JP2012038517A - Switch, housing, and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure a discharge path of static electricity in high density assembly without impairing the operability in a switch mounted on an operation part of an electronic equipment, a housing in which hardware having a predetermined function and the switch are housed, and the electronic equipment including the switch and the hardware.SOLUTION: A switch comprises: a contact point which opens and closes according to force given from the exterior; a buffer member having elasticity and transmitting the force to the contact point; and a discharge member which is supported at a predetermined position spaced away from the buffer member and is grounded.

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch mounted on an operation unit of an electronic device, a casing in which hardware having a predetermined function is housed together with the switch, and an electronic device including these switches and hardware.

  An operation unit of a mobile phone or a PHS terminal device is provided with a switch having an illumination function that enables operation even in the dark.

  The operation unit of such a terminal device is configured as follows, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the configuration of the operation unit is shown in the lower part in order to clearly illustrate the configuration.

  An opening 50A for mounting the operation unit is formed at a predetermined location on the side wall (outer wall) of the casing 50 of the terminal device. Inside the housing 50, a frame member 50F that is separated from the opening 50A by a predetermined distance and is formed of a resin material is disposed. In the space from the frame member 50F to the outside of the opening 50A, the following elements (1) to (5) are sequentially stacked.

(1) An ESD plate 50EP connected (grounded) to a circuit ground of a circuit (not shown) housed in the terminal device and formed as a copper plate or the like having a high conductivity.
(2) Stainless steel plate 50SUS connected to the circuit ground together with the ESD plate 50EP

(3) Conductive board 52 on which a predetermined printed circuit is formed
(4) Key rubber 53 configured as a resin-like substantially plate-like body such as silicon that transmits light
(5) A keypad 55 in which individual key tops 54-1 to 541-n of a plurality of push button switches, which are main components of the operation unit, are arranged.

  The keypad 55 is attached in a state where the tops of the key tops 54-1 to 54-n are exposed to the outside of the opening 50A.

Alternatively, the key rubber 53 includes the following elements.
(1) Protruding pushers 53P-1 to 53P-n which are formed at positions corresponding to the substantially central portions of the key tops 54-1 to 54-n and individually protrude in the direction of the conductive substrate 52.

(2) Among the inner layers of the key rubber 53, a metal reinforcing plate 53R formed in a lattice shape with a predetermined width in a region facing the vicinity of the boundary between the edges of the key tops 54-1 to 54-n.

Furthermore, the conductive substrate 52 includes the following elements.
(1) The pushers 53P-1 to 53P-n are arranged at positions close to the tops of the pushers 53P-1 to 53P-n and are given from the key tops 54-1 to 54-n via the pushers 53P-1 to 53P-n, respectively. Metal domes 52MD-1 to 52MD-n that function as electrical contacts that open and close according to force

(2) Electrical components 52EP-1 to 52EP-p that are attached to a region where the “optical field of view from the opening 50A side” is blocked by the reinforcing plate 53R and individually include light emitting diodes (not shown).

  In the terminal device having such a configuration, the units are linked as follows. In the following, common items to the key tops 54-1 to 54-n, the pushers 53P-1 to 53P-n, and the metal domes 52MD-1 to 52MD-n (light emitting diodes 52LED-1 to 52LED-p), respectively. In the description, reference numerals “54”, “53P”, and “52MD (52LED)” with the suffixes “1” to “n” are omitted.

  Inside the metal dome 52MD, as shown by dotted arrows in FIGS. 5 and 6, the contacts open and close according to the force applied from the key top 54 via the key rubber 53 and the pusher 53P. Predetermined hardware (not shown) housed in the casing 52 performs a predetermined operation according to the state of such a contact.

  The light emitting diode 52LED provided in the electric component 52EP is driven in a state where the key top 54 is to be illuminated, and emits predetermined visible light. Such visible light is reflected at a predetermined location including the nearest location of the reinforcing plate 53R as shown by a dotted arrow in the lower right part of FIG. 5, and then passes through a key rubber 53 having optical transparency. The key top 54 is irradiated.

