JPH10269002A - Switch device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the reliability of a switch device and reduce its cost, and also to make the correspondence between the arrangement and the operating functions of key tops freely changeable in response to the preference of a user, by setting different resistance value of movable contacts to every key top to simplify the constitution of the device. SOLUTION: Columnar movable contacts 12A to 12E respectively having specific resistance values, are attached to the lower parts of slide shafts 11 of the key tops 10A to 10E, respectively. Different resistance values are set to the contacts 12A to 12E, so that various functions are assigned to the key tops 10A to to 10E, respectively. Fixed contacts 42A to 42E are positioned right under the key tops 10A to 10E. When one of key tops 10A to 10E is pushed and the relevant one of contacts 12A to 12E touches one of contacts 42A to 42E, a circuit conducts via the relevant movable contact. Thus, five types of signals (voltage, etc.) are inputted to a discrimination circuit for each of contacts 12A to 12E that made the circuit conduct.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention can reduce the reliability of the apparatus and the manufacturing cost by simplifying the configuration, and can freely arrange the key tops and the operation functions according to the user's preference. The present invention relates to a switch device that can be changed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a switch device having a plurality of key tops, various functions are assigned to signals output from a microswitch or the like pressed on each key top. There was no way to change the correspondence except to change the functions assigned to each output signal by software. For this reason, after purchasing a product such as an audio device having the switch device as a constituent element, the user cannot change the arrangement of the key tops and the correspondence between the operation functions according to his / her preference.

Therefore, the present inventor has previously proposed a switch device as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device previously proposed by the present inventors. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the switch device, and FIG. 8 is a rear view of a keytop constituting the switch device. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the rearrangement of key tops in the switch device.

In these drawings, 110A, 110
B, 110C, 110D, and 110E are key tops, and the back surface of each of the key tops 110A to 110E has a different formation pattern, and one or two pressing pins 1E.
11a, 111b, 111c and 111d are protruded.

At the center of the back surface of each of the key tops 110A to 110E, a sliding shaft 11 having a guide rib 112a is provided.
2 are protruded, and lock claws 113, 113 having elasticity are integrally provided on both side walls thereof.

[0006] Such key tops 110A to 110E
Is for operating various devices connected to the present switch device. For example, if the present switch device constitutes an audio device mounted on a vehicle, the key top 110A has a radio, the key top 110B has a tape deck, and a key. A display such as a CD player is provided on the top 110C.

Reference numeral 120 denotes an operation panel (case), which is a receiving hole 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 1 for holding the key tops 110A to 110E so as to be able to protrude and retract.
20E are formed side by side.

Reference numeral 130 denotes a conductive rubber sheet, and movable contact portions 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, 13 comprising four movable contacts 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d at positions corresponding to the receiving holes 120A to 120E.
0E is formed.

Each of the movable contact portions 130A to 130E corresponds to each of the key tops 110A to 110E attached to the receiving holes 120A to 120E of the operation panel 120, and each of the movable contacts 131a to 131d corresponds to each of the key tops 110A. To 110E pressing pins 111a to 111d
Is pressed.

Furthermore, each of the movable contact portions 130A to 130E
At the center of the keyhole 110, an insertion hole 132 corresponding to the sliding shaft 112 of each of the key tops 110A to 110E is formed.

Reference numeral 140 denotes a circuit board, which is connected to a control unit (not shown). On the circuit board 140, fixed contact portions 140A corresponding to the movable contact portions 130A to 130E,
140B, 140C, 140D and 140E are formed. Each of the fixed contact portions 140A to 140E is
31a to 131d, four fixed contacts 141a,
141b, 141c and 141d.

As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 6, each of the fixed contacts 141a to 141d comprises two contacts (hatched in the figure) insulated from each other, and each of the movable contacts 131a to 131d.
When each of the fixed contacts 141a to 141d becomes conductive due to the contact of d, four different signals are output to the control unit for each of the fixed contacts 141a to 141d.

Various functions are assigned to these output signals, and the control unit operates a radio, a tape deck, a CD player and the like according to the output signals. Eventually, each of the movable contacts 131a to 131d is
d, the pressing pin 111
By making the formation patterns of a to 111d different,
Various functions such as selecting a radio, a tape deck, a CD player, and the like can be assigned to each of the key tops 110A to 110E.

Further, each of the fixed contact portions 140A to 140E
At the center of the key hole 110, an insertion hole 142 corresponding to the sliding shaft 112 of each of the key tops 110A to 110E is formed.

