WO2019171863A1

WO2019171863A1 - Push button switch member

Info

Publication number: WO2019171863A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/004160
Authority: WO
Inventors: 伊藤　正幸
Original assignee: 信越ポリマー株式会社
Priority date: 2018-03-05
Filing date: 2019-02-06
Publication date: 2019-09-12
Also published as: CN212625301U; DE212019000160U1; JP6986620B2; JPWO2019171863A1; TW201939548A

Abstract

In order to provide a push button switch member that, while maintaining a large stroke, does not produce a rapid variation in load in a stage preceding a clicking sensation accompanying a deformation of a movable contact, the present invention is a push button switch member (30) provided with an operation key (10) disposed so as to face the projection side of a dome-shaped movable contact (20), wherein: the operation key (10) is provided with a key body (11), a dome part (12), a leg part (13), and a rib (16) projecting from below the key body (11) toward the movable contact (20); the movable contact (20) is provided with a dish part (21) that receives a pressing movement applied to the key body (11) and comes into contact with a fixed contact (42) on a substrate (40), and an outside fixed part (25) that is located on the radially outer side of the dish part (21) and is fixed at a position on the radially outer side of the key body (11); and the rib (16) is formed so that when the key body (11) is pressed toward the movable contact (20), the rib (16) shrinks in the length direction of the rib (16), between the rib (16) and the dish part (21), at a stage prior to the dish part (21) bending or buckling.

Description

Pushbutton switch member

Cross reference

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-038190 filed in Japan on March 5, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, the content described in the patent quoted in this application, a patent application, and literature is used for this specification.

The present invention relates to a member for a push button switch.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a push button switch member that applies pressure to the central top portion from the outside of a metal dome and turns on the switch using deformation of the metal dome (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In recent years, with the miniaturization of devices incorporating pushbutton switch members, the demand for highly accurate alignment between each key and the metal dome has increased as the size of the keys and the distance between the keys have been reduced. If a positional shift occurs between the key pressing position and the central top portion of the metal dome, a good click feeling cannot be obtained. In order to solve such a problem, a push button switch member having a form in which a central top portion of a metal dome is bonded directly under a key has also been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). When the metal dome is connected directly under the key, the position of the key and the metal dome is fixed, so it is possible to always press against the central top part of the metal dome, so that a good click feeling can be obtained. can get.

In particular, a first fixed contact that can contact the center of the metal dome and a second fixed contact that can contact the outer periphery of the metal dome are formed on the circuit board side, and the metal dome is levitated from the circuit board. When connected to the key, the metal dome is pressed down from the key to contact the second fixed contact and the outer periphery of the metal dome to turn on the switch. Subsequently, the center of the metal dome and the first fixed contact are contacted. It is also possible to realize a two-stage switch that turns on the switch (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

However, the member for a push button switch disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that when the metal dome is pressed alone, the stroke from the start of pressing to the peak load is short. As a result, an ergonomic natural operation feeling cannot be obtained, and the operator is likely to feel uncomfortable. The member for a push button switch disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a further problem that it is difficult to cope with a high load. In order to solve this problem, a method of arranging a rubber switch above the metal dome is conceivable. However, there arises a problem that a displacement between the pusher on the lower surface of the rubber switch and the top of the metal dome is likely to occur.

Next, since the pushbutton switch member disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 bonds the pusher located immediately below the rubber switch and the top of the metal dome, there is a problem of the positional displacement as described above. Does not occur. However, due to variations in the thickness of the adhesive, there is a large dimensional tolerance in the pressing direction, making it difficult to guarantee a good operational feel. In addition, since the metal dome hardly deforms in the region where the adhesive is present, it is difficult to obtain the high click feeling inherent to the metal dome.

In order to solve the above problems, the present inventor has developed a push button switch member that is small and capable of handling a high load and that can easily realize a high stroke and a high click feeling prior to the present invention (see Patent Document 4). reference).

FIG. 9A shows a partially transparent plan view of a member for a push button switch previously developed by the present inventor. FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XX when the pushbutton switch member previously developed by the present inventor is cut along line XX in a partially transparent plan view.

