JPH08235961A - Thin switch and display panel with switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a thin switch capable of extremely thinning thickness of a touch panel and giving stroke feeling, and provide a display panel with switch requiring no image guide an further capable of giving stroke feeling. CONSTITUTION: A display panel with switch is formed by putting a thin switch 80 on a display panel 2 with an information display function. The thin switch 80 put on the display panel 2 has at least one switching part 4a, a transparent or translucent touch panel 4 capable of operating the switching part 4a with almost no pushing stroke, and at least one operating mechanism part 30 arranged on the touch panel 4. Each operating mechanism part 30 has a transparent or translucent push button 32 which lineally moves in the pushing direction at a constant stroke to operate the switching part 4a corresponding to the touch panel 4, and a returning means 50 which gives returning force to the push button 32 by utilizing magnetic force of permanent magnets 52, 54 and gives clicking feeling.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention uses a thin switch used in, for example, FA (factory automation) equipment, vending machines, vending machines, information equipment, household electric appliances, medical operation equipment, and the like. Regarding display panel with switch.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A touch panel is a typical thin switch. In summary, a touch panel has one or more switch parts that can be operated with a stroke of almost 0 by pushing it in, or one or more switch parts that can be operated by touching or lightly pressing. It can be said to have a panel-shaped switch.

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

The touch panel 4 shown in FIG. 23 is of a resistive film type, and, in short, one or more switches which are turned on by being lightly (ie, having a stroke of almost 0) pressed from the outside between the transparent thin plates. Parts. More specifically, the touch panel 4 has a transparent thin plate 1 having a plurality of openings 12 on a transparent thin plate 6 having a transparent electrode 8 formed on the upper surface thereof.
0 is stacked, and the transparent thin plate 16 having the transparent electrode 18 formed on the lower surface is further stacked thereon. Transparent electrodes 8 and 18
May be a plurality of stripe-shaped electrodes orthogonal to each other, or one electrode, for example, the transparent electrode 18 may be a plurality of electrodes, and the other electrode, for example, a transparent electrode 8 may be a common electrode. Since both transparent thin plates 6 and 16 are thin plates, they are flexible. However, the lower transparent thin plate 6 may not be flexible.

A switch portion 4a is formed in each opening portion 12. In this example, when the desired opening portion 12 is lightly pressed from the transparent thin plate 16 side, the transparent thin plate 16 and the transparent electrode of the pressed portion are pressed. As the transparent electrode 18 bends, the transparent electrode 18 comes into contact with the underlying transparent electrode 8 through the opening 12 and is electrically turned on. However, the size, shape, number, etc. of each switch portion 4a are arbitrary, and there are also cases where a plurality of small switch portions 4a are combined (that is, electrically connected in parallel) and used as one switch portion. .

Such a touch panel 4 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, a switch-equipped display panel can be constructed by stacking it on a display panel 2 having an information display function (see, for example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 61-723). The display panel 2 is typically a liquid crystal display.

The display panel 2 usually has, for example, FIG.
As shown in, a display area 2a is formed near the lower part of the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 for displaying the contents selected by the operation of the switch section 4a, such as the control contents of the FA and the destination of the automatic ticket vending machine. There is. This makes it easy to select and operate the desired switch section 4a.

[0008]

The touch panel 4 described above is to be solved.
Has an advantage that the whole is at most about 1 mm thick and is extremely thin, while the switch portion 4a
Since the pushing stroke of is almost 0, specifically, it is extremely small, about 0.1 to 0.2 mm, so that the displacement cannot be perceived by a human finger, and therefore the switch unit 4
There is a problem that it is not possible to obtain a stroke feeling (this is also called an operation feeling) that a is operated. If the stroke feeling cannot be obtained, the operated person becomes uneasy because he / she does not feel that the switch section 4a has been operated. There are times when you need to press strongly. In particular, when a user wears gloves and pushes, a stroke feeling cannot be obtained at all.

Since the photoelectric and ultrasonic touch panels described above are operated by merely touching the surface of the touch panel with a finger (that is, pressing stroke 0), it is not possible to obtain a stroke feeling.

A display panel with a switch as shown in FIG. 26 has been proposed as a solution to the problem of lack of stroke feeling of the touch panel (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-44857).

This display panel with a switch is provided on the display panel 2 as described above, more specifically, in each display area 2 thereof.
A switch unit 20 is provided on each a.

Each switch unit 20 includes a housing 2
2, a transparent push button 24, a switch mechanism 26 operated by the push button 24, and an image guide 28.
It has and. The switch mechanism 26 has an electric contact and a return spring for returning the electric contact and the push button 24 (both not shown). The image guide 28 is formed by bundling a plurality of optical fibers and integrating them, whereby the display content of the display panel 2 can be floated to the upper surface of the image guide 28. Providing such an image guide 28 inevitably increases the distance between the surface of the display panel 2 and the push button 24 by providing the switch mechanism 26.
This is to prevent the display content of the display panel 2 from being displayed far behind the push button 24 and being difficult to see as it is.

In this switch-equipped display panel, the push stroke of the push button 24 can be secured to some extent, so that a stroke feeling can be obtained, but because of the use of the mechanical switch mechanism 26, the switch unit 20 is provided. Has a large thickness, and therefore the image guide 28 is necessary for the above reason, and there are the following problems. That is, the image guide 28 is a bundle of a plurality of optical fibers as described above,
Since there is a limit to increasing the number of optical fibers, the image quality is rough and it is difficult to display finely. Moreover, the light from the upper end surface of the optical fiber forming the image guide 28 is
Since it is emitted only within a range of about 70 degrees from directly above, it is difficult to see the display content of the display panel 2 from an oblique direction. Further, since such an image guide 28 is expensive, the entire display panel with switch is also expensive.

