JP2011243530A - Switch module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a switch module which imposes a small burden on users even if the scroll operation amount is large.SOLUTION: The switch module 1 includes a first switch 30 and a second switch 70 stacked on the first switch 30. In the first switch 30, first contact points 31a to 31c and second contact points 32a to 32c, which are able to contact each other, are respectively formed in one or multiple predetermined regions F1 to F3, which face each other, of a pair of insulating bases 31 and 32, and the first switch 30 outputs a signal for identifying the predetermined regions F1 to F3 in which the first contact points 31a to 31c contact with the second contact points 32a to 32c. In the second switch 70, a third contact point 71a and a fourth contact point 72a, which are able to contact each other, are respectively formed in at least one region corresponding to the predetermined regions F1 to F3 of the pair of other insulating bases 71 and 72. At least one of the third contact point 71a and the fourth contact point 72a includes a pressure sensitive electrode layer and outputs a signal according to an input load occurred when input operation is conducted.

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch module that is used in electronic devices such as portable audio devices, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), cellular phones, digital video cameras, and digital still cameras, and has a so-called scroll function.

  With regard to this type of switch, there is known an input device in which contact detection means is arranged on a cover that covers a planar switch, and a fingertip is slid on the upper surface of the cover to move a cursor in the screen. In this input device, from the viewpoint of improving the input operability at the time of a blind touch, a convex portion or a concave portion that partitions the input area is provided on the surface of the cover. (Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-59709 A

  However, the amount of scroll operation (the amount of movement of the cursor and the screen) is large when the cursor is moved by moving the cursor or the display of the operation screen is moved (scroll operation) as in the conventional input device. If it is large, the fingertip must be reciprocated many times, which causes a problem that the operation load on the user is large.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a switch module that can reduce a user's operation load even when the scroll operation amount is large.

  The present invention provides a predetermined region in which a first contact and a second contact that can contact each other are formed in one or a plurality of predetermined regions of a pair of insulating substrates, and the first contact and the second contact are in contact with each other. A first switch that can output the specific signal, a third contact that is stacked on the first switch, and that can contact at least one of the regions corresponding to the predetermined region of the other pair of insulating bases and 4 contacts are respectively formed, and at least one of the third contact and the fourth contact includes a pressure-sensitive electrode layer, and includes a second switch that can output a signal corresponding to an input load during an input operation. The above problem is solved by providing a switch module.

  In the above invention, a pressing contact that is stacked on the first switch or the second switch and further has a metal dome mounted on one main surface of another insulating base material and contacts the top of the metal dome when pressed. A third switch having a conductive circuit layer formed thereon, and a third switch pressing portion that is provided on the input side of the third switch during the input operation and applies a pressing force to the top of the metal dome. Furthermore, it can comprise so that it may be provided.

  In the above invention, the first switch, the third switch, and the second switch can be stacked in order from the input side during the input operation.

  In the said invention, it can comprise so that a metal plate may be further provided in the top part side of the said metal dome.

  In the above invention, the second switch is provided on the input side at the time of the input operation, and includes a second switch pressing portion for applying a pressing force to the third contact and the fourth contact of the second switch. can do.

  In the above invention, the third contact and the fourth contact of the second switch can be configured to be provided in a region corresponding to the predetermined region other than the mounting region of the metal dome of the third switch.

  In the above invention, the pair of insulating base materials of the first switch, the other pair of insulating base materials of the second switch, and the insulating base material of the third switch are composed of one continuous base material. The conductive circuit layer including the first contact, the second contact, the third contact, the fourth contact, and the pressing contact may be formed on the same main surface of the base material.

  In the above invention, the metal dome is mounted on the main surface on the input side at the time of the input operation of one of the insulating bases provided in the second switch, and the pressing touching the top of the metal dome at the time of pressing A third switch in which a conductive circuit layer including a contact is formed; a third switch pressing portion that is provided on the input side of the third switch at the time of the input operation and applies a pressing force to the top of the metal dome; A switch module, further comprising:

  Further, according to the present invention, a first contact and a second contact that can contact each other are respectively formed in one or a plurality of predetermined regions of the pair of insulating base materials, and the first contact and the second contact At least one of the switch modules includes a switch including a pressure-sensitive electrode layer, and a specific signal of a predetermined region in which the first contact and the second contact are in contact with each other, and a signal corresponding to an input load at the time of an input operation The above-mentioned problem is solved by providing an output means capable of outputting.

  In the present invention, since the third contact and / or the fourth contact of the second switch stacked on the first switch includes the pressure-sensitive electrode layer, the operation amount corresponding to the input load applied to the predetermined area by the user during the input operation. Can be detected. That is, the user can control the operation amount of the apparatus by adjusting the pressing force applied during the input operation. For this reason, even when the scroll operation amount is large, the user does not need to reciprocate the fingertip many times. As a result, it is possible to provide a switch module that reduces a user's operation load.

It is a perspective view which shows the switch module which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the switch module shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the III-III line of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the operation sheet | seat of this embodiment. It is a top view which shows the 2nd insulating base material and 2nd contact of the 1st switch of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the one main surface of the spacer of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the other main surface of the spacer of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the one main surface of the metal plate of this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which follows the VIIB-VIIB line | wire of FIG. 7A. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd switch of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the relationship between the load F and resistance value R in a pressure sensitive electrode layer. It is a figure which shows an example of a voltage detection circuit. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a Q region in FIG. 3. It is a 1st figure for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of input operation. It is a 2nd figure for demonstrating the operation | movement at the time of input operation. It is a top view which shows an example of the base material in which the 1st switch, the 2nd switch, and the 3rd switch were formed. It is a top view which shows the other example of the base material in which the 1st switch, the 2nd switch, and the 3rd switch were formed. It is a 1st figure which shows the example of a display at the time of input operation. It is a 2nd figure which shows the example of a display at the time of input operation. It is a 3rd figure which shows the example of a display at the time of input operation.

  Hereinafter, the switch module of this embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The switch module according to the present embodiment is a switch used for input / output operations of electronic devices such as portable audio devices, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), mobile phones, digital video cameras, and digital still cameras. In the present embodiment, an example in which the switch module according to the present invention is applied to a switch of a portable audio device will be described.

