JP4679226B2 - Cover sheet for pushbutton switch - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cover sheet for a push button switch used in an operation unit of various devices such as a mobile phone, a PDA, a car navigation device, and a car audio device.

  Electronic and electrical devices used for personal use have been reduced in size and thickness, and various additional functions have been installed to pursue convenience. For example, in a mobile phone, not only a telephone call function as a telephone but also an auxiliary function such as a mail function, an Internet connection function, and a photographing function, an effort is made to inspire consumers to purchase. However, in order to increase the sales of products, it is important to have a unique and innovative design that takes into account the characteristics of products owned by individuals, as well as the richness of these functions. For this reason, not only diversification of functions as electronic / electrical devices but also diversification of designs are progressing.

That is, not only the design of the case of the mobile phone but also the cover member for the push button switch forming the surface portion of the mobile phone has been intensified in design competition for differentiation from other models. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-197063 (Patent Document 1) discloses a resin key top in which a metallic luster layer is formed by applying a large number of metal foil pieces on the upper surface of the resin key top to form a specular gloss layer. Is described.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-197063

  The present invention has been made under the background as described above, and an object thereof is to obtain a cover member for a push button switch which gives an original design.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a cover sheet for a push button switch provided with a partition groove for forming a pressing operation piece that can be pressed and displaced in a single operation plate made of metal or hard resin.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a conventional general pushbutton switch cover member 1 is formed by fixing resin key tops 3 corresponding to individual contact substrates one by one on a base sheet 2 made of a rubber-like elastic body. 19, only the resin key top 3 is exposed from between the partition bars (frames) 5b provided in the housing 5a of the cellular phone (device) 5 shown in FIG. Therefore, the design has to be restricted by the partition beam 5b. On the other hand, when the push button switch cover member 1 is attached to a device (not shown) having no partition bar 5b, the outer edge portion 2a of the base sheet 2 is held in pressure contact over the entire circumference. Therefore, there is a problem that the base sheet 2 is extended and distorted as a whole due to the weight load of the resin key top 3.

  In contrast, the pushbutton switch cover sheet according to the present invention has a configuration in which a partition groove for forming a pressing operation piece that can be pressed and displaced is provided on an operation plate made of metal or hard resin. Even if there is no partition bar in the casing of the device, the cover sheet for the push button switch is not distorted or bent. In addition, there is no need for a partition rail in the device casing, and a novel design can be given to the device. Furthermore, the operation plate used in the present invention includes both a hard resin key top that is subjected to a pressing operation and a base sheet that is a rubber-like elastic body that is restored to its original state if the bending pressure is removed when the pressing is received. It can have both functions, and there is no need to provide a key top as a separate member. Therefore, it is not only excellent in design but also in functionality. Since the operation plate has a thin plate shape, the thickness of the entire device can be reduced. Furthermore, when the operation plate is made of metal and used as an illumination type cover sheet, light does not leak through the operation plate, and the operation plate reflects light from the internal light source. It can be set as the cover sheet for pushbutton switches which can illuminate uniform strong light. The pressing operation piece corresponds to a pressing operation portion in the pushbutton switch cover sheet.

  Since the pressing operation piece provided on the operation plate is partitioned and formed by the partition groove, it is possible to create pressing operation pieces having various shapes corresponding to changes in the shape of the partition groove. Therefore, the design can be varied.

  As an example, for example, the pressing operation piece partitioned by the partition groove can be formed in a tongue shape. Since it has a tongue-like shape, the pressing operation piece can be pressed in a state where the tongue-like root portion is supported. Therefore, the operation plate can be provided with a function as a key top for the push button switch. Note that the tongue piece may have a rounded or angular shape at the tip.

  Further, the partition groove can be formed in a round wave shape, and the pressing operation pieces can be formed on each side separating the partition groove. Since the partition groove is formed in a round wave shape and the pressing operation piece is formed on each side separating the partition groove, the end of the pressing operation piece has a rounded structure. Therefore, there is little damage to a finger etc. at the end of the pressing operation piece, and safety is high. The design also creates a soft image. Here, the round wave shape means a wave shape in which the wave crest and wave bottom appear smoothly in a curve and are rounded as a whole.

  Alternatively, the partitioning grooves can be formed in a square wave shape, and the pressing operation pieces can be formed on the respective sides separating the partitioning grooves. Since the partition grooves are formed in a square wave shape and the pressing operation pieces are formed on the respective sides separating the partition grooves, the area of the pressing operation pieces can be increased. In addition, a design that gives a sharp image along a metallic tone, such as when the operation plate is metallic, can be displayed. Here, the term “square wave shape” refers to a wave shape in which the wave crest portion and wave bottom portion appear linearly and are entirely angular.

  In this way, the pressing operation pieces partitioned by the partition grooves can be provided adjacent to the pressing operation pieces partitioned in the opposite directions by the partition grooves.

