JP2011119099A - Operation key structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve problems of necessity to print characters and pictorial diagrams per kind regardless of key tops of the same shape and of possibility of the occurrence of a problem of arranging an operation key at the wrong position in manufacturing in case of the key tops of the same shape, in a conventionally used device having a plurality of kinds of operation keys. <P>SOLUTION: An operation key structure includes: a switch body disposed on a printed board; a lighting means disposed on the printed board in the vicinity of the switch body; a rubber switch disposed above the switch body and depressed to depress the switch body; a light diffusion sheet disposed above the rubber switch and diffusing light from the lighting means; and the key top disposed above the light diffusion sheet, made of a light transmissive resin and depressed to depress the rubber switch to depress the switch body. The characters and pictorial diagrams, which can be visibly confirmed when viewed from a key top depressing direction, are printed on the light diffusion sheet. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation key structure for switching a switch on and off by pressing a key top.

  The operation key is used for various purposes such as a key for operating a personal computer, a mobile phone, and an audio device, as well as a key for operating an instrument such as a controller or a recorder. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining general operation keys. In general, these operation keys are operated by depressing the key top (0601) to switch a switch body (0603) such as a tact switch (registered trademark) disposed below the key top via the rubber switch (0602). By pressing, operations such as ON and OFF are performed.

  In such an operation key, when characters or pictures representing the function of the operation key are printed on the surface of the key top (0604), the key top surface is pressed by a user's finger or the like, so that printing is performed as time passes. Problems such as peeling off occurred.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 is characterized in that a character or a picture representing the function of the operation key is printed not on the front surface of the key top but on the back surface. Thereby, even if it is used for many years, there is no fear that the character and the picture showing the function printed on the back side of the operation key will be peeled off.

JP 2001-31934 A

  However, with the operation keys shown in Patent Document 1, in an apparatus having a plurality of types of operation keys (for example, a keyboard of a personal computer, a mobile phone, a controller, etc.) It is necessary to print characters and pictures for each key type. Further, in the case of the key top having the same shape, there is a possibility that a problem such as a wrong position of the operation key at the time of manufacturing the device may occur.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention provides the following operation key structure. As a first invention, the switch body installed on the printed circuit board, the illumination means disposed on the printed circuit board in the vicinity of the switch body, and the switch body disposed above the switch body, corresponding to pressing itself A rubber switch that depresses the switch, a light diffusion sheet that is disposed above the rubber switch and diffuses light from the illumination means, and is disposed above the light diffusion sheet and is made of a light-transmitting resin. An operation in which a character top and a figure that are visible when the key top is viewed in the pressing direction are printed on the light diffusion sheet. Provides a key structure.

  As a second invention, the light diffusing sheet includes a light diffusing layer for diffusing light from the illuminating means, a printing layer on which characters and pictures are printed on the light diffusing layer, and the printing layer includes the key. There is provided an operation key structure according to a first invention, comprising a laminate layer for protecting a printed layer from being worn by friction with a top.

  As a third invention, when the light diffusion sheet is disposed on the rubber switch, the light diffusion sheet has the holes for determining the vertical and horizontal positions, as described in the first invention or the second invention. Provides an operation key structure.

  As a fourth invention, in the operation key structure having a plurality of key tops and switch bodies, the diffusion sheet is an integrated light diffusion sheet in which light diffusion sheets corresponding to a plurality of key tops are integrated. An operation key structure according to any one of the first to third inventions is provided.

  By using the operation key structure of the present invention, it is not necessary to perform printing for light diffusion in addition to characters and pictures on each operation key, so that the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost can be kept small. Further, like the light diffusion sheet in the operation key structure of the present invention, the light diffusion sheet has a three-layer structure of a light diffusion layer, a printing layer, and a laminate layer, thereby preventing the printing layer from being peeled off and durable. It becomes possible to improve the property. Furthermore, by using an integrated light diffusing sheet as in the operation key structure of the present invention or by providing a hole for alignment, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing process and easily and accurately manufacture the operation key structure. Become.

Conceptual diagram for explaining the operation key structure of the first embodiment. Conceptual diagram for explaining the operation key structure of the second embodiment Conceptual diagram for explaining the operation key structure of the third embodiment Conceptual diagram for explaining the operation key structure of the third embodiment Conceptual diagram for explaining the operation key structure of the third embodiment Conceptual diagram for explaining a conventional example

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention should not be limited to these embodiments at all, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

The first embodiment mainly relates to claim 1 and the like. The second embodiment mainly relates to claim 2 and the like. The third embodiment mainly relates to claims 3 and 4.
<< Embodiment 1 >>
<Overview of Embodiment 1>

This embodiment is characterized in that characters and pictures are printed on a light diffusion sheet without performing light diffusive printing in addition to characters and pictures representing the function of the operation key on the top surface and back surface of the key top. Is an operation key structure. By configuring like the operation key structure of this embodiment, it is not necessary to perform printing on each key top, and the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost can be reduced.
<Configuration of Embodiment 1>

