JP2016167426A - Push button switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thin-type push button switch capable of selectively illuminating an arbitrary area.SOLUTION: A push button switch (100) according to the present invention includes: a light guide plate (9); a first light source (71) and a second light source (72) allowing light to enter from a side to the light guide plate (9); a plunger (6) moving to a pushing direction; a pair of link members (31, 32) in sliding contact with the plunger (6); and a movable spring part (4) bridged between the pair of link members (31, 32) and operating a microswitch (21).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a push button switch, and more particularly to an illuminated push button switch including a light source.

  Conventionally, an illumination type push button switch for illuminating the push button portion is installed on an operation panel such as an elevator to indicate that the push button switch has been operated.

  Regarding such an illuminated push button switch, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a push button switch in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged on the back side of a light-transmitting push button portion. In this push button switch, the push button portion is illuminated by turning on the LED in accordance with the operation of the push button portion.

JP 2012-195072 A (released on October 11, 2012)

  However, the conventional push button switch can illuminate the entire surface of the push button portion in accordance with the operation of the push button portion, but there is a problem that it cannot selectively illuminate an arbitrary region of the push button portion. .

  In recent years, the push button switch of an elevator has a method of embedding in a wall surface and a wall hanging method attached to a wall surface panel attached to the wall surface. In the wall hanging method, the push button is used to reduce the amount of extension of the operation panel. It is desirable to make the switch as thin as possible. However, it is difficult to make the conventional push button switch thin, and there is a problem that it is not suitable for mounting on a wall-hanging type operation panel.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to realize a thin push button switch capable of selectively illuminating an arbitrary region.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a push button switch according to the present invention is a push button switch that illuminates the push button portion in accordance with a push operation of the push button portion, and guides light from the light emitting surface. A light guide that emits toward the push button portion, a first light source that causes light to enter the light guide from the side with respect to the light exit surface, and a first light source that has a different optical axis direction. Two light sources, a plunger that supports the light guide, and moves in the pushing direction in accordance with the pushing operation of the push button portion, and a pair of link members that are in sliding contact with the plunger are rotatably connected by a connecting member, A link mechanism part in which each link member swings in conjunction with the movement of the plunger and a pair of link members, and moves in the pushing direction in conjunction with the swing of the pair of link members. Built-in A movable spring portion for operating the light source, wherein the light guide emits light from the first light source from a first light emitting region set on the light emitting surface, and light from the second light source. Is emitted from the second light emitting region set on the light emitting surface.

  In said structure, a 1st light source and a 2nd light source are arrange | positioned so that light may inject into a light guide from a side (edge) with respect to a light-projection surface. Therefore, a space for arranging the first light source and the second light source in the thickness direction of the push button switch (that is, the push direction of the push button portion) becomes unnecessary.

  In the above configuration, the pair of link members provided with the movable spring portion for operating the built-in switch swings in conjunction with each other as the plunger moves. Therefore, the plunger that moves in the pushing direction in accordance with the pushing operation of the push button portion can be kept parallel by the pair of link members. In this way, the plunger parallel movement mechanism and the built-in switch operation mechanism can be thinned by moving the plunger in parallel by the link mechanism portion having a pair of link members provided with a movable spring portion for operating the built-in switch. Can do.

  Further, in the above configuration, the light guide emits light from the first light source from the first light emitting region and emits light from the second light source from the second light emitting region. Therefore, by controlling lighting of the first light source and the second light source, it is possible to emit light in different regions of the light exit surface of the light guide. Thereby, the arbitrary area | region of the pushbutton part according to a 1st light emission area | region and a 2nd light emission area | region can be selectively illuminated.

  Therefore, according to said structure, the thin pushbutton switch which can selectively illuminate arbitrary areas is realizable.

  The push button switch according to the present invention may further include a substrate on which the built-in switch is mounted, and the built-in switch may be disposed in a notch provided in the substrate.

  In the above configuration, since the built-in switch is arranged in the notch provided in the substrate, the height (thickness) of the built-in switch protruding from the surface of the substrate can be reduced by the thickness of the substrate.

  Therefore, according to said structure, thickness reduction of a pushbutton switch can be achieved.

  In the push button switch according to the present invention, the first light emitting region may be set at the center of the light emitting surface, and the second light emitting region may be set on the entire surface of the light emitting surface. .

  In the above configuration, when the first light source is turned on, the center of the light emitting surface of the light guide is made to emit light, and when the second light source is turned on, the entire light emitting surface of the light guide is made to emit light. it can.

  Therefore, according to said structure, according to pushing operation of a pushbutton part, the center or the whole surface of a pushbutton part can be illuminated.

  In the push button switch according to the present invention, when the push button portion is pushed, the lighting may be switched from the first light source to the second light source.