  If the pressing operation pieces partitioned in the opposite directions by the partition grooves are provided adjacent to each other, the shape of the uniform partition bar provided on the conventional device casing can be different. Therefore, it can be set as the cover sheet for pushbutton switches excellent in the design.

  In addition, the push button switch cover sheet of the present invention can be provided with a display portion penetrating the operation plate on the pressing operation piece. Here, the display unit refers to a part representing characters, symbols, figures, and the like.

  Since the display unit penetrating the operation plate is provided in the pressing operation piece, the pressing operation piece can be identified as an input key for inputting characters, symbols, figures, and the like indicated by the display unit. In addition, since the display portion can be formed by punching simultaneously with the formation of the partition groove, it is possible to provide a pushbutton switch cover sheet in which the display portion can be easily formed. Furthermore, if an illumination light source is provided inside the housing, it can also function as an illumination key that illuminates through the display portion.

  The display unit can also be configured as a half-penetrating operation panel. Half-penetration means that a recess that does not reach the back surface of the operation plate is formed instead of forming a through hole from the operation surface of the operation plate to the back surface thereof.

  The thickness of the operation plate can be 50 μm to 2000 μm. When the thickness of the operation plate is 50 μm to 2000 μm, it is possible to obtain a pushbutton switch cover sheet that imparts rigidity to the entire pushbutton switch cover sheet and does not bend or bend unless pressed. On the other hand, the pressing operation piece can be deformed when it is pressed, and a function as a cover member for the push button switch that restores the original position when the pressing is removed can be exhibited.

  The present invention also provides a pushbutton switch cover sheet in which a base sheet made of a rubber-like elastic body is provided on the back surface of the operation surface of the operation plate.

  Since the base sheet made of a rubber-like elastic body is provided on the back surface of the operation surface of the operation plate, the operation plate does not directly press the printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board can be hardly damaged. Further, if the back surface of the operation surface of the operation plate is covered with the base sheet, it is possible to prevent moisture from entering from the partition groove or the display unit.

  The base sheet can be provided with a pusher for pressing the contact electrode on the back side of the base sheet at a position below the pressing operation piece of the operation plate. Since the pusher for pressing the contact electrode is provided, the pressing operation received by the pressing operation piece can be surely led to conduction to the contact electrode, and the inconvenience of not being input even though the pressing operation piece is pressed can be avoided. it can.

  In the present invention, the base sheet may be provided with an in-groove projection that projects into the groove of the partition groove of the operation plate. Here, the in-groove protrusion protruding into the groove of the partition groove is a part formed by raising a part of the base sheet from a fixing surface of the base sheet and the operation plate to a part lacking as a partition groove of the operation plate Say. The in-groove protrusion is formed as if filling the partition groove, but on the other hand, it is preferable that a margin to the extent that the pressing operation piece can be displaced by the pressing operation is formed to some extent.

  Since the base sheet has an in-groove protrusion that protrudes into the partition groove of the operation plate, even if the pressing operation piece is bent by the pressing operation piece and the edge of the partition groove appears, the rubber-like elasticity Since the in-groove protrusion formed by the body exists, it is possible to avoid the case where the fingertip directly hits the edge. Therefore, it is possible to provide a highly secure pushbutton switch cover sheet without damaging the fingertip.

  The in-groove protrusion can be light-shielding. If the protrusion in the groove is made light-shielding, light leakage from the partition groove portion can be prevented when used as an illumination type key.

  Furthermore, the cover sheet for a pushbutton switch of the present invention can be configured by using a hard resin material for the operation plate and providing a metal thin film layer on the back surface of the operation surface of the operation plate. When used as an illuminated key, the light emitted from the internal light source is reflected by the metal thin film layer provided on the back of the operation plate. For pushbutton switches that can illuminate uniform strong light from the desired location. It can be a cover sheet.

  In the pushbutton switch cover sheet of the present invention, the partition groove may be provided with a groove filling member made of a rubber-like elastic body that is fixed to the inner surface of the partition groove. A groove filling body made of a rubber-like elastic body that enters the partition groove of the operation plate is formed in the partition groove, and the groove filling body is fixed to the inner surface of the partition groove, so that even if the pressing operation piece is bent, The groove filling body in which the partition groove is filled follows the deformation of the pressing operation piece, and the edge of the pressing operation piece does not appear. Therefore, while maintaining the texture and design of the operation plate, the fingertip is not damaged by the partition groove, and the cover sheet for a push button switch with high safety can be obtained.

  The groove filling body can be formed as an in-groove protrusion that protrudes from the base sheet into the groove of the partition groove and is fixed to the inner surface of the partition groove. If the base sheet and the groove filling body can be formed of the same material, there is an advantage that the base sheet and the groove filling body can be manufactured integrally. On the other hand, the groove filling body can be formed of a member different from the base sheet. If formed by a member different from the base sheet, a material most suitable for the function of the groove filling body, such as a material that is too soft to be used as the base sheet, can be selected and applied.

