JP2816822B2 - Thin switch and display panel with switch - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thin switch for use in, for example, FA (factory automation) equipment, vending machines, automatic ticket vending machines, information equipment, home electric appliances, medical operation equipment and the like, and uses the same. The present invention relates to a display panel with a switch.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A typical touch switch is a touch panel. The touch panel has, in summary, one or more switch units that have one or more switch units and can be operated with a pressing stroke of almost zero, or one or more switch units that can be operated by touching or lightly pressing. It can be said that the switch has a panel shape.

A touch panel has a resistive film type in which upper and lower transparent electrodes are opposed to each other with a slight space between transparent thin plates (this is also called a transparent electrode type; the same applies hereinafter), and light emitted from a light emitting element is a light receiving element. There are a photoelectric type in which the entry into the receiving element is blocked or attenuated by a finger or the like, and a photoelectric type in which the entry into the receiving element is blocked or attenuated by a finger or the like.

The touch panel 4 shown in FIG. 39 is of a resistive film type. In short, one or more switches which are turned on by being lightly pressed from outside (ie, with a stroke of almost 0) between transparent thin plates. Part. More specifically, the touch panel 4 includes a transparent thin plate 1 having a plurality of openings 12 on a transparent thin plate 6 having a transparent electrode 8 formed on an upper surface thereof.
And a transparent thin plate 16 on which a transparent electrode 18 is formed on the lower surface. Transparent electrodes 8 and 18
May be a plurality of striped electrodes orthogonal to each other, or one electrode, for example, the transparent electrode 18 may be a plurality of electrodes, and the other electrode, for example, the transparent electrode 8, may be a common electrode. Since both transparent thin plates 6 and 16 are thin, they are flexible. However, the lower transparent thin plate 6 may not be flexible.

A switch portion 4a is formed in each of the openings 12. In this example, when a desired portion of the opening 12 is lightly pressed from the transparent thin plate 16 side, the pressed transparent thin plate 16 and the transparent electrode are pressed. When the transparent electrode 18 is bent, the transparent electrode 18 comes into contact with the lower transparent electrode 8 through the opening 12 and is electrically turned on. However, the size, shape, number and the like of each switch section 4a are arbitrary, and a plurality of small switch sections 4a may be collectively used (that is, electrically connected in parallel) and used as one switch section. .

[0006] Such a touch panel 4 is, for example, shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 0, a display panel with a switch can be constructed by overlapping the display panel 2 having an information display function (for example, see Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 61-723). The display panel 2 is typically a liquid crystal display.

The display panel 2 usually has, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, near the lower part of the switch unit 4a of the touch panel 4, a display area 2a for displaying contents selected by operation of the switch unit 4a, for example, control contents in FA, destinations in automatic ticket vending machines, and the like is formed. I have. By doing so, the selection and operation of the desired switch unit 4a becomes easy.

[0008]

The above touch panel 4
Has the advantage that the whole is at most about 1 mm thick and extremely thin, but the switch section 4a
Is very small, specifically, about 0.1 to 0.2 mm, so that the displacement cannot be perceived by a human finger.
There is a problem that it is not possible to obtain a stroke feeling of operating the “a” (this is also called an operation feeling). If a stroke feeling cannot be obtained, the operator who operates the switch unit 4a becomes uneasy because there is no response to operating the switch unit 4a, and even though the switch unit 4a is already turned on, many times and more than necessary. May be pressed strongly. In particular, when a gloved hand is pressed, a stroke feeling cannot be obtained at all.

The touch panel of the photoelectric type and the ultrasonic type described above is operated only by touching its surface or the like with a finger (that is, with a pressing stroke of 0), so that a stroke feeling cannot be obtained.

A display panel with a switch as shown in FIG. 42 has been proposed to solve the problem of lack of stroke feeling of a touch panel (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-44857).

The display panel with switches is provided on the display panel 2 as described above, more specifically, in each display area 2.
a, the switch units 20 are provided respectively.

Each switch unit 20 includes a housing 2
2, a transparent push button 24, a switch mechanism 26 operated by the push button 24, and an image guide 28.
And The switch mechanism 26 has an electrical contact and a return spring for returning the electrical contact and the push button 24 (both are not shown). The image guide 28 is formed by bundling and integrating a plurality of optical fibers, whereby the display content of the display panel 2 can be raised to the upper surface of the image guide 28. The provision of such an image guide 28 is unavoidable because the provision of the switch mechanism 26 increases the distance between the surface of the display panel 2 and the push button 24.
This is to prevent the display content of the display panel 2 from being displayed at a position very far behind the push button 24 so that it is difficult to see it.

In this switch-equipped display panel, the stroke of pushing the push button 24 can be secured to some extent, so that a sense of stroke can be obtained. However, since the mechanical switch mechanism 26 is used, the switch unit 20 is not used. Is thick, and the image guide 28 is required for the above reason. That is, the image guide 28 is a bundle of a plurality of optical fibers as described above,
Since there is a limit to increasing the number of optical fibers, the image quality is coarse and it is difficult to display finely. Moreover, light from the upper end surface of the optical fiber constituting the image guide 28 is
Since the light is emitted only within a range of about 70 degrees from directly above, it is difficult to view the display contents of the display panel 2 from an oblique direction. Further, since such an image guide 28 is expensive, the entire display panel with a switch is also expensive.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a thin switch capable of obtaining a stroke feeling while making use of the feature that the touch panel can be made extremely thin, and using the switch, an image guide is not required and a stroke feeling is obtained. A main object of the present invention is to provide a display panel with a switch that can perform the operation.

[0015]

A thin switch according to the present invention is used by being superimposed on a display panel having an information display function.
, Which has one or more switches and can be operated with almost zero stroke by pushing it
It has a transparent or translucent touch panel and one or more operation mechanism units arranged on the touch panel, and each operation mechanism unit is movable with a constant stroke in the pressing direction and is pressed when pressed. A transparent or translucent push button for operating a corresponding switch unit of the touch panel, and a return unit provided near an end of the push button and applying a return force to the push button are provided. .

Further, the display panel with switch of the present invention has a display panel having an information display function and one or more switch parts which are superposed on the display panel and which are depressed so that the stroke is almost zero. A transparent or translucent touch panel that can be operated by a user, and one or more operation mechanism units disposed on the touch panel, and each operation mechanism unit is movable with a constant stroke in the pressing direction. A transparent or translucent push button for operating a corresponding switch section of the touch panel when pressed, and a return means provided near an end of the push button and providing a return force to the push button. It is characterized by the following.

According to the thin switch, when the push button of the operation mechanism is pressed, the push button retreats (falls) with a fixed stroke, thereby operating (for example, turning on) the corresponding switch section of the touch panel. be able to. As described above, in this thin switch, a stroke for pushing the push button can be secured, so that a clear feeling of stroke can be obtained while taking advantage of the feature that the touch panel can be made extremely thin.

The switch-equipped display panel has a structure in which the above-described thin switch using a touch panel is superposed on the display panel, and a mechanical switch is provided between the push button and the display panel. Since there is no need to provide a switch mechanism, the distance between the push button and the display panel can be reduced, and the display content of the display panel is displayed immediately near the back of the push button. It becomes unnecessary. In addition, a stroke feeling can be obtained when operating the push button.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 partially shows an embodiment of a display panel with a switch using a thin film switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling, wherein a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a stroke feeling and a click feeling are obtained. It is sectional drawing. FIG.
It is a top view of the display panel with a switch of FIG. FIG.
It is sectional drawing which shows the state which pushed down the push button of the display panel with a switch of FIG.

