JP4153058B2 - Seat with reversing spring and key switch using the same - Google Patents

Seat with reversing spring and key switch using the same Download PDF

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Publication number
JP4153058B2
JP4153058B2 JP16257497A JP16257497A JP4153058B2 JP 4153058 B2 JP4153058 B2 JP 4153058B2 JP 16257497 A JP16257497 A JP 16257497A JP 16257497 A JP16257497 A JP 16257497A JP 4153058 B2 JP4153058 B2 JP 4153058B2
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Prior art keywords
spring
sheet
protrusion
fixed contact
reversing spring
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JP16257497A
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JPH117862A (en
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尚也 岩間
薫 添田
寛 加藤
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Alps Alpine Co Ltd
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Alps Electric Co Ltd
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Priority to JP16257497A priority Critical patent/JP4153058B2/en
Priority to TW087107564A priority patent/TW507232B/en
Priority to KR1019980022550A priority patent/KR100324780B1/en
Priority to CN98102300A priority patent/CN1101591C/en
Publication of JPH117862A publication Critical patent/JPH117862A/en
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Publication of JP4153058B2 publication Critical patent/JP4153058B2/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/02—Details
    • H01H13/26—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members
    • H01H13/48—Snap-action arrangements depending upon deformation of elastic members using buckling of disc springs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/50—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member
    • H01H13/52—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a single operating member the contact returning to its original state immediately upon removal of operating force, e.g. bell-push switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H01H13/7065—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys characterised by the mechanism between keys and layered keyboards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/056—Diffuser; Uneven surface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/024—Packing between substrate and membrane
    • H01H2229/028—Adhesive

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、キートップの押圧操作によって反転ばねが座屈反転してクリック感を生じる反転ばね付きシートおよびこれを用いたキースイッチに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
キースイッチは携帯電話や音響機器等の入力装置として使用されるもので、接点の切換えを行うスイッチユニット部と、このスイッチユニット部を動作させるキートップとで概略構成される。
【０００３】