The push button switch member 130 of FIGS. 9A and 9B includes a dome-shaped movable contact 120 and an operation key 100 that is disposed to face the projecting side of the movable contact 120 so as to be opposed to the projecting side. A member that presses in the direction to bring the movable contact 120 into contact with the fixed contact on the substrate. The operation key 100 is connected to the key body 101 and the outer periphery of the key body 101, and the dome part 102 configured to be deformable by pressing the key body 101 to the substrate side, and the outer periphery of the dome part 102 And a foot 104 fixed on the substrate. The operation key 100 includes two intermediate portions 103 that face each other with a gap between the dome portion 102 and the foot portion 104 with a gap. The two intermediate portions 103 are formed at positions facing each other across the central portion in a plan view of the operation key 100 and serve as a connection portion with the movable contact 120.

The movable contact 120 has a dome shape in which a substantially central portion protrudes toward the key body 101 in a plan view. The movable contact 120 has a rectangular shape (including a square) in plan view, and includes an outer fixed portion 125 that extends radially outward from two opposite sides in a band shape. Since the outer fixed portion 125 is connected to the operation key 100 at the intermediate portion 103, there is almost no displacement between the pusher 106 positioned immediately below the key body 101 and the top 121 of the movable contact 120. . Further, since the pusher 106 and the top 121 are separated from each other and no adhesive or the like is interposed between the two 106, 121, the push button switch member 130 is a member having both a high stroke and a good click feeling. .

JP-A-10-188728 JP 2007-52962 A International Publication WO2012 / 153585 International Publication No. WO2017 / 018097

The push button switch member 130 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B has many advantages that it is small and capable of handling a high load, and can easily realize a high stroke and a high click feeling, but there is still room for higher functionality.

FIG. 10 shows a load-displacement curve of the push button switch member of FIGS. 9A and 9B. The horizontal axis indicates the stroke for pressing the key body 101, and the vertical axis indicates the load when the key body 101 is pressed. As is apparent from the graph of FIG. 10, there is a point (referred to as an inflection point P) where the load changes abruptly in the vicinity of a displacement amount of 0.7 mm (portion indicated by P in the figure). This inflection point P is influenced by a relatively long gap formed between the pusher 106 of the operation key 100 and the top 121 of the movable contact 120 in order to achieve a high stroke of the pushbutton switch member 130. It seems to have done. It is considered that due to the gap, when the pusher 106 comes into contact with the top 121, the load increases rapidly and a clear inflection point is generated. Before the movable contact 120 is greatly deformed to generate a click feeling, it is preferable that an inflection point is not generated as much as possible and the load is gradually increased.

The present invention has been made to meet the above-described further demands, and provides a pushbutton switch member that maintains a high stroke and does not cause a sudden change in load in the previous stage of a click feeling due to deformation of a movable contact. The purpose is to provide.

(1) A member for a push button switch according to an embodiment for achieving the above object includes a dome-shaped movable contact and an operation key arranged to face the projecting side of the movable contact. Is a member for a pushbutton switch that presses in the direction of the contact to bring the movable contact into contact with the fixed contact on the substrate opposite to the operation key. The operation key is connected to the key body and the outer periphery of the key body. A dome portion that can be deformed by pressing the key body toward the substrate side, a foot portion that is connected to the outer periphery of the dome portion and fixed on the substrate, and a movable contact point from below the key body. The movable contact is provided with a protruding rib, and the movable contact is in contact with the fixed contact on the substrate when the key body is pushed in. The movable contact is on the radially outer side of the dish, and is radially outward from the key body of the operation key. And an outer fixing part fixed to the Bed is pushed toward the key body to the movable contact, in a previous stage of the dish succumb bent or seat is formed so as to contract the length of the rib between the pan.

(2) In the pushbutton switch member according to another embodiment, the rib is preferably formed below the key body so as to have a gap between the key body and the movable contact point before the key body is pushed.

(3) In the member for a push button switch according to another embodiment, preferably, the rib is disposed opposite to the position on the outer side in the radial direction from the top of the dish.

(4) In the member for a push button switch according to another embodiment, preferably, the rib has a plurality of ribs below the key body so as to be opposed to a plurality of positions having the top or the center of gravity of the top of the dish in plan view. Individually provided.