The switch-equipped display panels of this embodiment and the embodiments described below have a structure in which a thin switch 80 is superimposed on a display panel 2 having an information display function. Each embodiment is different.

The display panel 2 is typically a liquid crystal display, but may also be an EL (electroluminescent) display, a plasma display, a thin CR display, or the like.
A combination of a T, an LED array, a nameplate or liquid crystal shutter for displaying information, and a luminous body or reflector for illuminating the information may be used. In this case, when a magnet is used for the return unit 50 described later, a device that is not affected by the magnetic field, such as a liquid crystal display, an EL display, and a plasma display, is preferable. No special consideration is required, and there is no problem with a thin CRT.

In this embodiment, the switch section 4 of the touch panel 4 constituting the thin switch 80 is provided on the display panel 2.
A display area 2a for displaying the content selected by the operation of the switch section 4a is formed near the lower part of "a". Therefore, selection and operation of a desired switch unit 4a becomes easy.

The thin switch 80 is superimposed on the display panel 2 and includes one or more transparent switch portions 4a which are turned on by being pressed lightly from the outside between the transparent thin plates, as described above. Of the touch panel 4 and one or more operation mechanism units 30 provided on the switch unit 4a of the touch panel 4.

Each operating mechanism 30 is movable with a constant stroke in the pressing direction, and when pressed, the touch panel 4
The corresponding switch unit 4a is operated. More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown by an arrow A, the whole touch panel retreats linearly with a constant stroke in the pressing direction (that is, a direct-acting type). The push button 32 is provided with a transparent push button 32 for turning on the corresponding switch section 4a and a return means 50 provided near the periphery of the push button 32 for applying a return force to the push button 32. Further, in this embodiment, each operating mechanism section 30 is provided near the periphery of the push button 32 and guides a vertical linear movement of the push button 32, and prevents the push button 32 from coming off. And an engagement portion 40.

The display area 2a of the display panel 2, the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4, and the push buttons 32 may have any planar shapes. In this embodiment, for example, the display area 2a of the display panel 2 is rectangular. Correspondingly, the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 also has a rectangular shape substantially the same size as the display area 2a (see FIG. 41), and the push button 32 corresponding thereto has a rectangular shape substantially the same size as the switch section 4a. (See FIG. 2). However, the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 does not necessarily have to be in the entire area on the display area 2a of the display panel 2 or in the entire area under the push button 32, and at least near the upper part of the display area 2a of the display panel 2. It only has to be at a position operated by the push button 32 or a member connected thereto. The same applies to other embodiments.

In this embodiment, the engaging portion 40 has a structure in which the peripheral portion 34 of the push button 32 and the projecting portion 38 of the column 36 engage with each other to prevent the push button 32 from coming off.

In this embodiment, the return means 50 uses a combination of a repulsive force and an attractive force between the permanent magnets. The return means 50 is arranged so that the magnetic poles thereof are positioned vertically within the peripheral portion 34 of the push button 32. And at a position within the root portion of the support column 36 that faces the movable magnet 52 inside and outside when the push button 32 is depressed, and partially faces up and down, and A fixed-side magnet 54 is provided such that the magnetic pole is positioned up and down with the opposite polarity to the movable-side magnet 52.

The positional relationship between the two magnets 52 and 54 will be described in detail. The two magnets 52 and 54 are located almost completely inside and outside as shown in FIG.
However, in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG.
Even if 2 is pushed down, the two magnets 52 and 54 do not completely oppose each other, and are at a position where the movable magnet 52 opposes and stops in a state shifted upward. Although this will be described later in detail, this is to prevent the magnets 52 and 54 from attracting each other and the push button 32 from being unable to return upward.

The two magnets 52 and 54 are permanent magnets.
The magnetic poles may be all opposite to those in the illustrated example. Further, the two magnets 52 and 54 may be plural (specifically, two or four) as shown in FIG. 2, or may be one annular. The annular magnet can be made by molding a mixture of resin and magnetic powder. In addition, unlike the example shown in FIG. 1, both magnets 52 and 54 may be partially exposed from the push button 32 and the support 36.
The same applies to other embodiments.

There are various means for making the two magnets 52 and 54 partially oppose each other in the vertical direction when the push button 32 is pressed down. The spacer 56 in FIG. 1 is one example. Other examples will be described later.

That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an annular spacer 56 is provided below the peripheral portion 34 of the push button 32 so as to limit the pushing amount of the push button 32. The spacer 56 is connected to the corresponding switch unit 4a of the touch panel 4.
And is movable up and down. However, even if it is movable up and down, it is only necessary to be movable enough to turn on and off the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4, and as described above, the stroke for operating the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 is almost 0, and Since the thickness is about 1 mm as described above, it is sufficient to be able to move by that distance.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described. Since the magnets 52 and 54 are always opposed to each other with opposite polarities, the push button 32 is pushed up by the repulsive force between the magnets 52 and 54. . However, the push button 32 does not come off (protrude) because of the presence of the engaging portion 40.

When the push button 32 is pressed down against the repulsive force between the magnets 52 and 54, the entire push button 32 is
Is guided and pushed down, abuts the spacer 56,
Via the spacer 56, the corresponding switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 can be pressed and turned on. This is the state of FIG.

In this case, when the push button 32 is pressed, the repulsive force is further increased since the distance between the magnets 52 and 54 is initially reduced, but after a certain area (when pressed down a certain amount or more), FIG. As can be seen from the reference, since the opposite magnetic poles of the two magnets 52 and 54 approach each other and the attractive force starts to work, the repulsive force between the two magnets 52 and 54 suddenly decreases, and the pushing down is lightly (easy). )Become.

As described above, the operation or feeling that the pressing of the push button 32 is suddenly reduced from the middle is called a snap action or a click feeling, and the operator can reliably feel that the switch has been operated. Since the switch can be transmitted, the operational feeling of the switch is further improved. Further, since the pressing of the push button 32 suddenly becomes lighter, the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 can be reliably operated to the end by the push button 32 (in other words, the pressing of the push button 32 is incomplete). (It is not possible to stop at the position), so that the operation on the touch panel 4 becomes more reliable.

However, since the spacer 56 is provided even if the push button 32 is pushed down to the end, the magnets 52 and 54 are provided.
Are not completely opposed, and a repulsive force remains between the magnets 52 and 54. This repulsive force only needs to return the push button 32 at least. This repulsive force can be easily adjusted by, for example, the height of the spacer 56 or the like.

Therefore, when the pressing of the push button 32 is stopped, the push button 32 is returned by the repulsive force between the two magnets 52 and 54, and is stopped by the engaging portion 40. Further, the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 returns by itself and turns off. Thus, the state returns to the state of FIG.

As described above, in the thin switch 80, a stroke for pushing the push button 32 can be secured, so that a clear feeling of stroke can be obtained while taking advantage of the feature that the touch panel can be made extremely thin. it can. As a result, it is possible to give a clear response to the operator that the switch unit has been pressed, thereby giving a sense of security. The stroke of the push button 32 is
In this embodiment, the lower surface of the push button 32 and the spacer 56
Is defined by the distance between the upper surface and the upper surface. Several mm
Even with about 2 mm, a sufficient stroke feeling can be obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, a click feeling can be obtained in addition to the stroke feeling, so that the switch operation feeling is further improved and
Switch operation becomes more reliable.