従来より、このようなキースイッチとして、固定接点が設けられた下部基板と円椀状のタクトばねとをシート部材等を用いて積層・一体化することでスイッチユニット部を構成し、このスイッチユニット部が組み込まれる外装ケース等にキートップを支持させたものが提案されている。前記タクトばねは可動接点として機能するもので、このタクトばねが固定接点と接離することでオン／オフの切換え動作が行われる。また、前記キートップには機能内容を示す数字や文字等の表示部が印刷されており、該キートップの底面中央にタクトばねの頂部を押圧するための突起が一体形成されている。
【０００４】
このように構成されたキースイッチにおいて、使用者がキートップの天面を押し込むと、その押圧力がキートップ底面の突起を介してタクトばねの頂部に伝達されるため、該タクトばねがクリック感を伴って座屈反転して固定接点に接触し、スイッチオンの状態となる。また、キートップへの上記押し込み力を除去すると、タクトばねが自身のばね性によって円椀形状に復帰するため、キートップは初期位置に押し戻され、スイッチオフの状態となる。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、キートップの表示部は天面に印刷される場合と底面に印刷される場合があるが、照光タイプのキースイッチにおいては、透明材料で成形したキートップの底面に表示部を印刷し、夜間等の暗所でＬＥＤ等の光源を点灯させることにより、該光源からの光をキートップの底面に照射させて表示部を視認するという構成が広く採用されている。
【０００６】
しかしながら、前述した従来のキースイッチでは、キートップの底面にタクトばねの頂部を押圧するための突起が一体形成されているため、該キートップの底面にフラットな印刷面を確保することができず、表示部の印刷領域が大きく制限されるという問題がある。この場合、表示部をキートップの天面に印刷することも考えられるが、キートップの天面は使用者が直接触れる部分であるため、度重なる使用によって表示部が剥離しやすくなる。また、前述した従来のキースイッチでは、スイッチユニット部とキートップが外装ケース等を介して位置決めされるようになっているため、各部材の寸法誤差や組立誤差等に起因してキートップの突起がタクトばねの頂部に対して位置ずれすることがあり、それによってタクトばねの動作フィーリングが悪化したり、接点の切換え動作が不確実になるという問題もある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、予め反転ばねの頂部をシートの下面に接着すると共に、この反転ばねの頂部に対応するシートの上面に樹脂製の突起を形成することにより、シート単体で反転ばねと突起の相対位置を維持するようにした。このような反転ばね付きシートを下部基板上に重ねてキースイッチの構成要素の一部として用いると、キートップの底面にフラットな印刷面を確保することができるのみならず、シートに接着された反転ばねが対応する突起との相対位置を維持しつつ下部基板の固定接点に対向するので、キートップと反転ばねとに位置ずれが生じたとしても、キートップからの押圧力を反転ばねの頂部に確実に伝達することができる。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の反転ばね付きシートでは、中央固定接点および周縁固定接点を有する下部基板に重ねられて一体化されるシートと、周縁部が前記周縁固定接点に常時接触すると共に頂部が前記中央固定接点に所定間隔を存して離間した状態で配置される反転ばねとを備え、前記反転ばねはその頂部を押圧することによって座屈反転し自身のばね性によって初期位置へ復帰するようにフォーミングされた金属ばね材料からなり、予めこの反転ばねの頂部を前記シートの下面に接着すると共に、該反転ばねの頂部に対応する前記シートの上面に樹脂製の突起を形成し、外部からの押圧力がこの突起を介して前記反転ばねの頂部に伝達されるように構成した。
【０００９】
上記の構成において、前記突起の樹脂材料は特に限定されるものでないが、ウレタン系樹脂またはエポキシ系樹脂をシートに印刷するのが好適である。また、前記シートの材料は特に限定されるものでないが、光拡散性材料からなるシートを用いると、光源からの光をシートで拡散させてキートップの底面に照射できるため、照光タイプのキースイッチに適用して好適な反転ばね付きシートを実現できる。
【００１０】
また、本発明のキースイッチでは、中央固定接点および周縁固定接点を１組とする複数組の固定接点を有する下部基板と、この下部基板に一体化された上部シートと、この上部シートと前記下部基板との間に介設され、周縁部が前記周縁固定接点に常時接触すると共に頂部が前記中央固定接点に所定間隔を存して対向する複数の可動接点と、この可動接点を前記中央固定接点に対して接離させるキートップとを備え、前記可動接点として頂部を押圧することによって座屈反転し自身のばね性によって初期位置へ復帰するようにフォーミングされた金属ばね材料からなる反転ばねを用い、予めこの反転ばねの頂部を前記各固定接点の配列に合わせて前記上部シートの下面に接着すると共に、該反転ばねの頂部に対応する前記上部シートの上面に樹脂製の突起を形成し、前記上部シートを前記下部基板上に重ねて一体化することにより、前記各反転ばねを対応する前記突起との相対位置を維持しつつ前記各固定接点に対向させると共に、前記キートップからの押圧力がこの突起を介して前記反転ばねの頂部に伝達されるように構成した。この場合において、前記上部シートの材料は特に限定されるものでないが、光拡散性材料からなる上部シートを用いると、光源からの光を上部シートで拡散させてキートップの底面に照射させることができ、照光タイプのキースイッチに好適となる。また、前記突起の樹脂材料は特に限定されるものでないが、ウレタン系樹脂またはエポキシ系樹脂を上部シートに印刷するのが好適である。
【００１１】
【実施例】