Reference numeral 150 denotes a case, and each key top 11
0A to 110E sliding shaft 112 and guide rib 112a
A bearing 152 is provided so as to protrude. The bearing 152 houses a spring 153 for elastically supporting the sliding shaft 112.

According to such a switch device, for example, in the initial state shown in FIG.
The key tops 110A to 110E are sequentially attached to the key tops A to 120E.
It is assumed that the key top 110B is rearranged into the receiving hole 120A, the key top 110B is rearranged into the receiving hole 120B, and the key top 110D is rearranged into the receiving hole 120B.

In this case, these key tops 110A, 1
10B, 110D pressing pins 111a, 111b, 11
Movable contacts 131a, 131b, 131c depressed by 1c
Since the key tops 110A, 110B, and 110D are invariable in any of the receiving holes 120A to 120E, the key tops 11A, 110B, and 110D remain unchanged even after the rearrangement as shown in FIG.
0A, 110B, and 110D maintain the assigned functions as they are, and only the correspondence between the arrangement of the key tops 110A to 110E and the operation functions is changed.

Therefore, the user only needs to rearrange the key tops 110A to 110E after purchasing the device.
The correspondence between the arrangement of the key tops 110A to 110E and the operation functions can be freely changed according to usability or preference.

[0019]

However, in the above-described conventional switch device, a plurality of movable contacts 131a to 131d and fixed contacts 141a to 141d corresponding to various functions are provided.
And each of the movable contact portions 130A to 130E
And the plurality of movable contacts 131a to 131d and the fixed contacts 141a for each of the fixed contact portions 140A to 140E.
~ 141d had to be provided. Further, one or two or more pressing pins 111a to 111d have to be protruded from each of the key tops 110A to 110E with different formation patterns.

For this reason, the above-described conventional switch device can achieve the original purpose of freely changing the arrangement of the key tops and the correspondence between the operation functions according to the user's preference, but has a simplified configuration. There was still room for improvement from the point of view.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the simplification of the configuration can reduce the reliability of the apparatus and the manufacturing cost, and can freely set the key top according to the user's preference. It is an object of the present invention to provide a switch device capable of changing the correspondence between arrangement and operation functions.

[0022]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a switch device capable of changing the arrangement of key tops and the correspondence between operation functions, and comprising a sliding shaft. A plurality of key tops each having a movable contact with a different resistance value attached to the end of the key top, a case provided with a plurality of receiving portions for slidably and interchangeably storing each key top, and each key top stored in each receiving portion An elastic member for elastically supporting the movable contact, a plurality of fixed contacts located immediately below each movable contact, and a circuit that is brought into conduction by contacting the movable contact with the fixed contact; and And a determination means for outputting a signal in accordance with the resistance value of the movable contact.

According to such a configuration, various functions can be assigned to each keytop by making the resistance value of the movable contact different for each keytop.
The configuration of the entire apparatus can be simplified.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the switch device, the sliding shaft of each keytop is formed by a member having a light transmitting property, and a display having a light transmitting property continuous with the sliding shaft is provided on the surface of each keytop. And a plurality of light sources for individually illuminating the respective sliding shafts are provided in the case.

According to such a configuration, when the light from the light source is incident on the sliding shaft, the translucent sliding shaft acts as a light guide member, and the display unit provided on the key top is provided with Light can be efficiently emitted by the light source.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, each key top is entirely formed of a translucent member, and a plurality of light sources for individually illuminating a sliding shaft of each key top are arranged in the case. There is a configuration.

According to this structure, the light from the light source is incident on the sliding shaft, whereby the sliding shaft acts as a light guide member, and the entire key top having a light transmitting property is provided. Can be efficiently emitted.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the switch device, a guide rib having the same light-transmitting property is integrally formed on each of the sliding shafts having a light-transmitting property, and the sliding member is provided on each of the receiving portions of the case. A shaft and a bearing corresponding to the guide rib are provided, and the light source is disposed immediately below the guide rib in the case.

According to such a configuration, light from a light source provided immediately below the guide ribs can be made incident on each sliding shaft via the guide ribs, thereby illuminating the keytop more efficiently. be able to. Further, when attaching the keytop to the receiving portion of the case, the keytop can be positioned by the guide rib.