The switch-equipped display panel is such that the above-described thin switch 80 using the touch panel 4 is overlaid on the display panel 2, and between the push button 32 and the display panel 2 in FIG. Unlike the conventional example, there is no need to provide a mechanical switch mechanism.
And the display panel 2 can be brought closer to each other. For example, when the stroke of the push button 32 is about 0.5 mm, even if the height of the spacer 56 is about 2 mm, the thickness of the touch panel 4 is extremely small, about 1 mm. Even if the push button 32 is not depressed, the distance from the upper surface can be extremely small, such as about 3.5 mm at most. Accordingly, the display content of the display panel 2 is displayed immediately near the back of the push button 32, so that an image guide is not required unlike the case of the conventional example of FIG. As a result, the display content of the display panel 2 can be viewed with good image quality without making the display content of the display panel 2 coarse. In addition, since the image guide that limits the viewing angle is not used, the display contents of the display panel 2 can be viewed well from an oblique direction. In addition, since an expensive image guide is not required and a complicated switch mechanism is not required and the structure is simple, the cost of the display panel with switches can be reduced. Moreover, a stroke feeling can be obtained when the push button 32 is operated, and a click feeling can be obtained in this embodiment.

The touch panel 4 and the push button 32
Is transparent as described above in order to combine with the display panel 2 in this embodiment.
It is not always necessary to be transparent depending on the display contents and the like, but may be translucent. In short, it is only necessary that light from the lower display panel 2 can be transmitted. The same applies to other embodiments combined with the display panel 2.

Further, the thin switch 80 can be used without being superimposed on the display panel 2. For example, the thin switch 80 is used separately from the display panel 2 alone or in combination with other devices. In such a case, the light from the lower display panel 2 does not need to be transmitted, so that the touch panel 4 and the push buttons 32 need not be transparent or translucent, but may be opaque. In that case,
In order to identify the push button 32, characters, symbols, and the like may be written, stamped, or attached on the surface of the push button 32. The same applies to other embodiments.

By the way, the spacer 56 may be a transparent flat plate. However, if the spacer 56 is formed in an annular shape as in this embodiment, the switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 is formed only in an invisible position on the periphery of the display area 2a of the display panel 2. Since the touch panel 4 can be pressed, even if the touch panel 4 is scratched by pressing the push button 32, the touch panel 4 is located in an invisible place.
It is possible to prevent the display content of the display panel 2 from becoming difficult to see due to long-term use.

Instead of providing the spacer 56 as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, one or more feet for pressing the corresponding switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 downward from the periphery of the push button 32. The portion 42 may be projected. The foot 42 may be a single annular foot,
A plurality of feet, for example, arranged at four corners on the lower surface of the push button 32 may be used. The plurality of feet 42 are
Since only the target switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 can be reliably pressed with a small force, the reliability of the switch operation is high.

By providing such a foot portion 42, the same operation and effect as in the case of the spacer 56 can be obtained. That is, when the push button 32 is depressed, the movable magnet 52 and the fixed magnet 54 partially oppose each other in the vertical direction, so that it is possible to prevent the push button 32 from being unable to return upward. In addition, it is possible to prevent the display contents of the display panel 2 from being difficult to see due to scratches on a prominent portion of the touch panel 4. Moreover, since the foot portion 42 can be formed integrally with the push button 32, the number of parts is reduced as compared with the case where the spacer 56 is provided, and assembling becomes simpler, thereby further reducing the cost. it can.

Even without the spacer 56 or the foot 42 as described above, the movable magnet 52 may be provided not only immediately near the lower surface of the push button 32 but also in the upper part of the push button 32, When the button 32 is depressed, the movable-side magnet 52 and the fixed-side magnet 54 may be partially opposed in the up-down direction.

When combined with the display panel 2, the inside of the push button 32 or the lower surface thereof is, for example, shown in FIG.
The convex lens portion 70 may be provided as in the example shown in FIG. In that case, the display area 2a of the display panel 2 is usually positioned within the focal length of the convex lens section 70. If such a convex lens portion 70 is provided, the display content of the display panel 2 thereunder can be enlarged by the convex lens portion 70, in other words, the display content can be displayed in a raised manner, so that the display content of the display panel 2 can be further enhanced. It can be easier to see.

Further, the convex lens portion 70 is
Push button 32, not in the space between
When the convex lens portion 70 is provided, the thickness of the entire display panel with a switch can be prevented from increasing even if the convex lens portion 70 is provided.

The lower surface of the convex lens portion 70 may be a flat surface as in the example shown in FIG. 20, for example, but if it is slightly depressed as in the example shown in FIG. Since the touch panel 4 can be pressed, it is possible to concentrate the power on the target switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 and press the switch section 4a reliably, and it is possible to prevent a visible portion of the touch panel 4 from being damaged. .

However, if it is not a problem that the touch panel 4 is damaged, the convex lens portion 70
For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a part thereof may be projected downward from the lower surface of the push button 32. With this configuration, the convex lens portion 70 can also function as the spacer 56 and the foot portion 42 described above, so that it is possible to omit them.

The push button 32 having the above-described convex lens portion 70 is, for example, a push button 32 made of a transparent resin having a relatively small refractive index and a convex lens portion 70 made of a transparent resin having a relatively large refractive index. , Can be formed by double molding or fitting.

The foot 42 and the convex lens 7 as described above
0 can of course be applied to other embodiments described below, and the same operation and effect as described above can be obtained. The convex lens section 70 may be a Fresnel lens that acts as a convex lens.

Although the movable magnet 52 may be provided in the push button 32 in the examples shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the illustration of the movable magnet 52 is omitted.

The surface of the push button 32 may be provided with anti-reflection processing or antibacterial coating. This is the same in the following embodiments.

As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, at least the upper surface of the push button 32 and the gap 72 around the push button 32 are more easily arranged by a plurality of operating mechanism units arranged in parallel. The entire top surface of 30 may be covered with a transparent thin sheet 74 having flexibility.

By doing so, water droplets and dust enter through the gap 72 and adhere to the surface of the touch panel 4, or water droplets spread between the touch panel 4 and the display panel 2, and the display on the display panel 2 Can be prevented from being difficult to see. However, since the resistive touch panel 4 normally has a waterproof function, functional failure due to water droplets does not usually occur. Further, in a case where the push button 32 is used in a dusty environment such as a factory, the surface of the push button 32 can be easily cleaned. Thus, by providing the sheet 74, a drip-proof and dust-proof structure can be easily realized.

The material of the sheet 74 is, for example, transparent silicone rubber or transparent PET (polyethylene terephthalate). In the former case, since the flexibility is very large, the sheet 74 may be a simple flat plate. In the latter case, since the flexibility is rather small, the portion above the push button 32 is
It is preferable that the push button 32 is made easy to press by applying a so-called embossing process, which is likely to be raised according to the stroke 2.

Next, another embodiment will be described. However, the same parts as those in the previous embodiment will not be described repeatedly, and the description will focus on the differences from the previous embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a thin switch 8 in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a stroke feeling is obtained.
It is sectional drawing which shows the Example of the display panel with a switch using 0 partly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.
A movable magnet 52 is provided in the peripheral portion of the push button 32 so that its magnetic pole is located on the left and right, and a movable magnet 52 is provided in the root portion of the support 36 so that its magnetic pole is located on the left and right.
In addition, the movable magnet 52 has a fixed magnet 54 which has the same polarity as the movable magnet 52 and repels inside and outside when the push button 32 is pressed down.

In this embodiment, a click feeling cannot be obtained because only the repulsive force between the magnets is utilized. However, the more the push button 32 is depressed, the stronger the repulsive force between the two magnets 52 and 54 becomes. In addition, a great response can be obtained.

