JP2020140805A - Contact member and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a contact member that has excellent foreign matter resistance, stable contact with electrodes, and adhesiveness of metal wires, and can reliably realize conduction between electrodes even when the electrode shape is directional.SOLUTION: A contact member 1 includes a rubber-like elastic body 10 whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact, one or more metal wires 20 that is arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction on one surface that defines the directionality of the rubber-like elastic body 10, and embedded in the rubber-like elastic body 10 so as to be exposed from one surface and bent from one surface to the side surface, and a fixing member 30 fixed to the other surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10 opposite to one surface and burying the end of the metal wire 20, and there is also provided a manufacturing method thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a contact member for a push button switch and a method for manufacturing the same.

Conventionally, as a contact member for a push button switch, a metal leaf (plate) obtained by plating nickel silver, nickel, stainless steel, etc. with precious metal plating to improve corrosion resistance and conductivity, and integrally molding with an elastomer has been widely used. There is. Such a contact member is hard to be deformed due to the high rigidity of the metal foil (plate), and when a foreign substance is interposed between the contact and the fixed electrode of the substrate, the contact and the fixed electrode come into contact with each other. There was a risk of poor continuity and chattering due to defects. As countermeasures against such poor continuity and chattering, contact members using wire mesh or metal sponge (see, for example, Patent Document 1), contact members with metal wires, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 2) have been proposed. ing.

FIG. 8 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a push button switch having a basic configuration. FIG. 9 shows a front view and a vertical cross-sectional view seen from the side that functions as a contact point of a conventionally known contact member. In FIG. 10, (a) shows a front view of a contact member using a wire mesh. (B) shows a cross-sectional view of X1-X1 of (a). (C) shows a front view of a contact member to which a metal wire is wired. (D) shows the cross-sectional view of X2-X2 of (c).

Before explaining the known contact member for the push button switch, the basic configuration of the push button switch will be described. The push button switch SW having the basic configuration shown in FIG. 8 includes a dome portion DM whose diameter is expanded in a dome shape on the radial outer side of the key top KT at the lower end of the key top KT having a substantially cylindrical shape. The push button switch SW includes a base portion BS extending radially outward from the lower opening of the dome portion DM. The base portion BS is a portion fixed on the substrate S on which the push button switch SW is arranged. The push button switch SW is attached directly below the key top KT in the inner space of the dome portion DM, and includes a contact member CN having a conductive member on the surface. When the key top KT is pushed in, the contact member CN can be lowered until the dome portion DM is deformed and comes into contact with the electrodes EL1 and EL2 on the substrate S. The contact member CN can electrically connect the fixed electrode EL1 and the fixed electrode EL2 by bringing the conductive member into contact with the fixed electrode EL1 and the fixed electrode EL2 at the same time.

Next, a known contact member for the push button switch will be described. The contact member 801 using a conventionally known wire mesh shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) is used for the contact member CN portion of the push button switch SW as shown in FIG. The contact member 801 using a wire mesh includes a disk-shaped rubber-like elastic body 810 and a plain-woven wire mesh 820 embedded in one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 810 and functioning as a contact. The contact member 901 to which the conventionally known metal wire shown in FIGS. 9 (c) and 9 (d) is wired is used for the contact member CN portion of the push button switch SW as shown in FIG. The contact member 901 to which the metal wire is wired includes a disk-shaped rubber-like elastic body 910 and a metal wire 920 embedded in one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 910 and functioning as a contact. The contact member 801 using a wire mesh and the contact member 901 to which a metal wire is wired are flexible and have an uneven surface, unlike a contact member having a metal foil (plate) as a contact. Therefore, when foreign matter is interposed between the contact and the fixed electrode of the substrate, the foreign matter enters the recess, and the risk of poor continuity and chattering can be reduced.