  In said structure, when a pushbutton part is pushed in, the light emission area | region of the light-projection surface of a light guide can be switched from a 1st light emission area | region to a 2nd light emission area | region.

  Therefore, according to said structure, the arbitrary area | regions of a pushbutton part can be selectively illuminated by switching lighting from a 1st light source to a 2nd light source according to pushing operation of a pushbutton part.

  In the push button switch according to the present invention, the built-in switch may be a micro switch.

  The micro switch is small and can be operated with a slight movement of the movable spring portion. Further, since the micro switch is turned on / off by a snap action mechanism, a suitable click feeling can be obtained when the push button portion is pushed.

  Therefore, according to said structure, thickness reduction of a pushbutton switch can be achieved, implement | achieving suitable click feeling.

  Further, in the push button switch according to the present invention, the movable spring portion is configured such that the engagement claw portions provided at both ends of the movable spring portion are engaged with the pair of link members, respectively. It may be constructed between the members.

  In the above configuration, the pair of link members can be attracted and urged to each other by the movable spring portion provided between the pair of link members.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, since it is not necessary to add a member that pulls and urges the pair of link members, the push button switch can be thinned.

  In the push button switch according to the present invention, the movable spring portion includes a coil spring that draws and urges the pair of link members from each other, and is spanned between the pair of link members via the coil spring. Also good.

  In the above configuration, the pair of link members can be attracted and urged to each other by the coil spring attached to the movable spring portion.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, since the movable spring portion that operates the built-in switch and the coil spring that pulls and urges the pair of link members together are integrated, the push button switch can be thinned. .

  In the push button switch according to the present invention, the light guide includes a plurality of first reflecting structures that reflect light from the first light source toward the first light emitting region, and a light source from the second light source. A plurality of second reflecting structures that reflect light toward the second light emitting region may be included.

  In the above configuration, the first light emitting region emits light when the light from the first light source is reflected by the plurality of first reflecting structures, and the light from the second light source is reflected by the plurality of second reflecting structures. As a result, the second light emitting region emits light.

  Therefore, according to said structure, the light from a 1st light source is radiate | emitted from the 1st light emission area | region set to the light-projection surface by the 1st reflective structure and the 2nd reflective structure, and it is from a 2nd light source. A light guide that emits light from the second light emitting region set on the light emitting surface can be suitably realized.

  Further, by changing the arrangement of the first reflection structure and the second reflection structure, the positions and shapes of the first light emission region and the second light emission region can be easily changed.

  In the push button switch according to the present invention, the first reflective structure and the second reflective structure may have a spindle shape when viewed from the vertical direction of the light emitting surface.

  In the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the reflection of light from the second light source at the end portion (pointed end portion) of the spindle-shaped first reflection pattern. In addition, it is possible to suppress reflection of light from the first light source at the end portion (pointed end portion) of the spindle-shaped second reflection pattern.

  Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to suitably perform light separation between the first light emitting region and the second light emitting region.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a thin push button switch capable of selectively illuminating an arbitrary region.

(A) is a top perspective view which shows the external appearance of the push button switch which concerns on embodiment, (b) is a back perspective view which shows the external appearance of the push button switch shown by (a). It is an exploded view which shows the pushbutton switch shown by (a) and (b) of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the illumination part and mechanism part with which the pushbutton switch shown by (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 is provided. (A) And (b) is a top view which shows the light emission state of the light-guide plate with which the illumination part of a pushbutton switch is equipped, (a) shows the light emission state at the time of making a 1st light source light, (b) ) Shows the light emission state when the second light source is turned on. It is a top view which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the 1st reflective pattern and the 2nd reflective pattern in the inside of the broken-line frame shown by (a) and (b) of FIG. (A) is a perspective view of a 1st reflective pattern, (b) is a top view of a 1st reflective pattern, (c) is a side view of a 1st reflective pattern. It is a perspective view which shows the mechanism part of a pushbutton switch. (A) is a top view of a pushbutton switch, (b) is AA sectional drawing of the pushbutton switch shown by (a). (A) And (b) is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the operation principle of a pushbutton switch, (a) shows the state before a pushbutton part is pushed in, (b) is a pushbutton. The state after the button part is pushed in is shown. (A) And (b) is a top view which shows the illumination state of a pushbutton switch, (a) shows the illumination state at the time of making a 1st light source light, (b) shows a 2nd light source. The illumination state when it is lit is shown.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to an illuminated push button switch attached to an operation panel of an elevator will be described as an example.

  However, the push button switch according to the present invention is not limited to an elevator, and can be used for an operation panel of other equipment and various other uses.

[Configuration of Push Button Switch 100]
FIG. 1A is a plan perspective view showing an appearance of the push button switch 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a view of the push button switch 100 shown in FIG. It is a back perspective view showing appearance.