実施例について図面を参照して説明すると、図１は本発明の一実施例に係る反転ばね付きシートを用いたキースイッチの断面図、図２は該キースイッチに備えられる上部シートの平面図である。実施例に係るキースイッチは携帯電話等の操作パネルとして用いられるもので、図１に示すように、下部基板１と、下面にタクトばね２が接着された上部シート３と、タクトばね２を駆動するためのキートップ４とによって概略構成されている。
【００１２】
下部基板１の表面には光源としてのＬＥＤ５が実装されると共に、中央固定接点６とそれを包囲する周縁固定接点７が設けられている。図１には一対の中央固定接点６と周縁固定接点７のみが示されているが、実施例では中央固定接点６と周縁固定接点７の対がマトリクス状に複数配列されている。
【００１３】
タクトばね２は可動接点として機能するもので、リン青銅等の金属ばね材料を円椀状にフォーミングして形成されている。タクトばね２の周縁部は周縁固定接点７に常時接触しているが、その頂部は中央固定接点６と所定間隔を存して離間している。タクトばね２の頂部は上部シート３の下面に接着されており、実施例では中央固定接点６と周縁固定接点７の配列に合わせて複数のタクトばね２が上部シート３の下面にマトリクス状に配設されている。
【００１４】
上部シート３は表面が梨地処理されたＰＥＴフィルム等の光拡散性材料からなり、その上面に突起８が形成されている。この突起８の形成位置は上部シート３の下面に接着されたタクトばね２の頂部に対応しており、図２に示すように、実施例では複数の突起８が上部シート３の上面にマトリクス状に形成されている。これら突起８は例えばウレタン系樹脂を上部シート３の上面に印刷することによって形成され、印刷技術によって各々の突出量の均一化が図られている。また、上部シート３の周縁部と下部基板１は接着剤等を用いて枠体９に一体化されており、これら各部材でスイッチユニット部が構成されている。
【００１５】
キートップ４はアクリル樹脂等の透明材料で成形されており、そのフラットな底面に数字や文字等の表示部（図示せず）が印刷形成されている。キートップ４の上部は外装ケース１０のガイド孔１０ａから突出しており、外装ケース１０はねじ止めや接着剤等を用いて枠体９に固定されている。キートップ４の底面は上部シート３の突起８に対向しており、したがって、実施例では複数のキートップ４が外装ケース１０にマトリクス状に配列されている。
【００１６】
上記の如く構成されたキースイッチは、使用者が所望のキートップ４の天面を押し込むと、その押圧力が突起８と上部シート３を介して下方のタクトばね２の頂部に伝達されるため、該キートップ４を所定ストローク下降させた時点で、対応するタクトばね２がクリック感を伴って座屈反転し、タクトばね２の頂部が中央固定接点６に接触してスイッチオン状態となる。その際、各部材の寸法誤差や組立誤差等に起因して各キートップ４とスイッチユニット部の相対位置が多少ずれたとしても、上部シート３の上面に印刷形成された突起８と上部シート３の下面に接着されたタクトばね２の相対位置は高精度に維持されているため、タクトばね２の動作フィーリングが悪化することはない。そして、キートップ４への押し込み力が除去されると、タクトばね２が自身のばね性によって円椀形状に復帰するため、それに伴って上部シート３とキートップ４は初期位置に押し戻され、スイッチオフ状態となる。また、夜間等の暗所においてＬＥＤ５を点灯した場合、ＬＥＤ５から出射された光が上部シート３で拡散されてキートップ４の底面にほぼ均等な明るさで照射されるため、透明なキートップ４の底面に印刷されている表示部が均等かつ十分な明るさで照光され、キートップ４を透して表示部を明瞭に視認することができる。
【００１７】
【発明の効果】
本発明は、以上説明したような形態で実施され、以下に記載されるような効果を奏する。
【００１８】
本発明の反転ばね付きシートは、中央固定接点および周縁固定接点を有する下部基板に重ねられて一体化されるシートと、周縁部が前記周縁固定接点に常時接触すると共に頂部が前記中央固定接点に所定間隔を存して離間した状態で配置される反転ばねとを備え、前記反転ばねはその頂部を押圧することによって座屈反転し自身のばね性によって初期位置へ復帰するようにフォーミングされた金属ばね材料からなり、予めこの反転ばねの頂部を前記シートの下面に接着すると共に、該反転ばねの頂部に対応する前記シートの上面に樹脂製の突起を形成し、外部からの押圧力がこの突起を介して前記反転ばねの頂部に伝達されるように構成したので、キートップの底面にフラットな印刷面を確保することができるのみならず、予めシート単体で反転ばねの頂部と突起の相対位置を維持することができ、それゆえキートップと反転ばねとに位置ずれが生じたとしても、キートップからの押圧力を反転ばねの頂部に確実に伝達することができる。
【００１９】
また、本発明のキースイッチは、中央固定接点および周縁固定接点を１組とする複数組の固定接点を有する下部基板と、この下部基板に一体化された上部シートと、この上部シートと前記下部基板との間に介設され、周縁部が前記周縁固定接点に常時接触すると共に頂部が前記中央固定接点に所定間隔を存して対向する複数の可動接点と、この可動接点を前記中央固定接点に対して接離させるキートップとを備え、前記可動接点として頂部を押圧することによって座屈反転し自身のばね性によって初期位置へ復帰するようにフォーミングされた金属ばね材料からなる反転ばねを用い、予めこの反転ばねの頂部を前記各固定接点の配列に合わせて前記上部シートの下面に接着すると共に、該反転ばねの頂部に対応する前記上部シートの上面に樹脂製の突起を形成し、前記上部シートを前記下部基板上に重ねて一体化することにより、前記各反転ばねを対応する前記突起との相対位置を維持しつつ前記各固定接点に対向させると共に、前記キートップからの押圧力がこの突起を介して前記反転ばねの頂部に伝達されるように構成したので、キートップの底面にフラットな印刷面を確保することができるのみならず、上部シート単体で反転ばねの頂部と突起の相対位置が維持され、この上部シートを下部基板上に重ねて一体化することで、各反転ばねが対応する突起との相対位置を維持しつつ各固定接点に対向して整列するので、キートップと反転ばねとに位置ずれが生じたとしても、キートップからの押圧力を反転ばねの頂部に確実に伝達することができる。
