JP3800584B2 - Pushbutton switch and cover member for pushbutton switch - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a part for a push button switch of an information terminal device, and more particularly to a cover member for a push button switch and a push button switch member incorporated in a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone and a PHS, and an in-vehicle terminal device. is there.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, not only a pager and a notebook personal computer but also an e-mail function that can transmit characters, symbols, etc. on a display screen of an information terminal device on the transmission partner side is becoming standard equipment even for a mobile phone, a PHS or the like. In order to achieve such an e-mail function, it is necessary to incorporate a dedicated storage medium such as a RAM chip in the information terminal device.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a storage medium such as a RAM chip is expensive as a single component, and the information terminal device itself has to be expensive due to the complexity of the mechanical connection mechanism between the chip and each information terminal device.
[0004]
Therefore, in low-priced game machines and portable information terminal devices, so-called decorative telegraphic information, such as sender name, telephone number, sender address, caricature, sender company logo, desired letterhead, etc. Even if it was simple, etc., the function to send to the other party could not be given.
[0005]
The present invention solves the above-described problems and makes it possible to realize a portable information terminal device capable of transmitting a desired fixed sentence or design to the other party while maintaining an inexpensive price setting. Cover member and pushbutton switch member are provided.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a pushbutton switch having one or more key top portions for performing a pressing operation and a support portion for supporting the key top portions via a thin movable portion. A cover member and a circuit board on which the pushbutton switch cover member is placed, the pushbutton switch placed on the circuit board in contact with the support portion of the cover member, A read-only storage information pattern is provided on the circuit board side of the support portion to represent information in a combination pattern with and without a conductive substance, and the read-only storage information pattern on the circuit board is provided at a position corresponding to the read-only storage information pattern. It is a push button switch provided with a reading circuit pattern formed by a conductive contact electrically connected to a stored information pattern.
[0008]
According to a second aspect of the invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect , the read-only stored information pattern is formed on the support portion of the pushbutton switch cover member by on-demand printing. It is characterized by.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect , the read-only memory information pattern is formed by forming a conductive layer on the support portion of the pushbutton switch cover member, The read-only memory information pattern is formed by laser etching a predetermined portion.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect , the read-only storage information pattern is formed on a label, and the read-only storage information pattern is formed on the push button switch cover member. It is characterized by being affixed to the support portion.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a portable information terminal device incorporating a pushbutton switch cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014]
FIG. 1 shows a cellular phone as an example of a portable information terminal device. The components of the cellular phone 1 include a circuit board 2 that constitutes an electric circuit of the cellular phone 1, a lower case 3 that supports the circuit board 2, and a pushbutton switch cover member 4 that is placed on the circuit board 2. And an upper case 5 which is fitted and integrated with the lower case 3 so as to cover the push button switch cover member 4.
[0015]
In FIG. 1, a pushbutton switch cover member 4 connects a plurality of key tops 7 arranged corresponding to a plurality of fixed contacts 6 of an electric circuit formed on the circuit board 2 and the plurality of key tops. It is formed with the support part 8 supported.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a pushbutton switch member in which the pushbutton switch cover member and the circuit board according to the embodiment of the present invention are combined.
[0017]
Around the key top portion 7 of the support portion 8, an inverted saddle-shaped thin movable portion 9 capable of generating an elastic restoring force for returning the key top portion 7 from the lowered position to the original position by the pressing operation. Is provided.
[0018]
Further, a pressing protrusion 10 that protrudes downward is formed on the back side of the key top portion 7 of the push button switch cover member 4, and a movable contact 11 is provided at the tip of the pressing protrusion 10 to depress the key top portion 7. Thus, the movable contact 11 comes into contact with the fixed contact 6 on the circuit board 2, and the electric circuit corresponding to the fixed contact 6 can be turned on / off.
[0019]
The upper case 5 corresponds to the plurality of key top portions 7, 7, 7,... So that the plurality of key top portions 7, 7, 7,. The button holes 12, 12, 12,...
[0020]
The pushbutton switch cover member 4 may be integrally formed of an elastic material made of synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber, EPDM, urethane rubber, or various thermoplastic elastomers.