  In addition, the portable audio device including the switch module of the present embodiment has a so-called scroll function such as moving a cursor or a screen to select a listed menu or content, and a command for starting the selected menu or outputting the content. At least an execution function to be executed is provided.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a switch module 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the switch module 1 of the present embodiment has an input operation surface F and accepts input of user commands. On the input operation surface F, an operation area corresponding to the content of the command can be displayed as a figure or a character. In the example of FIG. 1, the operation area when inputting a command to move the cursor in the upper direction (in the drawing) of the input operation surface F (command to move the screen relatively downward) is indicated by the letters “UP”. An operation area for inputting a command for moving the cursor in the lower direction (in the drawing) of the input operation surface F (a command for moving the screen relatively upward) is indicated by characters “DOWN”. Further, the operation area when inputting an execution command is indicated by the characters “Enter” between “UP” and “DOWN”.

  When each operation region is pressed, the switch module 1 according to the present embodiment acquires a position signal, an on / off signal, and an operation amount signal corresponding to the pressed position, and outputs the acquired signal to the detection unit 100. As will be described later, the detection means 100 has at least an ON / OFF circuit and a voltage detection circuit.

  The position signal, the on / off signal, and the operation amount signal acquired by operating the input operation surface F are associated with predetermined functions of the portable audio device in advance, and the portable audio device or the like is based on the acquired signal. A predetermined function is executed. For example, the user changes the operation position and operation amount of the input operation surface F of the switch module 1 to change the display of the program list and content list, scroll each list, start and stop the selected program and content, and display You can enlarge / reduce the screen and adjust the volume.

  Hereinafter, each structure of the switch module 1 of embodiment which concerns on this invention is demonstrated.

  2 is an exploded perspective view of the switch module 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the switch module 1 of this embodiment has a stacked structure in which flat switches along the XY plane are stacked along the direction of the arrow P. Specifically, the switch module 1 of the present embodiment includes a key top 10, an operation sheet 20, a first switch 30, a spacer 40, a metal, and a metal layer in order from the top layer from the P1 side to the P2 side of the arrow P. A plate 50, a third switch 60, a second switch 70, and a base plate 80 are provided.

  The key top 10 located in the uppermost layer includes a frame 11. The frame 11 supports the operation sheet 20 and borders the outer periphery of the input operation surface F. Although not shown in the present example, a switch such as a metal dome may be arranged on the lower side of the frame 11 to add another switch function.

  An operation sheet 20 is disposed below the key top 10. FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation sheet 20. The operation sheet 20 shown in FIG. 4 can be formed by placing a molding resin or the like on a film of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or the like. Since the molded resin can be painted and printed, it can be decorated in various ways and is excellent in design.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, a pair of slits S are formed between the central area and the outer peripheral area of the input operation surface F of the operation sheet 20. Since the central area and the outer peripheral part are connected by an arm part Sa constituted by a pair of slits S, the central area is independent along the thickness direction (stacking direction of each switch in FIG. 2) while positioning the XY plane. And can move. The shape of the slit S is not particularly limited, and the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 or 4 can be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the slit S is formed along the long side of the frame 11 of the key top 10. Since the length of the arm part Sa connecting the central area formed by the slits S and the outer peripheral area can be increased, the movable range of the central area can be increased. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the slit S is formed along the long side of the frame 11 of the key top 10, the width along the short side of the arm portion Sa connecting the central area and the outer peripheral area formed by the slit S is increased. Since it can be reduced, the width of the central area (input operation surface F) can also be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the portable audio device or the like.

  Further, as shown in the figure, the input operation surface F of the operation sheet 20 of the present embodiment includes three first predetermined regions F1, second predetermined regions F2, above, in the center and below the input operation surface F. A third predetermined area F3 is provided. The predetermined areas F1 to F3 accept input from the user at the time of input operation. The number, position, size, and the like of the predetermined areas F1 to F3 can be arbitrarily determined. However, in the present embodiment, the predetermined areas F1 to F3 are arranged in a matrix in two vertical and horizontal directions from the viewpoint of improving detection accuracy. Instead, three predetermined regions F1 to F3 are arranged in a vertical or horizontal row along the upper, middle, and lower sides.

  A first switch 30 is disposed below the operation sheet 20. The first switch 30 includes a pair of insulating base materials 31 and 32 on which first contacts 31a to 31c and second contacts 32a to 32c that can contact each other are formed.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first insulating substrate 31 on which the first contacts 31 a to 31 c of the first switch 30 are formed. As shown in FIG. 5, first contact points 31 a to 31 c are formed in predetermined regions F <b> 1 to F <b> 3 on one main surface of the first insulating substrate 31. In addition, the second contact points 32a to 32c are also provided on the main surface of the second insulating base material 32 that is disposed opposite to the first insulating base material 31 in the same manner as the first insulating base material 31 shown in FIG. Is formed.

  The predetermined areas in the first insulating base material 31 and the second insulating base material 32 shown in the figure are substantially the same in the xy plane perpendicular to the predetermined areas F1 to F3 described in the operation display surface 21 and the stacking direction of the switches. Therefore, description will be made with common symbols F1 to F3. For convenience, in FIG. 5, the symbols of the second contacts 32 a to 32 c corresponding to the first contacts are also shown, but the actual second insulating base material 32 includes the first contacts 31 a, 31 b, Second contact points 32a, 32b and 32c having a pattern of a mirror image and each of 31c are formed.

  When the 1st insulating base material 31 and the 2nd insulating base material 32 which were comprised in this way are arrange | positioned facing, the 1st contacts 31a, 31b, 31c of the 1st insulating base material 31 and 2nd insulating property are carried out. The second contacts 32a, 32b, and 32c of the base member 32 are opposed to each other to form a plurality of switches.

  In addition, the aspect of the 1st contact 31 of the 1st switch 30 and the aspect of the 2nd contact 32 are not specifically limited, As mentioned above, one of the 1st contact 31 or the 2nd contact 32 is three predetermined area | regions F1. To F3, and the other one of the first contact 31 and the second contact 32 can be formed in a continuous region including the predetermined regions F1 to F3. Even if comprised in this way, since any one of the 1st contact 31 or the 2nd contact 32 is provided for every predetermined field F1-F3, a switch provided with a counter contact for every predetermined field set up beforehand is formed. can do.

  And when one or several 1st contact 31a-31c and 2nd contact 32a-32c which mutually oppose contact, the predetermined circuit containing 1st contact 31a-31c and 2nd contact 32a-32c will conduct | electrically_connect. The specific signal for specifying the predetermined areas F1 to F3 where the first contacts 31a to 31c and the second contacts 32a to 32c are provided can be output.