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation key structure of this embodiment. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram when the operation key structure of this embodiment is viewed from a cross section. The operation key structure of this embodiment includes a switch body (0102) installed on a printed circuit board (0101), illumination means (0103) disposed on the printed circuit board in the vicinity of the switch body, and an upper part of the switch body. A rubber switch (0104) that is disposed and depresses the switch in response to being depressed; a light diffusion sheet (0105) that is disposed above the rubber switch and diffuses light from the illumination means; and The light diffusing sheet is made of a light transmissive resin, and includes a key top (0106) that depresses the rubber switch and depresses the switch body when the self is depressed, and the light diffusing sheet includes a key top. Characters and pictures that are visible when the top is viewed in the pressing direction are printed. In FIG. 1, the front panel that supports the key top is omitted.

  The “switch body” is a switch that is generally turned on or off by pressing a key top such as a tact switch (registered trademark). The switch body is installed on the printed circuit board of the device on which the operation keys are mounted.

  The “illuminating means” is arranged on the printed circuit board in the vicinity of the switch main body described above, and is a means for improving visibility in the dark such as at night, and for prompting the user to pay attention and warning. The light emitted from the illuminating means is diffused by the light diffusion sheet through a rubber switch described later, and illuminates the key top uniformly from the back surface. Specific lighting means include LEDs and lamps, but are not particularly limited, and are design matters appropriately determined according to the purpose and apparatus.

  The “rubber switch” is disposed above the above-described switch body and below a light diffusion sheet described later, and is made of a soft resin such as rubber or silicone resin. When the key top is pressed, the rubber switch transmits the pressing to the switch body, and gives a restoring force to return the key top to the original position when the user's finger is separated from the key top. The rubber switch of the present embodiment desirably has a light transmissive property such as transparent or translucent, or a light diffusing property so that light emitted from the above-described illumination means illuminates the light diffusing sheet or the key top.

  The “light diffusion sheet” is disposed above the rubber switch described above and below a key top described later. The light diffusing sheet diffuses the light emitted from the illumination means and illuminates the key tops uniformly. The light diffusing sheet is printed with characters and pictures that are visible when the user views the key top in the pressing direction, that is, when viewed from the top of the key top. This character or picture represents the function of the operation key, and is, for example, an arrow indicating up, down, left, or right, or a character such as a number for setting the apparatus.

The “key top” is disposed above the light diffusion sheet. The key top is made of a light-transmitting material such as transparent or translucent material such as a light-transmitting resin so that characters and pictures printed on the light diffusion sheet can be visually recognized. The shape of the key top can be changed as appropriate depending on the type and use of the apparatus.
<Embodiment 1 effect>

According to the operation key structure of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to perform printing to have light diffusibility in addition to characters and drawings on each operation key, so that the manufacturing process and manufacturing cost can be reduced.
<< Embodiment 2 >>
<Overview of Embodiment 2>

The present embodiment is characterized in that, in the operation key structure described in the first embodiment, the light diffusion sheet includes a light diffusion layer, a printing layer, and a laminate layer. By further disposing a laminate layer on the printed layer printed on the light diffusion sheet, it is possible to prevent the printed layer from being peeled off.
<Configuration of Embodiment 2>

  FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the light diffusion sheet (0200) of this embodiment. The operation key structure of this embodiment includes a light diffusion layer (0201) in which the light diffusion sheet diffuses light from the illumination means, a print layer (0202) on which characters and pictures are printed on the light diffusion layer, and a print layer Comprises a laminate layer (0203) that protects the printed layer from being worn by friction with the key top.

  The “light diffusion layer” is provided for diffusing light so that light emitted from the illumination means appears uniformly on the key top. The light diffusion layer is a so-called light diffusion plate or light diffusion film. Therefore, the light diffusion layer is formed with a pattern such as printing for diffusing light.

  The “printing layer” is composed of ink printed on the light diffusion layer, such as letters and pictures. These characters and pictures are characters and pictures that are visually recognized when viewed from the key top described in the first embodiment.

The “laminate layer” is disposed at the uppermost portion of the light diffusion sheet, that is, the portion that contacts the lower surface of the key top. In the operation key structure according to the present invention, the key top and the light diffusion sheet are not fixed. Therefore, when the key top is pressed or moved, friction occurs between the bottom surface of the key top and the light diffusing sheet. You may not be able to see. Therefore, in the operation key structure of the present embodiment, the light diffusion sheet has a laminate layer for protecting the printing layer. The laminate layer needs to be a light transmissive layer so that the printed layer is visible when viewed from the key top in the pressing direction. Further, it is desirable to use a material that does not easily wear when friction occurs with the bottom surface of the key top.
<Embodiment 2 Effect>

Like the light diffusing sheet in the operation key structure of the present embodiment, the light diffusing sheet has a three-layer structure of a light diffusing layer, a printing layer, and a laminate layer, thereby preventing the printing layer from being peeled off. It becomes possible.
<< Embodiment 3 >>
<Overview of Embodiment 3>