(5) The member for a push button switch according to another embodiment is preferably provided with a second rib protruding on the top surface side of the key body.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a member for a push button switch that maintains a high stroke and does not cause a rapid change in load in the previous stage of a click feeling accompanying deformation of the movable contact.

FIG. 1A is a partially transparent plan view of operation keys constituting a pushbutton switch member according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a plan view of the movable contact of the operation key constituting the pushbutton switch member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a partially transparent plan view of the push button switch member in a state where the operation key and the movable contact in FIG. 1A are fixed. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA when cut along the line AA in the partially transparent plan view of the pushbutton switch member in a state where the operation key and the movable contact in FIG. 1A are fixed. FIG. 3 shows a load-displacement curve of the pushbutton switch member of FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA when the pushbutton switch member according to the second embodiment is cut along the same line AA as in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA when the pushbutton switch member according to the third embodiment is cut along the same line AA as in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA when the pushbutton switch member according to the fourth embodiment is cut along the same line AA as in the first embodiment. FIG. 7A shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7C shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7D shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7E shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A shows various arrangement examples of ribs formed on the lower surface of the key body constituting the member for a push button switch of FIG. FIG. 8B shows examples of various cross-sectional shapes of operation keys including ribs formed on the lower surface of the key body constituting the pushbutton switch member of FIG. FIG. 9A shows a partially transparent plan view of a member for a push button switch previously developed by the present inventor. FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XX when the pushbutton switch member previously developed by the present inventor is cut along line XX in a partially transparent plan view. FIG. 10 shows a load-displacement curve of the pushbutton switch member of FIGS. 9A and 9B.

10, 10a, 10b, 10c ... operation keys, 11 ... key body, 12 ... dome part, 13 ... foot part, 14 ... outer fixed part, 16, 16a ... rib, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 ...

2nd rib

20, 20c ... Movable contact, 21 ... Plate part, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c ... Member for pushbutton switches, 40 ... Board | substrate, 41, 41a, 42 , 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d... Fixed contacts.

Next, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all the elements and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are the means for solving the present invention. It is not always essential.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1A is a partially transparent plan view of operation keys constituting a pushbutton switch member according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a plan view of the movable contact of the operation key constituting the pushbutton switch member according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a partially transparent plan view of the push button switch member in a state where the operation key and the movable contact in FIG. 1A are fixed. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA when cut along the line AA in the partially transparent plan view of the pushbutton switch member in a state where the operation key and the movable contact in FIG. 1A are fixed.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the pushbutton switch member 30 according to the first embodiment includes a dome-shaped movable contact 20 and an operation key 10 disposed to face the protruding side of the movable contact 20. A member that is pressed in the direction of the movable contact 20 to bring the movable contact 20 into contact with the fixed

contacts

41 and 42 on the substrate 40. Hereinafter, main components (the operation key 10 and the movable contact 20) of the push button switch member 30 and other members (the substrate 40 and the like) will be described.

(1) Operation Key The operation key 10 is connected to the key body 11, the outer periphery of the key body 11, and can be deformed by pressing the key body 11 toward the substrate 40 side. And a foot 13 connected to the periphery and fixed on the substrate 40. The operation key 10 further includes a rib 16 that protrudes toward the movable contact 20 from below the key body 11 (which may be referred to as a “lower surface” or “presser”) 15.

The key body 11 is a key top having an inverted truncated cone shape. The dome portion 12 is a thin-walled member that has an inverted saddle shape and expands from the side surface of the key body 11 in a circular arc shape. The foot 13 is a part for fixing the operation key 10 on the substrate 40. The foot portion 13 is formed at the lower end of the dome portion 12 in the radial direction in plan view, and at the tip of a cross centered on the top surface of the key body 11. Two intermediate portions 14 extending in opposite directions are formed between the

foot portions

13 and 13. The intermediate part 14 is a part for fixing a part of the movable contact 20 regardless of whether or not a part thereof is in contact with the substrate 40.