  A push button switch 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a variable illumination type push button switch that switches the illumination state of the push button portion 12 before and after the operation of the push button portion 12. In the present embodiment, the push button switch 100 is such that a part of the push button unit 12 is illuminated before the push button unit 12 is operated, and the operator pushes the operation surface 121 of the push button unit 12 with a finger. By operating, the illumination state is switched so that the entire surface of the push button portion 12 is illuminated when the push button portion 12 moves downward and is turned on.

  FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the push button switch 100 shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, the push button switch 100 includes a base 1, a printed circuit board 2, a link mechanism section 3, a movable spring section 4, a connection cable 5, a plunger 6, a belt-shaped printed circuit board 7, a reflective sheet 8, a light guide plate (guide plate). Light body) 9, diffusion sheet 10, character sheet 11, and push button portion 12.

(Base 1)
The base 1 is a rectangular housing member that constitutes the bottom and sides of the push button switch 100. Four caulking projections 13 for fixing the printed circuit board 2 are projected from the bottom surface of the base 1. In addition, the base 1 is provided with a pair of support portions 14 and 15 that project the link members 31 and 32 on two opposing inward surfaces. In addition, engagement receiving portions 16 for engaging the plunger 6 are provided on both sides of two opposing inward surfaces of the base 1 different from the inward surfaces on which the support portions 14 and 15 are projected. Further, an attachment hole 17 for attaching the connector receiving portion 22 is provided on one inward surface provided with the engagement receiving portion 16.

(Printed circuit board 2)
The printed board 2 is a board on which a microswitch (built-in switch) 21 is mounted. The printed circuit board 2 is provided with a connector receiving part 22 attached to the attachment hole 17 of the base 1 and an internal wiring connection part 23.

  The printed circuit board 2 is provided with a notch 24 that penetrates the printed circuit board 2, and the microswitch 21 is disposed inside the notch 24. As described above, since the microswitch 21 protruding from the surface of the printed circuit board 2 can be reduced by disposing the microswitch 21 in the notch 24, the push button switch 100 is thin. Can be achieved.

  The microswitch 21 is small and can be operated with a slight movement. Further, since the micro switch 21 is turned on / off by a snap action mechanism, a suitable click feeling can be obtained when the push button portion 12 is pushed. Therefore, it is preferable to use the microswitch 21 as the built-in switch. However, instead of the micro switch 21, a tactile switch or a leaf switch may be used as a built-in switch.

  The printed circuit board 2 is attached to the bottom surface of the base 1 so that the microswitch 21 is positioned substantially at the center of the base 1.

(Link mechanism 3)
The link mechanism unit 3 is a mechanism for translating the plunger 6 in the pushing direction of the push button unit 12. The link mechanism unit 3 includes a pair of link members 31 and 32 formed by bending a metal wire into a substantially U shape, and a pair of connecting members 33 that rotatably connect the link members 31 and 32. Each link member 31, 32 is refracted inward at both ends, and is connected in a state where the refracted both ends are inserted into the connecting member 33.

  The link members 31 and 32 are attracted and biased to each other by coil springs 41 and 42 described later.

(Movable spring 4)
The movable spring portion 4 is a leaf spring member (operation piece) that moves in the pushing direction in conjunction with the swing of the pair of link members 31 and 32 to operate the microswitch 21. The movable spring portion 4 is punched from a conductive plate and pressed, and a contact piece 43 that contacts the microswitch 21 is formed at the center thereof.

  In addition, coil springs 41 and 42 are attached to the movable spring portion 4, and are spanned between the pair of link members 31 and 32 via the coil springs 41 and 42. Thereby, each link member 31 * 32 is mutually attracted and biased by the coil springs 41 * 42.

(Connection cable 5)
The connection cable 5 is a cable bent into a substantially J shape. The connection cable 5 has one end 51 connected to the internal wiring connection portion 23 of the printed circuit board 2 and the other end 52 connected to an internal wiring connection portion 73 of the strip-shaped printed circuit board 7 described later. Thereby, the printed circuit board 2 and the strip-shaped printed circuit board 7 are electrically connected by the connection cable 5.

(Plunger 6)
The plunger 6 is a plate-like member that can be fitted to the inward surface of the base 1. The plunger 6 is attached to the base 1 so as to be movable in the pushing direction in accordance with the pushing operation of the push button portion 12. The plunger 6 is provided with a rectangular opening 61 in the center that can accommodate the contact piece 43 when the movable spring portion 4 operates the microswitch 21.

  The plunger 6 is provided with a locking projection 62 that locks the push button portion 12 on two opposing inward surfaces. Furthermore, the engaging claw part 63 engaged with the engaging receiving part 16 of the base 1 protrudes from the two outwardly facing surfaces of the plunger 6.