  The reinforcing plate 53R functions not only as a visible light reflector, but also as a member that increases and maintains the mechanical rigidity of the key rubber 53.

In addition, as prior art relevant to this invention, there exist the patent documents 1-7 listed below.
(1) “comprising current collecting means formed at a position where the detector outside the case of the electronic switch is first approached, and a discharge path connecting the current collecting means and the stable potential of the electronic switch, An electronic switch that is characterized by "preventing malfunction due to electrostatic discharge" by configuring the detector to discharge static electricity through the current collecting means and the discharge path.

(2) “Equipped with a push button made of an electric material, a switch installed at a predetermined interval on the back of the push button, and a discharge means for discharging static electricity simultaneously with the pressing operation of the push button” A push button switch characterized in that “a discharge shock at the time of pushing the push button can be prevented inexpensively and effectively”. Patent Document 2

(3) “A formed product basically composed of a key top portion made of a conductive material, a switch structure portion made of a non-conductive thermoplastic polyester elastomer composition adhered thereto, and a discharge portion made of a conductive thin plate. The switch structure part consists of a thin skirt base that acts as a pressing part spring, the key top part has its rear part penetrating the pressing part, and its last part is a flat contact part, “It is a structure where the contact part and the discharge part made of a thin metal plate are in contact with each other by pressing the key top, and the force (pressing pressure) to push the key top part is 200 gf or more, and the double-sided tape is pasted on the entire back surface Electrostatic shock prevention switch with features ... Patent Literature 3

(4) “A non-metallic operation panel having a display window on which a printed circuit board on which a display unit is mounted is attached on the back surface and facing the display unit and a key attaching unit, and a cooking device for setting a control operation A switch contact electrode connected to the control circuit, a membrane keyboard attached to a key attaching portion of the operation panel, and attached to the operation panel so as to cover the display window and the membrane keyboard, the display window A decorative film having a printed layer formed excluding a portion opposed to the film, and the decorative film side of the membrane keyboard, and when the user's finger charged with static electricity touches the decorative film, the control circuit And a conductive layer for discharging to the earth line, the decorative film is provided at least around the display window, and An operation panel of a cooking appliance characterized by the point that "the second printed layer having higher conductivity than the printed layer is provided in contact with the conductive layer at the end" ... Patent Document 4

(5) "Dial member 21 having hole 21b, pressing portion 41a exposed on one side of dial member 21, insertion portion 44 inserted into hole 21b and slidable with respect to dial member 21; On the other side of the dial member 21, a button 22 having a retaining portion 42 b protruding from the outer periphery of the insertion portion 44, and a press switch 23 provided on the other side and pressed by a pressing operation on the button 22. The protrusion 42d is formed from the insertion portion 44 side to the outer peripheral side on the pressing portion 41a side of the retaining portion 42b. It is possible to reduce the influence of static electricity discharge at the time.

(6) “A metal member that is brought into contact with a member that accumulates static electricity, and a DC power source, a switch, and a primary winding of a step-up transformer connected in series to the metal member. Discharge electrodes are provided on the secondary winding of the transformer, so that static electricity can be induced to the primary side of the step-up transformer, and this can be discharged to a voltage that can be discharged in the air on the secondary side. In addition, by providing a timer for periodically turning on and off the switch, it is characterized in that “static discharge is forcibly discharged instantaneously and a ground circuit is not required”.

(7) “A projection video display device as an electronic device includes a housing and a printed wiring board accommodated in the housing. The printed wiring board is exposed to a substrate, a ground layer provided on the substrate, and an exposed portion. A discharge conductive portion for countermeasure against static electricity, a via provided in the substrate, and a plurality of vias for electrically connecting the discharge conductive portion and the ground layer, at least two or more. The electrical conduction part for discharge and the ground layer are electrically connected through the vias ”, which is characterized in that“ the reliability of countermeasures against static electricity can be improved ”.