The lower surface 15 of the key body 11 includes a plurality of ribs 16 extending in the direction of the movable contact 20. In this embodiment, four ribs 16 are formed on the lower surface 15, but may be 1 to 3 or 5 or more. The rib 16 is formed so that when the key body 11 is pushed toward the movable contact 20, the rib 16 contracts in the length direction of the rib 16 with the dish 21 before the dish 21 of the movable contact 20 is bent or buckled. Has been.

In this embodiment, the rib 16 is formed below the key body 11 so as to have a gap with the movable contact 20 before the key body 11 is pushed. However, the gap may not be provided as in another embodiment described later. Moreover, the rib 16 is opposingly arranged by the position of the radial direction outer side rather than the top part of the dish part 21 in this embodiment. However, it is possible to form a rib on the lower surface 15 so as to be opposed to the top of the dish portion 21.

The rib 16 is provided on the lower surface 15 of the key body 11 so as to be opposed to a plurality of positions, specifically four positions, with the top of the plate portion 21 being the center or the center of gravity in plan view. Thus, stable pressing of the dish portion 21 is possible without pressing the movable contact 20 in one direction. However, it is also possible to form the rib 16 on the lower surface 15 so as to be opposed to a position other than the center or the center of gravity centered on the top of the plate portion 21.

The intermediate portion 14 includes a protrusion 17 that protrudes toward the substrate 14 at a lower extension portion of the dome portion 12 on the lower surface thereof. The protrusion 17 is a portion that is fixed to the movable contact 20 on the lower surface of the intermediate portion 14. However, the protrusion 17 is not an essential component and may not be formed. In that case, a part of the movable contact 20 can be fixed in contact with the lower surface of the intermediate portion 14.

The operation key 10 is composed of a thermosetting elastomer such as silicone rubber, urethane rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber or styrene butadiene rubber; urethane type, ester type, styrene type, It is preferable to use a rubber-like elastic material such as an olefin-based, butadiene-based or fluorine-based thermoplastic elastomer, or a composite thereof. Nitrile rubber (NBR) may be used as a constituent material of the operation key 10 other than the above. In particular, silicone rubber having excellent temperature characteristics, environmental characteristics, and electrical characteristics is preferable. Moreover, you may mix the filler represented by titanium oxide and carbon black with the said structural material. As in another embodiment described later, in order to transmit light emitted from an LED (an example of illumination means) on the substrate 40 in the outward direction of the operation key 10, at least a part of the operation key 10 is made translucent. It is preferable to do this. If the entire operation key 10 is made of a translucent material such as silicone rubber, light can be emitted from the LED through an arbitrary place of the operation key 10.

In this embodiment, the operation key 10 is entirely made of the rubber-like elastic material. However, at least the dome portion 12 and the rib 16 may be made of the rubber-like elastic material, and other portions such as the key body 11, the foot portion 13, and the intermediate portion 14 may be made of a material other than the rubber-like elastic material. it can. The dome 12 is preferably made of the rubber-like elastic material because it needs to be elastically deformed by being pressed and released toward the movable contact 20 of the key body 11. The rib 16 is made of the rubber-like elastic material because it is necessary to elastically repeat contraction and restoration in the length direction by pressing and releasing the key body 11 toward the movable contact 20. Is preferred.

(2) Movable contact The movable contact 20 receives the pressing of the key body 11 and comes into contact with the fixed contact 42 on the substrate 40, and the key body 11 of the operation key 10 on the radially outer side of the dish 21. And an outer fixing portion 25 fixed to the outer side in the radial direction. This will be described in more detail below.

The movable contact 20 is rectangular (including a square) in a plan view, and includes a belt-shaped outer fixing portion 25 that extends radially outward from two opposing sides in a belt shape. The movable contact 20 has a dome-shaped dish portion 21 having a substantially central portion protruding toward the key body 11 in a plan view. The movable contact 20 is formed in an annular shape in a plan view around the outer periphery of the dish portion 21 and bends at a steep angle downward, and a bottom plate portion 24 connected to the radially outer side of the step portion 23. Is provided. The step portion 23 can serve as a fulcrum for bending deformation of the plate portion 21. The outer fixing portion 25 described above extends radially outward from the bottom plate portion 24, is radially outward from the dish portion 21, and is fixed radially outward from the key body 11. The outer fixed portion 25 is formed on the movable contact 20 so as to be fixed to the intermediate portion 14 of the operation key 10. For this reason, the connecting portion between the movable contact 20 and the operation key 10 is only the outer fixed portion 25 of the movable contact 20. When the movable contact 20 is fixed below the operation key 10, the dish portion 21 is a part that is spaced apart from the lower surface 15 (corresponding to a pusher) of the key body 11. The fixed contact 42 can be contacted.