[0021]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, in the push button switch cover member 4, the support portion 8 and the thin movable portion 9 are made of the same elastic material as described above, and only the key top portion 7 is made of a high-hardness resin such as polycarbonate. It is good also as a thing made from resin, an acrylic resin, and a polyester resin. The method of integrating the key top portion 7 made of high-hardness resin and the support portion 8 made of an elastic material is not particularly limited, and may be an integral molding method in a conventional mold. Alternatively, the key top portion 7 and the support portion 8 may be formed separately and bonded with an adhesive.
[0022]
Furthermore, as a cover member 4 for a push button switch, a resin film that has been frequently used in recent years because it can be made thin and light is drawn into a convex shape, and if necessary, a high-hardness resin is contained in the convex shape. It is good also as a structure formed by filling and solidifying.
[0023]
A read-only memory information pattern 13 is provided on a part or all of the support portion 8 of the pushbutton switch cover member 4 (see FIG. 1). Here, the read-only storage information pattern 13 is storage information that is automatically or selectively transmitted to the liquid crystal display or the like of the information terminal device of the transmission partner (recipient), for example, name, telephone number, address, In addition, it refers to a pattern that is formed by analog display without coding, such as a fixed sentence, a company logo mark, and a portrait of the sender's caricature.
[0024]
In the case of encoding, it may be a one-dimensional format such as a so-called barcode, or may be a two-dimensional format such as a matrix code having a large amount of information. Here, the two-dimensional code is a code having information in both horizontal and vertical (horizontal and vertical) directions, and represents data (approximately 2000 bytes) that is several tens to several hundred times the barcode. It is said that it can be done.
[0025]
Two-dimensional codes include PDF417 developed by Symbol Technology Inc. (Domestic distributor: Olympus Symbol Co., Ltd.), Data Code developed by ID Matrix Corporation (Domestic distributor: Suntech Corp.), UPS USA Maxi code developed by the company (Domestic distributor: Token Co., Ltd.), Code Matrix of the American Symbol Corporation, and QR Code developed by Nippon Denso Corporation (Domestic distributor: System Equipment Co., Ltd.) are known. ing.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a QR code in a two-dimensional code.
[0027]
The QR code 14 is called a matrix type code type, and has a minimum dimension of horizontal (horizontal) 0.1 mm and vertical (vertical) 0.1 mm, and a grid having information in both directions (this grid is called a cell). ), A pattern filled with 15 is expressed, and as a result, 1523 alphanumeric characters and 644 kanji characters can be expressed as the maximum data amount. Such a two-dimensional code such as the QR code 14 is normally read by the CCD area sensor to detect the black and white discrimination of the cell 15, but in a small device such as the cellular phone 1. It cannot be adopted as a method of reading the provided read-only storage information pattern 13.
[0028]
Therefore, in the embodiment according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a read circuit pattern 16 that can read the read-only storage information pattern 13 on the portion of the circuit board 2 corresponding to the read-only storage information pattern 13. Is forming.
[0029]
When this reading circuit pattern 16 is made to correspond to, for example, the QR code 14, as shown in FIG. 4, the conductive contacts 17 having a minimum dimension divided by 0.1 mm horizontally and 0.1 mm vertically are arranged in a matrix. The black dot portion of the read-only storage information pattern 13 provided on the push button switch cover member 4 side is formed of a conductive material, and the position overlapping the black dot portion is turned ON, while the read-only storage information is The white point portion of the pattern 13 is assumed to have no conductive material, and the position overlapping the white point portion is turned OFF, so that the stored information represented by the combination of these is read.
[0030]
When the pushbutton switch cover member 4 is incorporated in the cellular phone 1, the read button provided on the pushbutton switch cover member 4 side so as to correspond to the read circuit pattern 16 of the circuit board 2 disposed below is used. Since it is necessary to arrange the stored information pattern 13, between the circuit board 2 and the pushbutton switch cover member 4 so that the positional relationship between the two is fixed at a predetermined position as necessary, for example, It is good to provide the positioning means which consists of the combination of the unevenness | corrugation to fit.
[0031]
Next, a method for forming a read-only storage information pattern will be described.
[0032]
As a specific method of forming the read-only memory information pattern 13 on the pushbutton switch cover member 4, a method that can adopt a multi-product small-volume production method including uniform production of one product can be selected depending on the purpose of use. desirable.