Further, since the magnetic poles of the two magnets 52 and 54 are located in the horizontal direction, the thickness of the magnet part can be reduced, and as a result, the thin switch 80 and thus the entire display panel with switch can be further layered. Can be made thinner.

FIG. 5 shows a thin switch 8 having a resistive touch panel, a direct-acting push button, and a stroke.
It is sectional drawing which shows the Example of the display panel with a switch using 0 partly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the return means 50
A movable magnet 52 is provided in the periphery of the push button 32 so that its magnetic poles are located vertically, and is provided such that its magnetic poles are located vertically in a root portion of the support 36.
In addition, the movable magnet 52 has a fixed magnet 54 which has the same polarity as that of the movable magnet 52 and is repelled upward and downward when the push button 32 is pressed down. At the lower part of the periphery of the push button 32, a foot 42 for pressing the switch 4a of the touch panel 4 is projected.

In this embodiment as well, a click feeling cannot be obtained because only the repulsive force between the magnets is used. However, the more the push button 32 is depressed, the stronger the repulsive force between the two magnets 52 and 54 becomes. In addition, a great response can be obtained.

Further, since the fixed magnet 54 does not need to be provided in the column 36, the width of the column 36 can be reduced.
As a result, a high-density arrangement of the operation mechanism unit 30 becomes possible.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin-film switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling, in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a stroke feeling and a click feeling. .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the return means 50
A magnetic plate 58 provided on an upper portion of a support 36 is used to make use of an attractive force between a permanent magnet and a magnetic material.
And a movable magnet 52 that is provided at a portion located below the magnetic plate 58 and that attracts the magnetic plate 58. The magnetic plate 58 is made of a ferromagnetic material, and is, for example, an iron plate.

In this embodiment, the movable magnet 52 always attracts the magnetic plate 58 strongly, and when the push button 32 is pushed down, the push button 32 does not go down until it is pushed down to a certain extent at first. When the distance 32 is slightly lowered, the distance between the movable-side magnet 52 and the magnetic plate 58 is increased, and the force of the movable-side magnet 52 to attract the magnetic plate 58 is suddenly weakened. That is, a click feeling can be obtained in addition to the stroke feeling. When the pressing is stopped, the push button 32 returns by the force of the movable magnet 52 attracting the magnetic plate 58.

In this embodiment, since the spacer 56 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 or the foot 42 in the embodiment of FIG. 5 is unnecessary, the thickness of the thin switch 80 is reduced accordingly. In addition, the distance between the lower surface of the push button 32 and the upper surface of the display panel 2 can be reduced, so that the display contents of the display panel 2 can be more easily viewed. Also, the magnet is a movable magnet 5
2 only, and the fixed side may be a magnetic plate 58 which is cheaper than a magnet, so that the cost can be reduced accordingly.

Further, since a closed magnetic path is formed by the magnetic plate 58, there is also an advantage that a leakage magnetic field from the movable magnet 52 to the outside is weakened.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a display panel provided with a switch using a thin film switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling, in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type. .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the return means 50
The attraction force between the permanent magnets is used.
6, more specifically in its overhang 38,
Fixed magnet 54 provided with magnetic poles positioned vertically
And the fixed magnet 5 in the periphery of the push button 32.
4 and a fixed magnet 5 provided in a portion located below
4 and a movable magnet 52 that is opposite in polarity and attracts each other. However, the two magnets 52 and 54 may be provided so that the magnetic poles thereof are located on the left and right instead of vertically.

In this embodiment, the movable magnet 52 and the fixed magnet 54 are always strongly attracted to each other, and when the push button 32 is pushed down, the push button 32 does not go down unless it is first pushed down to some extent. However, if it is lowered a little, the distance between the two magnets 52 and 54 becomes large, and the attraction force is suddenly weakened, so that the pushing down is suddenly lightened. That is, a click feeling can be obtained in addition to the stroke feeling. When pressing is stopped, both magnets 52, 54
The push button 32 is returned by the force of sucking each other.

Further, in this embodiment, since a magnet is used on both the fixed side and the movable side, a larger click feeling and a larger return force can be obtained than in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows a thin switch 8 in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a stroke feeling is obtained.
It is sectional drawing which shows the Example of the display panel with a switch using 0 partly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the return means 50
A movable magnet 52 provided in the peripheral portion of the push button 32 such that the magnetic poles are positioned vertically, and a movable magnet 52 provided on the back surface of the display panel 2 when the push button 32 is pressed down. And a fixed-side magnet 54 which has the same polarity and repels to face each other.

In this embodiment, the fixed magnet 54 is made horizontally long so that it can be shared with the adjacent operation mechanism 30.
Instead, a separate fixed magnet 54 may be provided for each operation mechanism unit 30.

In this embodiment, a click feeling cannot be obtained because only the repulsive force between the magnets is used. However, the more the push button 32 is depressed, the stronger the repulsive force between the two magnets 52 and 54 becomes. In addition, a great response can be obtained. Since the thickness of the display panel 2 is usually thin, for example, it is at most about 3 mm in the case of a liquid crystal display, a sufficient repulsive force can be obtained even when the two magnets 52 and 54 face each other with the display panel 2 interposed therebetween. be able to.

Further, in this embodiment, since the fixed magnet 54 may be attached to the back surface of the display panel 2, the structure and the assembly are smaller than when the fixed magnet 54 is arranged between the push button 32 and the touch panel 4 or in the support 36. Becomes easier.

In addition, since it is not necessary to provide the fixed magnet 54 in the support 36 and the width of the support 36 can be reduced, the operation mechanism 30 can be arranged with high density.

FIG. 9 shows a thin switch 8 in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a stroke feeling is obtained.
It is sectional drawing which shows the Example of the display panel with a switch using 0 partly.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the return means 50
There are a plurality of compression coil springs 60 provided between the periphery of the push button 32 and the touch panel 4. The compression coil springs 60 may be provided, for example, at the four corners of the periphery of the push button 32.

In this embodiment, the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 may be pressed below the compression coil spring 60, or other means, such as the above-described foot section 42, may be provided to switch the switch section 4a. You may press it.

In this embodiment, a click feeling cannot be obtained because only the elasticity of the spring is used, but a stroke feeling can be obtained because the push button 32 can be pressed down.

In this embodiment, since no magnet is used, there is no possibility that the influence of the magnetic field is exerted on other components.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a resistive touch panel as a touch panel, a direct-acting push button, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling.

In the embodiment shown in FIG.
Are a plurality of mountain-shaped leaf springs 62 provided between the periphery of the push button 32 and the touch panel 4. The leaf springs 62 may be provided on, for example, two opposite sides or four opposite sides of the peripheral portion of the push button 32.

In this embodiment, the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 may be pressed below the leaf spring 62, or other means, such as the above-described foot section 42, may be provided, and the switch section 4a may be pressed therewith. You may do it.

In this embodiment, a click feeling cannot be obtained because only the elasticity of the spring is used, but a stroke feeling can be obtained because the push button 32 can be pressed down.

Further, in this embodiment, since no magnet is used, there is no possibility that the influence of the magnetic field is exerted on other components.

The embodiment shown in FIGS.
Are located below (in other words, at the back) the peripheral portion 34 of the push button 32 (in other words, hidden).

In this case, as shown in the front view of FIG. 15, the struts 36 do not appear on the surface, so that the surface is very clean and the appearance is improved.

Further, since the size of the push button 32 can be increased, the desired push button 32 can be easily pushed without fail, and the operability is improved.

Alternatively, as long as the support 36 is not in the way,
Since the operation mechanism units 30 can be arranged close to each other, high-density arrangement is possible.