JP-A-2018-73467 Jikkai Sho 57-109532

In the contact member 801 using the wire mesh, as shown in FIG. 9B, the latitude lines 820H and the meridians 820V forming the wire mesh 820 are repeatedly uneven. Therefore, the fixed electrode on the substrate can be contacted only at the top of the convex portion exposed from the rubber-like elastic body 810. As a result, the contact member 801 using the wire mesh has a problem that the contact area with the fixed electrode is small and it is difficult to obtain stable conduction characteristics.

On the other hand, in the contact member 901 to which the conventionally known metal wire is wired as described above, the metal wire 920 is straight in the longitudinal direction, and more exposed portions can be formed from the rubber-like elastic body 910. Therefore, the contact area with the fixed electrode can be increased. However, since the metal wires 920 are adhered to the surface layer of the rubber-like elastic body 910 one by one, there is a problem that the adhesiveness between the rubber-like elastic body 910 and the metal wire 920 is weak. Further, in the contact member 901, the disk-shaped rubber-like elastic body 910 has no directionality, and the direction of the metal wire 920 cannot be grasped from the rubber-like elastic body 910. Therefore, when the shape of the fixed electrode of the substrate to be used is directional, the contact member 901 may conduct the one fixed electrode EL1 and the other fixed electrode EL2 depending on the direction of the arranged metal wire 920. There is a problem that cannot be done. This problem will be further described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the fixed electrode shape on the substrate. In FIG. 10, (a) to (d) are examples of non-directional fixed electrode shapes. (E) to (f) are examples of directional fixed electrode shapes. In each of the figures (a) to (f), the contact member 901 is superposed. In each of the figures (a) to (f), the contact member 901 is shown with the double-headed arrow sandwiched between them and the directions of the metal wires 920 are different by 90 degrees.

In the non-directional fixed electrode shape as shown in (a) to (d), the metal wire 920 bridges the fixed electrode EL1 and the fixed electrode EL2 regardless of the orientation of the fixed electrode EL1 and It can come into contact with the fixed electrode EL2. On the other hand, in the directional fixed electrode shape as shown in (e) to (f), the metal wire 920 is between the fixed electrode EL1 and the fixed electrode EL2 in the direction of the metal wire 920 shown on the left side in FIG. Can be contacted to bridge the gap. However, in the orientation of the metal wire 920 shown on the right side in FIG. 10, the metal wire 920 cannot be brought into contact so as to bridge between the fixed electrode EL1 and the fixed electrode EL2.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is excellent in foreign matter resistance, stable contact with electrodes, and adhesiveness of metal wires. In addition, even when the electrode shape is directional, the electrodes are surely connected to each other. An object of the present invention is to provide a contact member capable of realizing conduction.

(1) The contact member according to the embodiment for achieving the above object defines a rubber-like elastic body whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact, and the directionality of the rubber-like elastic body. It is arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction on one of the surfaces, and is exposed from the one surface and bent from the one surface to the side surface and embedded in the rubber-like elastic body. It includes one or more metal wires and a fixing member fixed to the other surface of the rubber-like elastic body opposite to the one surface and burying an end portion of the metal wire.
(2) In the contact member according to another embodiment, preferably, the one surface of the rubber-like elastic body has a shape having a different aspect ratio.
(3) In the contact member according to another embodiment, preferably, one surface of the rubber-like elastic body has a polygonal shape.
(4) In the contact member according to another embodiment, preferably, a plurality of the metal wires are provided so as to be parallel to each other with a gap between them.
(5) In the contact member according to another embodiment, preferably, the metal wire has a length of 1/2 or more and 1/3 or less exposed from the rubber-like elastic body in the wire radial direction.
(6) In the contact member according to another embodiment, preferably, the surface layer of the metal wire is plated with a noble metal.
(7) In the contact member according to another embodiment, preferably, the rubber-like elastic body is made of at least a first rubber-like elastic body made of metal-adhesive silicone rubber and the foamed silicone rubber. It has a second rubber-like elastic body that is in close contact with the rubber-like elastic body, and the metal wire is embedded in the first rubber-like elastic body.
(8) The method for manufacturing a contact member according to an embodiment for achieving the above object defines the directionality of a first rubber-like elastic body whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact. One or more metal wires are exposed and embedded on one of the surfaces to form a first rubber-like elastic body with a metal wire, and the metal is placed in a mold for opening one of the metal wires. The laying step of laying the first rubber-like elastic body with the metal wire with the side of the wire facing the bottom surface and the side surface of the mold, and the first rubber-like elasticity of the first rubber-like elastic body with the metal wire. A rubber-like elastic body forming step of supplying an uncured composition to be cured into a second rubber-like elastic body from the body side into the mold, and the uncured composition before or after curing. After the bonding step of adhering the fixing member to the uncured composition or the second rubber-like elastic body and burying the end portion of the metal wire inside the fixing member, and the first bonding step. Includes a mold release step of separating the metal wire and the contact member having the fixing member fixed to the rubber-like elastic body including the rubber-like elastic body and the second rubber-like elastic body from the mold.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a contact member which is excellent in foreign matter resistance, stable contact with an electrode and adhesiveness of a metal wire, and can surely realize conduction between electrodes even when the electrode shape is directional. ..

