JP2004227867A - Member for push button switch, and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a member for a push button switch having sufficient durability in a connecting part connecting key tops and densely arranging a plurality of key tops, and to provide a manufacturing method of the member for the push button switch making a complicated manufacturing process such as grouping molding unnecessary. <P>SOLUTION: The member 1 for the push button switch is formed in such a way that an upper side silicone elastic member 3 in which a plurality of key tops 2 are unitedly formed in a thin film-like silicone elastic sheet 5 is unitedly formed on the surface of a resin film 4, and a lower side silicone elastic member 5 in which a base 9 for specifying a space to the substrate is unitedly formed in a thin film-like silicone elastic sheet 6 is united on the back of the the resin film 4. The upper side silicone elastic member 3 in which the plurality of projecting key tops 2 are formed on one side is unitedly formed in a silicone elastic sheet 7, and at the same time, the resin film 4 is unitedly formed on the other side of the silicone elastic sheet 7, and after that, the lower side silicone elastic member 5 is unitedly formed on the resin film 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a member for a push button switch used for input devices in various fields such as a calculator, a mobile phone, a remote controller, and an OA device. The present invention relates to a member for a push button switch which is disposed as follows.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a member for a push button switch in which adjacent key tops are densely arranged, a thermoplastic elastomer made by integrally molding a base portion and a plurality of pressing portions via a deformable thin portion. In a push button type keyboard switch, a resin plate is bonded to the upper surface of each pressing part, and a resin key top, which is another member, is snap-fitted from above the resin plate. Some are fitted (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0003]
This is a case in which a case or an outer frame does not exist between each key like a personal computer keyboard, and the pitch of adjacent key tops is about 17 mm, which is a regular interval for a personal computer keyboard. In this case, the resin key top, which is a separate member having a base length of approximately trapezoidal shape approaching 17 mm as viewed from the side of the adjacent resin key top, is pressed against the main body of a thermoplastic elastomer push button type keyboard switch. It is mounted at a position corresponding to the part, and can simply reduce the gap around the adjacent resin key top.
[0004]
Accordingly, a member for a push button switch used in an input device of a small electric / electronic device, such as a portable terminal such as a mobile phone or a PDA, in which the distance between adjacent contacts is narrow and the key tops are more dense. It is not applicable to
[0005]
Accordingly, in the case of a member for a push button switch used for an input device of a small electric / electronic device in which the key tops are denser, for example, as shown in FIG. When the push button switch member 22 is manufactured by integrating the cover member main body 21 made of resin and rubber having elasticity, a method called grouping molding has been adopted.
[0006]
That is, a plurality of required key tops 20, 20, 20,... Are not joined together by the nearest key tops, for example, as many as the A group 20a, the B group 20b, and the C group 20c. Each group is separately molded by an injection molding machine, and the gate is cut while maintaining the arrangement to complete the individual key tops 20. Next, the individual key tops 20 of the respective independent groups are joined together by the assembling jig 24 while maintaining their arrangement using the jigs 23a, 23b and 23c, and are adhered and fixed to the surface of the cover member body 21. Thus, the push button switch member 22 is completed.
[0007]
In other words, in the case of injection molding, the problem that multiple key tops cannot be integrally molded with densely arranged finished products due to the molds such as runners and gates necessary for molding is divided into groups. This was avoided by a method such as molding.
[0008]
As another method, in the case of a member for a so-called push button switch with a film in which a resin serving as a core material is filled inside a convex portion of a resin film having a plurality of convex portions formed along the outer shape of the key top, It is widely used because the molded product of the resin film determines the arrangement of the key tops and it is relatively easy to integrally mold with the filling resin, and it is possible to make products utilizing the various decorative properties of the resin film .
[0009]
As for the pushbutton switch member with a film, due to the limit of the deep drawing process of the resin film, a plurality of keytops are completed as well as the pushbutton switch member in which the keytop and the cover member body are integrated by bonding. Since molding cannot be performed integrally in such a dense arrangement, group forming molding has to be performed.
[0010]
In the case of a member for a push button switch in which a key top and a cover member main body are integrally formed of a thermosetting elastomer, for a push button switch in which a plurality of key tops are densely integrated in a single molding and integrated with the cover member main body. Since the member is completed, the molding itself is easy, so that it is often used as a general-purpose product.