[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the switch device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a switch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of a switch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an assembled state of the switch device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a key top constituting the switch device as viewed from the back side. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit formed on a circuit board of the switch device and a discriminating means connected to the circuit.

In FIG. 1, the switch device according to the present embodiment constitutes a control panel of a vehicle-mounted audio device. Reference numeral 10A denotes a keytop, to which a tape deck selection function is assigned. Although not shown, C
Other key tops 10B to 10E corresponding to D, radio, TV... Selection functions are also provided.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a columnar sliding shaft 11 protrudes from the center of the back surface of each of the key tops 10A to 10E. One guide rib 11a is provided integrally.

In the case of the key top 10A, a display portion 11b is formed above the sliding shaft 11 so as to protrude in the shape of the letter "TAPE". The display unit 11b is inserted into a portion of the opaque main body of the key top 10A where a character "TAPE" is punched out. In addition, other key top 10
Other display portions 11b such as characters and graphics representing the assigned functions are also provided continuously on the sliding shafts 11 of B to 10E.

The sliding shaft 11, the guide rib 11a and the display portion 11b are formed of a transparent or translucent body having translucency. Among them, the guide rib 11a and the sliding shaft 11 are provided by the LEDs 50A to 50E. , And functions as a light guide member that causes the display unit 11b to emit light.

Further, cylindrical movable contacts 12A to 12E each having a specific resistance value are attached to a lower portion of the sliding shaft 11 of each of the key tops 10A to 10E. The movable contacts 12A to 12E are the most characteristic part of the present invention, and various functions are assigned to the key tops 10A to 10E by making the resistance values of the movable contacts 12A to 12E different. The function of each of the movable contacts 12A to 12E will be described later in detail.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 20 denotes a case, which has receiving portions 21A to 21E for accommodating the respective key tops 10A to 10E. In each of the receiving portions 21A to 21E, a bearing 22 that slidably supports the sliding shaft 11 and the guide rib 11a of each of the key tops 10A to 10E is protruded.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numerals 30A to 30E denote click rubbers (elastic members).
And an elastic leg portion 32 through which
And a base 33 that supports the bearing 31 and the leg 32.

The click rubbers 30A to 30E are connected to the key tops 10A to 1A accommodated in the receiving portions 21A to 21E.
0E elastically supported, each pressed key top 10A
Push 〜１０10E back up.

The legs 32 and the base 33 are connected to the circuit board 4.
It is formed so as not to interfere with the LEDs (light sources) 50A to 50E on the zero. Thereby, the bottom surface of the guide rib 11a of the sliding shaft 11 corresponds to each LED 50A to 50E, and when each key top 10A to 10E is pressed, each LED 50A to 50E is pressed.
Light from A to 50E is incident on the sliding shaft 11 via the guide rib 11a.

1 and 4, a circuit 41a for connecting fixed contacts 42A to 42E in parallel to a discriminating means 60, which will be described later, and an LED 5
A circuit 41b for connecting 0A to 50E in series is formed.

Each of the fixed contacts 42A to 42E is located immediately below each of the movable contacts 12A to 12E. , The movable contact 1
The circuit 41a becomes conductive through 2A to 12E.

Here, since the resistance values of the movable contacts 12A to 12E are different, five types of signals (for example, voltages) are input to the discriminating circuit 60 for each of the movable contacts 12A to 12E that have made the circuit 41a conductive. Is done.

The discriminating means 60 outputs a signal based on the input signal, and outputs a signal to a tape deck,
One of CD, radio, TV, etc. is operated. Also, at this time, the determination means 60 determines, based on the input signal,
One of the LEDs 50A to 50E corresponding to the movable contacts 12A to 12E that has made the circuit 41a conductive is turned on.

The discriminating means 60 is constituted by a microcomputer and controls the audio equipment.
A PU may be used.

According to the switch device of the present embodiment having such a configuration, the key tops 10A to 10E have a simple configuration in which the resistance values of the movable contacts 12A to 12E are different for each of the key tops 10A to 10E. Various functions can be assigned.

Thus, each of the key tops 10A to 10A
Even if E is rearranged to any of the receiving portions 21A to 21E, the functions assigned to the respective key tops 10A to 10E are maintained as they are, and the correspondence between the key top arrangement and the operation functions can be freely adjusted according to the user's preference. Can be changed.

Also, a single key top 10A (-10 to 10)
In contrast to E), a single movable contact 12A (up to 12E) and a single fixed contact 42A (up to 42E) can be used, and the entire apparatus can be simplified. This makes it possible to reduce the reliability of the device and the manufacturing cost.