  Further, the groove filling body can be configured to bulge out from the inside of the partition groove and to be fixed to the operation surface of the operation plate or the groove edge surface of the partition groove on the back surface of the operation surface. The groove filling body bulges out from the inside of the partition groove and adheres to the groove edge surface of the partition groove on the operation surface of the operation plate or the back surface of the operation surface. The upper surface, which is the operation surface of the operation plate, or the back surface portion of the operation surface is also fixed, and the fixing force between the operation plate and the groove filling body is increased. Therefore, the partition groove and the groove filling body are kept firmly fixed, and are difficult to peel off. The portion that protrudes from the partition groove to form the coating layer is at least one of the operation surface of the operation plate connected to the groove edge of the partition groove and / or the back surface thereof, and at least the operation surface of the operation plate or the back surface thereof. It can be extended to any one of them.

  Furthermore, this invention can be set as the structure which has a coating layer which covers the operation surface of an operation board, and this coating layer has obstruct | occluded the partition groove | channel. Since the coating layer closes the partition groove, it is possible to provide a safe pushbutton switch cover sheet in which the fingertip does not enter the partition groove. In this case, a groove filling body may or may not be formed in the partition groove.

  Such a cover sheet for a pushbutton switch of the present invention can be manufactured by fusing a base sheet to the operation plate and integrating the operation plate and the base sheet.

  Since the base plate is fused to the operation plate and the operation plate and the base sheet are integrated, the operation plate and the base sheet can be fixed without any gaps, and moisture can flow from the outside of the operation plate to the inside of the base sheet. It is possible to obtain a pushbutton switch cover member having no gap to enter. Further, according to this manufacturing method, since the molten base sheet flows into the partition groove of the operation plate, the in-groove protrusion can be easily obtained.

  In particular, in the manufacturing method of the pushbutton switch cover sheet having the base sheet and the protrusion in the groove, the groove protruding from the base sheet into the groove of the partition groove of the operation plate is fused to the operation plate. A pushbutton switch cover sheet can be manufactured by providing the inner protrusion and integrating the operation plate and the base sheet. By manufacturing in this way, the protrusion in the groove can be easily formed together with the fixing of the base sheet to the operation plate.

  The cover sheet for a push button switch of the present invention has a novel design that is not found in a conventional cover member for a push button switch. In addition, it is possible to give the equipment to be mounted lighter, smaller, thinner, and novel design of the equipment. Moreover, if it is an illumination type cover sheet, it is good in light guide property and it is possible to perform uniform illumination from a desired location.

  Furthermore, the pushbutton switch cover sheet having the in-groove protrusion, the groove filling body, and the coating layer is a safe pushbutton switch cover sheet without injuring the fingertip in the partition groove.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, duplication description is abbreviate | omitted about the structure which is common in a prior art, and the structure which is common in each embodiment. In the following description, an example in which a mobile phone is used as the “device” as in the description of the prior art will be given, and a pushbutton switch cover sheet applied to the mobile phone will be described.

First Embodiment [FIGS. 1 to 3] ; A pushbutton switch cover sheet 11 (hereinafter also referred to as “cover sheet”) according to the first embodiment includes a metal operation plate 12, and is a rubber-like elastic body. It is comprised integrally with the base sheet 13 consisting of.

  The operation plate 12 made of a thin plate made of stainless steel is punched in the plane of a single plate so that the partition groove 14 is provided in a square wave shape, and the portion partitioned by the partition groove 14 in the form of a tongue piece forms the pressing operation piece 15. Forming. Further, in the center of the pressing operation piece 15, a display unit 16 representing characters, symbols, figures and the like is formed by punching through the operation plate 12 like the partition groove 14. More specifically, in FIG. 1, the partition groove 14 is provided in a substantially wave shape. For example, the pressing operation piece 15 a provided with the display portion 16 a representing the number “1” is partitioned downward by the partition groove 14. The pressing operation piece 15 b provided with the display portion 16 b representing the number “2” is partitioned upward by the partition groove 14. Therefore, the pressing operation pieces 15a and 15b are configured to face each other.

  A highly rigid material is preferably used for the operation plate 12 from the viewpoint of shape maintenance. For example, metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, chromium, gold, silver, copper, nickel, and tin can be used. Among these metals, metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, gold, and copper, which can be easily formed into a thin plate, are preferable. Besides the metal, a hard resin such as a polycarbonate resin or an ABS resin can be used.

  The thickness of the operation plate 12 is usually 50 μm to 2000 μm. This is because if the thickness is less than 50 μm, the rigidity is weak and it becomes difficult to suppress the distortion of the cover sheet 11, and if the thickness exceeds 2000 μm, it exceeds the thickness limit of the normal standard for the base sheet 13. . The thickness varies depending on the material and the shape of the pressing operation piece 15, but is preferably 70 μm to 300 μm from the request of rigidity and thinning.