JP-A-6-295648 JP-A-10-27529 Japanese Patent No. 3562206 Japanese Patent No. 3702154 JP 2006-100017 A JP 2007-123063 A JP 2010-135230 A

  By the way, in the above-described conventional example, the key rubber 53 (including the pusher 53P) generates static electricity according to the force given by the key top 54 and transmitted to the metal dome 52MD.

  Such static electricity can cause electrostatic breakdown or malfunction of circuits and electrical components arranged in the housing 50.

  In particular, since the electrical component 52EP described above is located at the closest point of the reinforcing plate 53R that is electrically tightly coupled to each part of the key rubber 53 charged with static electricity, there is a high possibility that the electrostatic breakdown or malfunction will occur. Further, the gap between the reinforcing plate 53R and the electrical component 52EP is not necessarily large enough that the maximum charge that can be charged to the key rubber 53 is not discharged to the electrical component 52EP, and sufficient accuracy cannot be secured. There has been a demand for a technique that can realize such electric charge discharge through a discharge path that does not include the electric component 52EP.

  Such electrostatic discharge can be realized, for example, by arranging an “earth spring” on the conductor substrate 52.

However, such “earth springs” have been difficult to apply in practice due to the factors listed below.
(1) Since it must be arranged on the conductor substrate 52 together with other electronic components, particularly in a terminal device that is required to be light and downsized, high-density mounting may be hindered or the space factor may be reduced. high.

(2) Because of the spring structure, the key rubber 53 and the key top 54 must be constantly maintained with as high an area ratio as possible. There is a high possibility that aging will occur, and that electrolytic corrosion will occur at the point of contact with the conductive substrate 52.

(3) When the above forces (including the elastic force of the “earth spring”) are constantly applied to the key tops 54, the force required to press each key top increases, and the operability is likely to be impaired. .

  The static electricity can be discharged through a discharge path such as a wire whose one end is directly connected to the key rubber 53 or the reinforcing plate 53R.

  However, since the key top 54 is frequently moved and the key rubber 53 is also deformed in conjunction with the discharge path, the mechanical strength is not sufficiently secured, so that it is difficult to maintain the discharge path stably. Met.

  Furthermore, the generation of static electricity can be reduced or avoided by, for example, the key rubber 53 being made of “a material that is difficult to be charged with static electricity”.

  However, the material constituting the key rubber 53 includes a reinforcing plate 53R that is a reflector of light for the purpose of realizing the indirect illumination described above, and is a force applied by the operator via the key top 54. In reality, it is difficult to find out because it has a desired elasticity with a thickness suitable for transmitting the light to the metal dome 52MD and light has to be transmitted therethrough.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a switch, a casing, and an electronic device that can secure a static electricity discharge path under high-density mounting without impairing operability.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the contact opens and closes according to the force given from the outside and transmitted by the buffer member having elasticity. The discharge member is supported at a predetermined position separated from the buffer member and grounded.

  That is, the force applied from the outside is used to open and close the contact while being partially absorbed by the elasticity of the buffer member. Such a force causes static electricity to be generated when the buffer member is deformed or displaced, but the static electricity is discharged through a discharge member supported at a position separated from the buffer member.

  In the second aspect of the invention, opening and closing is performed according to a force given from the outside and transmitted by the elastic buffer member. The discharge member is grounded and the discharge member to be supported at a predetermined position separated from the buffer member is loosely inserted, and the contact and the buffer member are accommodated.

  That is, the force applied from the outside is used to open and close the contact while being partially absorbed by the elasticity of the buffer member. Such a force causes static electricity to be generated when the buffer member is deformed or displaced, and the static electricity is discharged through a discharge member that can be supported at a position separated from the buffer member.

  In the invention according to claim 3, it opens and closes according to the force given from the outside and transmitted by the buffer member which has elasticity. The discharge member protrudes from a predetermined portion of the buffer member, and the tip portion is close to the grounded ground member. The buffer member and the discharge member approach the discharge member according to the force.