The movable contact 20 is located on the outer side in the radial direction of the movable contact 20 with respect to the dish portion 21, and can be brought into contact with another fixed contact 41 arranged on the outer side in the radial direction of the fixed contact 42 by pressing the key body 11. Furthermore, the outer contact part 26 which opposes the fixed contact 41 in a non-contact state or a contact state is further provided. If there is a gap between the outer contact portion 26 and the fixed contact 41, the gap can be contacted between the outer contact portion 26 and the fixed contact 41 when the operation key 10 is pushed in the direction of the substrate 40. There is no particular restriction. In this embodiment, the gap between the outer contact portion 26 and the fixed contact 41 is in the range of 0.03 to 0.1 mm.

The outer contact portion 26 is a cup-shaped portion formed by denting the bottom plate portion 24 from the upper surface toward the lower surface. A total of four outer contact portions 26 are formed, one for each of the four corners of the bottom plate portion 24. For this reason, when the key body 11 is pushed in, the movable contact 20 can come into contact with the fixed contact 41 at four locations. However, the number of the outer contact portions 26 is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more. In order to prevent the movable contact 20 from being tilted when the movable contact 20 and the fixed contact 41 are in contact with each other, the outer contact portion 26 is set in a set of two at a position facing each other across the center of the movable contact 20. Or it is more preferable to provide two or more sets. The outer contact portion 26 is preferably provided with a bottom portion that can make a line contact or a surface contact with the fixed contact 41. Further, a part or all of the outer contact portion 26 or a contact arrangement type outer contact portion provided separately from the outer contact portion 26 may be in contact with the fixed contact 41 in a state where the key body 11 is not pressed. . It should be noted that other parts such as the dish part 21 can be configured to be able to contact the fixed contact 41 without providing the outer contact part 26.

The movable contact 20 can use a conductive metal material as its constituent material. Exemplary metallic materials include stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, carbon steel, copper, copper alloy (bronze, phosphor bronze, brass, white bronze, white iron, etc.), silver or two or more alloys selected from the above metals Can be mentioned. A particularly preferred metal material is SUS301, but austenitic stainless steel other than SUS301, martensitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, austenitic-ferrite duplex stainless steel, or the like may be used. The movable contact 20 may be made of a resin-based material. For example, a carbon, silver, or copper film is formed on one surface of a transparent resin such as polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide 6, polyamide 66, polyamide 610, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, or polycarbonate. The movable contact 20 can also be manufactured by forming a bowl shape.

Regardless of whether the movable contact 20 is made of metal or resin, at least the surface of the movable contact 20 on the fixed

contact

41, 42 side is plated or vapor-deposited to stabilize corrosion resistance, dust resistance or conductivity. Etc. can be applied in a single layer or multiple layers. As the surface treatment, gold plating is particularly preferable. From the viewpoint of corrosion resistance, the thickness of the gold plating is theoretically desirable as it is thicker. However, it is practically restricted from the viewpoint of cost, and is 0.01 μm or more and 1.00 μm or less, preferably 0.05 μm or more and 0.90 μm or less, and more preferably 0.10 μm or more and 0.80 μm or less. Exemplary surface treatments other than the above include gold plating and sealing treatment, nickel plating and gold plating and sealing treatment, nickel plating and gold plating, nickel plating, silver plating, nickel plating and silver plating, silver plating and sealing. Examples include pore treatment (sulfurization prevention treatment (= discoloration prevention treatment)), nickel plating and silver plating, sealing treatment (sulfurization prevention treatment (= discoloration prevention treatment)), and application of carbon-based conductive ink or carbon-based conductive paint. it can. Further, gold alloy, silver alloy, palladium, palladium alloy, tungsten, or tungsten alloy may be used for the surface treatment.