Therefore, the present invention makes it possible to obtain a stroke feeling while taking advantage of the feature that the touch panel can be made extremely thin, and by using it, an image guide is unnecessary and a stroke feeling is obtained. The main object of the present invention is to provide a display panel with a switch that can be used.

[0015]

A thin switch according to the present invention has a touch panel which has one or more switch parts and which can be operated with a stroke of almost zero, and one or more switch parts arranged on the touch panel. A push button for operating the corresponding switch section of the touch panel by linearly retracting the entire operation mechanism section in a constant stroke in a pressing direction, and a permanent magnet and a magnetic body. Which utilizes the attraction force between the pushbuttons or at least the attraction force between the permanent magnets, and is provided with return means for giving a return force to the push button and giving a click feeling when the push button is pressed. And

The switch-equipped display panel of the present invention has a display panel having an information display function, and is superposed on the display panel and has one or more switch portions, and the stroke for pushing the switch portion is substantially zero. A transparent or semi-transparent touch panel that can be operated with, and one or more operation mechanism units arranged on this touch panel, and each operation mechanism unit is linear in a constant stroke in the pressing direction. A transparent or semi-transparent push button that moves backward to operate the corresponding switch part of the touch panel, and an attractive force between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body or at least an attractive force between the permanent magnets. The push button is provided with a restoring force, and a restoring means for giving a click feeling when the push button is pushed is provided.

According to the thin switch, when the push button of the operation mechanism section is pushed, the entire push button recedes (falls) linearly with a constant stroke, thereby operating the corresponding switch section of the touch panel. (Eg on)
can do. As described above, in this thin switch, since the stroke for pushing the push button can be secured, it is possible to obtain a clear stroke feeling while taking advantage of the feature that the touch panel can be made extremely thin.

Moreover, since the resetting means for giving a click feeling is provided and the click feeling can be obtained in addition to the stroke feeling, the switch operation feeling is further improved and the switch operation becomes more reliable. .

The switch-equipped display panel substantially has a structure in which the above-mentioned thin switch using a touch panel is superposed on the display panel, and a mechanical switch is provided between the push button and the display panel. Since it is not necessary to provide a switch mechanism, the push button and the display panel can be brought close to each other, which causes the display content of the display panel to be displayed in the immediate vicinity of the back of the push button. It becomes unnecessary. Moreover, it is possible to obtain a click feeling in addition to a stroke feeling when the push button is operated.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch 80 having a resistive touch panel. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the switch-equipped display panel of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the push button of the display panel with switch of FIG. 1 is pushed down.

The switch-equipped display panels of this embodiment and the embodiments described below have a structure in which a thin switch 80 is superposed on a display panel 2 having an information display function. It differs for each embodiment.

The display panel 2 is typically a liquid crystal display, but in addition to this, an EL (electroluminescent) display, a plasma display, a thin CR.
T, LED array, a combination of a nameplate or a liquid crystal shutter for displaying information, and a light-emitting body or a reflecting plate for illuminating it may be used, and the point is to have an information display function.

On the display panel 2, in this embodiment, the switch portion 4 of the touch panel 4 which constitutes the thin switch 80.
A display area 2a for displaying the content selected by operating the switch section 4a is formed near the lower part of a. Therefore, it becomes easy to select and operate the desired switch section 4a.

The thin switch 80 is stacked on the display panel 2 and is provided with one or more transparent switch portions 4a which are turned on by being lightly pressed from the outside between the transparent thin plates. Of the touch panel 4 and one or more operation mechanism sections 30 provided on the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4.

As shown by the arrow A, each operation mechanism section 30 is linearly retracted in a constant stroke in a pressing direction (that is, is of a direct-acting type) and the corresponding switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 is depressed. A transparent push button 32 to turn on,
A return means 50 is provided near the periphery of the push button 32, which gives a return force to the push button 32 and gives a click feeling. Further, each operation mechanism unit 30
In this embodiment, a pillar 36 provided near the peripheral portion of the push button 32 for guiding the up and down linear movement of the push button 32 and an engaging portion 40 for preventing the push button 32 from coming off are provided. Each has.

The display area 2a of the display panel 2, the switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 and the push button 32 may have any planar shape, but in this embodiment, as an example, the display area 2a of the display panel 2 has a rectangular shape. Correspondingly, the switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 also has a quadrangle having substantially the same size as the display area 2a (see FIG. 25), and the push button 32 correspondingly has a quadrangle having substantially the same size as the switch portion 4a. (See FIG. 2). However, the switch section 4a of the touch panel 4 does not necessarily have to be in the entire area on the display area 2a of the display panel 2 or under the push button 32, and at least in the vicinity of the upper portion of the display area 2a of the display panel 2. The push button 32 or a member connected to the push button 32 may be operated. The same applies to the other examples.

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

In this embodiment, the returning means 50 utilizes a combination of the repulsive force and the attractive force between the permanent magnets, and the magnetic poles thereof are vertically positioned within the peripheral portion 34 of the push button 32. And the movable side magnet 52 provided in the inside of the base portion of the support column 36 so as to face the movable side magnet 52 inside and outside when the push button 32 is pushed down, and partially face up and down. The stationary magnet 54 is provided so that the magnetic poles are located above and below the movable magnet 52 with the opposite polarity.