  The thickness of the operation plate 12 is in a preferable range of 50 μm to 300 μm. If it exceeds 300 μm, the processing of the partition groove 14 and the display unit 16 becomes somewhat difficult, the pressing load becomes large, and the operational feeling is also deteriorated. This is because if the thickness is less than 50 μm, the rigidity is weak and it is difficult to suppress the distortion of the cover sheet 11. Moreover, 50 micrometers-70 micrometers was made preferable because rigidity can be improved by forming a coating layer and a groove filling body. Formation of the partition groove 14 and the display unit 16 on the operation plate 12 can be processed by photoetching or the like.

  A base sheet 13 made of a rubber-like elastic body is fixed to the back surface of the operation plate 12. As shown in the plan view of FIG. 1, the base sheet 13 has a rounded rectangular appearance corresponding to the outer shape of the operation plate 12, and as shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 2 and 3, The upper surface 13a is a flat surface without unevenness, and the back surface 13b of the base sheet 13 has a plurality of recesses 19 so that a support portion 17 that supports the entire base sheet 13 and a pusher 18 that presses the contact electrode protrude. Is formed. The thickness of the portion where the recess 19 is formed is thin, and this thin portion can be pressed and displaced together with the pressing operation piece 15 of the operation plate 12. Moreover, in order to illuminate through the display part 16 from the internal light source provided in the inside of the apparatus, the notch part 13c for an internal light source to enter is formed in the support part 17 of the base sheet 13 (FIG. 3). And the operation board 12 is arrange | positioned at the upper part of the chip | tip part 13c.

  The base sheet 13 has excellent impact resilience and is flexible, such as silicone rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, styrene, ester, urethane, olefin. Rubber-like elastic bodies such as thermoplastic elastomers such as those based on amide, amide, butadiene, ethylene-vinyl acetate, fluororubber, isoprene, and chlorinated polyethylene can be used. Of these rubber-like elastic bodies, silicone rubber, styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and ester-based thermoplastic elastomer are preferable materials because they have excellent impact resilience and high durability. In order to obtain an illuminated cover sheet, it is necessary to use a translucent material.

  The operation plate 12 and the base sheet 13 can be fixed by the following method. First, the first method is a method in which the operation plate 12 is arranged on a mold, and a thermoplastic rubber-like elastic body serving as the base sheet 13 is poured into the mold and fused. As a second method, the operation plate 12 and the base sheet 13 which are separately molded are bonded with an adhesive. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, but when the operation plate 12 is not held by the device 1, the operation plate 12 needs to be firmly fixed so that it does not peel off the base sheet 13, and is fixed by an adhesive. It is better to keep it.

  Next, the operation and effect of the cover sheet 11 of this embodiment will be described.

  The pressing operation piece 15 provided in the shape of a tongue piece is partitioned by a partition groove 14 leaving a base portion of the tongue piece shape. For this reason, when the pressing operation piece 15 is pressed with a finger or the like, the cut-out portion is deformed with the root portion at the center. Then, the pusher 18 provided on the base sheet 13 presses a contact electrode provided on a printed board (not shown) and the switch is turned on. On the other hand, when the finger is released, the restoring force of the pressing operation piece 15 and the base sheet 13 returns to the original state and the switch is turned off.

  As described above, the operation plate 12 has a feeling of rigidity and the possibility of pressing displacement, and is a member having both functions of a resin key top of a conventional key sheet for a pushbutton switch and a base sheet made of a rubber-like elastic body. . Moreover, since it is a thin plate shape, the thickness of the whole apparatus can be made thin, and in addition, an unprecedented novel design can be provided. Furthermore, due to the rigidity of the operation plate 12, the entire cover sheet 11 is not distorted or bent while having a structure in which the partition bars of the device casing are eliminated, and no malfunction occurs. Further, even when the cover sheet 11 is manufactured, unlike the conventional push button switch key sheet, it is not necessary to position and bond the individual key tops separately to the base sheet. Fixing is easy.

  And since the base sheet 13 which consists of a rubber-like elastic body is adhering to the operation board 12, a water | moisture content osmose | permeates the inside of the apparatus 1 through the partition groove 14 and the display part 16 which were provided and penetrated the operation board 12. And high waterproof performance can be obtained.

  Further, light emitted upward from an internal light source (not shown) located in the chipped portion 13 c provided in the thick portion of the base sheet 13 is well reflected by the operation plate 12 made of stainless steel. The light is guided efficiently. Therefore, the problem that only the vicinity of the light source is brightly illuminated can be solved, and the display unit 16 can be illuminated uniformly.

  Furthermore, since the pusher 18 that presses the contact electrode is provided on the back side of the base sheet 13 at a position below the pressing operation piece 15 of the operation plate 12, the pressing operation received by the pressing operation piece 15 is reliably transferred to the contact electrode. Thus, there is no inconvenience that no input occurs even though the pressing operation piece 15 is pressed.