[0033]
With recent advances in computer technology, pattern formation by printing and etching can be easily performed in a single product.
[0034]
As for printing, a predetermined information pattern can be dot-formed by so-called on-demand printing. Here, with on-demand printing, in order to carry out one-piece uniform production taking into account user demands, design data designed on the screen using a computer is sent from the computer to the printing device. It is possible to perform printing directly on the push button switch cover member 4 or the label.
[0035]
The printing apparatus at this time may be a printing apparatus that employs any one of the printing methods of a thermal transfer sublimation method, a toner electronic method, an electrostatic image method, a laser exposure thermal development transfer method, an ink jet method, and a heating coloring method. . The information pattern used here may be two-color printing such as black and white.
[0036]
In addition to the method of printing directly on the pushbutton switch cover member 4, a label printed with a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code is attached to the pushbutton switch cover member 4. You may make it attach. In this case, since the label can be replaced, the information pattern can be easily changed.
[0037]
The material used for on-demand printing is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive ink and can be firmly adhered or fixed to the support portion 8. Alternatively, an information pattern may be formed by previously forming a conductive solid printing layer and performing on-demand printing with an electrically insulating ink only at a desired location.
[0038]
It is also possible to perform laser etching on a uniform information pattern by programming etching design data in a laser etching machine. Also in this method, it is necessary to previously form a solid printing layer or a vapor deposition film of a metal material on a predetermined portion with a conductive ink or the like. The thickness of the solid print layer or the vapor deposition layer is not particularly limited as long as it can be efficiently etched by laser, but it is preferable that the thickness does not vary.
[0039]
The solid print layer may be formed by a screen printing method or a pad printing method. The ink used at this time is selected from those that can be firmly bonded or fixed to the support portion 8 and that can be laser processed.
[0040]
As a laser processing model for laser etching, a carbon dioxide laser or a YAG laser may be used.
[0041]
Since the read-only storage information pattern 13 needs to be provided at a position where it can be electrically connected to the circuit board 2, it is generally provided on the back surface (lower surface) side of the support portion 8 of the pushbutton switch cover member 4. However, if a so-called flexible printed circuit board, in which a conductive printing pattern is formed on a resin film, is to be incorporated, it is formed on the surface (upper surface) side of the support portion 8 of the pushbutton switch cover member 4. It is also possible. Of course, the push button switch cover member 4 may be provided on both front and back surfaces.
[0042]
Note that the on-demand printing method and the like as described above are effective for producing the read-only storage information pattern 13 uniformly, and an information terminal device of a model having the same read-only storage information pattern 13 to some extent. For example, if you want to show the corporate identity by displaying the company's logo mark, representative phone number, catchphrase when sending text, all information terminal devices owned by all the sales people of the company, In the case of information terminal devices, etc. that can telegraph predetermined symbol marks and caricatures as limited character goods and memorial goods, a certain number of productions can be expected. For example, read-only storage information by silk screen printing method or pad printing method etc. Needless to say, the pattern 13 may be formed. .
[0043]
In the manufacturing method of the film type cover member of the pushbutton switch cover member according to the present invention, simultaneously with the formation of the read-only storage information pattern 13, the formation of the symbols such as the top surface of the key top portion 7 and the decorative design is simultaneously performed. It can be carried out.
[0044]
That is, before drawing the transparent resin film, a desired code or design is formed on the back surface of the resin film at a position corresponding to the top surface of the key top portion 7 of the push button switch cover member 4. Thus, the read-only storage information pattern 13 may be formed at a predetermined position of the support portion 8.
[0045]
At present, when connecting to the Internet using a telephone line, the account registration is limited to a specific server, so it is necessary to connect to a specified access point related to that specific server. If a plurality of accounts are stored in the read-only storage information pattern 13 provided on the pushbutton switch cover member 4 according to the invention, and one account is selected and used as necessary, Since it is possible to connect to the Internet using the most advantageous access point from anywhere in the country, it is possible to reduce communication costs.
[0046]
Further, by storing the house mark and product trademark of a specific company as the read-only storage information pattern 13, for example, each time the web page is accessed from the portable information terminal device 1, the house mark or product trademark is displayed. Since it can be set so as to be displayed on the screen, an advertisement fee can be obtained from the specific company for the display of those house marks and product trademarks.