The operation key structure of the present embodiment is an operation key structure having a plurality of key tops and switch bodies, and a light diffusing sheet is not arranged for each key top and switch body, and the plurality of key tops and switch bodies are arranged. The operation key structure is characterized in that one light diffusion sheet is made to correspond together. In addition, the operation key structure is characterized in that the light diffusion sheet is further provided with a hole for adjusting the arrangement position of the light diffusion sheet to a correct position.
<Configuration of Embodiment 3>

  In the operation key structure of this embodiment, in the operation key having a plurality of key top switches, the diffusion sheet is not divided into a plurality of key tops, but the light diffusion sheets corresponding to the plurality of key tops are integrated. It is an integrated light diffusion sheet. Furthermore, when manufacturing the operation key structure of this embodiment, it has a hole for determining the position and direction of the light diffusing sheet so that the arrangement position and direction of the light diffusing sheet are not mistaken.

  FIG. 3 shows a conceptual diagram for explaining the present embodiment. 3A and 3B show examples of instrumentation equipment such as a controller and a setting device. Operation keys (0301, 0302) indicated by diagonal lines in the figure are attached to such a controller or setting device. In general, the operation keys are not only one but a plurality of operation keys.

  FIGS. 4A and 4B show conceptual diagrams when the front panel of the controller and setting device shown in FIG. 3A is viewed from the back side. 4A is an example in which the light diffusion sheet (0401) is individually arranged with respect to the key top (0402) and the switch body (0403), and (b) is a plurality of key tops (0404) and This is an example in which an integrated light diffusion sheet (0406) integrated with the switch body (0405) is disposed. In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the switch body is attached to the substrate and is shown as an integrated state.

  "Integrated light diffusing sheet" is integrated with a plurality of key tops and the switch body, and there is no need to arrange a light diffusing sheet for each key top during manufacturing. On the other hand, it is only necessary to arrange one integrated light diffusion sheet, and it is possible to greatly reduce the trouble of manufacturing, and to reduce the mistake of arrangement in manufacturing.

  Further, the integrated light diffusing sheet is not only applicable to the operation key structure having the same key top shape as shown in FIG. 4, but as shown in FIG. 5A, a plurality of different types of key tops. It is also possible to apply to an operation key structure in which (0501, 0502) is mixed.

  Furthermore, in the operation key structure of the present embodiment, when the light diffusion sheet is disposed on the rubber switch, it may have holes for determining the vertical and horizontal positions. FIG. 5B is an example in which an alignment hole (0505) is provided in the light diffusion sheet (integrated light diffusion sheet) (0503, 0504) having the operation key structure of FIG. By fitting the hole with the protrusion (0507) provided on the front panel (0506) of the apparatus, the position and direction of the light diffusion sheet can be made correct. Thereby, it becomes possible to eliminate the mistake of arrangement at the time of manufacture.

The holes can be applied not only to the light diffusion sheet arranged for each key top and the switch body but also to an integrated light diffusion sheet corresponding to a plurality of key tops and switch bodies.
<Effect of Embodiment 3>

  By providing an integrated light diffusion sheet as in the operation key structure of this embodiment or providing a hole for alignment, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing process and easily and accurately manufacture the operation key structure. .

0101 Print board 0102 Switch body 0103 Illumination means 0104 Rubber switch 0105 Light diffusion sheet 0106 Light diffusion sheet 0200 Light diffusion sheet 0201 Light diffusion layer 0202 Print layer 0203 Laminating layer 0301 Operation key 0302 Operation key 0401 Light diffusion sheet 0402 Key top 0403 Switch body 0404 Keytop 0405 Switch body 0406 Integrated light diffusion sheet 0501 Keytop 0502 Keytop 0503 Integrated light diffusion sheet 0504 Integrated light diffusion sheet 0505 Hole 0506 Front panel 0507 Protrusion 0601 Keytop 0602 Rubber switch 0603 Switch body 0604 Print

Claims (4)

A switch body installed on the printed circuit board;
Illumination means disposed on a printed circuit board in the vicinity of the switch body,
A rubber switch disposed above the switch body and depressing the switch in response to being depressed;
A light diffusing sheet disposed above the rubber switch for diffusing light from the illumination means;
Located above the light diffusion sheet, made of a light transmissive resin, consisting of a key top that presses the rubber switch to press the switch body by pressing itself,
An operation key structure in which characters and pictures that are visible when the key top is viewed in the pressing direction are printed on the light diffusion sheet. The light diffusion sheet is
A light diffusion layer for diffusing light from the illumination means;
A printed layer on which characters and pictures are printed on the light diffusion layer;
A laminate layer for protecting the printed layer so that the printed layer is not worn by friction with the key top;
The operation key structure according to claim 1, comprising:   3. The operation key structure according to claim 1, wherein the light diffusing sheet has holes for determining a vertical and horizontal position when the light diffusing sheet is disposed on the rubber switch. In the operation key structure having a plurality of the key top and the switch body,
The operation key structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the diffusion sheet is an integrated light diffusion sheet in which light diffusion sheets corresponding to a plurality of key tops are integrated.