The positional relationship between the two magnets 52 and 54 will be described in detail. The two magnets 52 and 54 are in a position where they are substantially completely opposed to each other inside and outside as shown in FIG.
However, in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG.
Even if 2 is pushed down, the magnets 52 and 54 do not completely oppose each other, but the movable side magnet 52 is in a position where it opposes and stops in a state of being displaced upward. This is to prevent the magnets 52 and 54 from attracting each other and preventing the push button 32 from returning upward, which will be described in detail later.

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

There are various means for causing the magnets 52 and 54 to partially face each other in the vertical direction when the push button 32 is pushed down, and the spacer 56 in FIG. 1 is one example. Other examples will be described later.

That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an annular spacer 56 is provided below the peripheral edge portion 34 of the push button 32 to limit the pushing amount of the push button 32. This spacer 56 corresponds to the switch unit 4 a of the touch panel 4.
It also functions as a member that pushes and can be moved up and down. However, even if it is said to be movable up and down, it may be movable at least to the extent that the switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 can be turned on and off, and as described above, the stroke for operating the switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 is almost 0, and the touch panel 4 as a whole. In terms of thickness, it is about 1 mm as described above, and therefore it is sufficient if it can be moved by such a distance.

The operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described. Since both magnets 52 and 54 face each other in opposite polarities at all times, the push button 32 is pushed up by the repulsive force between both magnets 52 and 54. . However, since the engaging portion 40 is provided, the push button 32 does not come out (jump out).

When the push button 32 is pushed down against the repulsive force between the magnets 52 and 54, the push button 32 as a whole is supported by the support rod 36.
Is pressed down and abuts the spacer 56,
Via the spacer 56, the corresponding switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 can be pushed to be turned on. This is the state shown in FIG.

In this case, when the push button 32 is pushed, the distance between the magnets 52 and 54 becomes small at first, so the repulsive force becomes larger. However, after passing a certain region (pushing down more than a certain amount), FIG. As can be seen, since the magnetic poles of opposite polarities of both magnets 52 and 54 approach each other and the attractive force begins to work, the repulsive force between both magnets 52 and 54 suddenly becomes small, and the pushing down is suddenly light (easily )Become.

The operation or sensation in which the push-down of the push button 32 suddenly becomes lighter in the middle is called a snap action or a click sensation, and if there is this, the operator feels that the switch has been operated. Since this can be transmitted, the switch operation feeling is further improved. Further, when the push button 32 is suddenly lightened, the switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 can be surely operated to the end by the push button 32 (in other words, the push button 32 is not pushed halfway. Since it cannot be stopped at a position), the operation on the touch panel 4 becomes more reliable.

However, even if the push button 32 is pushed all the way down, since the spacer 56 is provided, both magnets 52 and 54 are provided.
Are not completely opposed to each other, and the repulsive force remains between both magnets 52 and 54. This repulsive force is sufficient if at least the push button 32 is returned. This repulsive force can be easily adjusted by, for example, the height of the spacer 56 or the like.

Therefore, when the pushing of the push button 32 is stopped, the push button 32 is returned by the repulsive force between the magnets 52 and 54 and is stopped at the engaging portion 40. Further, the switch unit 4a of the touch panel 4 is restored by itself and turned off. Thus, the state of FIG. 1 is restored.

As described above, in the thin switch 80, since the stroke for pushing the push button 32 can be secured, a clear stroke feeling can be obtained while taking advantage of the feature that the touch panel can be made extremely thin. it can. As a result, it is possible to give a feeling of security to the manipulating person by giving a clear response that the switch portion is pressed. The stroke of this push button 32 is
In the case of this embodiment, the lower surface of the push button 32 and the spacer 56
Is defined by the distance from the upper surface of the. A few mm
Even with about 2 mm, a sufficient stroke feeling can be obtained.

Moreover, as described above, since the click feeling can be obtained in addition to the stroke feeling, the switch operation feeling is further improved, and the switch operation becomes more reliable.

The switch-equipped display panel is formed by stacking the above-mentioned thin switch 80 using the touch panel 4 on the display panel 2, and is provided between the push button 32 and the display panel 2 as shown in FIG. Since it is not necessary to provide a mechanical switch mechanism unlike the case of the conventional example, the push button 32
And the display panel 2 can be brought close to each other. For example, when the stroke of the push button 32 is about 0.5 mm, even if the height of the spacer 56 is about 2 mm, the thickness of the touch panel 4 is as small as about 1 mm, so that the lower surface of the push button 32 and the display panel 2 are separated. The distance between the upper surface and the upper surface can be made extremely small, such as about 3.5 mm, even when the push button 32 is not pushed down. Therefore, since the display content of the display panel 2 is displayed in the immediate vicinity of the back of the push button 32, the image guide is not required unlike the case of the conventional example of FIG. As a result, the display content of the display panel 2 can be viewed with a good image quality of the display panel 2 itself without roughening. Moreover, since the image guide for limiting the viewing angle is not used, the display content of the display panel 2 can be viewed well even in an oblique direction. Further, since an expensive image guide is not required and a complicated switch mechanism is not required, the structure is simple, so that the cost of the switch-equipped display panel can be reduced. Moreover, it is possible to obtain a click feeling in addition to a stroke feeling when the push button 32 is operated.

Incidentally, the touch panel 4 and the push button 32
In this embodiment, the display panel 2 is made transparent as described above in order to be combined with the display panel 2.
Depending on the display contents and the like, it is not always necessary to be transparent, and it may be semi-transparent as long as light from the display panel 2 below can be transmitted. The same applies to the other embodiments combined with the display panel 2.