[0011]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-287772 (FIG. 4).
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such as a member for a push button switch in which a key top and a cover member main body are integrated by bonding, or a member for a push button switch with a film in which a resin serving as a core material is filled in a convex portion of a resin film having a convex portion of a key top. In addition, when performing grouping molding, an assembly jig is required in addition to a mold and a jig for each group, resulting in an increase in manufacturing cost and a high unit price of the product.
[0013]
In the case of a member for a push button switch in which a key top and a cover member main body are integrally molded with a thermosetting elastomer, adjacent key tops are connected by a thin connecting portion, but a distance between adjacent key tops is set. When the switch is narrow, excessive stress is generated in the thin connecting portion when the switch is operated, and there is a problem in durability. In addition, a jig is required when printing decorations such as characters, symbols, and figures on the top of the key tops, and when the space between adjacent key tops is small, it is difficult to make the jigs. The strength is a problem, and the durability of the jig is a problem. Even if printing is possible, there is a quality problem that the printed display portion touches a finger and is worn out during operation of the keytop.
[0014]
In view of the above, the present invention provides a push button switch member in which a plurality of key tops having sufficient durability of a connecting portion connecting the respective key tops are densely arranged in order to solve the above problems of the conventional technology. That is the task. Another object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method which does not require a complicated manufacturing process such as grouping and molding in manufacturing such a member for a push button switch.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a member for a push button switch in which a plurality of convex key tops are arranged on a sheet member, and the surface of a resin film serving as a core material is An upper silicone elastic member in which the plurality of key tops are integrally formed is integrated with a thin-film silicone elastic sheet, and a base portion that defines a gap between the substrate and the thin-film silicone elastic sheet is provided on the back surface of the resin film. It is characterized in that the integrally formed lower silicone elastic member is integrated.
[0016]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, an adhesive layer of a polycarbonate-based ink is provided between a surface of the resin film and the upper silicone elastic member, and a back surface of the resin film is provided. And an adhesive layer of a polycarbonate ink between the lower silicone elastic member and the lower silicone elastic member.
[0017]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to the first or second aspect, at least the key top and a silicone elastic sheet immediately below the key top have a light-transmitting property, and are provided immediately below the key top. A display portion such as a character, a number, a symbol, a design, and the like, which is visible from a top surface of the key top, is formed on a portion of the resin film.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, the resin film has a light-shielding property, and the display unit has a cutout pattern formed by cutting the resin film. Features.
[0019]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fourth aspect, a light-transmitting colored layer is filled in the blank pattern.
[0020]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, the resin film has a light-transmitting property, and a punched-out image of the display unit is formed on the back surface of the light-transmitting resin film. It has a light-shielding colored layer or a metallic layer having a pattern, and the transparent pattern is filled in the blank pattern.
[0021]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a portion of the resin film corresponding to an outer peripheral portion of a bottom surface of the key top portion includes the resin film. A cutting line or notch penetrating in the thickness direction.
[0022]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the back surface of the lower silicone elastic member immediately below the key top has a contact convex portion for pressing a contact or a contact member. It is characterized by having.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that an upper silicone elastic member having a plurality of convex key-tops formed on one surface of a thin-film silicone elastic sheet is integrally molded, and a resin film is formed on the other surface of the silicone elastic sheet. And integrally forming a lower silicone elastic member having a base portion defining a gap between the substrate and a thin film silicone elastic sheet on a surface of the resin film opposite to the upper silicone elastic member. And a process.
[0024]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the surface of the resin film is formed before the step of integrally molding the upper silicone elastic member and the lower silicone elastic member and the resin film. And a step of applying a polycarbonate-based ink to the back surface.
[0025]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the surface of the resin film is formed before the step of integrally molding the upper silicone elastic member and the lower silicone elastic member and the resin film. And a step of subjecting the back surface to a surface modification treatment for improving the adhesiveness.
[0026]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0027]
[First Embodiment of the Invention]
First, the configuration of the member for a push button switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a member for a push button switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0029]
A member 1 for a push button switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes an upper silicone elastic member 3 in which a plurality of key tops 2 are integrally formed on a sheet member, and a resin integrated with the upper silicone elastic member 3. It has a film 4 and a lower silicone elastic member 5 of a sheet-like member integrated with the resin film 4. That is, the resin film 4 is sandwiched between the upper silicone elastic member 3 and the lower silicone elastic member 5, and functions as a core material of the push button switch member 1.