FIG. 1 shows each state of the contact member according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from three directions. FIG. 2 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the contact member of FIG. FIG. 3 shows a sectional view in the radial direction of the metal wire constituting the contact member of FIG. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a contact member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an explanatory diagram of each process in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 6 shows a modified example of the contact member. FIG. 7 shows a modified example of the present invention as viewed from the aspect of functioning as a contact point. FIG. 8 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a push button switch having a basic configuration. FIG. 9 shows a front view and a vertical cross-sectional view seen from the side that functions as a contact point of a conventionally known contact member. FIG. 10 shows an example of the fixed electrode shape on the substrate.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the elements and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are essential for the means for solving the present invention. Is not always the case. In addition, each drawing is a schematic view so that the features can be understood, and does not strictly reflect the actual dimensions.

The contact member according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(1. Configuration of contact member according to the embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows each state of the contact member according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from three directions. In FIG. 1, (a) shows a front view. (B) shows a bottom view. (C) shows the right side view. FIG. 2 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of the contact member of FIG. In FIG. 2, (a) shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line (b) in FIG. (B) shows a VV cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 (b). FIG. 3 shows a sectional view in the radial direction of the metal wire constituting the contact member of FIG.

The contact member 1 according to the embodiment is used as a contact member (CN) of a push button switch (SW) as shown in FIG. 7, and a surface functioning as a contact is used as a fixed electrode (EL1, EL2) on a substrate (S). They are placed facing each other. Similar to the conventional contact member, the contact member 1 reciprocates in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate (S) to make contact / non-contact with the substrate (S), and the fixed electrode (fixed electrode) on the substrate (S). It plays a role of switching conduction / non-conduction between EL1 and EL2).

The contact member 1 includes a rubber-like elastic body 10, one or more metal wires 20 arranged on one surface on the side that functions as a contact point of the rubber-like elastic body 10, and one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10. The fixing member 30 is fixed to the other surface on the opposite side to the above. Two or more metal wires 20 are preferably arranged at predetermined intervals. In addition, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, only a part of the plurality of metal wires 20 is coded. This also applies to the drawings after FIG.

The rubber-like elastic body 10 is a flexible elastomer and has a block shape in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1B, the rubber-like elastic body 10 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side that functions as a contact point (that is, the bottom surface side). In other words, one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10 has a polygonal shape having a different aspect ratio. As described above, the directionality of the rubber-like elastic body 10 is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact point. Here, "the directionality is defined" means that the object has a form that can be arranged in the intended direction with reproducibility. The rubber-like elastic body 10 can be arranged in a intended orientation depending on the difference in aspect ratio and the orientation of the sides and vertices of the outer shape. As shown in FIG. 1 (c), the rubber-like elastic body 10 preferably includes a first rubber-like elastic body 11 which is a skin on the side (left side of (c)) that functions as a contact point, and an inner core. It has a second rubber-like elastic body 12 and the like.