  That is, the force applied from the outside is used to open and close the contact while being partially absorbed by the elasticity of the buffer member. Such a force causes static electricity to be generated when the buffer member is deformed or displaced, and the static electricity is discharged through a discharge member that protrudes from a predetermined portion of the buffer member and is grounded. .

  The casing according to the invention described in claim 4 includes the switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and an electronic device or an electronic circuit connected to a contact provided in the switch. Stored.

  That is, the electronic device or the electronic circuit housed in the housing according to the present invention can be obtained even when the switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is directly mounted on the housing. Under the electrostatic countermeasures realized by the switch, it can operate without malfunction or failure.

  An electronic device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes the switch according to any one of the first to third aspects and an electronic device or an electronic circuit connected to a contact provided in the switch. Provided.

  That is, the electronic apparatus according to the present invention is realized by the electronic device or the electronic circuit and the switch regardless of the form of mounting the switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3. It can operate without malfunction or failure under the countermeasure against static electricity.

According to the present invention, the discharge path of static electricity is formed without the discharge member directly contacting the buffer member, so that the force necessary to open and close the contact is not increased, and the failure due to static electricity is avoided. Is done.
In addition, the present invention can be flexibly applied to various electronic devices and systems.
Further, the present invention can be applied to various electronic devices and systems without unnecessarily restricting the combination and mounting of the electronic device or circuit and the switch according to the present invention.
Therefore, the electronic device or system to which the present invention is applied can improve the overall reliability without impairing any of operability, function, and performance as compared with the conventional example.

It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of this embodiment. It is a figure (1) explaining mounting of the ESD pin in this embodiment. It is a figure (2) explaining mounting of the ESD pin in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the pushbutton switch periphery in the conventional PHS terminal. It is sectional drawing of the structure of a pushbutton switch periphery in the conventional PHS terminal.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the present embodiment.

  1 and 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same functions and configurations as those of the conventional example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the description thereof is omitted here.

The difference in configuration between this embodiment and the conventional example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is as follows.
(1) A recess 11 reaching the surface (or the vicinity thereof) of the reinforcing plate 53R is formed in a region of the key rubber 53 facing the surface of the conductive substrate 52 and a predetermined portion of the reinforcing plate 53R is located. Is done.

(2) In the region of the conductive substrate 52 that faces the recess 11, a communication hole 12 that communicates the conductive substrate 52, the stainless steel plate 50SUS, and the ESD plate 50EP is formed.
(3) An ESD pin 20 having a configuration described later is provided.

The ESD pin 20 is configured as follows.
(1) It is formed as a conductive angle member having a substantially “ζ” cross-sectional shape.
(2) It has a lightning rod Vel 20L formed in a section from the bent portion corresponding to the lower portion of the “ζ” character to the tip portion and having a sharp tip portion.

(3) As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the lightning rod velvet 20L is connected to the existing front inner panel 50FIP on the inner wall of the housing 50 so that the tip of the lightning rod Vel 20L is connected to the recess 11 through the communication hole 12. It is supported in a state located in the vicinity of the opening.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In a state where the ESD pin 20 is supported as described above, the ESD pin 20 is grounded through the stainless steel plate 50SUS or by directly contacting the ESD plate 50EP.

When the key top 54 is not depressed by the operator, the tip of the lightning rod Vel 20L is supported without contacting the reinforcing plate 53R as shown in the lower left part of FIG.
Accordingly, in such a state, the lightning rod velvet 20L does not resist the force by which the key top 54 is pressed, so the operator can press the key top 54 with the same level of force as in the conventional example.

  Further, since the tip portion of the lightning rod Vel 20L is located in the vicinity of the reinforcing plate 53R, for example, the charge more than a threshold value determined by the distance between the two is applied to the key rubber 53 (for example, the operation of the key top 54 pressed in advance). In the case of being charged, it is discharged through a discharge path that reaches the ESD plate 50EP via the reinforcing plate 53R and the lightning rod Vel 20L (ESD pin 20) (and the stainless steel plate 50SUS).