  In this example, the first contact points 31a to 31c and the second contact points 32a to 32c are provided in all the regions corresponding to the predetermined regions F1 to F3, but the predetermined region F1 among the predetermined regions F1 to F3. In addition, the first contact 31 and the second contact 32 may be provided in any one or more of the predetermined areas F1 to F3, such as providing the first contact 31 and the second contact 32 only in F3 and F3.

  Further, an insulating portion 33 having a predetermined height is provided between each of the first contacts 31a, 31b, 31c and the second contacts 32a, 32b, 32c, and the first contacts 31a, 31b are not operated. 31c and the second contacts 32a, 32b, 32c can be kept in a non-contact state. The aspect of the insulating portion 33 is not particularly limited, and the insulating portion 33 may be formed along the boundary between the predetermined regions F1 to F3, or may be provided in a region where no contact is provided, or the contact portion is opened. The insulating part 33 may be formed by the insulating sheet.

  When the user presses any one of the predetermined areas F1 to F3 on the input operation surface F, the pressing force along the stacking direction of each insulating base material (the direction indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 2) is changed to the first insulating base material 31. The first contacts 31a, 31b, 31c and the second contacts 32a, 32b, 32 are brought into contact with each other. Then, a specific circuit connected to the first contacts 31a to 31c and the second contacts 32a to 32c provided in any of the predetermined areas F1 to F3 is turned on. Thereby, the switch module 1 can acquire the signal which specifies the predetermined area | regions F1-F3 which the user pressed, and can recognize a user's input item.

  The first insulating substrate 31 and the second insulating substrate 32 of the first switch 30 are flexible polyimide (PI) films having a thickness of about 5 μm to 200 μm. The first contacts 31a, 31b, 31c and the second contacts 32a, 32b, 32c can be formed by screen printing on one main surface of each insulating substrate 31, 32 using a conductive paste. As the insulating base materials 31 and 32, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyester (PE), or the like can be used.

  The insulating part 33 formed between the contacts can be formed by screen printing using a cover coat ink based on polyimide resin or epoxy resin. Of course, the insulating part 33 can also be formed using a coverlay film. However, if the insulating part 33 is formed by screen printing of the cover coat ink, no special parts or processes are required, thereby reducing the thickness and cost. be able to.

  A slit S is formed between the central area and the outer peripheral area of the pair of insulating base materials 31 and 32 of the first switch 30 as in the operation sheet 20. That is, the first switch 30 is also configured so that the central area can move independently in the thickness direction while positioning the XY plane.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a spacer 40, a metal plate 50, and a third switch 60 are sequentially disposed below the first switch 30. Although the specific illustration is omitted in the figure, the third switch 60 has a metal dome 62 mounted on one main surface of the third insulating base 61 and is pressed against the top of the metal dome 62 when pressed. A conductive circuit layer 63 including contacts (see FIGS. 13 and 14 described later) is formed.

  Similarly to the first insulating substrate 31 and the second insulating substrate 32, the third insulating substrate 61 of the third switch 60 is also configured using a PI film, PET film, PEN film, or PE film. Can do.

  The metal dome 62 is made of a conductive and flexible material such as stainless steel or copper-based metal. The shape of the metal dome 62 is not limited. For example, the metal dome 62 may have a dome shape with a diameter of about 3 to 6 mm and a height of about 0.1 to 0.4 mm. The top of the metal dome 62 functions as a movable contact. When the top of the metal dome 62 is pressed, the dome shape gradually reverses and deforms. On the other hand, when the pressure on the top is released, the original dome is self-elastic. The shape is restored.

  In the switch module 1 of the present embodiment, one metal dome 62 is provided at the substantially central portion of the region corresponding to the input operation surface F. Thereby, the switch module 1 of this embodiment can unify a user's input operation and the response from an apparatus by single click by providing only one metal dome 62 in the center of the input operation surface F.

  By the way, although it is possible to provide the metal domes 62 in all the areas corresponding to the predetermined areas F1 to F3, if a plurality of metal domes 62 are provided on the common input operation surface, the plurality of metal domes 62 are mistakenly provided. May be pressed. Of course, even when the user operates a plurality of metal domes 62, malfunction can be prevented by the program. However, it cannot be prevented that the user feels a response as if the user did a double click operation even though the user performed a one click operation during the input operation. The user tends to feel uncomfortable when different responses are returned in response to the operation performed by the user, and when such an operation feeling occurs many times, the user feels that the operability of the apparatus is poor.

  On the other hand, in the switch module 1 of this embodiment, since one metal dome 62 is provided on the input operation surface F, it is possible to unify user input operations and responses from the apparatus with a single click. Recently, portable audio devices are required to be downsized, and this type of problem is more likely to occur as the size of the device is further reduced. However, according to the switch module 1 of the present embodiment, the operation area F is reduced. A single-click response is returned no matter where you press, so the user's input operation and the response from the device can be matched, preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable and improving operability be able to.

  The metal dome 62 is fixed to the third insulating substrate 61 with a fixing sheet so that the top (inside) of the metal dome 62 faces the pressing contact. The fixed sheet includes a sheet member made of a synthetic resin material such as PET, and an adhesive layer such as an acrylic adhesive or a silicone adhesive applied to the lower surface of the sheet member. While the adhesive layer of the fixing sheet holds the metal dome 62, the adhesive layer of the portion where the metal dome 62 is not attached adheres to the third insulating substrate 61, so that the metal dome 62 has the third insulating property. It can be fixed to the substrate 61.

