key top 5 and representing a predetermined display portion 8, a plurality of small holes of the light transmitting member 10 are formed in a predetermined manner. Are formed into shapes such as letters, numbers, symbols, and designs. Further, the semitransparent mirror 13 is widely interposed not over the entire top surface of the translucent member 10 but over the entire bottom surface of the key top 5. Since other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

Therefore, this illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1 has the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above. In addition to this, since the plurality of small holes of the translucent member 10 are formed in the shape of predetermined letters, numbers, symbols, designs, etc., even if the light shielding layer 9 is not provided on the key top 5, Predetermined characters, numbers, symbols, symbols, etc. can be displayed brightly on the key top 5. Unlike Embodiment 2, when the internal light source 7 is turned off, only the semitransparent mirror 13 is visually recognized through the key top body 5a, which is excellent in terms of design. On the other hand, when the internal light source 7 emits light, the diffused light that has passed through the aggregate of a plurality of small holes (shapes of characters, etc.) of the translucent member 10 is visually recognized through the translucent mirror 13. Etc. can be visually recognized clearly.
[Embodiment 4 of the Invention]

  FIG. 4 is a diagram according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

  In this illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the translucent mirror 13 is provided so as to cover the light shielding layer 9 and the display unit 8, not between the keytop 5 and the translucent member 10. The translucent mirror 13 has a function of transmitting light only in one direction from the key top 5 side to the opposite side beyond the translucent mirror 13. Since other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

Therefore, this illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1 has the same effects as those of the second embodiment described above. In addition, since the light shielding layer 9 is covered and protected by the semi-transparent mirror 13, it is possible to prevent the light shielding layer 9 from being peeled off from the key top 5 due to frequent key operations. Further, since the translucent mirror 13 is located on the top surface of the key top 5, the key top 5 itself is recognized as a metal and has an effect of creating a high-class feeling, and further depends on the shape of the opening of the translucent member 10. Therefore, the shape of the display unit 8 can be clearly recognized.
[Other Embodiments of the Invention]

  In the first embodiment described above, the case where the light shielding layer 9 is formed on the key top 5 by painting in the key top decoration process in the manufacture of the cover member 1 for the illuminated pushbutton switch has been described. Metal vapor deposition, laser processing, and printing can also be used.

  Further, in the above-described first embodiment, when manufacturing the illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1, the key top decorating process, the key sheet forming process, the key top joining process, the key sheet punching process, and the key sheet placing process are performed in this order. Although the case where it performs is demonstrated, it is not necessary to follow this order. For example, the order of the key top joining step and the key sheet punching step may be reversed.

  Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the case where the key top 5 is bonded to the key sheet 3 has been described. However, a bonding method other than bonding (for example, the key sheet 3 and the key top 5 are bonded with a double-sided tape. A method of adhering, a method of integrating the two by a chemical bond by using a special material for the key sheet 3 and the key top 5, a locking pin protruding from the bottom surface of the key top 5, and an upper surface of the key sheet 3 It is also possible to substitute a method in which the key sheet 3 and the key top 5 are mechanically coupled by drilling a locking hole and inserting a locking pin into the locking hole.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the translucent member 10 having a plurality of small holes penetrating through the closing member has been described. However, the illumination light from the light source 7 is scattered and guided to the key top 5. As long as it is possible, one large hole may be penetrated instead of a plurality of small holes.

  Moreover, although Embodiment 1-4 mentioned above demonstrated the case where the key top 5 with the flange part 5b was used, it is needless to say that the key top 5 without the flange part 5b can be substituted.

  In the first, second, and fourth embodiments described above, the illumination type push button switch cover member 1 in which the display portion 8 is represented in the shape of a die on the key top 5 has been described. It is also possible to apply the present invention to the illuminated pushbutton switch cover member 1 in which the portion 8 is directly formed.

  In Embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the key sheet 3 in which the translucent member 10 is formed integrally with the sheet main body 3c has been described. However, the translucent member 10 may be provided separately from the sheet main body 3c. Absent.

  The present invention can be widely applied to the manufacturing industry of various devices and apparatuses such as in-vehicle devices, mobile phones, game machines, and remote controllers.

It is sectional drawing of the cover member for illumination type pushbutton switches which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cover member for illumination type pushbutton switches which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of the cover member for illumination type pushbutton switches which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the principal part of the cover member for illumination type pushbutton switches which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cover member for the conventional illumination type pushbutton switch.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Illuminated type pushbutton switch cover member 2 ... Circuit board 3 ... Key sheet 3a ... Base part 3b ... Skirt part 3c ... Sheet main body 3d ... Translucent opening 4 ... Adhesive layer 5 ... Key top 5a Key body 5b Flange 6 Case 6a Fitting hole 7 Light source 8 Display 9 Light shielding layer 10 Translucent member 11, 12 Contact 13 …… Translucent mirror

Claims (5)

A light-shielding sheet body has a key sheet formed with a light-transmitting opening penetrating through it,
A key top is provided on one side of the light transmitting opening in a form to be joined to the sheet body,
An illuminated pushbutton switch cover member provided on the other side of the light transmitting opening so that a light source can pass through the light transmitting opening and project illumination light on the key top;
The translucent opening is provided with a translucent member that scatters illumination light from the light source and guides it to the key top so as to connect the sheet main body and the key top. Cover member for illuminated pushbutton switch.   2. The translucent member according to claim 1, wherein the translucent member is formed in a mesh shape by penetrating a plurality of small holes in a light-blocking occlusion member that occludes the translucent opening. The cover member for illumination type pushbutton switches of description.   The translucent mirror is provided between the key top and the translucent member so as to transmit light only in one direction from the translucent member side to the key top side. The cover member for illuminated pushbutton switches according to 1 or 2.   The translucent mirror is provided on the surface of the key top so as to transmit light only in one direction from the key top side to the opposite side beyond the translucent mirror. 3. A cover member for the illuminated pushbutton switch according to 2. A method for manufacturing the cover member for an illuminated pushbutton switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A key top decoration step of forming a light shielding layer so that a display portion is represented on the key top;
A key sheet forming step of preparing an integrated body in which the light transmitting opening is closed by a closing member;
A key top joining step of joining the key top to the integral body so that the sheet body and the closing member abut against the key top;
A key sheet punching step for forming the translucent member by subjecting the blocking member to a punching process;
And a key sheet placing step of placing the key sheet and the key top on a circuit board. A method for producing a cover member for an illuminated pushbutton switch, comprising:

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