JP2012089238A - Movable contact body and switch using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a movable contact body to be used in operations of various electronic apparatuses and a switch using the movable contact body that can be operated in various manners with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A substantially dome-shaped movable contact 15 is mounted on the top face of a base sheet 11 at the upper part of a pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 while the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 is protrusively formed downward to be substantially ring-shaped, so that a plurality of electrical connection/disconnection and resistance value change can be obtained from the center part and the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12. Therefore, a movable contact body 17 capable of being operated in various manners with a simple structure and a switch using the movable contact body 17 can be obtained.

Description

  The present invention relates to a movable contact body mainly used for operation of various electronic devices, and a switch using the same.

  In recent years, as various electronic devices such as mobile phones and electronic cameras have become highly functional and diversified, movable contact bodies and switches used for these operations are required to be inexpensive and capable of various operations. Yes.

  Such a conventional movable contact body and switch will be described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, in this drawing, in order to make the configuration easy to understand, the dimensions are partially enlarged.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional switch. In FIG. 5, 1 is a flexible film-like base sheet, 2 is a pressure-sensitive conductive layer in which carbon or the like is dispersed in a synthetic resin, and the base sheet 1 A pressure-sensitive conductive layer 2 is formed on the lower surface.

  Reference numeral 3 denotes a spacer made of an insulating resin, which is formed on the lower surface of the base sheet 1 so as to surround the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 2, and an adhesive layer 3A is provided on the lower surface of the spacer 3 to form the movable contact body 4. ing.

  Furthermore, 5 is a wiring board in which a plurality of wiring patterns (not shown) are formed on the upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of fixed contacts 6 are provided on the upper surface, and the base sheet 1 is affixed to the upper surface of the wiring board 5, The pressure-sensitive conductive layer 2 is opposed to the plurality of fixed contacts 6 with a predetermined gap therebetween to constitute a switch.

  The switch configured as described above is mounted on the operation surface of an electronic device such as a mobile phone or an electronic camera, and a push button (not shown) or the like is arranged above the center of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 2 so as to be movable up and down. The plurality of fixed contacts 6 are electrically connected to an electronic circuit (not shown) of the device via a wiring pattern or the like.

  In the above configuration, for example, a plurality of menus such as names and functions, a cursor (not shown), etc. are displayed on a display means (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display element of the device, and the push button is moved downward. When the pressing operation is performed, the central portion of the base sheet 1 is pressed downward by the pressing operation, and the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 2 on the lower surface comes into contact with the plurality of fixed contacts 6. 2 is electrically connected.

  Further, when a pressing force is further applied thereafter, the contact area of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 2 to the plurality of fixed contacts 6 increases due to this pressing force, so that the resistance value between the plurality of fixed contacts 6 decreases, and the electron The output voltage to the circuit changes.

  The electronic circuit detects the electrical connection of the plurality of fixed contacts 6 and the change in the resistance value, and the cursor on the menu displayed on the display means of the device is displayed, for example, by the electrical connection of the fixed contacts 6. If the resistance value is changed by further pressing at a predetermined speed, it is moved at a higher speed.

  In other words, by looking at the display means of the device and changing the pressing force on the push buttons, etc., the user can easily select the menu by moving the cursor displayed on the display means at a different speed. It was configured as follows.

  As prior art document information related to the invention of this application, for example, Patent Document 1 is known.

JP 2008-311208 A

  However, in the conventional movable contact body and the switch using the same, the plurality of fixed contacts 6 via the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 2 when the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 2 is brought into contact with the fixed contact 6 by pressing. In addition, two outputs corresponding to the pressing force can be obtained to change the resistance value by further pressing, but if more various operations are to be performed, more pressure-sensitive conductive layers and A fixed contact or a movable contact is required, resulting in a complicated configuration, an increase in the number of parts used, and an increase in cost.

  The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and an object thereof is to provide a movable contact body capable of various operations with a simple configuration and a switch using the same.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a substantially dome-shaped movable contact is placed on the upper surface of the base sheet above the pressure-sensitive conductive layer, and the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer is formed to protrude downward in a substantially ring shape. When a switch is formed, a plurality of electrical contacts and changes in resistance value can be obtained by the central part and outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer. The movable contact body capable of various operations can be obtained.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the movable contact body according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured such that the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer faces the fixed contact with a predetermined gap on the upper surface of the wiring board having the fixed contact formed on the upper surface. Thus, a switch is configured by sticking as described above, and has an effect that it is possible to realize an inexpensive switch capable of various operations.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an advantageous effect that a movable contact body capable of various operations and a switch using the movable contact body can be realized with a simple configuration.