  A spacer 40 is provided on the upper side of the third switch 60. 6A is a perspective view of one main surface side of the spacer 40 on the input operation surface F side, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the other main surface side of the spacer 40. The spacer 40 may be made of a flexible resin, or may be made of a resin having a predetermined rigidity.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the surface of the spacer 40 on the first switch 30 side (upper side) is flat, but as shown in FIG. 6B, the other main surface side of the spacer 40 on the third switch 60 side (lower side). In the vicinity of each vertex, a base portion 43 formed at a predetermined height along the stacking direction P of each switch is provided. The upper surface of the base portion 43 is in contact with the third insulating base 61 of the third switch 60, and a space corresponding to the height of the base portion 43 is formed on the other main surface side of the spacer 40. In this space, the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60 is accommodated. In the input operation of the third switch 60, the third switch 60 including the metal dome 62 can move up and down in a space corresponding to the height of the base portion 43. In addition, when the second switch 70 is input, the first switch 30, the spacer 40, and the metal plate 50 may move so as to contact or separate from the second switch 70 in a space corresponding to the height of the base portion 43. it can. When the first predetermined region F1 and the third predetermined region F3 are pressed to operate the second switch 70, the first switch 30, the spacer 40, and the metal plate are formed in the space formed by the base portion 43. 50 swings in an oblique state with the contact area with the metal dome 62 as the center of movement, and the second switch pressing portion 51 of the metal plate 50 can press a predetermined pressing portion of the second switch 70.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the other main surface of the spacer 40 is provided with protrusions 42a and 42b for fixing a metal plate 50 to be described later. Although not shown, a convex portion 41 (third switch pressing portion 41) for applying a pressing force to the top (outside) of the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60 is provided on the other main surface of the spacer 40. You can also.

  Similar to the operation sheet 20 described above, a slit S is formed between the central area and the outer peripheral area of the spacer 40. That is, the spacer 40 is also configured such that the central area can move independently in the thickness direction while positioning the XY plane. Thus, since the operation sheet 20, the first switch 30, and the central portion of the spacer 40 (region corresponding to the input operation surface F) and the outer peripheral portion are connected by the arm portion Sa configured by the slit S, The central part can move up and down with respect to the outer peripheral part.

  Further, a metal plate 50 such as SUS (Stainless steel) is disposed below the spacer 40. The metal plate 50 is disposed on the top side of the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60. The metal plate 50 can also be constituted by a resin plate having a predetermined rigidity.

  7A and 7B are views showing the metal plate 50, FIG. 7A is a perspective view showing one main surface of the metal plate 50, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a third switch pressing portion 52 for pressing the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60 is provided at the approximate center of the metal plate 50, and the end portion (short side) of the metal plate 50 is also provided. The second switch pressing portion 51 for pressing the second switch 70 is provided on the side). Although not particularly limited, the surface of the third switch pressing portion 52 can be covered with an insulating resin layer in order to insulate the third switch 60 from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of a short circuit. Further, from the viewpoint of protecting the pressed portion of the second switch 70, it is possible to cover the surface of the abutting second switch pressing portion 51 with a resin layer. Further, as shown in the figure, the protrusions 42 a and 42 b of the spacer 40 are inserted into the through holes 52 a and 52 b, and the metal plate 50 is fixed to the spacer 40.

  In the present example, the example in which the third switch pressing portion 52 and the second switch pressing portion 51 are provided on the metal plate 50 has been described. However, the third switch pressing portion 52 and the second switch pressing portion 51 or any one of them. Can be provided on the spacer 40. As described above, in the case where the spacer 40 is provided with a convex portion for pressing the top of the metal dome 62, the spacer 40 is located at a position facing the convex portion of the metal plate 50 (a position corresponding to the second switch pressing portion 52). A through hole is provided, and the top of the metal dome 62 can be pressed by a convex portion provided on the spacer 40 through the through hole.

  In this example, the second switch pressing portion 51 and the third switch pressing portion 52 are provided on the metal plate 50. By configuring in this way, the pressing force at the time of input operation to the second switch 70 is rigid. Can be directly transmitted to the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60 via the high metal plate 50, so that the attenuation of the pressing force is suppressed and the reversing operation of the metal dome 62 according to the input operation to the second switch 70. (Single click response operation) can be stabilized.

  In the present embodiment, since the metal plate 50 is disposed below the first switch 30, the input operation surface of the first switch 30 can be supported by the surface. For this reason, the pressing force given to the input operation surface F can be efficiently transmitted to the first contacts 31 a to 31 c and the second contacts 32 a to 32 c of the first switch 30. As a result, the accuracy of the output signal of the first switch 30 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the metal plate 50 is preferably disposed on the upper side of the third switch 60. By disposing the rigid metal plate 50 on the upper side of the third switch 60 as in the present embodiment, the pressing force applied to any region of the input operation surface F is applied to the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60. Can be efficiently applied to the top of the head. Further, by providing a rigid plate body like the metal plate 50 on the top side of the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60, a single click response can be made no matter where the user presses the input operation surface F. Therefore, the user's input operation and the response from the apparatus can be matched, and the user's confidence in operability can be improved.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the metal plate 50 is provided with a second switch pressing portion 51 and a third switch pressing portion 52 on a main surface facing a second switch 70 described later. The second switch pressing portion 51 and the third switch pressing portion 52 of the present embodiment are formed by bending the metal plate 50 toward the second switch 60 or the third switch 70 using a mold to give a convex shape. However, it can also be formed by bonding a separate resin. The operation of the second switch pressing portion 51 will be described together with the operation of the second switch 70.

  Next, the second switch 70 provided below the third switch 60 will be described. The second switch 70 is stacked on the first switch 30 described above, and a third contact 71a and a second contact that can contact each other in areas corresponding to the predetermined areas F1 to F3 of the fourth and fifth insulating bases 71 and 72. Four contact points 72a are formed. Furthermore, at least one of the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a includes a pressure-sensitive electrode layer, and can output a signal corresponding to an input load at the time of an input operation. The region in which the pressure-sensitive electrode layer is formed is not particularly limited, and the pressure-sensitive electrode layer can be formed in any region of the third contact 71a and / or the fourth contact 72a.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the second switch 70 is disposed on the lower layer side than the first switch 30. Specifically, in this example, the first switch 30, the third switch 60, and the second switch 70 are stacked in this order from the input side during the input operation, that is, the input operation surface F side. Thus, when the 2nd switch 70 is spaced apart from the input operation surface F and arrange | positioned in the lower layer side, the influence by the variation in the pressing force given to the input operation surface F can be suppressed.

  As a case where the pressing force applied to the input operation surface F varies, for example, when the input operation is performed with a touch pen, the pressing force applied to the input operation surface F is greater than when the input operation is performed with a finger. There is a tendency to be detected greatly.