Further, the thin switch 80 can be used without being stacked on the display panel 2, and for example, the thin switch 80 is used separately from the display panel 2 or in combination with other devices. In that case, since it is not necessary to transmit the light from the display panel 2 below, the touch panel 4 and the push button 32 need not be transparent or translucent, and may be opaque. In that case,
To identify the push button 32, characters, symbols, or the like may be written, marked, or attached on the surface of the push button 32. The same applies to the other examples.

By the way, the spacer 56 may be a transparent flat plate, but if it is formed into an annular shape as in this embodiment, the switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 is provided only in an unobtrusive place in the peripheral portion of the display area 2a of the display panel 2. Since it can be pressed, even if the touch panel 4 is damaged by pressing the push button 32, it will be in a non-visible place.
It is possible to prevent the display contents of the display panel 2 from becoming difficult to see due to long-term use.

Instead of providing the spacer 56 as described above, one or more feet pressing the corresponding switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 from the peripheral portion of the push button 32 downward, as in the example shown in FIG. 6, for example. The part 42 may be projected. The foot portion 42 may be one annular foot portion, or may be a plurality of foot portions arranged at a plurality of positions on the lower surface of the push button 32, for example, at four corners. Since the plurality of legs 42 can reliably push only the target switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 with a small force, the reliability of the switch operation is high.

By providing such a foot portion 42, it is possible to obtain the same operational effect as the spacer 56. That is, when the push button 32 is pushed down, the movable side magnet 52 and the fixed side magnet 54 partially oppose each other in the vertical direction, so that the push button 32 cannot be prevented from returning upward. In addition, it is possible to prevent the display contents of the display panel 2 from being hard to see due to scratches on the touch panel 4 which are conspicuous. Moreover, since the foot portion 42 can be formed integrally with the push button 32, the number of parts is smaller than that in the case where the spacer 56 is provided, and accordingly, the assembly is simplified, and the cost can be further reduced. it can.

Even if the spacer 56 and the foot portion 42 as described above are not provided, the movable side magnet 52 may be provided not above the lower surface of the push button 32 but above the inside of the push button 32. It is also possible that the movable magnet 52 and the fixed magnet 54 partially oppose each other in the vertical direction when the button 32 is pushed down.

When combined with the display panel 2, a convex lens portion 70 may be provided inside or under the push button 32, as in the example shown in FIG. In that case, the display area 2a of the display panel 2 is usually positioned within the focal length of the convex lens portion 70. If such a convex lens section 70 is provided, the display content of the display panel 2 therebelow can be enlarged by the convex lens section 70, in other words, the display content can be displayed in a raised state, and thus the display content of the display panel 2 can be further enhanced. You can make it easier to see.

Moreover, the convex lens portion 70 is attached to the push button 32.
Not the space between the display panel 2 and the push button 32
If the convex lens portion 70 is provided, it is possible to prevent the thickness of the entire display panel with a switch from being increased because the extra space is not provided if it is provided inside or on the lower surface portion.

The lower surface of the convex lens portion 70 may be a flat surface as in the example shown in FIG. 13, but if it is slightly recessed as in the example shown in FIG. Since the touch panel 4 can be pushed, it is possible to concentrate the force on the target switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 and to push it securely, and it is possible to prevent the touchable area of the touch panel 4 from being scratched. .

However, if scratching the touch panel 4 is not a serious problem, the convex lens portion 70 is
For example, as in the example shown in FIG.
You may make it project below from the lower surface of 2. In this way, the convex lens portion 70 can also be made to act as the spacer 56 and the foot portion 42 described above, so that they can be omitted.

In the push button 32 having the convex lens portion 70 as described above, for example, the push button 32 made of transparent resin having a relatively small refractive index is provided with the convex lens portion 70 made of transparent resin having a relatively large refractive index. It can be formed by double molding or fitting.

The foot portion 42 and the convex lens portion 7 as described above.
Of course, 0 can also be applied to the other embodiments described below, and the same operational effect as described above can be obtained. The convex lens section 70 may be a Fresnel lens that functions as a convex lens.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the movable side magnet 52 may be provided in the push button 32, but the movable side magnet 52 is not shown.

The surface of the push button 32 may be provided with antireflection processing or antibacterial coating. This also applies to the following examples.

Further, as indicated by a chain double-dashed line in FIG. 1, at least the upper surfaces of the push buttons 32 and the gaps 72 existing around the push buttons 32 are more easily arranged in a plurality of operating mechanism sections. The entire upper surface of 30 may be covered with a transparent transparent thin sheet 74.

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

The material of the sheet 74 is, for example, transparent silicone rubber or transparent PET (polyethylene terephthalate). In the former case, since the sheet 74 has a very large flexibility, the sheet 74 may have a simple flat plate shape. Since the latter is a little less flexible, the part on the push button 32 is
It is preferable that the push button 32 is easily pushed by applying so-called embossing, which is raised according to the stroke of 2.

Next, another embodiment will be described. However, the description similar to that of the previous embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the return means 50 utilizes the attractive force between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body, and the support 3
6, and a movable side magnet 52 that is provided in a peripheral portion of the push button 32 below the magnetic plate 58 and attracts the magnetic plate 58.
It has and. The magnetic plate 58 is made of a ferromagnetic material and is, for example, an iron plate.