Further, the sliding shaft 11 and the guide rib 11a of each of the key tops 10A to 10E are formed as light guide members for illuminating the display unit 11b.
Can be efficiently emitted by the LEDs 50A to 50E.

In addition, since the light-transmitting guide rib 11a protrudes from the sliding shaft 11, light from the LEDs 50A to 50E provided immediately below the guide rib 11a can be transmitted through the guide rib 11a. Each key top 10A can be made incident on each sliding shaft 11.
To 10E can be illuminated more efficiently.

The receiving portions 21A to 21E of the case 20
When each of the key tops 10A to 10E is attached to the key top, the key ribs 10A to 10E can be positioned by the guide rib 11a.

Next, a switch device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view seen from the back side of a keytop constituting the switch device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, the key top 70 constituting the switch device of the present embodiment is entirely formed integrally with a synthetic resin or the like, and has movable contacts 72a, 72b at its two divided ends. Is provided. Each of the movable contacts 72a and 72b is formed by printing a conductor such as a copper foil, and is connected to a chip resistor 73 mounted at the base of the sliding shaft 71. In addition, the chip resistor 73
Have different resistance values for each of the key tops 70.

With such a configuration, as in the switch device of the first embodiment described above, the reliability of the device and the reduction of the manufacturing cost can be achieved by simplifying the configuration.

The switch device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiment, a rubber click rubber 30A is used as an elastic member for elastically supporting each of the key tops 10A to 10E.
-30E was used, but the invention is not limited to this.
It can be changed to a leaf spring-like elastic body or the like that does not interfere with 0E. Also, if you make the click rubber transparent,
The click rubber can function as a light guide member, and even if the click rubber interferes with the LEDs 50A to 50E, the display unit 11b can be effectively illuminated.

Further, in the above embodiment, only the display section 11b of each of the key tops 10A to 10E emits light. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire key top including the sliding shaft is made of a light-transmitting material. The key top may be formed so as to emit light.

[0057]

As described above, according to the switch device of the present invention, the simplification of the configuration can reduce the reliability of the device and reduce the manufacturing cost, and can freely set the keytop according to the user's preference. The correspondence between the arrangement and the operation functions can be changed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of a switch device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a main part showing an assembled state of the switch device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a key top constituting the switch device as viewed from the back side.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit formed on a circuit board of the switch device and a determination unit connected to the circuit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a key top constituting a switch device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the back side.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the switch device previously proposed by the present inventors.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of the switch device.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a key top constituting the switch device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a key top rearrangement in the switch device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10A to 10E Key top 11 Sliding shaft 11a Guide rib 11b Display unit 12A to 12E Movable contact 20 Case 21A to 21E Receiver 22 Bearing 30A to 30E Click rubber (elastic member) 40 Circuit board 41a, 41b Circuit 42A to 42E Fixed contact 50A ５０50E LED (light source) 60 discriminating means 70 key top 71 sliding shaft 72a, 72b movable contact 73 chip resistance

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A switch device capable of changing the correspondence between the arrangement of key tops and operation functions, comprising: a plurality of key tops each having a movable contact having a different resistance value attached to a tip of a sliding shaft; Provided with a plurality of receiving portions for slidably and exchangeably storing the key tops, an elastic member for elastically supporting each key top stored in each receiving portion, and a plurality of fixed members located immediately below each movable contact A circuit that has a contact and is brought into conduction when the movable contact comes into contact with the fixed contact; and a determination unit that outputs a signal in accordance with a resistance value of the movable contact that has made the circuit conductive. A switching device, comprising: 2. A case in which a sliding shaft of each key top is formed by a member having a light transmitting property, and a display section having a light transmitting property which is continuous with the sliding shaft is formed on a surface of each key top. 2. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of light sources for individually illuminating the respective sliding shafts are disposed therein. 3. The switch device according to claim 1, wherein each of the key tops is entirely formed of a translucent member, and a plurality of light sources for individually illuminating a sliding shaft of each key top are arranged in the case. . 4. A slide rib having a light-transmitting property is integrally formed on each slide shaft having a light-transmitting property.
4. The switch device according to claim 2, wherein a bearing corresponding to the slide shaft and the guide rib is provided in each receiving portion of the case, and the light source is disposed immediately below the guide rib in the case. 5.