  Specifically, when the second switch 70 is disposed at a position close to the input operation surface F, for example, in the upper layer of the first switch 30, the pressing force varies depending on the input operation method (input with a finger or input with a touch pen). Occurs and greatly affects the output voltage. As described above, when the output voltage is affected by the level of the pressing force during the input operation, the actual operation (control amount) is also different, so that the user may feel uncomfortable during the operation.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the second switch 70 is provided in the lowermost layer separated from the input operation surface F, it is possible to suppress the influence of the difference in the pressing force level on the output voltage. That is, the operation when the input operation is performed with the touch pen and when the input operation is performed with the finger can be made different. As a result, the detection accuracy and operability of the second switch 70 can be improved.

  In this example, the second switch 70 is provided in the lowermost layer, but the second switch 70 may be arranged on the upper layer side of the third switch 60. That is, the first switch 30, the second switch 70, and the third switch 60 may be stacked in this order from the input operation surface F side. Even in this case, the above-described effects can be obtained.

  Further, the second switch 70 can be arranged on the uppermost layer. That is, in order from the input operation surface F side, the second switch 70, the first switch 30, and the third switch 60 may be stacked in this order, or the second switch 70, the third switch 60, and the first switch 30 may be stacked in this order. . As described above, when the second switch 70 is arranged in the uppermost layer, that is, near the input operation surface F, the pressing force applied during the input operation is attenuated by the first switch 30 or the third switch 60. Therefore, it can be expected that the pressing force applied to the second switch 70 is detected with high accuracy.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the second switch 70. As shown in FIG. 8, a third contact 71a including a pressure-sensitive electrode layer is formed on the lower surface of the fourth insulating substrate 71 (the surface opposite to the input operation surface F). A fourth contact 72a including a pressure-sensitive electrode layer is formed on the upper side surface of 72 (the surface on the input operation surface F side). The third contact point 71a and the fourth contact point 72a constitute an opposing contact point, which conducts when a pressing force is applied from the input operation surface F, and the resistance of the opposing contact changes according to the magnitude of the pressing force.

  A voltage detection circuit 100b is provided between the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a.

  Although the formation position and formation pattern of the 3rd contact 71a and the 4th contact 72a are not specifically limited, 3rd contact 71a respond | corresponds to the predetermined area | regions F1-F3 of the 4th insulating base material 71 like the example shown in FIG. The fourth contact 72a can be formed in a region corresponding to the predetermined regions F1 to F3 of the fifth insulating substrate 72.

  Although not specifically illustrated, the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a can be provided in predetermined regions F1 and F3 other than the mounting region (predetermined region F2) of the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60. If the third contact point 71a and the fourth contact point 72a are provided in the mounting region (predetermined region F2) of the metal dome 62, the force applied to the metal dome 62 may affect the third contact point 71a and the fourth contact point 72a. . On the other hand, by providing the third contact point 71a and the fourth contact point 72a in the predetermined regions F1 and F3, it is possible to avoid the influence of the pressing force of the force applied to the metal dome 62, so that the accuracy of voltage detection is increased. Can be improved.

  Unlike the configuration of the third switch 60 described above, the metal dome 62 is mounted on the main surface on the input operation surface side of the fourth insulating base 71 on the upper layer side of the second switch 70 and the metal dome at the time of pressing. A conductive circuit layer 63 including a pressing contact in contact with the top of 62 can be formed. In other words, the third contact 71a of the second switch 70 can be formed on the back side of the third insulating base 61 of the third switch 60 (the side opposite to the side where the input operation surface F is present). . Thereby, since the 3rd insulating base material 61 which comprises the 3rd switch 60, and the 4th insulating base material 71 which comprises the 2nd switch 70 can be comprised with one insulating base material, the switch module 1 of Thinning can be achieved.

  In addition, the metal dome 62 is mounted on the main surface on the input operation surface side of the fifth insulating substrate 72 on the lower layer side of the second switch 70, and includes a pressing contact that contacts the top of the metal dome 62 when pressed. The conductive circuit layer 63 can also be formed. Thereby, since the 3rd insulating base material 61 of the 3rd switch 60 can be comprised with the 5th insulating base material 72 of the 2nd switch 70, since the 3rd insulating base material 61 can be abbreviate | omitted, switch The module 1 can be thinned.

  Incidentally, the top of the metal dome 62 provided on the fourth insulating substrate 71 is pressed by the convex portion (third switch pressing portion) 41 provided on the spacer 40 described above.

  The pressure-sensitive electrode layers 71a and 72a of the present embodiment can be formed by screen-printing pressure-sensitive ink whose resistance value at the time of conduction changes according to the input load. Although not particularly limited, the pressure-sensitive ink is a conductive paste containing conductive particles such as metal particles, semiconductor particles, graphite, and carbon black, and a binder such as polyester resin. The pressure-sensitive electrode layers 71a and 72a formed of the pressure-sensitive ink have a characteristic that the conduction resistance decreases as the applied load is increased, for example, the characteristic shown in FIG. That is, the second switch 70 of the present embodiment can output a different voltage signal according to a change in load received when an input is applied.

  In the present embodiment, pressure-sensitive electrode layers 71a and 72a configured by printing pressure-sensitive ink on the pressing force applied to the input operation surface F, rather than mounting a pressure-sensitive sensor or a strain gauge, are included. Since the voltage signal is output by the second switch 70, there is no cost for mounting a pressure-sensitive sensor or a strain gauge, and it can be manufactured at low cost using a normal printing process. Incidentally, since the strain gauge requires a stroke region in the thickness direction and a hard base, and the pressure sensitive sensor requires a mounting region, it is not suitable for a device that requires downsizing. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since a signal according to the pressing force can be obtained with a pair of counter electrodes, it is possible to contribute to downsizing of the product.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the voltage detection circuit 100b of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the voltage detection circuit 100b of this example is connected in parallel with a fixed resistor R2 having a known resistance value connected in parallel, a variable resistor R2 having an infinite value to a predetermined value R3, and these. It has other fixed resistance R1 whose resistance value is known. The variable resistor R2 corresponds to the second switch 70. And the voltage detection circuit 100b of this example acquires the voltage VR as an output value. The values of the fixed resistors R1 and R2 can be arbitrarily set so that an output value in an arbitrary range is obtained. The voltage detection circuit 100b sends a signal corresponding to the input load during the input operation to the portable audio device side.

  In the present embodiment, in order to transmit the pressing force applied from the input operation surface F to the pressure-sensitive electrode layers 71a and 72a with high accuracy, the second switch pressing portion 51 that presses the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a is provided. Can be provided. The second switch pressing portion 51 may be provided on the metal plate 50 on the input operation surface F side of the second switch 70 or may be provided on the base plate 80 on the side opposite to the input operation surface F.