[0030]
The upper silicone elastic member 3 is a state in which a plurality of convex key tops 2 each having a height of 3 mm and a substantially circular bottom surface having a diameter of 8 mm are densely arranged on the upper surface of a thin silicone elastic sheet 6 having a thickness of 50 to 150 μm. It is integrally molded. Specifically, the gaps between the bottom surfaces of the adjacent key tops 2 are densely arranged at about 0.3 to 1.5 mm.
[0031]
Since the key top 2 is formed integrally with the silicone elastic sheet 6, the so-called character illuminated key top 2 has the same light-transmitting property as the silicone elastic sheet 6, and has a resin The surface of the film 4 can be seen through.
[0032]
As the resin film 4, a material having excellent heat resistance and mechanical durability such as polyester resin, polyimide resin, and polycarbonate resin may be used. If the thickness of the resin film 4 is about 20 to 250 μm, there is no problem in mechanical durability.
[0033]
The lower silicone elastic member 5 includes a pressing convex portion 8 capable of pressing a contact or a contact member on a portion of the lower surface of the thin film silicone elastic sheet 7 having a thickness of 50 to 150 μm, which is directly below the key top 2, and a push button on an outer peripheral portion. A base portion 9 for defining a distance from a substrate (not shown) to which the switch member 1 is mounted is integrally formed.
[0034]
In the case where the pressing projection 8 is disposed facing the portion of the substrate where the fixed contact is printed, a movable contact that can easily contact the fixed contact by applying conductive ink to the tip of the pressing projection 8. Can be conveniently formed. In addition, when the touch when pressing the key top 2 is weak only by the elastic restoring force of the upper silicone elastic member 3, the resin film 4, and the lower silicone elastic member 5, the tip of the pressing convex portion 8 becomes conductive. An inverted bowl-shaped disc spring (contact member) may be attached with an adhesive.
[0035]
Between the surface of the resin film 4 and the upper silicone elastic member 3, there is an adhesive layer 10 of a polycarbonate-based ink rich in carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups at the terminals or side chains, and the back surface of the resin film 4 and the lower silicone elastic member Since the adhesive layer 14 made of the polycarbonate-based ink is also provided between the upper and lower members 5, the upper and lower silicone elastic members 3 and 5 are integrated with the resin film 4 while maintaining a sufficient adhesive strength. Have been.
[0036]
Here, as the polycarbonate-based ink, for example, Noriphan HTR (produced by Proroll) or IMI ink (produced by Teikoku Ink Co., Ltd.) can be used.
[0037]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part showing one mode of a display portion of a resin film.
[0038]
In the example shown in FIG. 2, a transparent polycarbonate resin is used for the resin film 4, and a transparent polycarbonate-based ink 10 is applied to the surface of the resin film 4 in order to improve the adhesion to the upper silicone elastic member 3. On the other hand, on the back surface of the resin film 4, a light-shielding colored layer or a metallic layer 12 having a cut-out pattern 11 representing a pattern such as a character, a number, a symbol, or a pattern representing a switch function is formed. Here, the punching pattern 11 is disposed immediately below the key top 2.
[0039]
A translucent coloring layer 13 is filled inside the punching pattern 11, and a lower silicone elastic member 5 is provided on the back surface of the translucent coloring layer 13 and the back surface of the light-shielding coloring layer or the metallic layer 12. Is applied with a polycarbonate-based ink 14 in order to improve the adhesiveness.
[0040]
Accordingly, when the key top 2 is viewed from the top surface side, when the backlight (not shown) disposed between the push button switch member 1 and the substrate is not turned on, the colored layer by the external light Alternatively, a pattern colored by the reflected light of the translucent coloring layer 13 appears on the ground having the color of the coloring layer or the color of the metallic layer due to the reflected light of the metallic 12 layer and the reflected light of the translucent coloring layer 13. From the view, the cut pattern 11 can be visually recognized as the display section of the key top 2. On the other hand, when the backlight is turned on in the dark, the light of the backlight leaks to the outside only from the translucent coloring layer 13, and only the transmitted light of the translucent coloring layer 13 appears to be raised. The pattern 11 can be clearly recognized as the display of the key top 2.