【００２０】
この場合において、前記上部シートとして光拡散性材料を用いると、光源からの光を上部シートで拡散させてキートップの底面に照射させることができるため、照光タイプのキースイッチに好適となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の一実施例に係る反転ばね付きシートを用いたキースイッチの断面図である。
【図２】 該キースイッチに備えられる上部シートの平面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 下部基板
２ タクトばね（反転ばね）
３ 上部シート
３ａ 膨出部
４ キートップ
５ ＬＥＤ
６ 中央固定接点
７ 周縁固定接点
８ 突起
９ 枠体
１０ 外装ケース
１０ａ ガイド孔[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a seat with a reversing spring in which a reversing spring buckles and reverses when a key top is pressed, and a key switch using the same.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The key switch is used as an input device for a mobile phone, an audio device, and the like, and is roughly composed of a switch unit section for switching contacts and a key top for operating the switch unit section.
[0003]
Conventionally, as such a key switch, a switch unit portion is configured by laminating and integrating a lower substrate provided with a fixed contact and a circular tact spring using a sheet member or the like. There has been proposed a key top supported on an exterior case or the like in which a part is incorporated. The tact spring functions as a movable contact. When this tact spring comes in contact with and is separated from the fixed contact, an on / off switching operation is performed. The key top is printed with a display portion such as numbers and characters indicating the function contents, and a protrusion for pressing the top of the tact spring is integrally formed at the bottom center of the key top.
[0004]
In the key switch configured as described above, when the user pushes the top surface of the key top, the pressing force is transmitted to the top of the tact spring through the protrusion on the bottom surface of the key top. With buckling and reversal, the fixed contact is brought into contact with the switch and the switch is turned on. Further, when the pushing force to the key top is removed, the tact spring returns to a circular shape due to its own spring property, so that the key top is pushed back to the initial position and is switched off.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the display part of the key top may be printed on the top surface or the bottom surface, but in the illumination type key switch, the display part is printed on the bottom surface of the key top formed of a transparent material, A configuration is widely adopted in which a light source such as an LED is turned on in a dark place such as at night so that the light from the light source is irradiated on the bottom surface of the key top to visually recognize the display unit.