  As described above, the second switch pressing portion 51 in the present embodiment is provided on the main surface of the metal plate 50 on the side facing the second switch 70. When a pressing force is applied from the input operation surface F side during an input operation, the pressing force is transmitted to the entire metal plate 50 and the second switch pressing portion 51 is pressed down together with the metal plate 50. And the convex 2nd switch press part 51 presses the 3rd contact 71a of the 2nd switch 70 toward the 4th contact 72a along a lamination direction. In the voltage detection circuit 100b including the third contact point 71a and the fourth contact point 72a pressed against each other, a voltage corresponding to the applied pressing force is output.

  As described above, by providing the convex second switch pressing portion 51 that applies the pressing force to the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a, the pressing force applied from the input operation surface F is within a predetermined area. Since it can transmit to the 3rd contact 71a and the 4th contact 72a, the variation of the pressing force given to the 3rd contact 71a and the 4th contact 72a can be suppressed. For example, it is possible to suppress variations in the pressing force applied to the third contact point 71a and the fourth contact point 72a that are generated when a wide range of the input operation surface is pressed and when a narrow range is pressed. As a result, the detection accuracy of the second switch 70 can be improved.

  In addition, by providing the convex second switch pressing portion 51 on the main surface of the metal plate 50 on the second switch 70 side, the convex second switch pressing portion 51 comes before the end of the metal plate 50. Since it abuts against the second switch 70, the end of the metal plate 50 abuts against the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a to prevent the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a from being impacted each time an input operation is performed. it can. As a result, the lifetime of the second switch 70 can be extended.

  As the last configuration, the base plate 80 will be described. A base plate 80 is provided in the lowermost layer of the switch module 1 shown in FIG. The base plate 80 is made of SUS or resin having a predetermined rigidity, and supports the entire switch module 1.

  Subsequently, an operation during an input operation will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a view when a pressing force is applied to the first predetermined area F1 or the third predetermined area F3 of the input operation surface F, and is an enlarged view of the Q area of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the user applies a pressing force FA to the input operation surface F, the first contact 31a and the second electrical contact 32a (first contact) provided in the first predetermined region F1 or the third predetermined region F3. 31c and the second electrical contact 32c) come into contact. Thereby, the specific signal of the predetermined area F1 or F3 including the contacted first contact 31a and the second electrical contact 32a (the first contact 31c and the second electrical contact 32c) is output to the ON / OFF circuit 100a. At this time, since the metal plate 50 is disposed below the first switch 30, the input operation surface F of the thin first switch 30 is supported by the metal plate 50. For this reason, even if the user touches the input operation surface F of the first switch 30, the first switch 30 can be output with high accuracy without being deformed.

  Further, when the user strongly presses the input operation surface F and applies the pressing force FB (> FA), the pressing force is transmitted to the lower metal plate 50 of the first switch 30, and further, the second provided on the metal plate 50. The pressing force is transmitted from the switch pressing portion 51 to the pressure-sensitive electrode layers of the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a of the second switch 70 through the third insulating base 61. The voltage detection circuit 100b connected to the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a can output a voltage corresponding to the applied pressing force, that is, a signal corresponding to the input load at the time of input operation.

  Thus, if the signal according to the input load at the time of input operation can be output with the specific signal of the predetermined area | region F1-F3 which 1st contact 31a-31c and 2nd contact 32a-32c contacted, if the apparatus side Can acquire the contents of commands and the amount of commands input by the user.

  That is, when the user touches the predetermined area F1, a signal for specifying the predetermined area F1 is output from the ON / OFF circuit 100a, and when the user pushes the predetermined area F1 along the stacking direction, it corresponds to the magnitude of the pushing force. The voltage is output from the voltage detection circuit 100b.

  Note that the specific information of the predetermined area is associated with the content of the command in advance. Although not particularly limited, in this example, the predetermined area F1 includes commands such as “move the cursor upward (move the screen downward)”, “increase the volume”, and “enlarge the screen display” belonging to the “UP” command. The predetermined area F3 belongs to the “DOWN” command, and includes commands such as “move the cursor downward (move the screen upward)”, “decrease volume”, and “shrink the screen display”. It is associated.

  In the present embodiment, the pressing force applied during the input operation or a change in the pressing force is associated with a command related to the control amount in advance. For example, it is possible to predefine control contents corresponding to the pressing force such that the moving amount of the cursor (or the screen, the same applies hereinafter) increases as the pressing force increases, and the moving speed of the cursor increases as the pressing force increases. According to such control, the user who operates the portable audio device can move the cursor slowly by weakly pressing any one of the predetermined areas F1 to F3, and strongly increases any one of the predetermined areas F1 to F3. If you press it, you can move the cursor quickly. That is, the user can control the moving amount and moving speed of the cursor by adjusting the pressing force.

  In the present embodiment, the movement of the cursor can be controlled in accordance with the change pattern of the pressing force with time. For example, when the increase rate of the pressing force with time is below a predetermined value range, the cursor movement amount or movement speed is increased by the predetermined increase amount, and then the increase rate of the pressing force with time is outside the predetermined value range. In such a case, it is possible to predefine the control content corresponding to the temporal change pattern of the pressing force, such as stopping the cursor.

  According to such control, if the user who operates the portable audio device presses one of the predetermined areas F1 to F3 gradually and strongly, the cursor can be moved gradually and then the area is further moved. The cursor can be stopped if it is pushed hard or suddenly loses power. As described above, the user can control the movement of the cursor by the change pattern of the applied pressing force.

  The portable audio device including the switch module 1 of the present embodiment acquires a signal corresponding to an input load at the time of an input operation together with a specific signal of a predetermined area where the first contacts 31a to 31c and the second contacts 32a to 32c are in contact with each other. Therefore, the content and execution amount of the command can be acquired by the user's pressing operation, and the above-described control content can be executed.

  As described above, according to the portable audio device including the switch module 1 of the present embodiment, the user can control the scroll speed, the amount of movement, and the like by adjusting the pressing force applied to the predetermined area without moving the finger. Therefore, even when the amount of movement of the cursor or the screen is large, the user does not need to reciprocate the fingertip many times. As a result, it is possible to provide a switch module that reduces a user's operation load.