[0041]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another mode of the display unit of the resin film.
[0042]
In the example shown in FIG. 3, a transparent polycarbonate resin is used for the resin film 4, and a cutout pattern 11 such as a letter, a number, a symbol, or a pattern representing a switch function is provided at a position corresponding to a position directly below the keytop 2. ing. A translucent colored layer 13 is filled in the punching pattern 11. A transparent polycarbonate-based ink 10 is applied to the surface of the resin film 4 in order to improve the adhesiveness with the upper silicone elastic member 3.
[0043]
On the back surface of the resin film 4, a colored layer 15 is formed to be the ground of the punching pattern 11 avoiding the punching pattern 11. A transparent polycarbonate-based ink 14 for improving the adhesiveness with the side silicone elastic member 5 is applied.
[0044]
Here, the coloring layer 15 may have either light-transmitting property or light-blocking property, and a color having a contrast with the color of the light-transmitting coloring layer 13 is selected.
[0045]
Accordingly, when the key top 2 is viewed from the top side and the backlight is not lit, the reflected light of the colored layer 15 and the reflected light of the translucent colored layer 13 by the external light cause the colored layer Since the colored pattern due to the reflected light of the translucent colored layer 13 appears on the ground of the 15 colors, the cut pattern 11 can be visually recognized as the display section of the key top 2.
[0046]
On the other hand, when the backlight is turned on in the dark, if the coloring layer 15 has a light-shielding property, the light of the backlight leaks out only from the translucent coloring layer 13 and the coloring layer 15 In the case of a translucent color, the transmitted light of the translucent colored layer 13 appears to emerge on the ground of the transmitted light of the color transmitted through the colored layer 15. Are clearly visible.
[0047]
In both the first and second aspects of the display unit, the polycarbonate-based ink 14 for improving the adhesion to the lower silicone elastic member 5 is made transparent, but the translucent colored layer 13 is used. If the same color is used, the polycarbonate-based ink 14 also serves as the translucent colored layer 13, and the number of printing layers can be further reduced, so that a less expensive product is completed.
[0048]
Further, in both cases of one mode and another mode of the display unit, the resin film 4 is transparent. However, the light emission color of the backlight leaks only from the punching pattern 11 by providing the resin film 4 with a light shielding property. In this way, the translucent colored layer 13 can be omitted.
[0049]
Next, a method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described.
[0050]
The upper silicone elastic member 3 and the resin film 4 are combined with the silicone rubber and the resin film 4 in the same mold when the upper silicone elastic member 3 including the thin silicone elastic sheet 6 and the plurality of key tops 2 is molded. Are supplied and simultaneously molded to be integrated.
[0051]
The lower silicone elastic member 5 is formed by molding the lower silicone elastic member 5 in which silicone rubber is supplied to the exposed side (back surface) of the resin film 4 immediately after the upper silicone elastic member 3 and the resin film 4 are integrated. The mold is then clamped to form the lower silicone elastic member 5 and integrate the lower silicone elastic member 5 with the resin film 4 at the same time.
[0052]
When a polycarbonate resin is used for the resin film 4, a selective adhesive silicone rubber (for example, X-30-3511u, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.) to which an auxiliary agent that chemically bonds with the polycarbonate resin is added is used. Is desirable. In addition, before the step of integrally molding the upper silicone elastic member 3 and the lower silicone elastic member 5 and the resin film 4, a step of applying the polycarbonate-based inks 10 and 14 to the front and back surfaces of the resin film 4 is provided. The adhesive strength between the upper silicone elastic member 3 and the lower silicone elastic member 5 and the resin film 4 can be improved.
[0053]
Instead of applying the polycarbonate-based inks 10 and 14 to the front and back surfaces of the resin film 4, a surface modification treatment such as corona discharge, UV irradiation, and plasma treatment is applied to the front and back surfaces of the resin film 4 to improve the adhesion. By applying, a carboxyl group or a hydroxyl group rich in reactivity can be formed on the front and back surfaces of the resin film 4, so that the adhesive strength between the upper silicone elastic member 3 and the lower silicone elastic member 5 and the resin film 4 is improved. It is effective to do.