In this embodiment, the movable-side magnet 52 always strongly attracts the magnetic plate 58, and when the push button 32 is pushed down, the push button 32 cannot be lowered unless it is pushed down to some extent at first. If 32 is lowered even a little, the distance between the movable-side magnet 52 and the magnetic plate 58 becomes large, and the force by which the movable-side magnet 52 attracts the magnetic plate 58 suddenly weakens. That is, a click feeling can be obtained in addition to a stroke feeling. When the pushing is stopped, the push button 32 returns by the force of the movable magnet 52 attracting the magnetic plate 58.

Moreover, in this embodiment, since the spacer 56 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is unnecessary, the thickness of the thin switch 80 can be reduced and the push button 32 of the push button 32 can be reduced accordingly. Lower surface and display panel 2
Since the distance from the upper surface of the display panel 2 can be reduced, the display content of the display panel 2 becomes easier to see. Further, since the magnet is only the movable side magnet 52, and the fixed side may be the magnetic plate 58 which is cheaper than the magnet, the cost can be reduced accordingly.

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

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the returning means 50 utilizes the attractive force between the permanent magnets, and the magnetic poles are provided in the upper part of the column 36, more specifically in the overhanging part 38 thereof. A fixed magnet 54 provided so as to be positioned above and below,
A movable magnet 52 is provided in a portion located below the fixed magnet 54 in the peripheral portion of the push button 32, and has a movable magnet 52 that opposes and attracts the fixed magnet 54 with an opposite polarity. However, both magnets 52 and 54 may be provided such that their magnetic poles are located on the left and right instead of the top and bottom.

In this embodiment, the movable side magnet 52 and the fixed side magnet 54 are always strongly attracted to each other, and when the push button 32 is pushed down, the push button 32 cannot be lowered unless it is pushed down to some extent at first. However, if it is lowered a little, the distance between both magnets 52, 54 becomes large and the force of attracting each other suddenly weakens, so that the pushing down becomes suddenly lighter. That is, a click feeling can be obtained in addition to a stroke feeling. If you stop pushing, both magnets 52, 54
The push buttons 32 are returned by the force of mutual attraction.

Moreover, in this embodiment, since magnets are used on both the fixed side and the movable side, a larger click feeling and a larger restoring force can be obtained than in the case of the embodiment of FIG.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the support column 36 is located below the peripheral portion 34 of the push button 32 (in other words, at the back).
It is an example of being located (in other words, hidden).

By doing so, as shown in the front view of FIG. 10, the pillar 36 does not appear on the surface, so the surface is very clean and the appearance is good.

Moreover, since the push button 32 can be made large, it is easy to push the target push button 32 without fail, and the operability is improved.

Alternatively, since the support 36 does not interfere,
Since the operation mechanism units 30 can be arranged close to each other, high density arrangement is possible.

The individual embodiments will be described below, focusing on the differences from the previous embodiments.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 has a restoring means 50 of the same idea as the embodiment of FIG. However, this return means 50
The movable-side magnet 52 constituting the above is provided inside the lower portion of the foot portion 42 that projects downward from the push button 32, and the magnetic plate 58 is provided above the support column 36 located at the back of the push button 32. With the foot portion 42, the corresponding switch portion 4 of the touch panel 4
It can be turned on by pressing a. This return means 50
Since the function and effect in (1) are the same as those in the case of the embodiment of FIG. 4, redundant description will be omitted here.

Further, in this embodiment, as in the example shown in FIG. 11, the hook portion 44 protruding downward from the peripheral portion of the push button 32 and the overhanging portion 38 provided on the upper portion of the column 36 are engaged with each other. The engaging portion 40 is configured so as to prevent the push button 32 from coming off. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the foot portion 42 of the push button 32 and the magnetic plate 58 are
Since the push button 32 can also serve as an engaging portion that prevents the push button 32 from coming off, the engaging portion 40 as described above need not be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the engaging portion 40 as described above is provided. The hook portion 44 and the foot portion 42 are
That is, the engaging portion 40 and the returning means 50 are provided at positions where they do not interfere with each other. For example, the engaging portion 40 is a push button 32.
Are provided at the four corners of the periphery of the push button 32, and the returning means 50 are provided near the center of the four sides of the push button 32 excluding the four corners of the periphery.

Also in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, a convex lens portion may be provided inside the push button 32 or on the lower surface thereof, and in this case, the above-described effects can be obtained. An example thereof is shown in FIG. However, the convex lens portion 70
May be slightly recessed as shown in FIG.
It may be protruding as shown in FIG.

The embodiment of FIG. 12 has a restoring means 50 of the same idea as the embodiment of FIG. However, this returning means 5
The movable-side magnet 52 forming 0 is provided at the base of the foot portion 42. It is possible to press the corresponding switch portion 4a of the touch panel 4 with the foot portion 42 to turn it on. Since the operation and effect of this returning means 50 is the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. 1, duplicate description will be omitted here. If the lower portion of the foot portion 42 is extended downward as in this embodiment, the spacer 56 becomes unnecessary unlike the embodiment of FIG.

The touch panel is, in addition to the resistive film type touch panel 4 as described above, a photoelectric type touch panel for interrupting or attenuating the light emitted from the light emitting element to the light receiving element as described above, or a super touch panel. An ultrasonic touch panel that intermittently or attenuates the ultrasonic waves emitted from the sound wave oscillation element from entering the vibration receiving element may be used. Therefore, next, an embodiment using the photoelectric touch panel 114 or the ultrasonic touch panel 124 will be described. However, the description similar to that of the previous embodiment will be omitted, and the differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch 80 having a photoelectric touch panel.