Second Embodiment [FIG. 4] ; The pushbutton switch cover sheet 21 in the second embodiment is different from the pushbutton switch cover sheet 11 in the first embodiment in the base sheet 23. That is, the base sheet 13 used in the first embodiment is a light-transmitting base sheet 13 having a single layer structure, whereas the base sheet 23 used in this embodiment is light-blocking and light-transmitting. It is different in that it has a two-layer structure. The configuration other than the base sheet 23 is the same as the push button switch cover sheet 11 shown in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 4 showing the pushbutton switch cover sheet 21 of the present embodiment is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. As shown in this figure, the base sheet 23 is formed by laminating a light-shielding upper layer 23a and a translucent lower layer 23b. The light-shielding upper layer 23 a has an in-groove protrusion 24 that adheres to the operation plate 12 and protrudes into the partition groove 14 provided on the operation plate 12. The in-groove protrusion 24 is formed such that a part of the upper layer 23 a is raised from the upper surface of the upper layer 23 a toward the partition groove 14 of the operation plate 12. Further, the upper layer 23 a lacks a portion facing the display unit 16 of the operation plate 12, and a through-hole 25 that is in series with the display unit 16 of the operation plate 12 is formed. Such an upper layer 23 a can be formed of a film-like resin or a rubber-like elastic body, and can be easily manufactured by injection molding on the operation plate 12.

  The lower layer 23b is a light-transmitting layer formed of a rubber-like elastic body that is formed below the upper layer 23a and has the same function as the base sheet 13 described in the first embodiment. The lower layer 23b is provided so as to cover the display unit 16 and the series of through holes 25 formed in the upper layer 23a from below. The lower layer 23b can be formed by adhering and fixing to the upper layer 23a with an adhesive, or can be injected onto the upper layer 23a to provide the lower layer 23b.

  Next, the operation and effect of the cover sheet 21 of the present embodiment will be described.

  Since the upper layer 23a of the base sheet 23 is provided with the in-groove protrusion 24 to the partition groove 14 provided in the operation plate 12, even when the fingertip hits the edge of the adjacent pressing operation piece 15. Thus, the pushbutton switch cover sheet 21 can be provided with high safety without damaging the fingertip.

  Further, when the cover sheet 21 of the present embodiment is used as an illumination type cover sheet, light leakage from the partition groove 14 can be prevented by making the in-groove protrusion 24 light-shielding. . And since the through-hole 25 which reaches the translucent lower layer 23b is formed in the site | part corresponding to the display part 16 of the operation panel 12, the display part 16 can be illuminated.

  Furthermore, since the lower layer 23b made of a rubber-like elastic body is provided so as to cover the through hole 25 formed in the operation plate 12, moisture does not permeate the inside of the device 1 and has high waterproof performance. The moisture does not penetrate into the inside of the device 1.

3rd Embodiment [FIG. 5] ; FIG. 5 showing the cover sheet 31 for pushbutton switches of this embodiment is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. In the cover sheet 31 in the third embodiment, the operation plate is a hard resin operation plate 32, and the operation plate 32 and the rubber-like elastic body are different in material from the metal operation plate 12 in the first embodiment. The difference is that the metal thin film layer 37 is provided between the base sheet 33 and the support sheet 17 is not provided. Similar to the metal operation plate 12 in the first embodiment, the metal thin film layer 37 improves the light guide property and appropriately reflects the light from the internal light source when it is an illuminated cover sheet. Can be illuminated uniformly from

  The metal thin film layer 37 may be a layer made of an ink or a paint containing metal as a main component in addition to the case where the metal thin film layer 37 is made of only a metal. Those are preferred. The metal thin film layer 37 can be formed by depositing a metal such as aluminum, chromium, gold, silver, copper, nickel, tin or the like by an evaporation method or by applying an ink or paint containing these metal fine particles. Among these, aluminum, chromium, silver, and the like are preferable because a thin film can be formed on the surface of the operation plate 32 by a vapor deposition method or a coating method relatively easily.

  The thickness of the metal thin film layer 37 is preferably 10 nm to 80 nm from the viewpoint of light guiding properties. When the thickness of the metal thin film layer 37 is less than 10 nm, the visible light transmittance of the metal thin film layer 37 is 50% or more, and it becomes difficult to efficiently reflect the light emitted from the internal light source. This is because the light reflection efficiency is hardly changed, and an extra material is required as much as it is thickened.

Fourth Embodiment [FIG. 6] In the first embodiment, the partition groove 14 for punching out the operation plate 12 and the display unit 16 are covered with a base sheet 13 from the bottom. However, the push button switch in the fourth embodiment is used. As shown in FIG. 6, the cover sheet 41 is configured such that the partition groove 14 and the display unit 16 are filled with the in-groove protrusions 44 from the base sheet 43. In this case, when the base sheet 43 is formed of a translucent material, the illumination type cover sheet 41 that illuminates from the partition groove 14 and the display unit 16 can be obtained. On the other hand, when the base sheet 43 is formed of a light-shielding material, the cover sheet 41 that does not leak light from the partition groove 14 and the display unit 16 can be obtained. Since the cover sheet 41 has the in-groove protrusion 44 in the partition groove 14 or the display unit 16, it is possible to prevent the fingertip from being damaged by the partition groove 14 or the display unit 16.