  Furthermore, the electric charge on the key rubber 53 after the discharge is performed in this way is substantially uniform because the reinforcing plate 53R is made of a conductor and is arranged in a substantially lattice pattern on the inner layer of the key rubber 53. Become.

  On the other hand, in the process in which the key top 54 is pressed by the operator, the distance between the lightning rod Vel 20L and the reinforcing plate 53R is reduced, so even if the charge charged on the key rubber 53 is less than the above threshold, the lightning rod Vel 20L (ESD It is similarly discharged through the pin 20) (, stainless steel plate 50SUS) and the ESD plate 50EP.

  That is, according to the present embodiment, the illumination by the indirect illumination of the key top 54 is realized in the same manner as the conventional example without significantly changing the mechanical configuration, arrangement, and dimensions of the operation unit. Without increasing the force required for pressing, a discharge path for static electricity charged in the key rubber 53 is ensured, and the above-mentioned electric corrosion is also avoided.

  Therefore, the terminal device according to the present embodiment can be improved in reliability and performance at a low cost without impairing the reduction in size and weight.

  In the present embodiment, the ESD pin 20 is supported by being fitted to the housing 50 (front inner panel FIP50), and is configured separately from the key rubber 53 (stainless steel plate 50SUS and) ESD plate 50EP. Is grounded.

  However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a discharge path of “charge and charge on the key rubber 53” can be ensured without acting against the operator pressing the key top 54. Any of the following modes may be used.

(1) In a state where the reinforcing plate 53R nearest to the recess 11 is projected and the key top 54 is not depressed, the tip portion is a "stainless plate 50SUS, ESD plate 50EP or other grounded member" The ESD pin 20 is replaced by a “lightning rod” configured as a shape and size that is spaced a predetermined distance between them.

(2) The above-described lightning rod Vel 20L is replaced by a protruding conductor member which is not provided with the ESD pin 20 and which is formed on the conductive substrate 52 and is projected on the grounded printed circuit.

In the present embodiment, the above-described discharge path is constituted by the lightning rod Vel 20L, the stainless plate 50SUS, and the ESD plate 50EP.
However, such a discharge path may be configured as any conductive path suitable for mounting and component arrangement in the housing 50 as long as the lightning rod Vel 20L is securely grounded.

  Furthermore, the present invention is applicable regardless of the number n (≠ 0), arrangement and configuration of the key tops 54-1 to 54-n and the metal domes 52MD-1 to 52MD-n.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the key rubber 53 is not limited as long as the light provided for the illumination of the key top 54 is transmitted and the force applied to the key top 54 can be transmitted to the metal dome 52MD. You may form by a shape and a dimension.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the ESD pin 20 (lightning rod Vel 20L) can be supported not only in shape and size but also in the casing 50 and the like if the above-described discharge path can be configured. Any mechanism may be used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the recess 11 corresponds to only one specific key top of the key rubber 53 if it is suitable for forming a discharge path via the ESD pin 20 (lightning rod Vel 20L). The key rubber 53 may be formed in any part, or may be formed in advance in all the parts corresponding to the key tops 54-1 to 54-n.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tip part of the lightning rod Vel 20L is formed sharply.
However, the shape of the tip of the lightning rod Vel 20L may be any shape as long as a desired discharge path is ensured.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the key rubber 53 promotes the discharge of static electricity charged on the key rubber 53 by reducing the distance between the reinforcing plate 53R and the lightning rod Velo 20L due to deformation or displacement in response to the pressing of the key top 54. It plays a role.

  However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, if the electrostatic discharge path charged on the key rubber 53 is ensured, for example, the portion closest to the tip of the lightning rod Vel 20L among the portions of the reinforcing plate 53R. Does not have to be displaced when the key top 54 is pressed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the ESD pin 20 (lightning rod Vel 20L) is formed of a conductor.