  Here, operation | movement of the switch module 1 of this embodiment including the 3rd switch 60 is demonstrated based on FIG. 12A and 12B. 12A is a diagram when a pressing force is applied to the first predetermined region F1 or the third predetermined region F3 of the input operation surface F, and FIG. 12B is a second predetermined region F2 at the center of the input operation surface F. It is a figure when pressing force is applied to. In the figure, a mode in which the key top 10, the operation sheet 20, and the first switch 30 are omitted is shown. In the example shown in the figure, the spacer 40 is provided with a convex portion 41 (third switch pressing portion 41) that presses the top of the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60. The convex portion 41 of the spacer 40 is in contact with the top of the metal dome 62 through the through hole of the metal plate 50 and presses the top of the metal dome 62 by the pressing force applied during the input operation.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, when a pressing force Fa is applied to the pressing portion corresponding to the first predetermined area F1 of the operation sheet 20 (not shown), the pressing force is transmitted to the metal plate 50 arranged on the back surface of the spacer 40. . At this time, the metal plate 50 having rigidity is pushed into the lower layer side according to the pressing force Fa without being deformed. For this reason, the metal plate 50 presses the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a of the second switch 70 via the second switch pressing portion 51, and the third via the convex portion 41 provided on the spacer 40. The top of the metal dome 62 of the switch 60 is pressed. Since the top of the pressed metal dome 62 is inverted, the user can feel a click.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the pressing force Fb is applied to the pressing portion corresponding to the second predetermined area F2 of the operation sheet 20 (not shown), the pressing force is similarly disposed on the spacer 40 and the back surface thereof. It is transmitted to the metal plate 50 and presses the top of the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60 via the convex portion 41 of the spacer 40. Since the top of the pressed metal dome 62 is inverted, the user can feel a click. Further, since the metal plate 50 has rigidity, it is not deformed by the pressing force, and the metal plate 50 and the second switch pressing portion 51 do not contact the third contact 71a and the fourth contact 72a of the second switch 70.

  In the present embodiment, only one metal dome 62 is provided in the second predetermined area F2 in the center, and the metal plate 50 (or the rigid spacer 40) is provided on the top of the metal dome 62. The metal dome 62 can be reversed no matter where the input operation surface F of the operation sheet 20 is pressed, and a single click feeling can be felt. Thereby, since the response with respect to a user's input operation can be unified by single click, it can make it easy for a user to confirm own operation.

  Subsequently, a method for manufacturing the switch module 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an example of a base material on which the first switch 30, the second switch 70, and the third switch 60 are formed, and FIG. 14 is a plan view showing another example.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the pair of first and second insulating base materials 31 and 32 of the first switch 30 and the other pair of fourth and fifth insulating base materials 71 of the second switch 70. 72 and the third insulating substrate 61 of the third switch 60 can be formed from one continuous substrate. The first switch 30 includes first contacts 31 a to 31 c, second contacts 32 a to 32 c, a third contact 71 a of the second switch 70, a fourth contact 72 a, and a pressing contact 62 a of the third switch 60. The conductive circuit layer 63 is formed on the same main surface of the base material. Each contact or circuit can be formed by ordinary screen printing or etching.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first insulating substrate 31 and the second insulating substrate 32 are adjacent to each other, and the fourth insulating substrate 71 and the fifth insulating substrate 72 are adjacent to each other. Yes. A third insulating base 61 is formed between the first insulating base 31 and the second insulating base 32 and the fourth insulating base 71 and the fifth insulating base 72. ing.

  When assembling the switch module 1 of the present embodiment, first, the first insulating base material 31 and the second insulating base material 32 are folded with the broken line L1 being a valley fold. Thereby, 1st contact 31a-31c and 2nd contact 32a-32c can be made to oppose. Next, the first insulating base material 31 and the second insulating base material 32 are folded toward the third insulating base material 61 with the broken line L3 being a valley fold.

  Subsequently, the fourth insulating base material 71 and the fifth insulating base material 72 are folded with the broken line L2 as a valley fold. Thereby, the 3rd contact 71a and the 4th contact 72a can be made to oppose. Next, the folded fourth insulating base material 71 and the fifth insulating base material 72 are folded to the third insulating base material 61 side with the broken line L4 as a mountain fold.

  That is, the first insulating substrate 31 and the second insulating substrate 32 constituting the first switch 30 are laminated on the main surface of the third insulating substrate 61 on the side where the conductive circuit layer 63 is formed, A fourth insulating base 71 and a fifth insulating base 72 constituting the second switch 70 are laminated on the other main surface of the third insulating base 61. Each layer is fixed to each other by welding a boss extending from the key top 10. The fixing method of each layer is not limited, It can also mutually fix using a double-sided adhesive tape.

  The base material shown in FIG. 14 is formed in a predetermined region (region corresponding to the above-described predetermined regions F1 and F3) other than the region where the third contact point 71a and the fourth contact point 72a overlap the metal dome 62 of the third switch 60. 2 is a base material constituting the switch module 1. The base material shown in FIG. 14 can also be assembled by the same method as the base material demonstrated in FIG.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the 1st switch 30, the 2nd switch 70, and the 3rd switch 60 can be produced with one continuous base material, material cost can be reduced. Further, the manufacturing process can be simplified as compared with the case where each switch is manufactured separately, and the cost for manufacturing can be reduced. Further, since the first insulating substrate 31, the second insulating substrate 32, the third insulating substrate 61, the fourth insulating substrate 71, and the fifth insulating substrate 72 are connected, the laminated assembly At times, alignment can be performed with high accuracy. As a result, the yield can be improved.

  Finally, a screen display operation during an input operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C. The left diagrams shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C show the screen display at the start of the operation, and the right diagrams in FIG. 15A show the screen display after the operation. “AAAAAAAAAA” in the display example is a menu or content. Menus and contents are displayed in a list form on the screen, and can be scrolled along the vertical direction of the screen. Of the menus and contents displayed in the list, those selected by the cursor are shaded and displayed.

  15A shows the screen display when the smallest pressing force Fx is applied, FIG. 15B shows the screen display when the pressing force Fy larger than Fx is applied, and FIG. 15C applies the largest pressing force Fz. The display of the screen when it is done is shown.

  When the user touches the input operation surface F, specific signals in predetermined areas F1 to F3 in which the first contact 31a and the second contact 32a of the first switch 30 are in contact are output to the ON / OFF circuit 100a. When the specific signal of the predetermined area is output, a menu or a list of contents is displayed on the input operation surface F.