5th Embodiment [FIG. 7] ; In 2nd Embodiment, although the display part 16 of the operation board 12 and the series of through-holes 25 are covered from the bottom with the base sheet 13, the pushbutton of 5th Embodiment As shown in FIG. 7, the switch cover sheet 51 includes an in-groove protrusion 54 a that protrudes from the upper layer 53 a of the base sheet 53 to the partition groove 14 and a groove that protrudes from the lower layer 53 b of the base sheet 53 to the display unit 16. An inner protrusion 54b is formed. The cover sheet 51 is an illuminated cover sheet 51 that does not leak light from the partition groove 14 and illuminates from the display unit 16 by making the upper layer 53a light-shielding and light-transmitting the lower layer 53b. be able to. In addition, since the partition groove 14 and the display unit 16 have the in-groove protrusions 54a and 54b, the cover sheet 51 can be obtained in which the fingertip is not damaged by the partition groove 14 or the display unit 16.

Sixth Embodiment [FIG. 8] ; In the first embodiment, the partition groove 14 for punching out the operation plate 12 and the display unit 16 are covered with a base sheet 13 from below, but the pushbutton switch of the sixth embodiment is used. As shown in FIG. 8, the cover sheet 61 is configured such that the partition groove 14 and the display unit 16 are filled with a groove filling body 64 made of a rubber-like elastic body. Although the groove filling body 64 is a rubber-like elastic body, it is formed of a material different from the material forming the base sheet 63, and is fixed to the groove inner side surface 14a of the partition groove 14. This is different from the pushbutton switch cover sheet 41 of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. Moreover, in the operation board 82, the display part 16 is formed in the half through-hole 85, Therefore The through-hole 25 is provided in the operation board 12, and the display part 16 is formed of 4th Embodiment shown in FIG. It differs from the pushbutton switch cover sheet 41 and the like.

  The groove filling body 64 is in the through hole 25 forming the partition groove 14 and is fixed to the inner surface 14a of the groove. Therefore, the rubber-like elastic body forming the groove filling body 64 connects the pressing operation pieces 15 adjacent to each other with the partition groove 14 therebetween, and expands and contracts following the pressing operation piece 15 even during the pressing operation. The groove inner side surface 14a is not exposed. This rubber-like elastic body is a flexible polymer material that stretches by 200% or more, preferably 300% or more. On the other hand, the adhesive force with the operation plate 12 is 3 N / mm or more, preferably 5 N / mm or more, as an adhesive force by a 180 ° peeling test. If the elongation is less than 200%, the groove filling body 64 may be broken during the pressing operation, and the load during the pressing operation is increased. If the adhesive force is less than 3 N / mm, the groove filling body 64 may be peeled off from the groove inner side surface 14a during the pressing operation. The display portion 16 formed by the half through hole 85 is similarly filled with the groove filling body 64. The groove filling body 64 is formed by injecting a flexible polymer in the form of liquid resin, ink, paint, adhesive, or the like into the partition groove 14 or the display unit 16 and then curing it. Can do.

  As the material for the flexible polymer, liquid resins such as silicone resins and urethane resins, vinyl acetate resins, vinyl chloride resins, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and the like can be used. In curing, depending on the material, it can be cured by room temperature curing, reaction curing, heat curing, moisture curing, UV curing, photocuring, or the like.

  Since the partition groove 14 and the display part 16 are filled with the groove filling body 64, the cover sheet 61 does not hurt a finger at the corner of the partition groove 14 or the display part 16. Further, since the pressing operation pieces 15 are connected to each other by the groove filling body 64, the pressing load is slightly increased as compared with the case where the groove filling body 64 is not provided, but the pressing operation pieces 15 are formed of a flexible polymer. Therefore, a pressing operation is possible. Since the groove filling body 64 is fixed to the groove inner side surface 14a, even if a step occurs between the pressing operation piece 15 that has been pressed and the pressing operation piece 15 adjacent thereto, the pressing operation piece 15, Since the groove filling bodies 64 are connected to each other, the edges are not exposed, and the finger is not damaged or pinched.

7th Embodiment [FIG. 9] ; The pushbutton switch cover sheet 71 shown in 7th Embodiment fills the partition groove 14 provided in the operation board 12 with the groove filling body 74 which consists of a rubber-like elastic body, and groove filling. The body 74 bulges up to the back surface 12b of the operation plate 12, reaches the back surface 12b of the operation plate 12, and forms a covering layer 77 that covers the whole. The cover sheet 71 is similar in layer structure to the cover sheet 21 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but the cover sheet 71 is composed of a base sheet 73 and a covering layer 77, whereas the cover sheet 71 is a second embodiment. The form of the cover sheet 21 is different in that it includes an upper layer 23a and a lower layer 23b of the base sheet. Further, when the in-groove protrusion 24 in the cover sheet 21 of the second embodiment does not adhere to the groove inner side surface 14a, the pressing load is low, whereas the cover sheet 71 of the present embodiment has the groove filling body 74. However, since it is fixed to the inner surface 14a of the groove, the pressing load is slightly higher, but since it can be formed using a rubber-like elastic body that is longer than the base sheet 73, the pressing operation is hindered. The pressing load is not increased.