(3) Substrate The substrate 40 preferably includes a fixed contact 42 at a position substantially directly below the top of the plate portion 21 and a fixed contact 41 on the outer periphery of the fixed contact 42. The fixed contact 41 is in a position where the outer contact portion 26 that is lowered by pressing the key body 11 can come into contact. The fixed contact 42 is spaced apart from the fixed contact 41 and is in a position where the top or the periphery of the top of the dish portion 21 that is lowered when the key body 11 is pushed down can contact. In this embodiment, even if the outer contact portion 26 of the movable contact 20 contacts the fixed contact 41, the switch is not turned on. When the plate part 21 of the movable contact 20 comes into contact with the fixed contact 42, a circuit is formed so that the movable contact 20 connects the fixed contact 41 and the fixed contact 42. As a result, the switch can be turned on. However, the shapes of the fixed contact 41 and the fixed contact 42, the on / off configuration of the switch, and the presence or absence of the fixed

contacts

41 and 42 can be variously modified. A typical modification will be described later. The fixed contact 41 is embedded in the substrate 40 with its surface exposed from the substrate 40, and the fixed contact 42 is fixed on the substrate 40. However, the fixed

contacts

41 and 42 may be both fixed to the surface of the substrate 40 or may be embedded in the substrate 40 with the surface exposed.

The fixed contact 41 and the fixed contact 42 are preferably made of a material having relatively high conductivity among metals, for example, gold, silver, copper, aluminum bronze, aluminum alloy, or two or more alloys thereof. Note that the fixed contact 41 and the fixed contact 42 may be plated with a single layer or multiple layers in order to stabilize corrosion resistance and conductivity. Examples of the plating include gold, silver, nickel and the like, or alloy plating containing one or more of them as a main component.

FIG. 3 shows a load-displacement curve of the push button switch member of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

9A and 9B, the load suddenly increases when the lower surface (presser) 106 of the key body 101 contacts the top 121 of the movable contact 120 (see FIG. 10). However, as apparent from FIG. 3, in the pushbutton switch member 30 according to this embodiment, the load suddenly increases from the start of pressing the key body 11 until the pressure resistance load of the movable contact 20 reaches the limit. Inflection points are not allowed. When the key body 11 is pushed down, the rib 16 comes into contact with the movable contact 20, but the rib 16 is compressed and deformed, so that the load increases gently. Thereafter, the pressure resistance load of the movable contact 20 reaches the limit, the movable contact 20 is greatly deformed, and the load is greatly reduced. As described above, the pushbutton switch member 30 has a characteristic that the load gradually increases with no inflection point of the load in addition to the high stroke characteristic until the click feeling accompanying the large deformation of the movable contact 20 is generated. Have

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a pushbutton switch member according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In 2nd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same structure part as 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA when the pushbutton switch member according to the second embodiment is cut along the line AA as in the first embodiment.

The operation key 10a constituting the pushbutton switch member 30a is longer than the rib 16 of the operation key 10 in the first embodiment, and has a rib 16a having no gap with the movable contact 20 before the key body 11 is pushed. Have. Even if the rib 16a is always in contact with the movable contact 20, like the push button switch member 30 according to the first embodiment, the rib 16a has a high stroke characteristic until the click feeling associated with the large deformation of the movable contact 20 occurs. In addition, there is no inflection point of the load, and the characteristic that the load gradually increases is exhibited.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a pushbutton switch member according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the above-described embodiments, and a duplicate description is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA when the pushbutton switch member according to the third embodiment is cut along the line AA similar to the first embodiment.

The operation key 10b constituting the pushbutton switch member 30b is provided with a second rib 19 protruding on the top surface side of the key body 11. In this embodiment, the second ribs 19 are substantially hemispherical, and are provided at a total of four, one at the tip of the cross centered on the center of the top surface of the key body 11. However, the number of the second ribs 19 is not limited to the above position and number as long as the number of the second ribs 19 is provided in a position and number that can be compressed when the key body 11 is pressed. For example, the second rib 19 may be a single ring-shaped protrusion provided on the top surface of the key body 11. The second rib 19 is preferably formed of the rubber-like elastic material exemplified in the first embodiment, like the rib 16.