The first rubber-like elastic body 11 has a component that adheres to a metal. Specifically, the first rubber-like elastic body 11 is made of a sheet-like metal-adhesive silicone rubber. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first rubber-like elastic body 11 preferably has a container shape that opens to one side so as to include the second rubber-like elastic body 12. ..

The second rubber-like elastic body 12 is preferably made of foamed silicone rubber and is in close contact with the first rubber-like elastic body 11. The second rubber-like elastic body 12 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed so as to fill the inside of the first rubber-like elastic body 11. The rubber-like elastic body 10 is formed by integrating the first rubber-like elastic body 11 and the second rubber-like elastic body 12 into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

The metal wire 20 is a thin wire having excellent conductivity and preferably a circular radial cross section. However, the shape of the cross section of the metal wire 20 may be substantially rectangular. As shown in FIG. 3, the metal wire 20 includes a base plating layer 22 and a surface plating layer 23 in this order on the surface layer of the core wire 21. The surface plating layer 23 is a noble metal plating layer for enhancing corrosion resistance and conductivity. The core wire 21 is made of a material different from that of the base plating layer 22, and is a thin wire made of copper, nickel silver, brass, beryllium copper, nickel, iron, stainless steel, or an alloy containing one or more of them. The base plating layer 22 is preferably a nickel plating layer. The surface plating layer 23 is preferably a type of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), iridium (Ir), ruthenium (Ru) or osmium (Os). Alternatively, it is composed of a plurality, more preferably gold (Au). However, the base plating layer 22 is not an essential component for the metal wire 20. The metal wire 20 may have a core wire 21 provided with a surface plating layer 23. As an example, when the core wire 21 is made of stainless steel or nickel, a metal wire 20 in which the surface of the core wire 21 is gold-plated may be manufactured.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the metal wire 20 is arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction on one surface that defines the directionality of the rubber-like elastic body 10. In this embodiment, the "predetermined direction" means a direction (one surface) that functions as a contact point in the rubber-like elastic body and is parallel to the short side forming the rectangular surface. Therefore, a plurality of metal wires 20 are arranged in parallel with the short side of the rectangle. However, the plurality of metal wires 20 may be provided parallel to the long side of the rectangle. The metal wire 20 is exposed from one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10 and is bent from the one surface to the side surface thereof and embedded in the rubber-like elastic body 10. More specifically, the metal wire 20 has a gate shape along the first rubber-like elastic body 11 which is the skin of the rubber-like elastic body 10, and a part of the radial direction is the first over the entire length direction. It is buried in the rubber-like elastic body 11. The metal wire 20 preferably has a length of 1/2 or more and 1/3 or less exposed from the rubber-like elastic body 10 in the wire radial direction. A plurality of metal wires 20 are preferably provided on one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10 so as to be parallel to each other with a gap. In this embodiment, a plurality of metal wires 20 are provided, but one may be provided. In the present application, "arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction" means that the longitudinal direction in the overall shape of the object to be arranged is arranged so as to face a predetermined direction. The metal wire 20 of this embodiment extends in a straight line with a constant thickness, but does not necessarily have to extend in a straight line with a constant thickness. For example, a metal wire may have a zigzag shape or a wavy shape and may extend in a fixed direction as a whole while changing the extending direction, or may extend in a fixed direction as a whole while changing the line width. You may.

The fixing member 30 is preferably a block-shaped member made of silicone rubber. The fixing member 30 is fixed to the other surface located on the opposite side of one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10. The fixing member 30 embeds and holds the end portion of the metal wire 20. Therefore, the end portion of the metal wire 20 is not easily corroded. In addition, the metal wire 20 is difficult to peel off from the contact member 1.

(2. Manufacturing method of contact member according to the embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a contact member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an explanatory diagram of each process in the flowchart of FIG. In FIG. 5, (a) shows the arrangement step ST1. (B) shows the laying process ST2. (C) shows the rubber-like elastic body forming step ST3. (D) shows the adhesive application step ST4. (E) shows the bonding step ST5. (F) shows the mold release step ST6.