[0006]
However, in the conventional key switch described above, since a protrusion for pressing the top of the tact spring is integrally formed on the bottom surface of the key top, a flat printing surface cannot be secured on the bottom surface of the key top. There is a problem that the printing area of the display unit is greatly limited. In this case, it is conceivable to print the display unit on the top surface of the key top. However, since the top surface of the key top is a part directly touched by the user, the display unit is easily peeled off by repeated use. Further, in the above-described conventional key switch, the switch unit portion and the key top are positioned through the exterior case or the like, so that the key top protrusion is caused by dimensional error or assembly error of each member. May be displaced with respect to the top of the tact spring, thereby deteriorating the operation feeling of the tact spring and making the switching operation of the contact uncertain.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, the top of the reversing spring is bonded to the lower surface of the sheet in advance, and a resin protrusion is formed on the upper surface of the sheet corresponding to the top of the reversing spring, so that the relative position of the reversing spring and the protrusion is a single sheet. To keep. When such a sheet with a reversing spring is stacked on the lower substrate and used as a part of the constituent elements of the key switch, not only a flat printing surface can be secured on the bottom surface of the key top, but also the sheet is adhered to the sheet. Since the reversing spring is opposed to the fixed contact of the lower substrate while maintaining the relative position with the corresponding protrusion, even if the key top and the reversing spring are displaced, the pressing force from the key top is applied to the top of the reversing spring. Can be transmitted reliably.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the sheet with a reversal spring of the present invention, the sheet integrated with the lower substrate having the central fixed contact and the peripheral fixed contact is integrated, the peripheral portion is always in contact with the peripheral fixed contact, and the top is the central fixed contact. A reversing spring disposed in a state of being spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and the reversing spring is formed so as to be buckled and reversed by pressing its top and to return to its initial position by its own spring property It is made of a spring material, and the top of the reversing spring is bonded to the lower surface of the sheet in advance, and a resin protrusion is formed on the upper surface of the sheet corresponding to the top of the reversing spring. Is transmitted to the top of the reversing spring.
[0009]
In the above configuration, the resin material of the protrusion is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to print a urethane resin or an epoxy resin on the sheet. The material of the sheet is not particularly limited, but if a sheet made of a light diffusing material is used, light from the light source can be diffused by the sheet and irradiated to the bottom surface of the key top. A sheet with a suitable reversing spring can be realized by applying to the above.
[0010]
Further, in the key switch of the present invention, a lower substrate having a plurality of sets of fixed contacts including a central fixed contact and a peripheral fixed contact, an upper sheet integrated with the lower substrate, the upper sheet and the lower sheet A plurality of movable contacts which are interposed between the substrate and whose peripheral portion always contacts the peripheral fixed contact and whose top portion opposes the central fixed contact with a predetermined distance; A reversing spring made of a metal spring material formed so as to buckle and reverse by pressing the top as the movable contact and return to the initial position by its own spring property. In addition, the top of the reversing spring is previously bonded to the lower surface of the upper sheet in accordance with the arrangement of the fixed contacts, and the top of the upper sheet corresponding to the top of the reversing spring By forming a protrusion made of fat and superimposing the upper sheet on the lower substrate, each reversing spring is made to face each fixed contact while maintaining a relative position with the corresponding protrusion. The pressing force from the key top is transmitted to the top of the reversing spring through this protrusion. In this case, the material of the upper sheet is not particularly limited. However, when an upper sheet made of a light diffusing material is used, light from the light source is diffused by the upper sheet to irradiate the bottom surface of the key top. This is suitable for an illumination type key switch. The resin material of the protrusion is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to print urethane resin or epoxy resin on the upper sheet.
[0011]
【Example】
The embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a key switch using a sheet with a reversing spring according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of an upper sheet provided in the key switch. is there. The key switch according to the embodiment is used as an operation panel of a mobile phone or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the lower substrate 1, the upper sheet 3 having the tact spring 2 bonded to the lower surface, and the tact spring 2 are driven. And a key top 4 for the purpose.
[0012]
On the surface of the lower substrate 1, an LED 5 as a light source is mounted, and a central fixed contact 6 and a peripheral fixed contact 7 surrounding the central fixed contact 6 are provided. FIG. 1 shows only a pair of central fixed contact 6 and peripheral fixed contact 7, but in the embodiment, a plurality of pairs of central fixed contact 6 and peripheral fixed contact 7 are arranged in a matrix.
[0013]
The tact spring 2 functions as a movable contact, and is formed by forming a metal spring material such as phosphor bronze into a circular shape. Although the peripheral part of the tact spring 2 is always in contact with the peripheral fixed contact 7, the top part is separated from the central fixed contact 6 with a predetermined interval. The top of the tact spring 2 is bonded to the lower surface of the upper sheet 3. In the embodiment, a plurality of tact springs 2 are arranged in a matrix on the lower surface of the upper sheet 3 in accordance with the arrangement of the central fixed contact 6 and the peripheral fixed contact 7. It is installed.