When the key body 11 of the pushbutton switch member 30b is pressed, not only the compression deformation of the rib 16 that contacts the movable contact 20 but also the compression deformation of the second rib 19 occurs, and the longer stroke and the large deformation of the movable contact 20 are caused. A moderate increase in the load up to can be obtained.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a pushbutton switch member according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in each of the above embodiments, and a duplicate description is omitted.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA when the pushbutton switch member according to the fourth embodiment is cut along the line AA similar to the first embodiment.

The push button switch member 30c according to the fourth embodiment is different from the push button switch member 30 according to the first embodiment in the following points. The operation key 10 c includes a light shielding layer 60 that covers the outer surface of the operation key 10 c and a light-transmitting region 61 that excludes the light shielding layer 60 from a part of the top surface of the key body 11. The movable contact 20 c includes a through-hole 55 that penetrates the plate portion 21 at a substantially central portion in plan view of the plate portion 21. The substrate 40 includes an annular contact 42 that can come into contact with the periphery of the through hole 55 of the dish portion 21, and an LED 50 that is an example of an illuminating unit inside the annular contact 42. Other configurations of the push button switch member 30 c are the same as those of the push button switch member 30.

In this embodiment, the light transmitting surfaces 61, the through holes 55, and the light emitting surfaces of the LEDs 50 are substantially vertically aligned. However, when the light emitting surface of the LED 50 is inclined from the horizontal, it is preferable to arrange the through hole 55 and the light transmitting region 61 on a line perpendicular to the light emitting surface. The through hole 55 has both a function of transmitting light from the LED 50 toward the operation key 10 c and a function of preventing contact between the dish portion 21 and the LED 50. However, when the movable contact 20c is made of a hard resin having excellent translucency, a light shielding layer is formed in addition to the portion of the through hole 55, and the light emitting surface of the LED 50 is lowered to a height at which it does not collide with the dish portion 21, The hole 55 is not an essential component for the movable contact 20c.

The translucent area 61 may have any display form such as characters, symbols, pictures, and the like. When the operation key 10c itself is not made of a material having excellent translucency, a second through hole is formed in the region directly above the through hole 55 in the key body 11, and the second through hole is made translucent. It may be closed with a member excellent in resistance (glass, silicone resin, acrylic resin, etc.). In that case, the light shielding layer 60 formed on the outer surface of the operation key 10c may not be provided.

LED 50 is an example of illumination means. Illumination means other than the LED 50 may be used. For example, a light bulb using light emission by energization of a filament, a sheet-like organic EL, or an inorganic EL may be substituted for the LED 50.

(Modification)
FIG. 7A shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7C shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7D shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7E shows a plan view of a modified example of the fixed contact employed in each embodiment of the present invention.

7A is the substrate described with reference to FIG. 1A. In addition to this, as shown in FIG. 7B, two half-ring-shaped

fixed contacts

42a, 42a are arranged inside the two half-ring-shaped

fixed contacts

41a, 41a, and further, the LED 50 (not shown) is arranged inside thereof. The substrate 40 on which the figure is arranged may be used. When the outer contact portion 26 of the movable contact 20c contacts the fixed

contacts

41a and 41a, a circuit is formed so that the movable contact 20c is connected between the fixed

contacts

41a and 41a. As a result, the first-stage switch is turned on. can do. Subsequently, when the plate portion 21 of the movable contact 20c comes into contact with the fixed

contacts

42a and 42a, a circuit is formed so that the movable contact 20 is connected between the fixed

contacts

42a and 42a, and the second-stage switch is turned on. can do.

7C is a substrate in which an annular fixed contact 42b is disposed inside an annular fixed contact 41. The substrate 40 shown in FIG. The switch mechanism is the same as in FIG. 7A. A substrate 40 in FIG. 7D is a substrate in which semicircular fixed

contacts

42c and 42c are arranged inside two half-ring-shaped

fixed contacts

41a and 41a. The switch mechanism is the same as in FIG. 7B. In the substrate 40 of FIG. 7E, two semicircular comb-shaped fixed

contacts

42d and 42d are spaced apart from each other inside the two half-ring-shaped

fixed contacts

41a and 41a. When the semicircular comb-shaped fixed

contacts

42d and 42d are arranged, the fixed

contacts

42d and 42d can be more reliably conducted. The switch mechanism is the same as in FIG. 7B.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although each embodiment of the member for pushbutton switches concerning this invention and the various modifications of a fixed contact were demonstrated, this invention is not limited to these, Various modifications can be implemented and implemented.