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG. 14 is provided with an operating mechanism section 30 similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 4 and a photoelectric touch panel 114. Therefore, the duplicate description of the operation mechanism section 30 is omitted here.

Referring to FIG. 15 as well, touch panel 114 includes a plurality of light emitting elements 84 for outputting light 86 and a plurality of light receiving elements 90 for receiving the light 86 and converting the light 86 into electric signals on the peripheral portion of substrate 82. And the matrix-shaped optical paths 88 are formed in the space between the surface of the substrate 82 and the push button 32. Near the intersection of the two optical paths 88, the switch section 114
It is a.

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

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

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

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

In this example, in each of the vertical and horizontal light receiving elements 90, as shown in FIG. 15, the position (coordinate) of the intersection of the optical path 88 where the light amount is reduced is detected in response to the signal from each light receiving element 90. That is, the detection circuit 92 for specifying the operated switch section 114a is connected. However, such a detection circuit 92 may not be attached to the touch panel 114 but may be a circuit or a microcomputer provided in a device to which the touch panel 114 is connected.

Conventionally, the operation of blocking the light 86 is performed by touching the surface of the touch panel 114 with a finger or the like, and as it is, since there is no moving part and the pushing stroke is 0, a stroke feeling is obtained. Can't get

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the push button 3
The light 86 is configured to be blocked or attenuated by pushing down 2. That is, when the push button 32 is pushed down, the push button 32 enters the optical path 88. Push button 32
Is opaque, it completely blocks the light 86. If the push button 32 is transparent or semi-transparent, it cannot completely shield light, but the amount of light is reduced due to refraction, attenuation, etc. in the push button 32, and the output signal level from the corresponding light receiving element 90 is reduced. By optical path 8
It is possible to detect that the push button 32 has been inserted into 8. In order to block or attenuate the light 86 more strongly when the push button 32 is transparent or semi-transparent, the end surface of the push button 32 located in the optical path 88 may be painted black to make it opaque. A satin finish for diffusing the light 86 or a mirror finish for reflecting the light 86 may be applied. Alternatively, since the movable magnet 52 is opaque, it may be arranged so that it is located on the optical path 88.

As described above, in the thin switch 80, since the stroke for pushing the push button 32 can be secured, a clear stroke feeling can be obtained, unlike the case of the conventional photoelectric touch panel alone. In addition, with the operation mechanism section 30, it is possible to obtain a click feeling as described above.

Also, in the case of the conventional photoelectric touch panel alone, there is a problem in that if a foreign matter (for example, insects, dust, etc.) adheres to the surface of the touch panel, the optical path is blocked by the foreign matter, resulting in malfunction. In 80, even if foreign matter such as insects and dust adheres to the push button 32, malfunction does not occur due to it. Therefore, the reliability is high.

In the switch-equipped display panel of this embodiment, the distance between the push button 32 and the display panel 2 is small (for example, 1 to 2 m) as in the case of the previous embodiment.
Since the display contents of the display panel 2 are displayed in the immediate vicinity of the back of the push button 32, the display panel 2 can be displayed without using an image guide or the like for raising the display. The displayed contents can be clearly seen.

The operation mechanism section 3 for matrix arrangement
0 and the number of optical paths 88 are 3 × as in the example shown in FIG.
The number is not limited to 2, and may be any value of m × n (m and n are integers of 1 or more), and may be specifically determined according to the application.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch 80 having an ultrasonic touch panel.

The thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG. 16 is provided with an operating mechanism section 30 similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 4 and an ultrasonic touch panel 124. Therefore, the duplicate description of the operation mechanism section 30 is omitted here.

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

That is, referring to FIG. 17 as well, this touch panel 124 has a plurality of oscillating elements 96 for outputting the ultrasonic waves 100.
A plurality of vibration receiving elements 106 that receive the ultrasonic wave 100 and convert it into an electric signal are arranged on the surface of the peripheral portion of the substrate 94 so as to face each other in the vertical and horizontal directions. The structure 102 is formed. The vicinity of the intersection of the two ultrasonic paths 102 is a switch section 124a. In this case, the ultrasonic wave 10
Since 0 has extremely high directivity, one ultrasonic path 102
There is usually no risk that the ultrasonic wave 100 propagating in the (1) will enter the adjacent ultrasonic wave path 102 and interfere with it.

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

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

Each oscillating element 96 and each vibrating element 106
Is a piezoelectric vibrator, for example.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 17, in each of the horizontal and vertical vibration receiving elements 106, the position (coordinates) of the intersection point of the ultrasonic wave path 102 in which the ultrasonic wave 100 is attenuated in response to the signal from each of the vibration receiving elements 106. ) Is detected, that is, the switch circuit 124a that has been operated is specified, and the detection circuit 108 is connected. However, such a detection circuit 108 may not be attached to the touch panel 124 but may utilize a circuit or a microcomputer provided in the device to which the touch panel 124 is connected.

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

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the push button 3
The ultrasonic wave 100 is attenuated by pushing down 2. Therefore, the ultrasonic absorber 110 is provided on the peripheral portion of the lower surface of the push button 32. The ultrasonic absorber 110 is appropriately soft and absorbs the ultrasonic wave 100 well, and is, for example, rubber such as silicone rubber or urethane rubber. The ultrasonic absorber 110 may be provided at least in a portion located in the ultrasonic path 102. However, the push button 32 may be formed of an elastic resin or the like.
Since it is possible to absorb and attenuate the ultrasonic waves, it is not necessary to provide the ultrasonic absorber 110.