  However, such an ESD pin 20 (lightning rod Bello 20L) may not necessarily be configured as a conductor as long as the discharge path is ensured. For example, all or part of the conductivity, shape, and dimensions are included. You may comprise as a member set to the suitable value beforehand.

In the present embodiment, the reinforcing plate 53R is also configured as a reflector of light used for illumination in order to realize the illumination of the key top 54 as indirect illumination.
However, such a reflector may be replaced with a member other than the reinforcing plate 53R.

Further, in the present embodiment, the reinforcing plate 53R is provided in the inner layer of the key rubber 53 in order to reinforce the rigidity of the key rubber 53.
However, such a reinforcing plate 53R may be configured as a conductive film formed at a predetermined location on the surface of the key rubber 53, for example, when the above-described rigid reinforcement is not necessary.

  In addition, the present embodiment is configured as a PHS terminal in which the switch according to the present invention is applied to the operation unit.

  However, the present invention is not limited to such a terminal. For example, the present invention may be configured as a casing that is directly provided with the components of the switch according to the present invention and in which the main body of a desired device is to be accommodated.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described mobile phone and PHS terminal, and can be similarly applied to any device or system as long as the switch according to the present invention is provided in the operation unit.

In the present embodiment, the key rubber 53 does not have to be made of a material that transmits light used for illumination when the illumination of the key top 54 is separately realized by components other than the components of the present invention. .
Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be made within the scope of the present invention, and any improvement may be applied to all or some of the components.

  Hereinafter, among the aspects of the configuration of the invention disclosed in the present application, the configuration that is not described in the “Claims” and the operation for each configuration are referred to as “Claim” and “To solve the problem” Listed in a format according to the description in the column of “Methods”.

[Claim 6] In the switch according to claim 1 or 2,
The discharge member is
The switch is characterized in that a portion closest to the buffer member is formed sharply.

  In the switch having such a configuration, in the switch according to claim 1 or 2, the discharge member is formed such that a portion closest to the buffer member is sharply formed.

That is, the electrostatic discharge charged in the buffer member is started with high accuracy by the air discharge that is easily generated by sharply forming the portion of the discharge member.
Therefore, it is possible to more smoothly and efficiently avoid a failure caused by static electricity without significantly increasing the cost.

[Claim 7] In the switch according to claim 1 or 2,
The buffer member is
A switch that approaches the discharge member as the force increases.

  In the switch having such a configuration, in the switch according to claim 1 or 2, the buffer member approaches the discharge member as the force increases.

That is, the trigger for starting the discharge of the static electricity charged in the buffer member is increased compared to the case where the distance between the buffer member and the discharge member is constant regardless of the force.
Therefore, the failure caused by static electricity can be avoided more smoothly and efficiently.

[Claim 8] In the switch according to claim 3,
The discharge member is
A switch characterized in that a portion closest to the grounding member is formed sharply.

  In the switch having such a configuration, in the switch according to claim 3, the discharge member is formed so that a portion closest to the grounding member is sharply formed.

That is, electrostatic discharge charged in the buffer member is started with high accuracy by air discharge that is easily generated by sharply forming the portion of the discharge member.
Therefore, it is possible to more smoothly and efficiently avoid a failure caused by static electricity without significantly increasing the cost.

[Claim 9] In the switch according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8,
The discharge member is
A switch having a higher electrical conductivity than the buffer member.

  In the switch having such a configuration, in the switch according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8, the discharge member is configured to have higher conductivity than the buffer member.

That is, the electrostatic discharge charged in the buffer member is realized more quickly and efficiently as the conductivity of the discharge member is higher.
Therefore, it is possible to more smoothly and efficiently avoid a failure caused by static electricity without significantly increasing the cost.

[Claim 10] In the switch according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9,
The contact is
It is configured as multiple contacts that open and close according to the force applied individually from multiple key tops,
The buffer member is
A switch having a conductor shared by the plurality of contacts and formed as a film or pattern on a surface or an inner layer.