As shown in FIG. 4, the contact member 1 is manufactured by sequentially performing the arrangement step ST1, the laying step ST2, the rubber-like elastic body forming step ST3, the adhesive application step ST4, the bonding step ST5, and the mold release step ST6. Will be done. In the following description, the material, shape, characteristics, etc. of each component are the same as those of the above-mentioned component 1 of the contact member 1, and the same reference numerals as those described above are given in FIG. 5 and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the arranging step ST1, a plurality of metal wires 20 are exposed on one surface of the first rubber-like elastic body 11 whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact. The first rubber-like elastic body 25 with a metal wire is formed by burying it. In the arrangement step ST1, the metal wire 20 is arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction, and a length of 1/2 or more and 1/3 or less in the wire radial direction is exposed from the first rubber-like elastic body 11. It is embedded in and then glued. In the arrangement step ST1, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first rubber-like elastic body 25 with a metal wire is a large-sized sheet so as to punch out the first rubber-like elastic body 26 with a plurality of metal wires. It may be a sheet corresponding to the first rubber-like elastic body 26 with one metal wire.

In the laying step ST2, as shown in FIG. 5B, a first rubber-like metal wire with a metal wire 20 is directed toward the bottom surface and the side surface of the mold J in the mold J having one opening. Lay the elastic body 26. At this time, both the edges and both ends of the first rubber-like elastic body 11 and the metal wire 20 are bent toward the opening of the mold J along the bottom surface of the mold J and the two opposing side surfaces ( The folding line VL is shown in FIG. 5 (a)). It is preferable that both ends of the first rubber-like elastic body 26 with a metal wire or both ends of the metal wire 20 slightly protrude from the opening of the mold J.

In the rubber-like elastic body forming step ST3, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the first rubber-like elastic body 26 with a metal wire is cured from the side of the first rubber-like elastic body 11 and the second rubber-like elastic body 26 is cured. The uncured composition to be the rubber-like elastic body 12 is supplied into the mold J. In the rubber-like elastic body forming step ST3, the uncured composition is cured to form the second rubber-like elastic body 12, so that the first rubber-like elastic body 26 with a metal wire and the second rubber-like elastic body 12 are formed. A rubber-like elastic body 10 in which 12 is integrated is formed. In the rubber-like elastic body forming step ST3, the rubber-like elastic body 10 may be formed as described above, but a preformed hardened body corresponding to the shape of the second rubber-like elastic body 12 may be formed. The rubber-like elastic body 10 may be formed inside the first rubber-like elastic body 11 via an adhesive.

In the adhesive application step ST4, as shown in FIG. 5D, the adhesive 31 is applied to the surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10 exposed from the opening of the mold J and the end face of the metal wire 20. The adhesive 31 constitutes a part of the fixing member 30 after curing. In the present application, the adhesive is referred to as "adhesive 31" before and after curing.

In the bonding step ST5, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), the cured body 32 that is a part of the fixing member 30 is bonded onto the adhesive 31 applied in the adhesive coating step ST4. At this time, the end portion of the metal wire 20 is buried inside the adhesive 31 as the fixing member 30.

In the mold release step ST6, as shown in FIG. 5 (f), the metal wire 20 and the fixing member 30 are attached to the rubber-like elastic body 10 including the first rubber-like elastic body 11 and the second rubber-like elastic body 12. The contact member 1 to which is fixed is separated from the mold J.