[0054]
In the manufacturing method described above, the upper silicone elastic member 3 and the resin film 4 are integrated first, and then the resin film 4 and the lower silicone elastic member 5 are integrated. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the lower silicone elastic member 5 and the resin film 4 may be integrated first, and then the resin film 4 and the upper silicone elastic member 3 may be integrated.
[0055]
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a main part of a member for a push button switch according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0056]
In the first embodiment described above, the resin film 4 as the core material functions to relieve the stress generated in the silicone elastic sheets 5 and 6 due to the repeated pressing operation on the key top 2, but is used. Depending on the material, it may be a hard material, and simply adjusting the thickness may not prevent the pressing operation of the key top 2 to be operated from slowing down or pressing down the adjacent key tops 2 together. .
[0057]
Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the resin film 4 before being integrally formed with the upper silicone elastic member 3 or the lower silicone elastic member 5 penetrates in advance in the thickness direction along the outer shape of the bottom surface of the key top 2. A cutting line or notch 16 is formed. Thereby, when the key top 2 is pressed down, the operating force is interrupted by the cutting line or the notch 16, only the portion of the resin film 4 directly below the key top 2 is lowered, and the operating force is applied to the outer portion thereof. Since it is not transmitted, the resin film 4 around the key top 2 can maintain its original shape. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adjacent key tops 2 from being pressed down together. When the key top 2 is returned to the original position, the elastic restoring force of the silicone elastic sheets 5 and 6 plays a role, so that the operation of the operated key top 2 does not become slow.
[0058]
Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is possible to maintain stable operability of the key top 2 without being influenced by the characteristics of the resin film 4. Since the range of selection is widened, the degree of freedom of design of the member 1 for a push button switch is increased.
[0059]
Even when the cutting line or notch 16 is formed in the resin film 4, the front surface and the back surface of the resin film 4 are in contact with the silicone elastic sheet 5 of the upper silicone elastic member 3 and the silicone elastic sheet 5 of the lower silicone elastic member 4. Since the entire surface is sandwiched by the elastic sheet 6, dustproofness and waterproofness are maintained.
[0060]
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
[0061]
Third Embodiment of the Invention
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of a member for a push button switch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0062]
In the member 1 for a push button switch according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the flat portion connecting the adjacent key tops 2 is eliminated, and the adjacent key tops 2 are partitioned by the V-shaped groove 17. I have. This is possible because the key top 2 is formed integrally with the upper silicone elastic member on the surface of the resin film 4, and it can be said that there is no problem in manufacturing a molding die.
[0063]
Further, a coating layer 18 of urethane-based ink is provided on the top surface of the key top 2 and the surface of the V-shaped groove 17. As a result, a smoother surface than the surface of the silicone elastic member is obtained, and a texture like a hard resin key top can be obtained.
[0064]
In addition, a pattern 19 such as a character, a number, a symbol, and a pattern representing a switch function is formed on both the front surface and the back surface of the resin film 4 with a colored ink. On the surface of the colored ink pattern 19a formed on the surface of the resin film 4 and on the outside thereof, a transparent polycarbonate-based ink 10 for improving adhesion to the upper silicone elastic member 3 is applied, and formed on the back surface of the resin film 4. On the surface of the colored ink pattern 19b and the outside thereof, a colored polycarbonate-based ink 14 for improving the adhesiveness with the lower silicone elastic member 5 is applied.
[0065]
As a result, the colored polycarbonate-based ink 14 applied to the back surface of the resin film 4 becomes a background of the pattern 19a formed on the front surface of the resin film 4 and the pattern 19b formed on the back surface of the resin film 4, and the contrast between the two. The patterns 19a and 19b can be clearly recognized.
[0066]
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
[0067]
In the first to third embodiments described above, the silicone elastic sheet 6 of the upper silicone elastic member 3, the resin film 4, and the silicone elastic sheet 7 of the lower silicone elastic member 5 may have a configuration in which any one covers the entire surface. It suffices if the other two have a configuration in which a cutout is provided in a part thereof, so that dustproofness and waterproofness can be ensured. Further, when used for applications in which dustproofness and waterproofness are not a problem, all three may have a cutout.