  In the cover sheet 71, the end (edge) of the pressing operation piece 15, that is, the end (edge) of the partition groove 14 is connected to the groove filling body 74, so the in-groove protrusion 24 is not fixed to the in-groove side surface 14 a. The risk of damaging a finger or the like at the end of the pressing operation piece 15 is reduced as compared with the cover sheet 21 in the case.

Eighth Embodiment [FIG. 10] ; The pushbutton switch cover sheet 81 shown in the eighth embodiment fills the partition groove 14 provided in the operation plate 12 with a groove filling body 84 made of a rubber-like elastic body and fills the groove. The body 84 bulges up to the upper surface 12a of the operation plate 12, reaches the upper surface 12a of the operation plate 12, and forms a covering layer 87 that covers the entire surface.

  In the cover sheet 81, not only a part of the upper surface 12a of the operation plate 12 connected to the groove edge of the partition groove 14 but also the entire upper surface 12a is covered with the covering layer 87, so that the upper surface 12a of the operation plate 12 is also protected. Useful, when the operation plate 12 is formed of a metal plate, the metallic luster can be maintained indefinitely. In this case, since it is necessary to visually recognize the color tone of the operation plate 12 made of metal, the rubber-like elastic body forming the covering layer 87 is preferably made of a translucent material. Moreover, since the groove filling body 84 is in the partition groove 14, the covering layer 87 is not easily torn even when pressed with a sharp object.

  The groove filling body 84 and the covering layer 87 may be formed of the same material or may be formed separately. More specifically, when the same material is used, a rubber-like elastic body similar to that shown in the previous embodiment can be used. In the case of using a different material, the groove filling body 84 may be formed of a transparent resin coating or an adhesive tape while the rubber-like elastic body is used. is there. For example, a film resin such as polyolefin, polyester, or polyurethane can be used. Moreover, you may use the adhesive film with which the adhesion layer was provided to base materials, such as polyolefin-type films, such as polyethylene and a polypropylene, and polyester-type films, such as a polyethylene terephthalate and a polybutylene terephthalate. Furthermore, after forming the groove filling body 84, it is also possible to perform spray coating. Since the cover sheet 81 covers the partition groove 14 and the display unit 16 with the covering layer 87, a finger does not enter the partition groove 14 and the display unit 16 and is highly safe. Furthermore, the pressing operation piece 15 can be provided with the texture of a rubber-like elastic body instead of metal, and an anti-slip effect and warmth can be produced.

Ninth Embodiment [FIG. 11] ; The pushbutton switch cover sheet 91 shown in the ninth embodiment is formed with a covering layer 97 that covers the upper surface 12a of the operation plate 12, and thus the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. This is the same as the push button switch cover sheet 81 except that the groove filling body 84 that enters the partition groove 14 is not formed.

  Compared with the cover sheet 71 of the eighth embodiment, the cover sheet 81 of the present embodiment does not have a groove filling body formed in the partition groove 14, so the covering layer 97 is somewhat easily broken between the pressing operation pieces 15. There is a drawback. However, since there is no groove filling body, there is an advantage that the pressing operation load is low. In order not to form a groove filling body in the partition groove 14 or the display unit 16, the adhesive provided on the upper surface 12 a of the operation plate 12 and the coating layer 97 are bonded, or the partition groove 14 or the display unit 16 is temporarily embedded. In addition, after the covering layer 97 is formed by coating or the like, a method of removing the temporary filling can be employed.

  In the above embodiment, instead of the operation plates 12 and 32 shown in FIGS. 1 to 11, the partition groove 104 as shown in pushbutton switch cover sheets 101, 111, 121, 131 and 141 shown in FIGS. 12 to 16. , 114, 124, 134, 144 and the operation plates 102, 112, 122, 132, 142 in which the shapes of the pressing operation pieces 15 are changed. The partition grooves 134 and 144 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 are formed in a round wave shape. Further, the pressing operation piece 15 shown in FIG. 17 is an enlarged portion corresponding to the region R in FIG. 12, but the partitioning grooves 104a, 104b, and 104c as shown in FIGS. 17 (a) to (c) are used. Is also possible.

  In the above embodiment, the cover sheets 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101 to 141 used for the mobile phone 1 are exemplified, but other devices such as PDAs and remote controllers are exemplified. It can also be used.