(Striped printed circuit board 7)
The belt-like printed board 7 is a substantially U-shaped board on which the first light source 71 and the second light source 72 are mounted. One strip-shaped printed circuit board 7 is mounted on each of two portions extending substantially in parallel to face each other so that the first light sources 71 face each other. In addition, a plurality of second light sources 72 are mounted at equal intervals along a portion that connects each direction portion where the first light source 71 is disposed and extends at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to each facing portion. ing.

  The first light source 71 and the second light source 72 are light emitting elements that allow light to enter from the side of the light guide plate 9. The first light source 71 and the second light source 72 are mounted on the belt-like printed circuit board 7 so that their optical axes are substantially orthogonal to each other. The first light source 71 is individually provided with a first reflection plate 74 that reflects light from the first light source 71 to the light guide plate 9. The second light source 72 is provided with a second reflecting plate 75 that reflects light from each second light source 72 to the light guide plate 9 along the arrangement direction of the second light sources 72.

  Although the kind of the 1st light source 71 and the 2nd light source 72 is not specifically limited, For example, LED (Light Emitting Diode: Light emitting diode) etc. can be used suitably.

  Further, an internal wiring connection portion 73 is provided on the back surface of the belt-like printed circuit board 7 opposite to the mounting surface on which the first light source 71 and the second light source 72 are mounted. Is connected to the other end 52 of the connection cable 5.

(Reflection sheet 8)
The reflection sheet 8 is a reflection member that reflects light leaking from the back surface 91 of the light guide plate 9 toward the light guide plate 9. The reflection sheet 8 is provided substantially parallel to the back surface 91 of the light guide plate 9. By providing the reflection sheet 8 on the back surface 91 side of the light guide plate 9, the light leaked from the back surface 91 of the light guide plate 9 can be emitted from the light emitting surface 92 toward the light guide plate 9. Therefore, the light use efficiency of the push button switch 100 can be improved.

(Light guide plate 9)
The light guide plate 9 is a light guide member that guides light from the first light source 71 and the second light source 72 incident from the side with respect to the light emitting surface 92 and emits the light from the light emitting surface 92. The light guide plate 9 is made of a transparent material obtained by forming a material that totally reflects light (for example, polycarbonate, acrylic resin, etc.) into a plate shape. Details of the light guide plate 9 will be described later.

(Diffusion sheet 10)
The diffusion sheet 10 is a diffusion member that diffuses light emitted from the light emission surface 92 of the light guide plate 9. The diffusion sheet 10 is provided between the light guide plate 9 and the character sheet 11 substantially parallel to the light exit surface 92.

  The diffusion sheet 10 transmits the light emitted from the light emitting surface 92 of the light guide plate 9 and emits the light to the character sheet 11 as diffused light. Thus, by irradiating the light emitted from the light exit surface 92 of the light guide plate 9 to the character sheet 11 through the diffusion sheet 10, the uniformity of the light transmitted through the character sheet 11 can be improved. .

  The diffusion sheet 10 is made of a light transmissive material such as polycarbonate, glass, or acrylic. For example, the diffusion sheet 10 has minute irregularities on at least one of a light incident surface on which light emitted from the light emission surface 92 of the light guide plate 9 is incident and a light emission surface on which light is emitted toward the character sheet 11. It can be realized by dispersing light scattering particles inside.

  Note that a plurality of diffusion sheets 10 may be arranged in an overlapping manner. By arranging the plurality of diffusion sheets 10 so as to overlap each other, the uniformity of the light for illuminating the character sheet 11 can be further improved. In addition, the diffusion member that diffuses the light emitted from the light exit surface 92 of the light guide plate 9 is not limited to a sheet-like member, and may be, for example, a plate-like diffuser plate.

  However, the diffusion member may be disposed between the light guide plate 9 and the character sheet 11 as necessary, and the diffusion member may be omitted.

(Character sheet 11)
The character sheet 11 is made of a transparent sheet, and a light-shielding material is printed at the center thereof so that light can pass through a symbol indicating a vertical direction or opening / closing of a door, or a numerical part indicating a floor number.

(Push button part 12)
The push button portion 12 is a plate-like member having translucency. The surface of the push button unit 12 functions as an operation surface 121 operated by an operator. A flange 122 is formed at the lower end portion of the push button portion 12. The flange 122 is provided with a notch 123 capable of locking the locking projection 62 of the plunger 6.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the illumination unit 100a and the mechanism unit 100b included in the push button switch 100. FIG. In FIG. 3, the diffusion sheet 10, the character sheet 11, and the push button portion 12 are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the push button switch 100 includes an illumination unit 100 a including a plunger 6, a strip-shaped printed circuit board 7, a reflection sheet 8, and a light guide plate 9, a base 1, a printed circuit board 2, a link mechanism unit 3, and a movable spring unit. 4 and a mechanism portion 100b including the connection cable 5.