[0047]
In the above-described embodiment according to the present invention, the cover member for a pushbutton switch having a plurality of key top portions has been described. However, even if there is only one key top portion, the support for supporting the key top portion is provided. The present invention can be applied as long as it has a space and can secure a space where a read-only storage information pattern having a required size can be provided.
[0048]
Further, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the read-only storage information pattern is processed only inside the portable information terminal device. However, the portion of the pushbutton switch cover member provided with the read-only storage information pattern is changed. It can be considered that a specific shape is unified so that the reading device or the like can be accessed from the outside of the portable information terminal device. In this case, by storing personal information in the read-only stored information pattern, the personal information can be confirmed by the portable information terminal device, so that it can also be used as a portable information terminal device capable of inexpensive electronic payment.
[0049]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1, the push button switch cover member and the circuit board on which the support portion of the cover member is placed are provided, and the reading provided on the support portion is provided. Since it is a pushbutton switch in which a read circuit pattern that can read the read-only memory information pattern is formed on the portion of the circuit board corresponding to the dedicated memory information pattern, simply by incorporating this pushbutton switch into the portable information terminal device , It is possible to provide a low-priced portable information terminal device capable of transmitting a desired standard document or design to the other party without using an expensive RAM chip or the like.
[0051]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect , the read-only stored information pattern is formed on the support portion of the pushbutton switch cover member by on-demand printing. In addition, since the read-only memory information pattern can be written without difficulty, it is possible to produce a single product that incorporates various user needs.
[0052]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the read-only memory information pattern is formed after the conductive layer is formed on the support portion of the pushbutton switch cover member. Since the predetermined portion is formed by laser etching, it is possible to perform laser etching corresponding to a uniform information pattern by programming etching design data in a laser etching machine.
[0053]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, the read-only storage information pattern is printed on a label, and the label on which the read-only storage information pattern is printed is displayed on the pushbutton switch. Since it affixes on the said support part of the cover member for printing, an information pattern can be changed easily by the replacement of a label, and printing cost can be held down.
[0054]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first to fifth aspects, the push button switch cover member and the circuit board on which the support portion is placed are provided and provided on the support portion. Since the member for a pushbutton switch in which the read circuit pattern capable of reading the read-only memory information pattern is formed at the portion of the circuit board corresponding to the read-only memory information pattern, the pushbutton switch member is used as a portable information terminal. A portable information terminal device capable of transmitting desired fixed texts, designs, etc. to the other party can be completed simply by being incorporated into the device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a portable information terminal device incorporating a pushbutton switch cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a principal part of a push button switch member in which the push button switch cover member and the circuit board are combined according to the embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a QR code among the two-dimensional codes provided on the support portion of the push button switch cover member according to the embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of a reading circuit pattern provided on the circuit board of the push button switch member according to the embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Mobile phone (personal digital assistant)
2 Circuit board 4 Cover member for pushbutton switch 7 Key top portion 8 Support portion 13 Read-only memory information pattern 16 Read circuit pattern

Claims (4)

A pushbutton switch cover member having one or more keytop portions for performing a pressing operation and a support portion for supporting the keytop portions via a thin movable portion, and the pushbutton switch cover member are mounted. A circuit board ,
A push button switch placed on the circuit board in contact with the support portion of the cover member;
A read-only storage information pattern representing information is provided on the circuit board side of the support portion with a combination pattern of the presence or absence of a conductive substance, and the read-out is performed at a portion corresponding to the read-only storage information pattern on the circuit board. A pushbutton switch comprising a reading circuit pattern formed of a conductive contact electrically connected to a dedicated storage information pattern. The push button switch according to claim 1 , wherein the read-only storage information pattern is formed on the support portion of the push button switch cover member by on-demand printing. The read-only storage information pattern is formed by forming a conductive layer on the support portion of the pushbutton switch cover member and then forming the read-only storage information pattern by laser etching a predetermined portion of the conductive layer. The pushbutton switch according to claim 1 , wherein The read-only storage information pattern is formed on a label, and the label on which the read-only storage information pattern is formed is affixed to the support portion of the pushbutton switch cover member. Item 2. A push button switch according to item 1 .

Images