In the following, each embodiment will be described mainly with respect to differences from the previous embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin film switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling, in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct acting type, and a touch feeling is provided. .

The embodiment shown in FIG. 14 has a return means 50 having the same concept as the embodiment shown in FIG. However, the movable magnet 52 constituting the return means 50 is provided in the lower part of the foot 42 projecting downward from the push button 32, and
Reference numeral 8 is provided on the upper part of the support 36 located at the back of the push button 32. The corresponding switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 can be turned on by pressing the corresponding foot section 42. The operation and effect of the return means 50 are the same as those of the embodiment of FIG.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, a hook 44 projecting downward from the periphery of the push button 32 and an overhang 38 provided on the upper portion of the support 36 are engaged with each other. The engaging portion 40 that prevents the push button 32 from coming off is configured in such a manner that the push button 32 is prevented from coming off. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 14, the foot portion 42 of the push button 32 and the magnetic plate 58 can also serve as the engaging portion for preventing the push button 32 from coming off. Need not be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the engaging portion 40 as described above is provided. The hook portion 44 and the foot portion 42, that is, the engagement portion 40 and the return means 50
They are provided at positions that do not interfere with each other. For example, the engaging portion 4
Numerals 0 are provided at the four corners of the periphery of the push button 32, respectively, and the return means 50 are provided near the center of the four sides excluding the four corners of the periphery of the push button 32, respectively.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14, 16 to 19, a convex lens portion may be provided inside the push button 32 or on the lower surface thereof, whereby the effects described above are obtained. One example is shown in FIG. However, the convex lens portion 70 may be slightly recessed as shown in FIG. 12 or may be projected as shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin-film switch 80, in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a stroke feeling can be obtained.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 17 has a return means 50 having the same concept as the embodiment shown in FIG. However, the movable magnet 52 constituting the return means 50 is provided at the root of the foot 42. The corresponding switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 can be turned on by pressing the corresponding foot section 42. Since the operation and effect of the return means 50 are the same as those of the embodiment of FIG. 5, the duplicate description will be omitted here.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin-film switch 80 capable of giving a sense of stroke, wherein a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 18 has a return means 50 having the same concept as the embodiment shown in FIG. However, the movable magnet 52 constituting the return means 50 is provided below the foot 42. The corresponding switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 can be turned on by pressing the corresponding foot section 42. Since the operation and effect of the return means 50 are the same as those of the embodiment of FIG. 8, the duplicate description will be omitted here.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin film switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling, in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct acting type, and a feeling of stroke and click is obtained. .

The embodiment shown in FIG. 19 has a return means 50 having the same concept as the embodiment shown in FIG. However, the movable magnet 52 constituting the return means 50 is provided at the root of the foot 42. The corresponding switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 can be turned on by pressing the corresponding foot section 42. The operation and effect of the return means 50 are the same as those of the embodiment of FIG. If the lower portion of the foot portion 42 is extended downward as in this embodiment, FIG.
Unlike the third embodiment, the spacer 56 becomes unnecessary.

The touch panel is, in addition to the above-described resistive touch panel 4, a photoelectric touch panel for interrupting or attenuating the light emitted from the light emitting element to enter the light receiving element as described above, or a super touch panel. An ultrasonic touch panel that interrupts or attenuates the ultrasonic waves emitted from the sound wave oscillating element to enter the vibration receiving element may be used. Next, an embodiment using the photoelectric touch panel 114 or the ultrasonic touch panel 124 will be described. However, the same parts as those in the previous embodiment will not be described repeatedly, and the description will focus on the differences from the previous embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a photoelectric switch as a touch panel, a direct-acting push button, and a thin switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG. 21 includes the same operation mechanism section 30 as in the embodiment of FIG. 6, and a photoelectric touch panel 114. Therefore, the description of the operation mechanism 30 will not be repeated here.

Referring to FIG. 22, the touch panel 114 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 84 for outputting light 86 and a plurality of light receiving elements 90 for receiving the light 86 and converting the light 86 into an electric signal. The matrix is configured such that a matrix-shaped optical path 88 is formed in the space between the surface of the substrate 82 and the push button 32. The vicinity of the intersection of the two optical paths 88 is a switch 114
a.

A hole or notch 39 through which light 86 passes is provided at the root of each support 36. However, that portion may be formed of a transparent resin or the like.

The substrate 82 is, for example, a transparent or translucent glass substrate. However, by substituting the substrate 82 for the substrate constituting the display panel 2 or the like,
May be omitted.

Each light emitting element 84 is, for example, an LED, a semiconductor laser or the like. Each light receiving element 90 is, for example, a photodiode, a phototransistor, or the like.

The light 86 output from each light emitting element 84 is preferable because infrared light is invisible to human eyes, but may be visible light. In addition, a method for causing each light emitting element 84 to emit light is as follows.
A method of constantly emitting light or a method of sequentially emitting light using a microcomputer or the like (this is also called a sequential light emitting method or a scanning method) may be used. This microcomputer or the like may also be used, for example, as a component of the detection circuit 92 described below.

As shown in FIG. 22, in this example, the position (coordinate) of the intersection of the light path 88 where the light amount has decreased is detected in each of the vertical and horizontal light receiving elements 90, as shown in FIG. That is, a detection circuit 92 for specifying the operated switch unit 114a is connected. However, such a detection circuit 92 may not be attached to the touch panel 114 but may use a circuit, a microcomputer, or the like provided in a device to which the touch panel 114 is connected.

Conventionally, an operation of shielding the light 86 by touching the surface of the touch panel 114 with a finger or the like has been performed. As it is, there is no movable part and the pushing stroke is zero, so that the stroke feeling is reduced. You can't get it.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the push button 3
By pressing down 2, the light 86 is blocked or attenuated. That is, when the push button 32 is pressed down, the push button 32 enters the optical path 88. Push button 32
Is opaque, thereby completely blocking light 86. When the push button 32 is transparent or translucent, the light cannot be completely shielded, but the light amount decreases due to refraction, attenuation, etc. in the push button 32, and the output signal level from the corresponding light receiving element 90 decreases. By light path 8
It can be detected that the push button 32 has entered the position 8. In order to more strongly shield or attenuate the light 86 when the push button 32 is transparent or translucent, the end face of the push button 32 located in the optical path 88 may be opaque by painting black or the like. A satin finish for diffusing the light 86 or a mirror finish for reflecting the light 86 may be applied. Alternatively, since the movable magnet 52 is opaque, it may be arranged so that it is located on the optical path 88.

As described above, in the thin switch 80, a stroke for pressing the push button 32 can be secured, so that a clear stroke feeling can be obtained unlike the conventional photoelectric touch panel alone. In addition, the operation mechanism section 30 can also provide a click feeling as described above.

In the case of the conventional photoelectric touch panel alone, there is a problem that if a foreign substance (for example, insects, dust, etc.) adheres to the surface of the touch panel, the optical path is blocked thereby and malfunctions. In the case of 80, even if a foreign substance such as an insect or dust adheres to the push button 32, a malfunction does not occur. Therefore, the reliability is high.

Further, in the display panel with switch of this embodiment, the distance between the push button 32 and the display panel 2 is reduced (for example, 1 to 2 m) as in the previous embodiment.
m), so that the display content of the display panel 2 is displayed immediately near the back of the push button 32, and the display panel 2 can be displayed without using an image guide or the like for raising the display. The displayed contents can be clearly recognized.