  In the switch having such a configuration, in the switch according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, and 9, the contact point corresponds to a force applied individually from a plurality of key tops. Are configured as a plurality of contacts that open and close each other. The buffer member has a conductor shared as the plurality of contacts and formed as a film or pattern on the surface or inner layer.

That is, since the buffer member is shared by a plurality of contacts, the rigidity is maintained high by the conductor even when the surface area is large.
Accordingly, it is possible to flexibly adapt to various numbers and arrangements of the contacts, and to ensure a stable and accurate discharge path of static electricity that is charged on the buffer member and distributed in a plane.

[Claim 11] In the switch according to claim 10,
The buffer member is
It is formed of a material that transmits light used for illumination of the key top that gives the force,
The conductor is
A switch characterized in that the illumination is performed as indirect illumination by reflecting light emitted from a light source provided for the illumination.

  In the switch having such a configuration, in the switch according to claim 10, the buffer member is formed of a material that transmits light used for illumination of a key top that applies the force. The said conductor performs the said illumination as indirect illumination by reflecting the light which the light source provided for the said illumination emits.

That is, the illumination of the key top is realized by selecting a material constituting the buffer member and using the conductor as an optical reflector.
Therefore, the operability of the key top is enhanced and stably maintained without increasing the cost and greatly complicating the configuration.

[Claim 12] In the switch according to claim 10,
The conductor is
A switch formed as a conductive path for guiding static electricity charged to the buffer member to the discharge member or the vicinity of the discharge member.

  In the switch having such a configuration, in the switch according to claim 10, the conductor is formed as a conductive path that guides static electricity charged in the buffer member to the discharge member or the vicinity of the discharge member.

That is, even when the buffer member is shared by a plurality of contacts, static electricity charged on the buffer member and distributed in a plane is discharged through the discharge member by being aggregated by the conductor. The
Accordingly, it is possible to flexibly adapt to various numbers and arrangements of the contacts, and to smoothly and efficiently avoid a failure caused by static electricity.

[Claim 13] In the switch according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12,
An electronic device or an electronic circuit is disposed at a position facing the conductor in a region sandwiched between the buffer member and the contact.

  In the switch having such a configuration, the switch according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 is sandwiched between the buffer member and the contact. An electronic device or an electronic circuit is disposed at a position facing the conductor in the region.

Such electronic devices and electronic circuits are arranged in a space in which the switch according to the present invention is mounted.
Therefore, for example, various electronic devices and electronic circuits can be mounted at high density in addition to the light emitting element that emits “light for illumination of the key top” according to claim 11.

11 Dimple 12 Communication hole 20 ESD pin 20L Lightning rod Vel 50 Case 50A Opening 50EP ESD plate 50F Frame member 50FIP Front inner panel 50SUS Stainless steel plate 52 Conductive substrate 52EP Electrical component 52MD Metal dome 53 Key rubber 53P Pusher 53R Reinforcement plate 54 Key top 55 Keypad

Claims (5)

A contact that opens and closes in response to an external force,
A buffer member having elasticity and transmitting the force to the contact;
And a discharge member supported at a predetermined position separated from the buffer member and grounded. A contact that opens and closes in response to an external force,
A buffer member having elasticity and transmitting the force to the contact;
A switch comprising: a case in which a discharge member to be grounded and supported at a predetermined position separated from the buffer member is loosely inserted, and the contact and the buffer member are stored. A contact that opens and closes in response to an external force,
A buffer member having elasticity and transmitting the force to the contact;
A discharge member that protrudes from a predetermined portion of the buffer member and has a tip close to a grounded ground member;
The buffer member and the discharge member are
A switch that approaches the discharge member according to the force.   A housing in which the switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and an electronic device or an electronic circuit connected to a contact provided in the switch are accommodated. A switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An electronic device comprising: an electronic device or an electronic circuit connected to a contact provided in the switch.