[0014]
The upper sheet 3 is made of a light diffusing material such as a PET film whose surface is textured, and has protrusions 8 formed on the upper surface thereof. The formation positions of the protrusions 8 correspond to the tops of the tact springs 2 bonded to the lower surface of the upper sheet 3. As shown in FIG. 2, in the embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 8 are formed in a matrix on the upper surface of the upper sheet 3. Is formed. These protrusions 8 are formed, for example, by printing urethane-based resin on the upper surface of the upper sheet 3, and the amount of each protrusion is made uniform by a printing technique. Moreover, the peripheral part of the upper sheet | seat 3 and the lower board | substrate 1 are integrated with the frame 9 using the adhesive agent etc., and the switch unit part is comprised by these each member.
[0015]
The key top 4 is formed of a transparent material such as acrylic resin, and a display portion (not shown) such as numerals and characters is printed on the flat bottom surface. The upper part of the key top 4 protrudes from the guide hole 10a of the outer case 10, and the outer case 10 is fixed to the frame body 9 using screws or an adhesive. The bottom surface of the key top 4 is opposed to the protrusion 8 of the upper sheet 3. Therefore, in the embodiment, a plurality of key tops 4 are arranged in a matrix in the outer case 10.
[0016]
In the key switch configured as described above, when the user pushes the top surface of the desired key top 4, the pressing force is transmitted to the top of the lower tact spring 2 through the protrusion 8 and the upper sheet 3. When the key top 4 is lowered by a predetermined stroke, the corresponding tact spring 2 is buckled and reversed with a click feeling, and the top of the tact spring 2 comes into contact with the central fixed contact 6 to be switched on. At this time, even if the relative positions of the key tops 4 and the switch unit portions are slightly shifted due to dimensional errors or assembly errors of the respective members, the protrusions 8 printed on the upper surface of the upper sheet 3 and the upper sheet 3 Since the relative position of the tact spring 2 bonded to the lower surface of the tact spring 2 is maintained with high accuracy, the operation feeling of the tact spring 2 is not deteriorated. When the pushing force to the key top 4 is removed, the tact spring 2 returns to a circular shape due to its own spring property, and accordingly, the upper seat 3 and the key top 4 are pushed back to the initial position, and the switch Turns off. In addition, when the LED 5 is turned on in a dark place such as at night, the light emitted from the LED 5 is diffused by the upper sheet 3 and irradiated to the bottom surface of the key top 4 with substantially uniform brightness. The display unit printed on the bottom surface of the display unit is illuminated with uniform and sufficient brightness, and the display unit can be clearly seen through the key top 4.
[0017]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention is implemented in the form as described above, and has the following effects.
[0018]
The sheet with reversal spring according to the present invention includes a sheet integrated on a lower substrate having a central fixed contact and a peripheral fixed contact, a peripheral part that is always in contact with the peripheral fixed contact, and a top part that is connected to the central fixed contact. A reversing spring disposed in a state of being spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and the reversing spring is formed so as to be buckled and reversed by pressing its top and to return to its initial position by its own spring property It is made of a spring material, and the top of the reversing spring is bonded to the lower surface of the sheet in advance, and a resin protrusion is formed on the upper surface of the sheet corresponding to the top of the reversing spring. Since it is configured to be transmitted to the top of the reversing spring through a flat sheet, not only can a flat printing surface be secured on the bottom surface of the key top, The relative position of the top of the rolling spring and the protrusion can be maintained, and therefore, even if the key top and the reversing spring are misaligned, the pressing force from the key top is reliably transmitted to the top of the reversing spring. Can do.