Note that the operation mechanism unit 3 arranged in a matrix is
0 and the number of optical paths 88 are 3 × as in the example shown in FIG.
The number is not limited to 2, but may be any number of m × n (m and n are integers of 1 or more), and may be specifically determined according to the use or the like.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using an ultrasonic type touch panel, a direct-acting push button, and a thin switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling. .

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG. 23 includes the same operation mechanism section 30 as in the embodiment of FIG. 6, and an ultrasonic touch panel 124. Therefore, the description of the operation mechanism 30 will not be repeated here.

The touch panel 124 is based on the same technical idea as the touch panel described in, for example, US Pat. No. 5,177,327.

That is, as shown in FIG. 24, the touch panel 124 has a plurality of oscillating elements 96
Also, a plurality of vibration receiving elements 106 that receive the ultrasonic waves 100 and convert the electric waves into electric signals are arranged vertically and horizontally on the surface of the peripheral portion of the substrate 94 so as to be opposed to each other. 102 is formed. The vicinity of the intersection of the two ultrasonic paths 102 is a switch section 124a. In this case, the ultrasonic 10
0 has a very high directivity, so that one ultrasonic path 102
Is generally not likely to enter and interfere with an adjacent ultrasonic path 102.

The substrate 94 is, for example, a transparent or translucent glass substrate.

The ultrasonic wave 100 is a surface acoustic wave in this example, and the ultrasonic wave 100 from the oscillation element 96 is guided to the surface of the substrate 94 via the waveguide 98, and the ultrasonic wave 100 on the surface of the substrate 94. Represents the vibration receiving element 10 via the waveguide 104
It is led to 6.

Each oscillation element 96 and each vibration receiving element 106
Is, for example, a piezoelectric vibrator.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 24, the position (coordinate) of the intersection of the ultrasonic wave path 102 where the ultrasonic wave 100 is attenuated in response to a signal from each of the vibration receiving elements 106, as shown in FIG. ) Is detected, that is, a detection circuit 108 is connected to specify the operated switch section 124a. However, such a detection circuit 108 may use a circuit, a microcomputer, or the like provided in a device to which the touch panel 124 is connected without being attached to the touch panel 124.

Conventionally, an operation of absorbing and attenuating the ultrasonic wave 100 by touching the surface of the substrate 94 constituting the touch panel 124 with a finger or the like has been performed. Since the pushing stroke is 0, a stroke feeling cannot be obtained.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the push button 3
It is configured that the ultrasonic wave 100 is attenuated by depressing 2. For that purpose, an ultrasonic absorber 110 is provided on the peripheral edge of the lower surface of the push button 32. The ultrasonic absorber 110 is suitably soft and absorbs the ultrasonic waves 100 well, and is, for example, a rubber such as silicone rubber or urethane rubber. The ultrasonic absorber 110 may be provided at least in a portion located on the ultrasonic path 102. However, the push button 32 may be formed of an elastic resin or the like.
Can be absorbed and attenuated, so that the ultrasonic absorber 110 need not be provided.

Since the support 36 is usually made of a hard resin or the like and hardly absorbs the ultrasonic wave 100, there is no inconvenience even if it is present on the ultrasonic path 102. If there is any inconvenience, the support 36 positioned on the ultrasonic path 102
It is sufficient to provide a notch at the root portion of the device.

When the push button 32 is depressed, the ultrasonic absorber 110 comes into contact with the ultrasonic path 102 on the surface of the substrate 94, and the ultrasonic wave 100 is absorbed by the ultrasonic absorber 110 and is attenuated. Since the level of the output signal from the vibration receiving element 106 decreases, the operation of the switch 1
24a can be detected.

As described above, in the thin switch 80, a stroke for pushing the push button 32 can be ensured, so that a clear stroke feeling can be obtained unlike the conventional ultrasonic touch panel alone. .
In addition, the operation mechanism section 30 can also provide a click feeling as described above.

In the case of a conventional ultrasonic touch panel using a surface acoustic wave alone, if a foreign substance (eg, insect, dust, water droplet, oil film, etc.) adheres to the surface, the ultrasonic wave is absorbed thereby. Therefore, there is a problem that a malfunction may occur.
Even if foreign substances such as insects, dust, water droplets, oil films, etc. adhere to 2, no malfunction occurs. Therefore, the reliability is high.

Further, in the display panel with switch of this embodiment, similarly to the previous embodiment, the distance between the push button 32 and the display panel 2 is reduced (for example, 1 to 2 m).
m), so that the display content of the display panel 2 is displayed immediately near the back of the push button 32, and the display panel 2 can be displayed without using an image guide or the like for raising the display. The displayed contents can be clearly recognized.

Note that the operation mechanism unit 3 arranged in a matrix is
The number of zeros and the number of ultrasonic paths 102 are not limited to 3 × 2 as in the example shown in FIG. 24, but may be any number of m × n (m and n are integers of 1 or more). What is necessary is just to determine according to a use etc.

As the ultrasonic wave 100, a torsional wave propagating inside the substrate 94 may be used instead of the above-described surface acoustic wave, as shown in FIG. In that case, the oscillation element 96 and the vibration receiving element 106 are attached to the opposite end faces of the substrate 94. This method is also called an inner waveguide type.

Also in this case, when the push button 32 is pressed down and the ultrasonic absorber 110 is pressed against the substrate surface on the path of the ultrasonic wave 100, more specifically, the ultrasonic wave absorber 110 is pressed somewhat more strongly than in the case of using the surface acoustic wave. When applied, ultrasonic waves 10 propagating inside
Since 0 (torsional wave) is attenuated, it is possible to detect that the push button 32 is pressed down.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a photoelectric type touch panel, a direct-acting push button, and a thin switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG. 26 is a combination of the same operation mechanism 30 as in the embodiment of FIG. 14 and the photoelectric touch panel 114 as in the embodiment of FIG. Since the same operation and effect as those described above are obtained for each embodiment, repeated description is omitted here. However, the operation of the switch 114a of the touch panel 114, that is, the intermittent or attenuating of the light 86, is performed using the foot 42 provided on the push button 32.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using an ultrasonic type touch panel, a direct-acting push button, and a thin switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling. .

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 27 is a combination of the operation mechanism 30 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 and the ultrasonic touch panel 124 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. Since the same operation and effect as those described above for each embodiment can be obtained, the duplicate description will be omitted here. However, the operation of the switch unit 124a of the touch panel 124, that is, the attenuation of the ultrasonic waves 100 is performed using the ultrasonic absorber 110 provided on the lower surface of the foot 42 of the push button 32.

Next, the operating mechanism 30 of the thin switch 80
An embodiment having a rotary push button 32 will be described. However, the same parts as those in the previous embodiment will not be described repeatedly, and the description will focus on the differences from the previous embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin-film switch 80 in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a rotating type, and a stroke feeling and a click feeling can be obtained. . FIG. 29 corresponds to FIG.
It is a top view of a push button in the inside.

Each operating mechanism 30 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 28 has a fulcrum projection 45 on the lower surface, and the tip of the fulcrum projection 45 is used as a fulcrum in the pressing direction as shown by arrow B. An operation unit 46 that is rotatable with a fixed stroke and that is located on the lower surface of a location away from the fulcrum projection 45
And a transparent or translucent push button 32 for pressing the corresponding switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 to be turned on, and a return force provided to the push button 32 provided near an end of the push button 32 remote from the fulcrum projection 45. Giving return means 50
And a support 36 provided near the outside of the end of the push button 32.
And an engaging portion 40 that engages the support 36 or a member connected thereto and an end of the push button 32 or a member connected thereto to prevent the push button 32 from coming off. The return means 50 has the same concept as the embodiment of FIG.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the operation unit 46
An operation projection 47 for pressing the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 is provided so as to protrude downward. In this embodiment, the number of the operation projections 47 is one, but the shape, the number, and the like of the operation projections 47 are not limited thereto.

The switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 may be provided at least below the operation projection 47, or below the operation section 46 when the operation projection 47 is not provided. This is the same in other embodiments described below.

Although the fulcrum projection 45 of the push button 32 is normally located on the non-switch portion of the touch panel 4, the fulcrum projection 45 may be located on the switch portion without using the switch portion. The unused switch unit and the switch unit 4a to be operated by the push button 32 are, of course, different from each other.

It is not essential to provide the operation projection 47 as described above on the operation section 46 of the push button 32. However, if the operation projection 47 is provided, the operation projection 47 allows the target switch section of the touch panel 4 to be operated. 4a can be reliably pressed with a small force, so that the reliability of the switch operation is improved.

On the upper surface of the push button 32, the operation unit 46
In this embodiment, a line of mark projections 48 serving as marks for the pressing operation is provided in the vicinity of the upper part of. The mark projection 48 is not essential, but if it is provided, the operable portion of the push button 32 can be easily found, so that the push operation of the push button 32 is facilitated. This is because, unlike the direct-acting push button 32 described above, the push button 32 does not rotate even if the upper part of the fulcrum projection 45 is pressed.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 28 will be described.
Normally, since the movable magnet 52 strongly attracts the magnetic plate 58, the operating portion 46 of the push button 32 is lifted by the force. However, since there is an engaging portion 40,
The push button 32 does not come out (jump out).

When the push button 32 is pressed against the attractive force of the movable magnet 52, the push button 32
It can be rotated in the direction of arrow B (more specifically, counterclockwise) around 5 as a fulcrum, and the switch 4a of the touch panel 4 can be turned on by pushing the operation projection 47. At this time, since the return means 50 has the same concept as the embodiment of FIG. 6, a stroke feeling and a click feeling can be obtained.

The operation mechanism section 30 having the direct-acting push button 32 described before FIG. 28 has the advantage that the portion to be pushed is not limited because any part of the push button 32 can be pushed. On the other hand, if you look closely, push button 3
Since 2 is tilted and pushed down, and how it is tilted depends on the part to be pressed, it is not fixed. Therefore, the position of the switch section of the touch panel is devised or the area of the switch section is increased to cope with it. There is a need.

Looking at the situation in which the push button 32 is tilted and pressed down, the side closer to the pressed portion is lowered first, and then the opposite side is lowered.
There is a possibility that the operation of pressing down 2 may be a two-stage operation, in which case the feeling (operating feeling) at the time of operation is slightly inferior.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the push button 3
2 has a structure that rotates with the fulcrum projection 45 as a fulcrum. When the operation part 46 for pressing the switch part 4a of the touch panel 4 or the operation projection 47 is provided there, the position of the operation projection 47 is specified. Is done. Therefore, the position of the switch unit 4a provided on the touch panel 4 is also specified. That is, the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 only needs to be at least below the operation section 46 or the operation projection 47, and it is not necessary to increase the area unnecessarily.

The push button 32 is connected to the fulcrum projection 4.
Since the rotation is performed about the fulcrum 5, the rotation operation is a one-stage operation. Therefore, the operation feeling is good, and the operator does not feel distrust as in the case of the two-stage operation.

Further, the return means 50 is provided for
Since it may be provided at at least one location near the end portion distant from the fulcrum projection 45, the number of the return means 50 in one operation mechanism unit 30 can be reduced, and the structure can be further simplified.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin-film switch 80 in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a rotary type, and a stroke feeling and a click feeling can be obtained. .

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, a fulcrum projection 45 and an operation projection 47 are provided on the push button 32 of the embodiment shown in FIG.
2 is a rotary type. The operation and effect of this embodiment are as follows. The point that the push button 32 is pivotable is the case of the embodiment of FIG. 28, and the point that the support 36 is hidden by the push button 32 is the case of the embodiment of FIG. The description is omitted here because it is the same.

In the case where the push button 32 is turned as described above, not only the return means 50 but also the above-mentioned example can be used.
The return means 50 having the same concept as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 7 to 10, or 17 to 19 can be used.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin type switch 80 which has a photoelectric touch panel, a rotary push button and a stroke and click feeling. FIG. 32 is a plan view of the push button portion in FIG.

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG. 31 is a combination of the same operating mechanism 30 as in the embodiment of FIG. 28 and the photoelectric touch panel 114 as in the embodiment of FIG. Since the same operation and effect as those described above are obtained for each embodiment, repeated description is omitted here.

However, the support 36 and the fulcrum protrusion 45 are provided with holes or notches 39 and 49 through which light 86 passes. Of course, that portion may be formed of a transparent resin or the like. Further, instead of providing the hole or the notch 49, the fulcrum projection 45 may be divided.

The vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 32)
The optical path 88 is located below the operation section 46 of the push button 32. In this example, the operation unit 46 is cut obliquely, and the area of the operation unit 46 that enters the vertical optical path 88 is increased, so that the vertical optical path 88 can be more reliably operated.
The part can be cut off. If necessary, an opaque sponge rubber or the like may be attached to the operation section 46, so that the area for blocking the vertical optical path 88 can be further increased.

FIG. 33 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using an ultrasonic type touch panel, a rotary push button, and a thin switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling. . FIG.
It is a top view of the push button part in a middle.

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG. 33 is a combination of the operation mechanism 30 similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 28 and the ultrasonic touch panel 124 similar to the embodiment of FIG. Since the same operation and effect as those described above for each embodiment can be obtained, the duplicate description will be omitted here.

However, the vertical direction (vertical direction in FIG. 34)
The ultrasonic path 102 is located below the operation unit 46 of the push button 32. The ultrasonic absorber 110 as described above is attached to the operation unit 46, but the operation unit 46 is cut obliquely in order to increase the attachment area to increase the absorption area of the ultrasonic wave 100. The ultrasonic absorber 110 is attached to the.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a photoelectric switch as a touch panel, a rotary switch as a push button, and a thin switch 80 capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG. 35 is a combination of the same operation mechanism 30 as in the embodiment of FIG. 30 and the photoelectric touch panel 114 as in the embodiment of FIG. Since the same operation and effect as those described above are obtained for each embodiment, repeated description is omitted here.

However, the support 36 and the fulcrum protrusion 45 are provided with holes or notches 39 and 49 through which light 86 passes. Of course, that portion may be formed of a transparent resin or the like. Further, instead of providing the hole or the notch 49, the fulcrum projection 45 may be divided.

The vertical optical path 88 is connected to the push button 32.
Is located below the operation projection 47. In this example, the lower surface portion 47a of the operation projection 47 is cut obliquely,
The area of the operation projection 47 that enters the vertical optical path 88 is increased, so that the vertical optical path 88 is more reliably
7 so that it can be cut off. If necessary, an opaque sponge rubber or the like may be attached to the lower surface portion 47a, so that the area for blocking the vertical optical path 88 can be further increased.

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin type switch 80 which has an ultrasonic touch panel, a rotary push button, and a stroke and click feeling. .

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 36 is a combination of the operating mechanism 30 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 28 and the ultrasonic touch panel 124 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. Since the same operation and effect as those described above for each embodiment can be obtained, the duplicate description will be omitted here.