Sectional drawing of the switch by one embodiment of this invention Exploded perspective view Cross section during the same operation Characteristics chart Cross section of conventional switch

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  These drawings are partially enlarged in size for easy understanding of the configuration.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a switch according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof, and 11 is a film-like base sheet having flexibility such as polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, and polyimide. On this lower surface, a plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive layers in which a low resistance layer 12A in which carbon powder or the like is dispersed in a synthetic resin and an uneven high resistance layer 12B having a fine lower surface are printed and overlapped with each other. 12 is provided.

  Further, on the lower surface of the base sheet 11, a substantially ring-shaped insulating layer 13 such as polyester or epoxy having a thickness of about 20 μm is formed by printing or the like, and the central portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 is slightly depressed upward by the insulating layer 13. In addition, the outer peripheral portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 is formed to protrude downward in a substantially ring shape.

  Reference numeral 14 denotes a film-like cover sheet having the same flexibility as that of the base sheet 11, and 15 is a movable contact made of a conductive metal thin plate such as a copper alloy or steel having a substantially dome shape. The contact 15 is affixed with an adhesive (not shown) such as acrylic or rubber.

  Further, the cover sheet 14 is affixed to the upper surface of the base sheet 11, and a plurality of movable contacts 15 are placed on the upper surface of the base sheet 11 above the plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive layers 12. A protrusion 14A is formed on the upper surface of the cover sheet 14 with an insulating resin or the like.

  A spacer 16 such as polyester, epoxy, or non-woven fabric is formed on the lower surface of the base sheet 11 so as to surround the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12, and an adhesive layer 16A such as acrylic or rubber is provided on the lower surface of the spacer 16. The movable contact body 17 is configured.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes a film-like wiring board such as polyethylene terephthalate or polycarbonate, or a plate-like wiring board such as paper phenol or glass-filled epoxy. A plurality of wiring patterns are formed on the upper and lower surfaces by copper foil and the like on the upper surface. A plurality of fixed contact points 19 formed of a substantially circular central fixed contact point 19 </ b> A and a pair of outer peripheral fixed contact points 19 </ b> B in a substantially arc shape surrounding the center fixed contact point 19 </ b> A are provided by carbon, silver, copper foil, or the like.

  Further, the movable contact body 17 is attached to the upper surface of the wiring board 18 by the adhesive layer 16A so that the lower surface of the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 faces the fixed contact 19 with a predetermined gap of about 20 μm, A switch is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of movable contacts 15 are attached to the bottom surface of the cover sheet 14 in the left and right and front and rear directions. Although the layer 12 is placed on the upper surface of the base sheet 11, only the central movable contact 15 is inserted through the through hole at the center of the base sheet 11, and the fixed contact 19 at the center of the wiring board 18 is substantially ring-shaped. Is mounted on the outer peripheral fixed contact 19C.

  The switch configured as described above is mounted on the operation surface of an electronic device such as a mobile phone or an electronic camera, and has a substantially ring-shaped operation body on the upper side or a push button (not shown) attached to the center. Are arranged so as to be able to swing and move up and down, and a plurality of fixed contacts 19 are electrically connected to an electronic circuit (not shown) of a device formed of a microcomputer or the like via a wiring pattern or the like.

  In the above configuration, for example, in a state where a plurality of menus such as names and functions, a cursor (not shown), etc. are displayed on a display means (not shown) such as a liquid crystal display element of the device, When either one of the front and rear ends is swung downward, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A, the protrusion 14A on the lower surface is pressed, and the cover sheet 14 and the movable one are movable either left or right or front and rear. The contact 15 moves downward, the base sheet 11 bends downward, and the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 formed to protrude downward in a substantially ring shape is formed on the pair of outer peripheral fixed contacts 19B of the fixed contact 19. By contact, the pair of outer peripheral fixed contacts 19 </ b> B are electrically connected via the outer peripheral portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12.

  Further, when further pressing force is applied thereafter, a fine uneven high-resistance layer 12B is formed on the lower surface of the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12. Therefore, the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 is formed by this pressing force. Since the contact area with the pair of outer peripheral fixed contacts 19B increases, the resistance value between the pair of outer peripheral fixed contacts 19B decreases, and the output voltage to the electronic circuit changes.

  That is, according to the operation in which the pressing force is changed, the output voltage V1 as shown in the characteristic diagram of FIG. 4 is output from the pair of outer peripheral fixed contacts 19B to the electronic circuit.

  After that, when the pressure is further pressed and a predetermined pressing force is applied, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the movable contact 15 is elastically inverted downward with a click feeling, and as shown in FIG. The operating force changes from P1 to P2, and immediately thereafter, the central portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 contacts the central fixed contact 19A, and the central fixed contact 19A and the outer peripheral fixed contact 19B are electrically connected via the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12. Connected to.