  The illumination unit 100 a has a function of illuminating the character sheet 11 and the push button unit 12. Specifically, the illumination unit 100a switches the illumination state of the push button unit 12 according to the push operation of the push button unit 12 under the control of an external circuit (not shown).

  The mechanism portion 100b has a function of moving the plunger 6 in parallel and a function of operating the microswitch 21. Specifically, the mechanism unit 100b is configured so that the push button unit 12 remains parallel without being tilted even when the end of the operation surface 121 of the push button unit 12 is pushed. The plunger 6 is translated by the part 3. Further, the mechanism portion 100b operates the microswitch 21 with the movement of the movable spring portion 4 interlocked with the swing of the pair of link members 31 and 32.

[Details of Illumination Unit 100a]
4A and 4B are plan views showing the light emission state of the light guide plate 9 provided in the illumination unit 100a, and FIG. 4A shows the light emission state when the first light source 71 is turned on. FIG. 4B shows a light emission state when the second light source 72 is turned on.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, one first light source 71 is disposed at the center of each of two opposing side surfaces 93 and 94 of the light guide plate 9, and light emitted from the first light source 71. L1 enters the light guide plate 9 from the side surfaces 93 and 94.

  4B, the second light source 72 is disposed along the side surface 95 of the light guide plate 9 orthogonal to the two side surfaces 93 and 94 on which the first light source 71 is disposed. Light L <b> 2 emitted from each second light source 72 enters the light guide plate 9 from the side surface 95.

  The two side surfaces 93 and 94 of the light guide plate 9 on which the first light source 71 is disposed and the side surface 95 of the light guide plate 9 on which the second light source 72 is disposed are adjacent to each other at an angle of about 90 degrees. . The first light source 71 is arranged with the optical axis orthogonal to the side surfaces 93 and 94, and the second light source 72 is arranged with the optical axis orthogonal to the side surface 95. Therefore, the light L <b> 1 emitted from the first light source 71 and the light L <b> 2 emitted from the second light source 72 are incident on the light guide plate 9 from directions that are substantially perpendicular to each other.

  In addition, the number and position of the 1st light source 71 and the 2nd light source 72 which are arrange | positioned are not specifically limited. For example, a plurality of first light sources 71 may be disposed on the side surfaces 93 and 94 of the light guide plate 9. A plurality of second light sources 72 may be further disposed along the side surface 96 of the light guide plate 9 facing the side surface 95.

  When only the first light source 71 is turned on, the light L1 incident from the two opposite side surfaces 93 and 94 of the light guide plate 9 is totally reflected by the back surface 91 and the light exit surface 92 of the light guide plate 9 and is inside the light guide plate 9. And is emitted from the rectangular first light emitting region A set at the center of the light emitting surface 92 of the light guide plate 9.

  Further, when only the second light source 72 is turned on, the light L2 incident from the side surface 95 of the light guide plate 9 propagates through the light guide plate 9 while being totally reflected by the back surface 91 and the light emitting surface 92 of the light guide plate 9. The light is emitted from the second light emitting region B set on the entire surface of the light emitting surface 92 of the light guide plate 9.

  Therefore, the first light emitting area A and the second light emitting area B set on the light emitting surface 92 can be selectively emitted by switching the lighting of the first light source 71 and the second light source 72.

  FIG. 5 is a top view showing an arrangement example of the first reflection pattern 97 and the second reflection pattern 98 inside the broken line frame S shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b). As shown in FIG. 5, the light L <b> 1 from the first light source 71 is reflected toward the first light emitting region A on the back surface 91 of the light guide plate 9 facing the first light emitting region A set on the light emitting surface 92. A plurality of first reflection patterns (first reflection structures) 97 are arranged.

  The first reflection pattern 97 has a spindle shape when viewed from the vertical direction of the light emitting surface 92 of the light guide plate 9 and reflects the light L1 from the first light source 71 toward the first light emitting region A. The reflecting surface 99 a is inclined with respect to the back surface 91.

  Further, a second reflection pattern for reflecting the light L2 from the second light source 72 toward the second light emitting region B on the back surface 91 of the light guide plate 9 facing the second light emitting region B set on the light emitting surface 92. A plurality of (second reflection structures) 98 are arranged.

  The second reflection pattern 98 has a spindle shape when viewed from the vertical direction of the light emitting surface 92 of the light guide plate 9, and reflects the light L <b> 2 from the second light source 72 toward the second light emitting region B. The reflecting surface 99 a is inclined with respect to the back surface 91.