Note that the vertical ultrasonic path 102 is located below the operation projection 47 of the push button 32. The ultrasonic absorber 110 as described above is attached to the lower surface portion 47a of the operation projection 47. In order to increase the attachment area and increase the absorption area of the ultrasonic wave 100,
The lower surface portion 47a of the operation projection 47 is cut obliquely, and the ultrasonic absorber 110 is attached thereto.

The photoelectric touch panel 114 as described above
Also, when using the ultrasonic touch panel 124,
The return means 50 is, of course, first shown in FIGS.
Alternatively, the return means 50 having the same concept as that shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 can be used. In this case, if the fixed magnet 54, the springs 60, 62, and the like interfere with the transmission of the light 86 and the ultrasonic waves 100, they are displaced from the optical path 88 or the ultrasonic path 102, for example, as shown in FIG. It should just be arranged as follows.

According to the display panel with a switch of each of the above embodiments, the following effects can be obtained as compared with the conventional display panel with a switch in which a switch unit is provided on the display panel. That is, as illustrated in, for example, FIG. 38A or B, a plurality of operation mechanism units 30 and switch units 4a corresponding thereto are collectively arranged on one large display area 2a of the display panel 2, in other words, each other. It is also possible to provide one (common) display area 2a for displaying the content selected by a plurality of adjacent operation mechanism units 30 and the corresponding switch unit 4a under such a condition. The operation area for selecting the display area of the display panel 2 and the display content thereof can be substantially increased in size. As a result, for example, continuous characters, large figures, bar graphs, and the like can be displayed. Further, the operation mechanism unit 30 and the corresponding switch unit 4a,
Further, by changing the shape, size, and the like of the display area 2a corresponding thereto, the arrangement of the operation mechanism unit and the display area in one switch-equipped display panel can be freely set.

[0178]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects.

The thin switch according to the first aspect of the present invention is a combination of the touch panel, the push button and an operating mechanism having a return means for applying a return force to the push button, and a stroke for pushing the push button can be secured.
A clear feeling of stroke can be obtained while taking advantage of the fact that the touch panel can be made extremely thin.
As a result, it is possible to give a clear response to the operator that the switch unit has been pressed, thereby giving a sense of security.

When the operator recognizes the display information on the display panel, the user often follows the display information on the display panel with his / her finger. Since the stroke is almost 0, when the touch panel is arranged on the display panel, it is highly likely that the above-mentioned action leads to an erroneous operation of the touch panel. On the other hand, in the thin switch of the present invention,
Since the pushing stroke of the push button can be ensured, the possibility of the erroneous operation as described above is almost eliminated even when the push button is arranged on the display panel.

Therefore, it is possible to realize a switch which is thin and has excellent man-machine interface characteristics.

The display panel with switch according to claim 2 is
The thin switch according to claim 1 using a touch panel has a structure in which the thin switch is overlaid on a display panel, and there is no need to provide a mechanical switch mechanism between the push button and the display panel. Since the display panel can be brought close to the display panel, and the display content of the display panel is displayed immediately near the back of the push button, an image guide is not required. As a result, the display contents of the display panel can be viewed with good image quality. In addition, since the image guide for limiting the viewing angle is not used, the display contents of the display panel can be viewed well from an oblique direction.
In addition, since an expensive image guide is not required and a complicated switch mechanism is not required and the structure is simplified, the cost of the display panel with switches can be reduced.

Further, since the thin switch as described above is used, a clear stroke feeling can be obtained at the time of operating the push button, and as described above, the touch panel can be operated by following the display information of the display panel with a finger. The possibility of erroneous operation is almost eliminated, and the man-machine interface is excellent.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a resistive touch panel, a direct-acting push button,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the display panel with switch shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where a push button of the display panel with switch of FIG. 1 is pressed down.

FIG. 4 shows a touch panel of a resistive film type, a push button of a direct acting type,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling.

FIG. 5: a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct acting type,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling.

FIG. 6: a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct acting type,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 7: a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct acting type,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 8: a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct acting type,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling.

FIG. 9: a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct acting type,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a display panel with a switch using a thin film switch in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a stroke feeling is obtained.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an example of a push button having a foot.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a push button having a convex lens portion.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a push button having a convex lens portion.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view partially showing an example of a display panel with a switch in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling is used.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the display panel with switch of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the engaging portion.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a display panel with a switch in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling is used.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an example of a display panel with a switch in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a direct-acting type, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling is used.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a display panel with a switch using a resistive touch panel as a touch panel, a direct-acting push button, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing still another example of a push button having a convex lens portion.

FIG. 21: a touch panel is a photoelectric type, a push button is a direct acting type,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

22 is a plan view showing the display panel with switch of FIG. 21 together with a detection circuit.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an example of a display panel with a switch using an ultrasonic touch panel, a direct-acting push button, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

24 is a plan view showing the display panel with switch of FIG. 23 together with a detection circuit.

FIG. 25 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a substrate part of an ultrasonic wave touch panel of an inner waveguide type.

FIG. 26 shows a photoelectric touch panel, a direct-acting push button,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a display panel with switches using an ultrasonic touch panel, a direct-acting push button, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an example of a display panel with a switch in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a rotary type, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling is used.

FIG. 29 is a plan view of the push button in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an example of a display panel with a switch in which a touch panel is a resistive film type, a push button is a rotary type, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling is used.

FIG. 31: a touch panel is a photoelectric type, a push button is a rotary type,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 32 is a plan view of a push button portion in FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a display panel with switches using an ultrasonic touch panel, a rotary push button, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 34 is a plan view of a push button portion in FIG. 33;

FIG. 35: a touch panel is a photoelectric type, a push button is a rotary type,
It is sectional drawing which shows partly an Example of the display panel with a switch using the thin switch which can give a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 36 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using an ultrasonic touch panel, a rotary push button, and a thin switch capable of giving a stroke feeling and a click feeling.

FIG. 37 is a plan view showing an example of a means for preventing a fixed magnet or the like from obstructing an optical path or an ultrasonic path.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of operation mechanism units are arranged on one display area of a display panel.

FIG. 39 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a resistive touch panel.

40 is a sectional view partially showing an example of a conventional display panel with a switch using the touch panel of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a plan view illustrating an example of a relationship between a display area of a display panel and a switch section of a touch panel.

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view partially showing another example of a conventional display panel with a switch using a switch unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 2 display panel 4 resistive touch panel 4a switch section 30 operating mechanism section 32 push button 50 return means 80 thin switch 114 photoelectric touch panel 114a switch section 124 ultrasonic touch panel 124a switch section

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-55-501038 (JP, A) JP-A-61-723 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H01H 13/00-13/76 G09F 9/00 366 H01H 21/00 330

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A display panel having an information display function.
A transparent switch that has one or more switch parts and can be operated with a stroke of almost zero by pressing the switch part , and one or more switch parts disposed on the touch panel. A transparent or translucent push button that has an operation mechanism section, and each operation mechanism section is movable with a constant stroke in a pressing direction and operates a corresponding switch section of the touch panel when pressed. Provided near the end of this push button
And a return means for applying a return force to the push button . 2. A display panel having an information display function, and a transparent or translucent display which is superimposed on the display panel, has one or more switches, and can be operated with a substantially zero stroke by pushing it. A touch panel, and one or more operation mechanism units arranged on the touch panel, and each operation mechanism unit is movable with a constant stroke in a pressing direction and corresponds to the touch panel when pressed. and pushbutton transparent or translucent operating a switch unit which, provided in the vicinity of the end portion of the push button the
A display panel with a switch, comprising: a return means for applying a return force to the push button .