  Further, when a pressing force is applied in this state, the contact area with respect to the central fixed contact 19A at the center of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 increases, so that the resistance value between the central fixed contact 19A and the outer peripheral fixed contact 19B decreases, and the electronic circuit As a result, the output voltage V2 as shown in FIG. 4 is output.

  That is, when a predetermined pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 or movable contact 15 is pressed, first, an output voltage V1 is output from the pair of outer peripheral fixed contacts 19B to the electronic circuit. Thereafter, when further pressing force is applied, the movable contact 15 Is elastically inverted, the output voltage V2 is output from the central fixed contact 19A and the outer peripheral fixed contact 19B.

  When the pressing force is released, the elastic sheet reverses upward with the elastic return force, and the base sheet 11 also returns to the original state with the elastic return force. 1 is separated from the outer peripheral fixed contact 19B, and the state of FIG.

  Then, the electronic circuit detects a plurality of electrical contact / separation and a change in the resistance value of the central fixed contact 19A and the pair of outer peripheral fixed contacts 19B, and a cursor on a menu displayed on the display means of the device, for example, , It is moved at various speeds such as a predetermined speed and a higher speed.

  When the push button at the center of the operating body is pressed downward with the cursor or the like positioned on the desired menu in this way, the central movable contact 15 is elastically inverted, and the central fixed contact 19A and the outer peripheral fixed contact 19C. Are electrically connected via the movable contact 15, and this is detected by an electronic circuit, for example, confirmation of a menu, display of the next menu, and the like.

  In other words, while looking at the display means of the device, the cursor displayed on the display means can be moved at various speeds by changing the pressing force to the left and right or front and rear ends of the operating body. The menu is selected and the center push button is pressed to confirm the menu and display the next menu.

  At this time, as described above, the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 first comes into contact with the pair of outer peripheral fixed contacts 19B to output the output voltage V1, and then the center of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 is obtained. Since the output voltage V2 is output when the unit comes into contact with the central fixed contact 19A, for example, the cursor on the displayed menu is moved at various speeds according to the plurality of electrical contact / separation and resistance value changes. It can be done.

  That is, by forming the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 downward in a substantially ring shape by the insulating layer 13, a plurality of electrical contact / separation and resistance value changes are caused by the central portion and the outer peripheral portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12. Therefore, it is possible to perform various operations with a simple configuration without providing other components such as a fixed contact and a movable contact.

  Further, a substantially dome-shaped movable contact 15 is placed on the upper surface of the base sheet 11 above the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12, and an output voltage V1 is output before the movable contact 15 is elastically inverted. By outputting V2, it is possible to clearly sense the operation state of which output voltage is being output and to obtain a good operation feeling with a click feeling.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the substantially dome-shaped movable contact 15 is placed on the upper surface of the base sheet 11 above the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12, and the outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 is formed in a substantially ring shape downward. By projecting, a plurality of electrical contact / separation and resistance value changes can be obtained from the central portion and the outer peripheral portion of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12, so that the movable contact body 17 capable of various operations with a simple configuration, And a switch using the same can be obtained.

  In the above description, the movable contact 15 for pressing operation is disposed in the center, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive conductive layers 12 and movable contacts 15 for swinging operation are provided on the left, right, and front and rear of the periphery. Although the configuration of the composite switch has been described, the present invention can be implemented in various switches such as a single push switch and a seesaw switch that can be swung in the left-right direction.

  In addition, the structure in which the low-resistance layer 12A and the high-resistance layer 12B are laminated on the lower surface of the base sheet 11 to form the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 12 has been described. However, conductive particles such as carbon are dispersed in silicone rubber or the like. It is good also as a structure which formed the pressure-sensitive conductive layer.

  The movable contact body and the switch using the same according to the present invention have an advantageous effect that various operations can be obtained with a simple configuration, and are useful for operating various electronic devices.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Base sheet 12 Pressure sensitive conductive layer 12A Low resistance body layer 12B High resistance body layer 13 Insulating layer 14 Cover sheet 14A Protrusion 15 Movable contact 16 Spacer 16A Adhesive layer 17 Movable contact body 18 Wiring board 19 Fixed contact 19A Central fixed contact 19B , 19C Peripheral fixed contact

Claims (2)

A film-shaped base sheet, a pressure-sensitive conductive layer formed on the lower surface, and a substantially dome-shaped movable contact mounted on the upper surface of the base sheet above the pressure-sensitive conductive layer. A movable contact body whose outer periphery protrudes downward in a substantially ring shape. A switch comprising the movable contact body according to claim 1 attached to an upper surface of a wiring board having a fixed contact formed on an upper surface thereof so that an outer periphery of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer faces the fixed contact with a predetermined gap.

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