(3. Action / effect according to the embodiment)
The contact member 1 extends in a predetermined direction on a rubber-like elastic body 10 whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact and one surface that defines the directionality of the rubber-like elastic body 10. 20 is provided with a metal wire 20 arranged in. Therefore, the contact member 1 can be arranged in an appropriate orientation with respect to the fixed electrode of the substrate to be used because the relationship between the orientation of the rubber-like elastic body 10 and the extending orientation of the metal wire 20 is clear. According to such a contact member 1, even if the shape of the fixed electrode of the substrate to be used is directional, it can be reliably conducted. The "rubber-like elastic body 10 whose directionality is defined" may be read as a rubber-like elastic body 10 having a shape that does not overlap with the original state when rotated 90 degrees when viewed from the side that functions as a contact point. Further, the "rubber-like elastic body 10 whose directionality is defined" has a surface having a shape excluding regular 4 / n polygons (n is an integer of 1 or more) such as a perfect circle, a square, and a regular octagon. It may be read as.

Further, in the contact member 1, the metal wire 20 is exposed from one surface, bent from the one surface to the side surface thereof, and embedded in the rubber-like elastic body 10, and one of the rubber-like elastic bodies 10. A fixing member 30 is provided which is fixed to the other surface located on the opposite side of the surface and has the end portion of the metal wire 20 buried therein. Therefore, the metal wire 20 is embedded and adhered not only to one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10 but also to the side surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10, and the end portion is embedded and fixed in the fixing member 30. .. Since the metal wire 20 is fixed in a direction other than the peeling direction, the metal wire 20 is less likely to come off from the contact member 1.

As a result, in the contact member 1 according to the embodiment, the metal wire 20 can withstand long-term use, and even if the fixed electrode shape of the substrate to be used is directional, it can be reliably conducted, and stable conduction characteristics can be obtained. Easy to get.

Further, in the contact member 1, since one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10 has a shape (rectangle) having a different aspect ratio, the directionality becomes clear due to the difference in the aspect ratio. Therefore, when the rubber-like elastic body 10 is attached to the push button switch, the risk of accidentally attaching the electrodes to each other in a direction in which they cannot be connected can be reduced.

Further, in the contact member 1, since one surface of the rubber-like elastic body 10 has a polygonal shape, the directionality becomes clear depending on the positions of the sides and vertices of the polygonal shape, so that the above risk can be further reduced.

Further, in the contact member 1, since a plurality of metal wires 20 are provided on one surface so as to be parallel to each other with a gap between them, the electrodes can be connected to each other in more places and in a wider area. Therefore, more stable conduction characteristics can be exhibited.

Further, in the contact member 1, since the metal wire 20 has a length of 1/2 or more and 1/3 or less exposed from the rubber-like elastic body 10 in the wire radial direction, the exposed portion is uneven. As a result, a concave portion with room for foreign matter to enter is formed. Therefore, the foreign matter resistance of the contact member 1 can be improved, and more stable conduction characteristics can be exhibited.

Further, in the contact member 1, the surface layer of the metal wire 20 is plated with a precious metal. Therefore, the contact member 1 is excellent in corrosion resistance and conductivity, and can exhibit more stable conduction characteristics.

Further, in the contact member 1, the rubber-like elastic body 10 includes at least a first rubber-like elastic body 11 made of metal-adhesive silicone rubber and a second rubber-like elastic body 12 made of foamed silicone rubber. The metal wire 20 is embedded in the first rubber-like elastic body 11. Therefore, the rubber-like elastic body 10 can firmly hold the metal wire 20 by the first rubber-like elastic body 11, and exhibits sufficient flexibility by the second rubber-like elastic body 20 located on the opposite side thereof. it can.

In the method for manufacturing the contact member 1 according to the embodiment, the metal wire 20 is exposed and embedded in the first rubber-like elastic body 11 whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact. The rubber-like elastic body 10 is formed by integrating the arrangement step ST1 for forming the first rubber-like elastic body 26 with the first rubber-like elastic body 11 and the second rubber-like elastic body 12. The elastic body forming step ST3 is provided. As a result, the metal wire 20 arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction can be wired to the rubber-like elastic body 10 whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact. In the contact member 1 in which the metal wire 20 is wired to the rubber-like elastic body 10 whose directionality is defined in this way, the relationship between the direction of the rubber-like elastic body 10 and the extending direction of the metal wire 20 becomes clear. The electrodes on the substrate can be securely connected to each other. As described above, according to the manufacturing method of this embodiment, it is possible to manufacture a contact member that can be reliably conducted even if the electrode shape of the substrate to be used is directional.