[0019]
The key switch of the present invention includes a lower substrate having a plurality of sets of fixed contacts including a central fixed contact and a peripheral fixed contact, an upper sheet integrated with the lower substrate, and the upper sheet and the lower sheet. A plurality of movable contacts which are interposed between the substrate and whose peripheral portion always contacts the peripheral fixed contact and whose top portion opposes the central fixed contact with a predetermined distance; A reversing spring made of a metal spring material formed so as to buckle and reverse by pressing the top as the movable contact and return to the initial position by its own spring property. The top of the reversing spring is bonded in advance to the lower surface of the upper sheet according to the arrangement of the fixed contacts, and the top of the upper sheet corresponding to the top of the reversing spring is By forming a protrusion made of metal and superimposing the upper sheet on the lower substrate, each reversing spring is opposed to each fixed contact while maintaining a relative position with the corresponding protrusion, Since the pressing force from the key top is transmitted to the top of the reversing spring through this protrusion, not only can a flat printing surface be secured on the bottom surface of the key top, but also the upper sheet alone The relative position between the top of the reversing spring and the protrusion is maintained, and the upper sheet is integrated on the lower substrate so that each reversing spring faces the fixed contact while maintaining the relative position with the corresponding protrusion. Therefore, even if a positional deviation occurs between the key top and the reversing spring, the pressing force from the key top can be reliably transmitted to the top of the reversing spring.
[0020]
In this case, when a light diffusing material is used as the upper sheet, light from the light source can be diffused by the upper sheet and irradiated to the bottom surface of the key top, which is suitable for an illumination type key switch.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a key switch using a sheet with a reversing spring according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of an upper sheet provided in the key switch.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Lower substrate 2 Tact spring (reversal spring)
3 upper sheet 3a bulge 4 key top 5 LED
6 Center fixed contact 7 Peripheral fixed contact 8 Protrusion 9 Frame 10 Exterior case 10a Guide hole

Claims (6)

中央固定接点および周縁固定接点を有する下部基板に重ねられて一体化されるシートと、周縁部が前記周縁固定接点に常時接触すると共に頂部が前記中央固定接点に所定間隔を存して離間した状態で配置される反転ばねとを備え、前記反転ばねはその頂部を押圧することによって座屈反転し自身のばね性によって初期位置へ復帰するようにフォーミングされた金属ばね材料からなり、予めこの反転ばねの頂部を前記シートの下面に接着すると共に、該反転ばねの頂部に対応する前記シートの上面に樹脂製の突起を形成し、外部からの押圧力がこの突起を介して前記反転ばねの頂部に伝達されるように構成したことを特徴とする反転ばね付きシート。A sheet integrated on a lower substrate having a central fixed contact and a peripheral fixed contact, and a state in which a peripheral portion is always in contact with the peripheral fixed contact and a top portion is separated from the central fixed contact with a predetermined interval. The reversing spring is made of a metal spring material formed so as to buckle and reverse by pressing the top of the reversing spring and to return to the initial position by its own spring property. The top of the sheet is bonded to the bottom surface of the sheet, and a resin protrusion is formed on the top surface of the sheet corresponding to the top of the reversing spring, and external pressure is applied to the top of the reversing spring via the protrusion. A sheet with a reversing spring, characterized by being configured to be transmitted. 請求項１の記載において、前記突起をウレタン系樹脂またはエポキシ系樹脂で印刷形成したことを特徴とする反転ばね付きシート。  2. A sheet with a reversing spring according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is formed by printing with a urethane resin or an epoxy resin. 請求項１の記載において、前記シートが光拡散性材料からなることを特徴とする反転ばね付きシート。  2. The sheet with reversal spring according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is made of a light diffusing material. 中央固定接点および周縁固定接点を１組とする複数組の固定接点を有する下部基板と、この下部基板に一体化された上部シートと、この上部シートと前記下部基板との間に介設され、周縁部が前記周縁固定接点に常時接触すると共に頂部が前記中央固定接点に所定間隔を存して対向する複数の可動接点と、この可動接点を前記中央固定接点に対して接離させるキートップとを備え、