  Thus, both the 1st reflective pattern 97 and the 2nd reflective pattern 98 are arrange | positioned at the back surface 91 of the light-guide plate 9 which opposes the area | region where the 1st light emission area | region A and the 2nd light emission area | region B overlap. The first reflective pattern 97 and the second reflective pattern 98 can be formed, for example, by cutting out the back surface 91 of the light guide plate 9.

  6A is a perspective view of the first reflection pattern 97, FIG. 6B is a plan view of the first reflection pattern 97, and FIG. 6C is the first reflection pattern. 97 is a side view of FIG. The first reflection pattern 97 and the second reflection pattern 98 have the same shape. Therefore, only the first reflection pattern 97 will be described below.

As shown to (a)-(c) of FIG. 6, when the 1st reflective pattern 97 sees from the perpendicular direction of the light-projection surface 92 of the light-guide plate 9, the point part 99b located in the both ends of the reflective surface 99a is shown. A straight line D1 connecting the center of the line segment and the first light source 71 is arranged so as to be substantially orthogonal to the center of the line segment to be connected. In addition, the first reflection pattern 97 has an angle α between the straight line D1 and the normal direction D2 of the reflection surface 99a at the pointed end 99b of −38.327x ² + 152.3x−94.014 (x is the light guide plate 9). (Refractive index) or less.

  By disposing the reflection pattern having the above-described shape on the light guide plate 9 as the first reflection pattern 97, the tip portion of the first reflection pattern 97 is compared with the case where a general three-stroke prism type reflection pattern is disposed. It becomes possible to suppress the reflection of the light L2 from the second light source 72 at 99b. Similarly, by arranging the reflection pattern having the above-described shape as the second reflection pattern 98 on the light guide plate 9, the light L1 from the first light source 71 is reflected at the pointed portion 99b of the second reflection pattern 98. It becomes possible to suppress. Therefore, it is possible to suitably perform the light splitting between the first light emitting area A and the second light emitting area B.

[Details of mechanism 100b]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the mechanism portion 100 b of the push button switch 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the printed circuit board 2, the link mechanism portion 3, the movable spring portion 4, and the connection cable 5 are directed to the base 1.

  The printed circuit board 2 on which the microswitch 21 is mounted is attached to the bottom surface of the base 1. The microswitch 21 is inserted into the notch 24 from the back surface of the printed circuit board 2 and soldered on the back surface of the printed circuit board 2.

  Two opposite sides of the link member 31 are supported by the support portion 14 so that the link member 31 can swing about the support portion 14 protruding from the inward surface of the base 1 as a fulcrum (swing shaft). Further, the link member 32 is supported by the support portions 15 at two opposite sides so that the link member 32 can swing about the support portion 15 protruding from the inward surface of the base 1 as a fulcrum (swing shaft).

  The movable spring portion 4 is installed between a pair of link members 31 and 32 supported so as to be swingable by the support portions 14 and 15. The movable spring part 4 is formed with a notch part 44 capable of accommodating the coil spring 41 and a notch part 45 capable of accommodating the coil spring 42, and the pair of link members 31 and 32 are attracted and biased to each other. Is attached in a state of being accommodated in the notches 44 and 45.

  Specifically, one end of the coil spring 41 is locked to the link member 31, and the other end is locked to the movable spring portion 4, so that the coil spring 41 is attached to the notch portion 44. Further, the coil spring 42 is attached to the notch 45 by one end of the coil spring 42 being engaged with the link member 32 and the other end being engaged with the movable spring portion 4. Thereby, since the movable spring part 4 for operating the micro switch 21 and the coil springs 41 and 42 for attracting and biasing the pair of link members 31 and 32 can be integrated, the push button switch 100 can be made thin. Can be planned.

  However, the coil springs 41 and 42 can be omitted. In this case, the engaging claw portions can be provided at both end portions of the movable spring portion 4, and the movable spring portion 4 can be directly installed on the pair of link members 31 and 32. Accordingly, the pair of link members 31 and 32 can be attracted and biased by the movable spring portion 4.

  One end 51 of the connection cable 5 is connected to the internal wiring connection portion 23 of the printed circuit board 2. Further, the connection cable 5 is positioned so that the other end 52 contacts the internal wiring connection portion 73 of the belt-like printed circuit board 7 when the illumination portion 100a is incorporated into the mechanism portion 100b. It is connected.

[Operation of push button switch 100]
8A is a plan view of the push button switch 100, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the push button switch 100 shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B shows a configuration before the push button unit 12 is pushed, that is, a configuration when the push button switch 100 is in a standby state.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, in the push button switch 100, in the state before the push button portion 12 is pushed, the button portion 21a of the micro switch 21 is not operated, and the micro button 21 The switch 21 is off. At this time, in the push button switch 100, only the first light source 71 is turned on by an external circuit (not shown). For this reason, since the light L1 from the first light source 71 is emitted from the rectangular first light emitting region A set at the center of the light emitting surface 92, only the center of the light emitting surface 92 emits light.