In the method for manufacturing the contact member 1 according to this embodiment, the first rubber-like elastic body with a metal wire is provided so that the side of the metal wire 20 faces the bottom surface and the side surface of the mold J in the mold J that opens one side. The laying step ST2 for laying the 26 and the bonding step ST5 for adhering the fixing member 30 so as to bury the end portion of the metal wire 20 inside the fixing member 30 are provided. As a result, the metal wire 20 is exposed from one surface, bent from the one surface to the side surface thereof, and embedded in the first rubber-like elastic body 11, and the end portion is embedded in the fixing member 30. Can be fixed to. Since the contact member 1 to which the metal wire 20 is fixed is held in a direction other than the peeling direction, the metal wire 20 is a contact member that is difficult to peel off.

Based on the above, according to the method for manufacturing a contact member according to this embodiment, the electrode is excellent in foreign matter resistance, stable contact with an electrode, and adhesiveness of a metal wire, and in addition, the electrode is reliably formed even when the electrode shape is directional. It is possible to provide a contact member capable of realizing the continuity of the above.

(4. Other embodiments)
Although the above description has been made based on the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. It can be carried out in various aspects within a range that does not deviate from the purpose, and for example, the following modifications are also possible.

The number, shape, position, size, material, and the like of the components described in the above embodiment are examples, and can be changed as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

In the above embodiment, the rubber-like elastic body 10 has been described as having two parts having different characteristics such as the first rubber-like elastic body 11 and the second rubber-like elastic body 12, but the present invention is limited thereto. It's not something. For example, the rubber-like elastic body may be a block-shaped elastic body having one characteristic. Further, the rubber-like elastic body may be composed of three or more members having different characteristics.

In the above embodiment, the shape of the rubber-like elastic body 10 is substantially rectangular when viewed from the side that functions as a contact, but is limited to a substantially rectangular shape as long as the shape defines the directionality when viewed from the side that functions as a contact. It is not something that is done. FIG. 6 shows a modified example of the contact member. For example, the shape of the rubber-like elastic body may be trapezoidal as shown in (a). Further, the shape of the rubber-like elastic body may be a rhombus as shown in (b). Further, the shape of the rubber-like elastic body may be hexagonal as shown in (c). Further, the shape of the rubber-like elastic body may be a pentagon as shown in (d). Further, as shown in (e), the shape of the rubber-like elastic body may be a non-polygon having a different aspect ratio such as an ellipse.

In the above embodiment, silicone rubber is used for the rubber-like elastic body 10 and the fixing member 30, but the material of the rubber-like elastic body and the fixing member is limited to silicone rubber as long as it is a flexible rubber material. It is not something that is done. Thermocurable elastomers such as urethane rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, nitrile rubber (NBR) or styrene butadiene rubber (SBR); urethane-based, ester-based, styrene-based, olefin-based, butadiene A thermoplastic elastomer such as a system or a fluorine system, or a composite thereof may be used.

Further, the contact member 1 may have a translucent property. Specifically, a transparent or translucent rubber member is used for the rubber-like elastic body and the fixing member, and the wiring pitch of the metal wire 20 can be adjusted to provide transparency. As a result, it is possible to construct a contact member capable of guiding the illumination light arranged on the substrate to the key top.

In the method for manufacturing a contact member according to the above embodiment, the adhesive 31 applied by the adhesive application step ST4 to the second rubber-like elastic body 12 in which the uncured composition is cured by the rubber-like elastic body forming step ST3. Is used to bond the fixing member 30 in the bonding step ST5. However, the method of adhering the fixing member 30 is not limited to this. For example, the uncured composition is not cured in the rubber-like elastic body forming step ST3, and the bonding step ST5 is proceeded without performing the adhesive application step ST4, and the fixing member 30 is placed on the uncured composition in the bonding step ST5. May be good. In this case, the uncured composition is cured in the bonding step ST5 to become the second rubber-like elastic body 12, and also functions as an adhesive for integrating the fixing member 30 and the second rubber-like elastic body 12. To do.