  Subsequently, when a small pressing force Fx is applied for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), as shown in FIG. 15A, at the start of operation, the cursor moves from the list “AAAAAAAAAA” by one line and selects the adjacent “BBBBBBBBB”. To do. When a relatively large pressing force Fy is applied for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), as shown in FIG. 15B, the cursor moves sequentially from “AAAAAAAAAA” in the list at the start of the operation and moves down two rows. Select “DDDDDDDDD”. When a larger pressing force Fz is applied for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), as shown in FIG. 15C, the cursor moves sequentially from “AAAAAAAAAA” at the start of the operation to list up five lines below. Selected “GGGGGGGGG” is selected.

  As described above, as the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the input operation surface F during the input operation is increased, the movement amount of the cursor per unit time (unit operation) is increased, that is, the movement speed of the cursor is increased. be able to. As a result, when the menu or content that the user is looking for is at the bottom of the list, the user can move the cursor quickly by pressing the input operation surface F strongly (increasing the push amount). You can quickly approach the menu and content you want to activate. In addition, the user does not have to move his / her finger to move the cursor or screen.

  Furthermore, when a large pressing force Fq is applied for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second), the screen displayed on the input operation surface F is rolled up, and the menus listed below “GGGGGGGGG” are sequentially displayed. Is displayed. The user may continue to press the predetermined areas F1 to F3 on the input operation surface F until the cursor is on the target menu.

  According to the switch module 1 of the present embodiment configured and operated as described above, the user can control the operation amount of the apparatus by adjusting the magnitude of the pressing force during the input operation. For this reason, even when the amount of movement of the cursor or the screen is large and the scroll amount is large, the user does not need to reciprocate the fingertip many times. As a result, it is possible to provide the switch module 1 that reduces a user's operation load and various devices in which the switch module 1 is mounted.

  The embodiment described above is described for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, another switch can be provided in the switch module 1 of the present embodiment. For example, an input function can be added by providing a metal dome 62 on the lower layer side of the key top 10 frame.

  Further, the first switch 30 and the second switch 70 described above can be configured as a pair of switches. Specifically, a first contact 31 and a second contact 32 that can contact each other are formed in each predetermined region of the pair of insulating substrates, and at least one of the first contact 31 and the second contact 32 is formed. One of them may be configured to include a pressure-sensitive electrode layer. In the switch module 1, an output unit 100 is provided that can output a specific signal of predetermined areas F1 to F3 where the first contact 31 and the second contact 32 are in contact with each other and a signal corresponding to an input load at the time of an input operation. By comprising in this way, since the number of lamination | stacking of an insulating base material can be reduced, the thin switch module 1 can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Switch module 10 ... Key top 11 ... Frame 20 ... Operation sheet F ... Input operation surface F1 ... 1st predetermined area, F2 ... 2nd predetermined area, F3 ... 3rd predetermined area 21 ... Operation display surface 30 ... 1st switch 31 ... 1st insulating base material 31a, 31b, 31c ... 1st contact 32 ... 2nd insulating base material 32a, 32a, 32a ... 2nd contact 33 ... Spacer 40 ... Spacer 41 ... Convex part (3rd switch press part) )
42a, 42b ... projection 50 ... metal plate 51 ... second switch pressing part 52 ... third switch pressing part 52a, 52b ... through hole 60 ... third switch 61 ... third insulating substrate 62 ... metal dome 63 ... conductive circuit Layer 70 ... second switch 71 ... fourth insulating substrate 71a ... third contact, pressure sensitive electrode layer 72 ... fifth insulating substrate 72a ... fourth contact, pressure sensitive electrode layer 80 ... base plate 100 ... detecting means 100a: ON / OFF circuit 100b: Voltage detection circuit

Claims (9)

A first contact and a second contact that can contact each other are formed in one or a plurality of predetermined regions of the pair of insulating base materials, respectively, and a specific signal of the predetermined region in which the first contact and the second contact are in contact with each other. A first switch capable of outputting;
A third contact and a fourth contact that can contact each other are formed in at least one of the regions corresponding to the predetermined region of the other pair of insulating base materials stacked on the first switch. A switch module comprising: a second switch in which at least one of the contact and the fourth contact includes a pressure-sensitive electrode layer and can output a signal corresponding to an input load during an input operation. The switch module according to claim 1,
A conductive circuit that is stacked on the first switch or the second switch, and further includes a pressing contact that is mounted on one main surface of another insulating base material and is in contact with the top of the metal dome when pressed. A third switch having a layer formed thereon;
A switch module, further comprising: a third switch pressing portion that is provided on an input side of the third switch during the input operation and applies a pressing force to the top of the metal dome. The switch module according to claim 2,
The switch module, wherein the first switch, the third switch, and the second switch are stacked in order from the input side during the input operation. The switch module according to claim 2 or 3,
The switch module further comprising a metal plate on the top side of the metal dome. The switch module according to claim 1,
A switch module comprising a second switch pressing portion provided on an input side of the second switch at the time of the input operation, for applying a pressing force to the third contact and the fourth contact of the second switch. . In the switch module according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The switch module, wherein the third contact and the fourth contact of the second switch are provided in a region corresponding to the predetermined region other than a mounting region of the metal dome of the third switch. In the switch module according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The pair of insulating base materials of the first switch, the other pair of insulating base materials of the second switch, and the insulating base material of the third switch are composed of one continuous base material, and the first switch The switch module, wherein the contact circuit, the second contact, the third contact, the fourth contact, and the conductive circuit layer including the pressing contact are formed on the same main surface of the base material. The switch module according to claim 1,
One of the insulating bases provided in the second switch has a metal dome mounted on the main surface on the input side at the time of the input operation, and includes a pressing contact that contacts the top of the metal dome at the time of pressing. A third switch having a circuit layer formed thereon;
A switch module, further comprising: a third switch pressing portion that is provided on an input side of the third switch during the input operation and applies a pressing force to the top of the metal dome. A first contact and a second contact that can contact each other are formed in one or a plurality of predetermined regions of the pair of insulating substrates, and at least one of the first contact and the second contact is sensitive. A switch module comprising a switch including a piezoelectric electrode layer,
A switch module comprising output means capable of outputting a specific signal in a predetermined area where the first contact and the second contact are in contact with each other and a signal corresponding to an input load during an input operation.

Images