  FIGS. 9A and 9B are conceptual diagrams for explaining the operation principle of the push button switch 100. FIG. 9A shows a state before the push button unit 12 is pushed. FIG. 9B shows a state after the push button unit 12 is pushed.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, in a state before the push button portion 12 is pushed, the pair of link members 31 and 32 of the link mechanism portion 3 are in a valley folded state by the tensile force of the coil springs 41 and 42. It is in. Therefore, the movable spring portion 4 installed between the pair of link members 31 and 32 maintains a state in which the contact piece 43 is opposed to the button portion 21 a of the microswitch 21.

  Then, the plunger 6 moves in the pushing direction as the push button portion 12 is pushed by the operator. As the plunger 6 moves in the pushing direction, the pair of link members 31 and 32 that are in sliding contact with the plunger 6 are pushed into the arrow D3, and the connecting member 33 moves in the direction opposite to the pushing direction. The link members 31 and 32 are interlocked with each other and swing about the support portions 14 and 15 as fulcrums. Thereby, the plunger 6 is translated by the pair of link members 31 and 32. At this time, the movable spring portion 4 installed between the pair of link members 31 and 32 moves in the direction of the micro switch 21, and the contact piece 43 of the movable spring portion 4 is pushed into the button portion 21 a of the micro switch 21. As a result, the microswitch 21 is turned on.

  In the push button switch 100, when the micro switch 21 is turned on, lighting is switched from the first light source 71 to the second light source 72 by an external circuit (not shown). Thereby, the light L2 from the second light source 72 is emitted from the second light emitting region B set on the entire surface of the light emitting surface 92, and thus the entire surface of the light emitting surface 92 emits light.

  When the operator releases the push of the push button portion 12, the pair of link members 31 and 32 of the link mechanism portion 3 are pulled by the tensile force of the coil springs 41 and 42, and the original valley folded state is restored. Thereby, the plunger 6 is pushed back and the push button part 12 returns to the position before pushing operation.

[Light emission state of push button switch 100]
FIGS. 10A and 10B are plan views showing the illumination state of the push button switch 100. FIG. 10A shows the illumination state when the first light source 71 is turned on. 9B shows an illumination state when the second light source 72 is turned on.

  As described above, the push button switch 100 turns on the first light source 71 in the standby state and causes the first light emitting area A set at the center of the light emitting surface 92 to emit light. Thereby, the light L1 emitted from the center of the light emitting surface 92 passes through the character portions printed on the diffusion sheet 10 and the character sheet 11 and is irradiated to the push button portion 12.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10A, the rank character “8” located at the center of the push button portion 12 can be partially illuminated.

  In addition, when the push button unit 12 is pushed in, the push button switch 100 switches from the first light source 71 to the second light source 72 and causes the second light emitting region B set on the entire surface of the light emitting surface 92 to emit light. . Thereby, the light L2 emitted from the entire surface of the light emitting surface 92 passes through the character portion and the edge portion printed on the diffusion sheet 10 and the character sheet 11 and is irradiated to the push button portion 12.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the rank character “8” located in the center of the push button portion 12 and its surroundings can be illuminated.

  In this way, by switching the lighting of the first light source 71 and the second light source 72 according to the operation of the push button unit 12, it is excellent in visibility in any case before and after the operation of the push button unit 12, It is possible to make it difficult for an operator to make an erroneous operation.

  In the present embodiment, when the push button unit 12 is pressed, the lighting is switched from the first light source 71 to the second light source 72, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the push button unit 12 is pressed, the second light source 72 may be further turned on in addition to the first light source 71.

  In the present embodiment, the first light emitting region A is set at the center of the light emitting surface 92 and the second light emitting region B is set on the entire surface of the light emitting surface 92. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Not. The positions, ranges, and shapes of the first light emitting area A and the second light emitting area B can be changed as appropriate according to the characters and figures printed on the character sheet 11, the use of the push button switch 100, and the like.

[Summary of push button switch 100]
As described above, the push button switch 100 according to the present embodiment switches the illumination of the push button unit 12 in accordance with the push operation of the push button unit 12.