[0068]
Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, the example in which the punching pattern 11 is formed on the resin film 4 and the pattern 19 is formed on the front surface and / or the back surface of the resin film 4 has been described. Alternatively, a pattern may be formed on the top surface of the key top 2.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an upper silicone elastic member in which a plurality of key tops are integrally formed on a thin silicone elastic sheet is integrally formed on the surface of a resin film serving as a core material. On the back side of the resin film, a lower silicone elastic member in which a thin film-like silicone elastic sheet is integrally formed with a base portion for defining the distance from the substrate is integrated, so that the key tops which are repeatedly deformed are integrated with each other. Since the resin film as the core material can bear a part of the stress generated at the connection portion of the silicone elastic sheet between the plurality of key tops, a large stress is applied to the connection portion connecting each key top with a large stress. Even if it is, the durability of the connection portion can be maintained.
[0070]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 2, an adhesive layer of a polycarbonate-based ink is provided between the surface of the resin film and the upper silicone elastic member, and the polycarbonate-based ink is provided between the back surface of the resin film and the lower silicone elastic member. Since the ink has an adhesive layer, the polycarbonate-based ink rich in carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups at the terminals or side chains has sufficient adhesion strength between the silicone elastic member rubber and the resin film, and the upper silicone elastic member, the resin film and the lower part. Since the performance as a composite material in which the side silicone elastic member is completely integrated can be exhibited, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, a more durable one can be obtained.
[0071]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, at least the key top and the silicone elastic sheet immediately below the key top have translucency, and the resin film immediately below the key top has characters that are visible from the top surface of the key top. , Numbers, symbols, designs, etc. are formed, so that in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the display is sandwiched between silicone elastic sheets and is damaged from the outside. The display section does not wear out even after repeated operations.
[0072]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 4, the resin film has a light-shielding property, and the display portion has a cut-out pattern formed by cutting out the resin film. Since the display portion can be illuminated with the emission color, in addition to the effect of the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to save the trouble of providing a translucent coloring layer inside the blank pattern.
[0073]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the translucent colored layer is filled in the blank pattern, the white light is used for the backlight in addition to the effect of the fourth aspect. By doing so, it is possible to illuminate the blank pattern with an arbitrary color.
[0074]
According to the invention described in claim 6, the resin film has a light-transmitting property, and a light-shielding colored layer or a metallic material having a cut-out pattern imitating a display portion is formed on the back surface of the light-transmitting resin film. Since it has a layer, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 3, it is possible to give a variety and luxury of the design of the member for the push button switch, which is optimal for personal products such as mobile phones. Become.
[0075]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the resin film portion corresponding to the outer peripheral portion of the bottom surface of the key top portion has a cutting line or notch penetrating in the thickness direction of the resin film. 6, in addition to the effect of any one of the above, when the key top is pressed down, the operating force is interrupted by the cutting line or the notch, and only the portion immediately below the key top of the resin film descends, and the outer portion thereof Since the operating force is not transmitted to the key top, the resin film around the key top can be maintained in the original shape, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent the next key top from being pressed down together. When the key top is returned to the original position, the elastic restoring force of the silicone elastic sheet plays a role, so that the operation of the operated key top does not become dull. Thereby, a smooth key top operation is realized regardless of the material of the resin film, so that the range of choice of the resin film is widened, and the degree of freedom of design of the member for the push button switch is increased.
[0076]
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the back surface of the lower silicone elastic member immediately below the keytop has a contact or a pressing projection for pressing the contact member. In addition to the effects described above, a switch device that can easily realize a switch function by combining with a fixed contact provided on a substrate can be completed.
[0077]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, an upper silicone elastic member having a plurality of convex key tops formed on one surface of a thin film silicone elastic sheet is integrally molded, and at the same time, a resin is formed on the other surface of the silicone elastic sheet. The method includes a step of integrally molding a film and a step of integrally molding a lower silicone elastic member having a base portion for defining a gap between the substrate and a thin silicone elastic sheet on the back surface of the resin film. Even if the tops are dense, it is possible to provide a member for a push button switch that maintains the durability of a connection portion connecting each key top without employing a complicated molding method such as grouping molding. it can.
[0078]
According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, before the step of integrally molding the upper silicone elastic member, the lower silicone elastic member and the resin film, a step of applying a polycarbonate-based ink to the front and back surfaces of the resin film is provided. Therefore, the polycarbonate-based ink rich in carboxyl groups and hydroxyl groups in the terminal or side chain has sufficient adhesion strength between the silicone elastic member rubber and the resin film, and the upper silicone elastic member, the resin film and the lower silicone elastic member Since the performance as a composite material which is completely integrated can be exhibited, in addition to the effects of the ninth aspect of the present invention, a more durable material can be obtained.