The top view of the cover sheet (cover sheet) for pushbutton switches by 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the cover sheet corresponded to the SA-SA line cross section of FIG. Sectional drawing of the cover sheet corresponded in the SB-SB line | wire cross section of FIG. Sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 2 of the cover sheet by 2nd Embodiment. Sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 2 of the cover sheet by 3rd Embodiment. Sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 2 of the cover sheet by 4th Embodiment. Sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 2 of the cover sheet by 5th Embodiment. Sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 2 of the cover sheet by 6th Embodiment. Sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 2 of the cover sheet by 7th Embodiment. Sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 2 of the cover sheet by 8th Embodiment. Sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 2 of the cover sheet by 9th Embodiment. The top view equivalent to FIG. 1 which shows one example of the change of the cover sheet by this embodiment. The top view equivalent to FIG. 1 which shows the 2nd example of a change of the cover sheet by this embodiment. The top view equivalent to FIG. 1 which shows three of the examples of a change of the cover sheet by this embodiment. The top view equivalent to FIG. 1 which shows four of the examples of a change of the cover sheet by this embodiment. The top view equivalent to FIG. 1 which shows five of the examples of a change of the cover sheet by this embodiment. FIGS. 17A to 17C are enlarged plan views showing another form of the partition groove by enlarging a portion corresponding to the region R in FIG. 12. FIG. The top view of the cover member for pushbutton switches by the prior art example with which the mobile telephone of FIG. 18 is equipped.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cover member for pushbutton switches 2 Base sheet 3 Resin key top 5 Mobile phone (equipment)
5a Housings 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91, 101, 111, 121, 131, 141
Cover sheet for pushbutton switch (cover sheet)
12, 32, 82, 102, 112, 122, 132, 142 Operation plate 12a Upper surface 12b Back surface 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93 Base sheet 13a, 33a, 43a Upper surface 13b, 33b, 43b Back surface 13c Notch 23a, 53a Upper layer (base sheet)
23b, 53b Lower layer (base sheet)
14, 104, 104a, 104b, 104c, 114, 124, 134, 144
Partition groove 14a, 85a Groove inner side surface 15 Press operation piece 16 Display portion 17 Support portion 18 Pusher 19 Recesses 24, 44, 54 In-groove protrusions 64, 74, 84 Groove filling body 25 Through hole 37 Metal thin film layers 77, 87, 97 Covering layer 85 Half-through-hole R region

Claims (14)

In the cover sheet for a pushbutton switch provided with a plurality of partition grooves for forming a plurality of pressing operation pieces that can be pressed and displaced on an operation plate made of metal or hard resin,
A continuous partition groove is formed by a partition groove that forms one pressing operation piece and a partition groove that forms another one pressing operation piece ,
The pressing operation piece is provided with a display portion made up of hole-like letters, numbers, symbols, etc. penetrating the plate thickness,
A base sheet consisting of two layers of rubber-like elastic bodies is provided on the back of the operation surface of the operation plate.
Providing in-groove protrusions that protrude into the grooves of the operation plate partition groove from the upper layer of the base sheet, and in-groove protrusions that protrude from the lower layer of the base sheet into the groove of the display part of the operation plate. A cover sheet for a push button switch as a feature. The groove projections projecting into the dividing grooves of the operation plate and light-shielding, claim 1 of the groove protrusion and a translucent projecting into the groove of the display portion of the operation plate from the lower layer of the base sheet The cover sheet for pushbutton switches as described. The pushbutton switch cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the continuous partition groove has a common part between a partition groove forming one pressing operation piece and a partition groove forming another pressing operation piece. Sheet. The cover sheet for a pushbutton switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , including a partition groove serving as a boundary for dividing the continuous partition groove into two pressing operation pieces. The cover sheet for a push button switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pressing operation piece has a tongue shape. The cover sheet for a pushbutton switch according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the partition groove is formed in a round wave shape, and the pressing operation piece is formed on each side separating the partition groove. The pushbutton switch cover sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the partition groove is formed in a square wave shape, and the pressing operation piece is formed on each side separating the partition groove. The cover sheet for a pushbutton switch according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein a thickness of the operation plate is 50 µm to 2000 µm. The pushbutton switch cover sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a pusher for pressing the contact electrode is provided on the back side of the base sheet at a position below the pressing operation piece. The cover sheet for a pushbutton switch according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the operation plate is made of a hard resin, and a metal thin film layer is provided on the back surface of the operation surface of the operation plate. The cover sheet for a pushbutton switch according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein a groove filling body made of a rubber-like elastic body that is fixed to the inner surface of the partition groove is provided in the partition groove. The cover sheet for a pushbutton switch according to claim 11 , wherein the groove filling body is a separate member from the base sheet. The pushbutton switch according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the groove filling body bulges out from the inside of the partition groove and is also fixed to the operation surface of the operation plate or the groove edge surface of the partition groove on the back surface of the operation surface. Cover sheet. The cover sheet for a pushbutton switch according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , further comprising a coating layer covering an operation surface of the operation plate, wherein the coating layer closes the partition groove.

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