  The push button switch 100 emits light that has been guided from the light exit surface 92 toward the push button portion 12, and the light L 1 and L 2 are incident on the light exit surface 92 from the side to the light guide plate 9. The first light source 71 and the second light source 72 having a different optical axis direction from the first light source 71, and the plunger 6 that supports the light guide plate 9 and moves in the pushing direction in accordance with the pushing operation of the push button portion 12. The pair of link members 31 and 32 that are in sliding contact with the plunger 6 are rotatably connected by the connecting member 33, and the link mechanism portion 3 in which the link members 31 and 32 swing in conjunction with each other as the plunger 6 moves. And a movable spring portion 4 that is installed between the pair of link members 31 and 32 and moves in the pushing direction in conjunction with the swinging of the pair of link members 31 and 32 to operate the microswitch 21. .

  The light guide plate 9 emits the light L1 from the first light source 71 from the first light emitting area A set on the light emitting surface 92 and the light L2 from the second light source 72 set on the light emitting surface 92. The light is emitted from the two light emitting areas B.

  In the push button switch 100, the first light source 71 and the second light source 72 are arranged so that the light L1 and L2 are incident on the light guide plate 9 from the side (edge) with respect to the light emitting surface 92. Therefore, a space for arranging the first light source 71 and the second light source 72 in the thickness direction of the push button switch 100 (that is, the push direction of the push button portion 12) is not necessary.

  In the push button switch 100, the pair of link members 31 and 32 on which the movable spring portion 4 for operating the micro switch 21 is oscillated in conjunction with each other as the plunger 6 moves. Therefore, the plunger 6 that moves in the pushing direction in accordance with the pushing operation of the push button portion 12 can be kept parallel by the pair of link members 31 and 32. In this way, the parallel movement mechanism of the plunger 6 is obtained by translating the push button portion 12 by the link mechanism portion 3 having the pair of link members 31 and 32 on which the movable spring portion 4 for operating the microswitch 21 is installed. The operating mechanism of the micro switch 21 can be reduced in thickness.

  Further, in the push button switch 100, the light guide plate 9 emits the light L1 from the first light source 71 from the first light emitting area A and the light L2 from the second light source 72 from the second light emitting area B. Therefore, by controlling lighting of the first light source 71 and the second light source 72, different regions of the light emitting surface 92 of the light guide plate 9 can emit light. Thereby, the arbitrary area | region of the pushbutton part 12 according to the 1st light emission area | region A and the 2nd light emission area | region B can be selectively illuminated.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a thin push button switch 100 that can selectively illuminate an arbitrary region.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and can be obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be used for an operation panel of equipment such as an elevator and various other uses.

2 Printed circuit board (board)
3 Link mechanism 4 Movable spring 9 Light guide plate (light guide)
12 Push button part 21 Micro switch (Built-in switch)
24 Notch 31 Link member (link mechanism)
32 Link member (link mechanism)
33 Connecting member (link mechanism)
41 Coil spring 42 Coil spring 71 First light source 72 Second light source 97 First reflection pattern (first reflection structure)
98 Second reflection pattern (second reflection structure)
100 push button switch A 1st light emission area B 2nd light emission area

Claims (9)

A push button switch that illuminates the push button portion in response to a push operation of the push button portion,
A light guide that emits the guided light from the light exit surface toward the push button portion; and
A first light source that causes light to be incident on the light guide from the side with respect to the light exit surface, and a second light source having a different optical axis direction from the first light source,
A plunger that supports the light guide and moves in a pushing direction in accordance with a pushing operation of the push button unit;
A pair of link members that are in sliding contact with the plunger are rotatably connected by a connecting member, and each link member swings in conjunction with each other as the plunger moves.
A movable spring portion that is installed between the pair of link members, moves in the pushing direction in conjunction with the swing of the pair of link members, and operates a built-in switch;
The light guide emits light from the first light source from a first light emitting region set on the light emitting surface, and emits light from the second light source on the light emitting surface. A push button switch that emits light from an area. Further comprising a substrate for mounting the built-in switch,
The push button switch according to claim 1, wherein the built-in switch is arranged in a notch provided in the substrate. The first light emitting region is set at the center of the light emitting surface,
The push button switch according to claim 1, wherein the second light emitting region is set on the entire surface of the light emitting surface.   4. The push button switch according to claim 1, wherein when the push button unit is pushed, lighting is switched from the first light source to the second light source. 5.   The push button switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the built-in switch is a micro switch.   The movable spring portion is constructed between the pair of link members by engaging engagement claw portions provided at both ends of the movable spring portion with the pair of link members, respectively. The push button switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   6. The movable spring portion includes a coil spring that pulls and urges the pair of link members toward each other, and is spanned between the pair of link members via the coil spring. The push button switch according to any one of the above.   The light guide reflects the light from the first light source toward the first light emitting region, and reflects the light from the second light source toward the second light emitting region. The push button switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a plurality of second reflecting structures.   The push button switch according to claim 8, wherein the first reflection structure and the second reflection structure have a spindle shape when viewed from the vertical direction of the light emitting surface.

Images