[0079]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 11, before the step of integrally molding the upper silicone elastic member, the lower silicone elastic member and the resin film, a surface modification treatment for improving the adhesiveness on the front and back surfaces of the resin film. Since a carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group having high reactivity can be formed on the front and back surfaces of the resin film, the adhesive strength between the silicone elastic member rubber and the resin film becomes sufficient, and the upper silicone Since the performance as a composite material in which the elastic member, the resin film, and the lower silicone elastic member are completely integrated can be exhibited, in addition to the effect of the invention according to claim 9, the durability is further improved. Higher things are obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a main part of a member for a push button switch according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part showing one mode of a display portion of a resin film of a member for a push button switch according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another mode of the display portion of the resin film of the member for the push button switch according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a member for a push button switch according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of a member for a push button switch according to the third embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating conventional grouping molding.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pushbutton switch members
2 key top
3 Upper silicone elastic member
4 Resin film
5 Lower silicone elastic member
6,7 Silicone elastic sheet
8 Pressing convex part
9 Base
10, 14 Polycarbonate ink (adhesive layer)
11 Die cut pattern (display)
12. Light-shielding colored layer or metallic layer
13 Translucent colored layer
15 Colored layer
16 Cutting line or notch
17 V-shaped groove
18 Coating layer
19, 19a, 19b pattern

Claims (11)

A push button switch member in which a plurality of convex key tops are arranged on a sheet-like member, wherein the plurality of key tops are integrally formed on a thin film-like silicone elastic sheet on a surface of a resin film serving as a core material. An elastic member is integrated, and a lower silicone elastic member is integrally formed on a back surface of the resin film, in which a base portion for defining a gap with a substrate is integrally formed on a thin film silicone elastic sheet. For pushbutton switches. Having an adhesive layer of polycarbonate ink between the surface of the resin film and the upper silicone elastic member, and having an adhesive layer of polycarbonate ink between the back surface of the resin film and the lower silicone elastic member The member for a push button switch according to claim 1, wherein: At least the key top and the silicone elastic sheet immediately below the key top have translucency, and the portion of the resin film immediately below the key top has letters, numerals, and symbols visible from the top surface of the key top. The member for a push button switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a display portion such as a symbol or the like is formed. The member for a push button switch according to claim 3, wherein the resin film has a light-shielding property, and the display portion has a cutout pattern formed by cutting out the resin film. The member for a push button switch according to claim 4, wherein a light-transmitting colored layer is filled in the punching pattern. The resin film has a light-transmitting property, and has a light-shielding colored layer or a metallic layer having a cut-out pattern imitating the display unit on the back surface of the light-transmissive resin film; 4. The member for a push button switch according to claim 3, wherein a translucent colored layer is filled therein. 7. A cutting line or notch penetrating in a thickness direction of the resin film at a portion of the resin film corresponding to an outer peripheral portion of a bottom surface of the key top portion. 4. A member for a push button switch as described in (1). The member for a push button switch according to claim 7, wherein a back surface of the lower silicone elastic member immediately below the key top has a contact or a pressing protrusion for pressing the contact member. A step of integrally molding an upper silicone elastic member having a plurality of convex key tops formed on one surface of a thin-film silicone elastic sheet while simultaneously molding a resin film on the other surface of the silicone elastic sheet; A step of integrally forming a lower silicone elastic member having a base portion defining a distance from a substrate on a thin film silicone elastic sheet on a surface of the film opposite to the upper silicone elastic member. A method for manufacturing a member for a push button switch. 10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: before the step of integrally molding the upper silicone elastic member, the lower silicone elastic member and the resin film, applying a polycarbonate-based ink to the front and back surfaces of the resin film. 4. The method for producing a member for a push button switch according to claim 1. Before the step of integrally molding the upper silicone elastic member, the lower silicone elastic member, and the resin film, a step of performing a surface modification treatment on the front and back surfaces of the resin film to improve adhesion is provided. The method for manufacturing a member for a push button switch according to claim 9.

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