FIG. 8A shows various arrangement examples of ribs formed on the lower surface of the key body constituting the member for a push button switch of FIG. FIG. 8B shows examples of various cross-sectional shapes of operation keys including ribs formed on the lower surface of the key body constituting the pushbutton switch member of FIG.

The ribs 16 each have a regular octagonal shape as shown in FIG. 8B, in addition to a total of four ribs 16 on the lower surface 15 at the cross-shaped tips (square four corners) as shown in FIG. The configuration can be arranged in a form in which a total of 8 pieces are provided on the lower surface 15 one by one, or in a form in which only one is provided at the center of the lower surface 15 as shown in FIG. Furthermore, as shown in (d), the rib 16 may be provided in an annular shape. Further, a total of two ribs 16 may be provided on the lower surface 15 one by one so as to be able to come into contact with both ends of a straight line centered on the top of the dish portion 21 in plan view. 8B, the longitudinal section of the rib 16 may be a rectangle (b) or a substantially ellipse (c) in addition to the substantially conical shape (a) with a thin tip. The same applies to the rib 16a.

The rib 16 is preferably formed on the lower surface 15 of the key body 11 so as to be contactable between the top portion of the plate portion 21 of the movable contact 20 and the step portion 23. Further, the rib 16 can be formed on the lower surface 15 of the key body 11 so as to be able to come into contact with the step portion 23 from the through hole 55 of the movable contact 20c. More preferably, the rib 16 can come into contact with a position closer to the step portion 23 than the top portion of the dish portion 21 (meaning a virtual top portion existing in the through hole 55 even when the through hole 55 is provided). , Formed on the lower surface 15. The rib 16 may be formed so as to extend downward from a portion other than the lower surface 15 of the key body 11, for example, from a side surface of the key body 11. The same applies to the rib 16a.

The dome portion 12 may have a shape that curves outwardly so that it protrudes outward, a shape that curves inwardly, or a shape that linearly inclines from the key body 11 toward the foot 13.

The above-described embodiments and various modifications can be arbitrarily combined unless they cannot be combined with each other. For example, the rib 16a may be used for the

pushbutton switch members

30b and 30c according to the third or fourth embodiment. Moreover, you may use the 2nd rib 19 for the member 30c for pushbutton switches which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

The present invention can be used for various devices including operation keys such as portable communication devices, PCs, cameras, in-car operation members, in-vehicle electronic devices, home audio devices, home appliances, and the like.

Claims

A dome-shaped movable contact;
An operation key disposed opposite to the protruding side of the movable contact;
A member for a push button switch that presses the operation key in the direction of the movable contact and contacts the movable contact with a fixed contact on the substrate opposite to the operation key,
The operation keys are
The key body,
A dome portion connected to the outer periphery of the key body and deformable by pressing the key body toward the substrate;
A foot connected to the outer periphery of the dome and fixed on the substrate;
A rib projecting from below the key body toward the movable contact;
With
The movable contact is
A dish portion that is pressed by the key body and contacts the fixed contact on the substrate;
An outer fixing portion which is on the outer side in the radial direction of the dish portion and is fixed on the outer side in the radial direction with respect to the key body of the operation key;
With
The rib is formed so that when the key body is pushed toward the movable contact, the rib portion is contracted in the length direction of the rib with the plate portion before the plate portion is bent or buckled. Switch member.
2. The pushbutton switch member according to claim 1, wherein the rib is formed below the key body so as to have a gap with the movable contact before the key body is pushed.
The member for a pushbutton switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rib is disposed to face a position radially outward from the top of the dish portion.
The rib is provided with a plurality of ribs below the key body so as to be opposed to a plurality of positions having the top or center of gravity of the top of the plate portion in plan view. The member for pushbutton switches as described in 2.
The member for pushbutton switches according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the key body includes a second rib protruding toward the top surface.