前記可動接点として頂部を押圧することによって座屈反転し自身のばね性によって初期位置へ復帰するようにフォーミングされた金属ばね材料からなる反転ばねを用い、予めこの反転ばねの頂部を前記各固定接点の配列に合わせて前記上部シートの下面に接着すると共に、該反転ばねの頂部に対応する前記上部シートの上面に樹脂製の突起を形成し、
前記上部シートを前記下部基板上に重ねて一体化することにより、前記各反転ばねを対応する前記突起との相対位置を維持しつつ前記各固定接点に対向させると共に、前記キートップからの押圧力がこの突起を介して前記反転ばねの頂部に伝達されるように構成したことを特徴とするキースイッチ。A lower substrate having a plurality of sets of fixed contacts including a central fixed contact and a peripheral fixed contact, an upper sheet integrated with the lower substrate, and interposed between the upper sheet and the lower substrate, A plurality of movable contacts whose peripheral portions are always in contact with the peripheral fixed contacts and whose tops are opposed to the central fixed contacts at a predetermined interval; and key tops that make the movable contacts contact with and separate from the central fixed contacts; With
As the movable contact, a reversing spring made of a metal spring material formed so as to buckle and reverse by pressing the top and return to the initial position by its own spring property is used. Adhering to the lower surface of the upper sheet according to the arrangement of, and forming a resin protrusion on the upper surface of the upper sheet corresponding to the top of the reversal spring,
By integrating the upper sheet on the lower substrate, the reversing springs are opposed to the fixed contacts while maintaining the relative positions of the corresponding protrusions, and the pressing force from the key tops. Is transmitted to the top of the reversing spring through the protrusion. 請求項４の記載において、前記突起をウレタン系樹脂またはエポキシ系樹脂で印刷形成したことを特徴とするキースイッチ。  5. The key switch according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion is formed by printing with a urethane resin or an epoxy resin. 請求項４の記載において、前記上部シートが光拡散性材料からなることを特徴とするキースイッチ。  5. The key switch according to claim 4, wherein the upper sheet is made of a light diffusing material.
JP16257497A 1997-06-19 1997-06-19 Seat with reversing spring and key switch using the same Expired - Lifetime JP4153058B2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP16257497A JP4153058B2 (en) 1997-06-19 1997-06-19 Seat with reversing spring and key switch using the same
TW087107564A TW507232B (en) 1997-06-19 1998-05-15 Key switch
KR1019980022550A KR100324780B1 (en) 1997-06-19 1998-06-16 Key switch
CN98102300A CN1101591C (en) 1997-06-19 1998-06-19 Key switch

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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JP16257497A JP4153058B2 (en) 1997-06-19 1997-06-19 Seat with reversing spring and key switch using the same

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JP2004345997A Division JP2005063981A (en) 2004-11-30 2004-11-30 Sheet with reversal spring, and key switch

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JPH117862A JPH117862A (en) 1999-01-12
JP4153058B2 true JP4153058B2 (en) 2008-09-17

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KR100413499B1 (en) * 2002-02-07 2004-01-03 엘지.필립스디스플레이(주) Cathode for Cathode Ray Tube
KR100765883B1 (en) 2006-09-12 2007-10-10 한울정보기술(주) Light emitting keypad comprising lightguide film
KR100765864B1 (en) 2006-09-12 2007-10-10 한울정보기술(주) Light emitting keypad comprising lightguide film
KR100851657B1 (en) * 2006-12-26 2008-08-13 주식회사 두성테크 The key panel of planer light wave circuit sheet having a actuator
KR100888237B1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-03-12 주식회사 이노칩테크놀로지 Pointing device and electronic device having the same
JP5060922B2 (en) * 2007-11-19 2012-10-31 アルプス電気株式会社 Seat with movable contact and switch device
JP5066129B2 (en) * 2009-04-20 2012-11-07 シャープ株式会社 Mobile device
CN102687223B (en) * 2009-12-28 2015-12-16 保力马科技(日本)株式会社 Be integrated with the illuminated keypad of transducer
JP2011243476A (en) * 2010-05-20 2011-12-01 Panasonic Corp Push switch
JP2012104282A (en) * 2010-11-08 2012-05-31 Fujitsu Ltd Electronic device and printed board module
KR101260690B1 (en) 2011-10-24 2013-05-10 콘티넨탈 오토모티브 일렉트로닉스 유한회사 Button assembly of surface luminating switch

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JP3103833B2 (en) * 1994-08-10 2000-10-30 信越ポリマー株式会社 Illuminated pushbutton switch device

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KR100324780B1 (en) 2002-05-09
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CN1101591C (en) 2003-02-12
JPH117862A (en) 1999-01-12

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