FIG. 7 shows a modified example of the present invention as viewed from the aspect of functioning as a contact point.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a contact member in which a plurality of metal wires 20 are arranged in a rubber-like elastic body 10 having a substantially circular shape and a recess 15 partially recessed in the internal direction of the circle. 1 may be manufactured. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, a plurality of metal wires 20 are arranged on a rubber-like elastic body 10 having a substantially circular shape and partially provided with a convex portion 16 protruding in the outward direction of the circle. The contact member 1 may be manufactured. The rubber-like elastic body 10 provided with the concave portion 15 or the convex portion 16 is included in the concept of "a rubber-like elastic body whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact point".

The rubber-like elastic body 10 is defined as "a rubber-like elastic body whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact", or instead, the shape of the fixing member 30 is used as a side that functions as a contact. The shape may have a defined directionality when viewed from the outside.

The contact member according to the present invention can be used, for example, as a contact of a push button switch used in various devices such as an in-vehicle device of an automobile, an industrial robot, a household electric appliance, and a PC.

1. Contact member, 10 ... Rubber-like elastic body, 11 ... First rubber-like elastic body, 12 ... Second rubber-like elastic body, 20 ... Metal wire, 26 ... First rubber-like elastic body with metal wire, 30 ... Fixing member, 31 ... Adhesive (part of fixing member), 32 ... Hardened body (part of fixing member), ST1 ... Placement process, ST2 ... Laying process, ST3 ... Rubber-like elastic body forming process, ST5 ... Adhesive process, ST6 ... Molding process, J ... Mold.

Claims (8)

A rubber-like elastic body whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact,
The rubber-like elastic body is arranged so as to extend in a predetermined direction on one surface that defines the directionality, and is exposed from the one surface and bent from the one surface to the side surface thereof. With one or more metal wires embedded in the rubber-like elastic body,
A fixing member fixed to the other surface of the rubber-like elastic body opposite to the one surface and burying the end portion of the metal wire.
A contact member comprising. The contact member according to claim 1, wherein the one surface of the rubber-like elastic body has a shape having a different aspect ratio. The contact member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one surface of the rubber-like elastic body has a polygonal shape. The contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the metal wires are provided so as to be parallel to each other with a gap between them. The contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal wire has a length of 1/2 or more and 1/3 or less exposed from the rubber-like elastic body in the wire radial direction. The contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the metal wire is plated with a noble metal on its surface layer. The rubber-like elastic body includes at least a first rubber-like elastic body made of metal-adhesive silicone rubber and a second rubber-like elastic body made of foamed silicone rubber and in close contact with the first rubber-like elastic body. Have,
The contact member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the metal wire is embedded in the first rubber-like elastic body. One or more metal wires are exposed and buried on one surface of the first rubber-like elastic body whose directionality is defined when viewed from the side that functions as a contact. The placement process for forming the first rubber-like elastic body with metal wire,
The laying step of laying the first rubber-like elastic body with the metal wire in the mold that opens one side with the side of the metal wire facing the bottom surface and the side surface of the mold.
A rubber-like material that supplies an uncured composition that is cured to become a second rubber-like elastic body from the side of the first rubber-like elastic body with a metal wire into the mold. Elastic body forming process and
Before or after curing the uncured composition, the fixing member is adhered to the uncured composition or the second rubber-like elastic body, and the end portion of the metal wire is embedded inside the fixing member. Adhesion process and
After the bonding step, the metal wire and the contact member having the fixing member fixed to the rubber-like elastic body including the first rubber-like elastic body and the second rubber-like elastic body are separated from the mold. Molding process and
A method for manufacturing a contact member including.