Since the column 36 is usually made of a hard resin or the like and hardly absorbs the ultrasonic wave 100, there is no inconvenience even if it exists on the ultrasonic path 102. If there is any inconvenience, the pillar 36 located on the ultrasonic path 102
A notch may be provided at the root of the.

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

As described above, in the thin switch 80, since the stroke for pushing the push button 32 can be secured, a clear stroke feeling can be obtained unlike the case of the conventional ultrasonic touch panel alone. .
In addition, with the operation mechanism section 30, it is possible to obtain a click feeling as described above.

Further, in the case of the conventional ultrasonic touch panel using surface acoustic waves alone, when foreign matter (such as insects, dust, water droplets, oil film, etc.) adheres to the surface, the ultrasonic waves are absorbed thereby. Therefore, there is a problem that malfunction may occur, but in this thin switch 80, the push button 3
Even if foreign matter such as insects, dust, water droplets, oil film, etc. adheres to 2, the malfunction does not occur. Therefore, the reliability is high.

Further, in the switch-equipped display panel of this embodiment, the distance between the push button 32 and the display panel 2 is made small (for example, 1 to 2 m) as in the case of the previous embodiment.
Since the display contents of the display panel 2 are displayed in the immediate vicinity of the back of the push button 32, the display panel 2 can be displayed without using an image guide or the like for raising the display. The displayed contents can be clearly seen.

Incidentally, the operation mechanism section 3 for arranging in a matrix.
The number of 0s and ultrasonic paths 102 is not limited to 3 × 2 as in the example shown in FIG. 17, but may be any of m × n (m, n is an integer of 1 or more), and specifically, It may be decided according to the application.

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

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

Thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG.
Is a combination of an operation mechanism section 30 similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 9 and a photoelectric touch panel 114 similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 14, each of which is similar to that described above. Since the function and effect are produced, the duplicated description will be omitted here. However, the operation of the switch portion 114a of the touch panel 114, that is, the interruption or the attenuation of the light 86 is performed using the foot portion 42 provided on the push button 32.

Thin switch 80 in the embodiment of FIG.
Is a combination of an operation mechanism section 30 similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 9 and an ultrasonic touch panel 124 similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 16, and is the same as that described above for each embodiment. Therefore, the redundant description will be omitted here. However, the operation of the switch portion 124a of the touch panel 124, that is, the attenuation of the ultrasonic wave 100 is performed by the ultrasonic wave absorber 11 provided on the lower surface portion of the foot portion 42 of the push button 32.
0 is used.

Photoelectric touch panel 114 as described above
Also when using the ultrasonic touch panel 124,
The restoring means 50 is, of course, first shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 or FIG.
The restoring means 50 having the same concept as shown in FIG. In that case, the stationary magnet 54 and the like emit light 86 and ultrasonic waves 1.
If they interfere with the transmission of the optical transmission signals 00, the optical path 88 or the ultrasonic path 10 as shown in FIG.
It may be arranged so as to be deviated from 2.

It should be noted that the push button 32 is not directly moved as in each of the above-described embodiments, but is pressed as shown by an arrow B using the fulcrum projection 45 as a fulcrum, for example, as in the comparative example shown in FIG. There is also an idea to make it a rotary type that rotates in a certain stroke in a certain direction. However, when the rotary type is used, the push button 32 does not rotate even if the upper portion of the fulcrum projection 45 is pushed,
In order to perform the pressing operation, it is necessary to press a position apart from the upper portion of the fulcrum projection 45, and in order to operate it lightly, a position as far as possible must be pressed. Therefore, the operability is reduced accordingly. Further, if there is nothing on the surface of the push button 32, it is not possible to know the press-operable portion, so that the surface of the push button 32 must be provided with a mark projection 48 representing the press-operable portion. Therefore, the structure of the push button 32 becomes complicated accordingly. On the other hand, the operation mechanism section 30 of each of the above-mentioned embodiments is
Since a direct-acting type push button 32 that linearly retreats in a certain stroke in the pressing direction is adopted, the push button 3
The pressing operation can be performed by pressing any part of 2, and there is no limitation on the region where the pressing operation can be performed. Therefore, compared with the rotary type, the operability is improved, and the structure of the push button is simplified because it is not necessary to provide a mark projection or the like on the surface of the push button.

In addition, according to the switch-equipped display panel of each of the above-described embodiments, the following effects can be obtained as compared with the conventional switch-equipped display panel in which the switch unit is provided on the display panel. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 22A or B, for example, a plurality of operation mechanism units 30 and corresponding switch units 4a are collectively arranged on one large display area 2a of the display panel 2, in other words, they are mutually arranged. It is also possible to provide one (common) display area 2a for displaying the contents selected by the plurality of operation mechanism sections 30 adjacent to each other and the switch section 4a corresponding thereto, and by doing so. The operation mechanism section for selecting the display area of the display panel 2 and its display contents can be substantially enlarged in size easily. As a result, for example, continuous characters, large figures, bar graphs, etc. can be displayed. Further, the operation mechanism section 30 and the switch section 4a corresponding thereto,
Furthermore, by changing the shape, size, etc. of the display area 2a corresponding to them, it is possible to freely arrange the operation mechanism section and the display area in one display panel with a switch.

[0114]

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

A thin switch according to a first aspect of the present invention is a combination of a touch panel and an operating mechanism section having a direct-acting push button and a restoring means for giving a restoring force to the push button, and a stroke for pushing the push button is ensured. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a clear stroke feeling while taking advantage of the feature that the touch panel can be made extremely thin. As a result, it is possible to give a feeling of security to the manipulating person by giving a clear response that the switch portion is pressed.

Moreover, since the resetting means for giving a click feeling is provided and the click feeling can be obtained in addition to the stroke feeling, the switch operation feeling is further improved and the switch operation becomes more reliable. .

Further, when the operator recognizes the display information on the display panel, it is often the case that the operator follows the display information on the display panel with his finger. Since the stroke is almost 0, when the touch panel is arranged on the display panel, the above-mentioned actions are likely to lead to an erroneous operation of the touch panel.
Since the pushing stroke of the push button can be secured, even if the push button is arranged on the display panel, the possibility of erroneous operation as described above is almost eliminated.

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

Furthermore, since the push button is of the direct-acting type, the following effects are obtained as compared with the case of the rotating type. That is, since the entire push button has a structure that linearly retracts in the pressing direction with a constant stroke, the pressing operation can be performed regardless of which part of the push button is pressed, and the region where the pressing operation is possible is not limited. Therefore, compared with the rotary type, the operability is improved, and the structure of the push button is simplified because it is not necessary to provide a mark projection or the like on the surface of the push button.

The display panel with a switch according to claim 2 is
The thin switch as claimed in claim 1 using a touch panel is laminated on the display panel, and there is no need to provide a mechanical switch mechanism between the push button and the display panel. Since it is possible to bring the display panel closer to the display panel, and thereby the display content of the display panel is displayed in the immediate vicinity of the back of the push button, the image guide is not necessary. As a result, the display contents on the display panel can be viewed with good image quality. Moreover, since the image guide for limiting the viewing angle is not used, the display content of the display panel can be seen well even in the oblique direction.
Further, since an expensive image guide is not required and a complicated switch mechanism is not required, the structure can be simplified, so that the cost of the switch-equipped display panel can be reduced.

Furthermore, since the thin switch as described above is used, it is possible to obtain a click feeling in addition to a clear stroke feeling when the push button is operated, and as described above, the display information on the display panel can be displayed. There is almost no possibility of erroneous operation of the touch panel due to chasing with, and the man-machine interface is very good.

Further, since the push button is of the direct-acting type, there is no limitation on the region where the push operation is possible, and therefore the operability is improved by that amount and the surface of the push button is improved. Since it is not necessary to provide a protrusion for marks or the like, the structure of the push button becomes simple.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch whose touch panel is a resistive film type.

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

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

FIG. 4 is a sectional view partially showing another embodiment of a display panel with a switch using a thin switch whose touch panel is a resistive film type.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view partially showing another embodiment of a display panel with a switch using a thin switch whose touch panel is a resistive film type.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing an example of a push button having a foot portion.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a push button having a convex lens portion.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a push button having a convex lens portion.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view partially showing another embodiment of the switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch whose touch panel is a resistive film type.

10 is a plan view of the switch-equipped display panel of FIG. 9. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the engaging portion.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view partially showing another embodiment of a display panel with a switch using a thin switch whose touch panel is a resistive film type.

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

FIG. 14 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch whose touch panel is photoelectric.

15 is a plan view showing the display panel with switch of FIG. 14 together with a detection circuit.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch whose touch panel is an ultrasonic type.

17 is a plan view showing the display panel with switch of FIG. 16 together with a detection circuit.

FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a substrate portion of an internal waveguide type ultrasonic touch panel.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view partially showing another embodiment of the switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch whose touch panel is photoelectric.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view partially showing an embodiment of a switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch whose touch panel is an ultrasonic type.

FIG. 21 is a plan view showing an example of means for avoiding that the stationary magnet or the like interferes with the optical path or the ultrasonic path.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of operation mechanism units are arranged on one display area of a display panel.

FIG. 23 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing an example of a resistive film type touch panel.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view partially showing an example of a conventional display panel with a switch using the touch panel of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing an example of the relationship between the display area of the display panel and the switch section of the touch panel.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view partially showing another example of the conventional display panel with a switch using the switch unit.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing a switch-equipped display panel using a thin switch whose push button is rotatable as a comparative example to the present invention.

[Explanation of Codes] 2 Display Panel 4 Resistive Touch Panel 4a Switch Section 30 Operating Mechanism Section 32 Push Button 50 Returning Means 80 Thin Switch 114 Photoelectric Touch Panel 114a Switch Section 124 Ultrasonic Touch Panel 124a Switch Section

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A touch panel having one or more switch parts, which can be operated by pushing the switch parts with almost zero stroke, and one or more operation mechanism parts arranged on the touch panel, and The operation mechanism unit is a push button for operating the corresponding switch unit of the touch panel by linearly retracting the entire unit in a constant stroke in the pressing direction, and an attraction force between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body or at least between permanent magnets. A thin switch that utilizes a suction force and that includes a returning unit that applies a returning force to the push button and that gives a click feeling when the push button is pressed. 2. A transparent or semi-transparent display panel having an information display function and one or more switch parts which are stacked on the display panel and which can be operated with a stroke of almost zero by pushing the switch part. Of the touch panel and one or more operation mechanism portions arranged on the touch panel, and each operation mechanism portion linearly retreats in the pressing direction with a constant stroke to correspond to the touch panel. A transparent or semi-transparent push button for operating the switch part, and a means for utilizing an attractive force between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body or at least an attractive force between the permanent magnets, and gives a restoring force to the push button, A display panel with a switch, characterized in that the display panel with a switch is provided with returning means for giving a click feeling when the push button is pressed.