JP2007134071A - Member for push-button switch and its manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a member for push-button switch which gives a push button a natural metallic feel and a high-grade feel, which allows the push button to be accurately placed and thinned, and which is hard to be stained. <P>SOLUTION: In the member 1 for push-button switch having a form in which a gap between adjacent metal push buttons 10 is filled with a transparent organic polymer 15, the transparent organic polymer 15 includes a transparent resin sheet 11 extending from the inner surface of the gap to the top side of the push button, and a transparent rubbery elastomer 12 on the inside of the transparent resin sheet 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a member for a push button switch used on an operation surface of an electronic device and a method for manufacturing the same.

  In the industry of electronic devices, particularly members for push button switches used for the operation surface of mobile phones, diversification of design and functions has been increasing. In recent years, as a member for a push button switch used in an electronic device such as a cellular phone, a member having a metallic appearance is used as a high-class design. The pushbutton switch member having the metallic appearance has a configuration in which a plated layer, a resin molded portion, and a base rubber are laminated in this order from the front side of the pushbutton. A plating layer consists of nickel plating, copper plating, and chromium plating, for example (for example, refer patent document 1). Further, a technique for forming a transparent resin coating layer on the surface of the plating layer in order to protect the plating layer is also known. There is also known a member for a push button switch in which a resin film subjected to metal vapor deposition is drawn and used as an outer shell to fill and integrate a core material made of resin or rubber.

  In addition, a pushbutton switch member having a structure in which a metal pushbutton is pasted on the surface of a soft sheet such as silicone rubber is also known in order to further enhance the high-class feeling of an electronic device such as a mobile phone (for example, patent document). 2). This push button switch member is further designed in consideration of use in dark places and design, and a hole having a shape such as a numeral is formed in the push button itself, a transparent resin is fitted into the hole, and light is applied from the back side of the push button. This makes it easier to see the numbers.

Furthermore, there is a strong demand for thinness in electronic devices such as mobile phones. For this reason, the push button switch member attached to an electronic device such as a mobile phone is also required to be thin.
JP 2003-129248 A (Claims etc.) Korean Patent Publication No. 100454203 (Claims etc.)

  However, the above described push button switch member has the following problems. In the case of manufacturing a metallic pushbutton switch member by forming a plating layer on the surface of the resin molded portion, there is a problem that the plating layer easily peels off and cannot be used for a long period of time. In addition, when a metallic tone is imparted by plating, there is a problem that productivity is poor and the environment is adversely affected. In addition, the plated push button switch member can express a metallic texture to some extent, but it is difficult to give a natural metallic feeling. Further, in the case of a resin-made push button with a metallic tone, a certain amount of thickness is required to ensure strength as long as resin is used as a material. This is an obstacle to reducing the thickness.

  On the other hand, when a metal push button is affixed to the surface of a soft sheet such as silicone rubber, the above problem is hardly caused because the metal push button is used. However, the process of accurately positioning and bonding individual metal push buttons on the keypad is a very complicated process. In addition, since a soft sheet such as silicone rubber is present in the gap between the metal push buttons, there is a problem that the gap portion has a relatively large coefficient of friction and is likely to be contaminated with dirt and dust.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has an object of providing a push button switch member that has a natural metallic feeling and a high-class feeling, is accurately placed and thinned in push buttons, and is not easily contaminated. .

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a pushbutton switch member having a configuration in which a transparent organic polymer is filled in a gap between adjacent metal pushbuttons, and the organic polymer is in the gap. The push button switch member includes a transparent resin sheet extending from the side surface to the top surface of the push button, and a transparent rubber-like elastic body inside the transparent resin sheet.

  As described above, since the push button is a metal member, there is no problem that the adhesion between the plating layer and the resin molded portion is reduced, and a natural metal feeling can be realized. Further, by using a metal push button, it is possible to easily reduce the thickness. Furthermore, the pushbutton switch member according to the present invention has a structure in which a gap between adjacent metal pushbuttons is filled with a transparent rubber-like elastic body covered with a transparent resin sheet. A material having a relatively small friction coefficient, such as a transparent resin sheet, is interposed in the gap. Therefore, it is difficult to get dirt and dust. Furthermore, since the metal push buttons are not individually attached to the organic polymer body, the push buttons can be accurately arranged.

  In another aspect of the present invention, in the previous invention, a member for a pushbutton switch having a printed layer or a colored layer in at least a portion of the transparent resin sheet extending to the top surface side of the metal pushbutton. Therefore, the function of each metal push button can be displayed. In particular, when light is irradiated from the back side of a transparent rubber-like elastic body, the printed layer or the colored layer portion can be confirmed even in a dark place, so that use in a dark place is facilitated. When a hole is formed in a metal push button so that a transparent resin sheet can be seen, a printed layer or a colored layer may be provided on the back side of the metal push button.

  In another aspect of the present invention, in each of the preceding inventions, a member for a push button switch is provided in which irregularities or holes are provided on the surface of a metal push button to form numbers, symbols, patterns or pictures. Thus, since the unevenness | corrugation or the hole is formed in the surface of metal pushbuttons, possibility that the said number etc. drawn by the said unevenness | corrugation or a hole will disappear by operation of a pushbutton becomes very low. The pattern formed by the unevenness or the hole can be formed by processing such as laser, press, etching, mat, hairline, or the like. Further, when a hole is made in a metal push button, the pattern portion can be easily recognized by irradiating light from the back side of the push button. For this reason, it is particularly convenient when an electronic device using a pushbutton switch member is used in a dark place.

  In another aspect of the present invention, in each of the previous inventions, a light emitting member is disposed between a surface of the transparent rubber-like elastic body opposite to the metal push button and a circuit board disposed below the surface. It is a member for a push button switch. For this reason, the gap between the push buttons can be illuminated. This makes it easy to visually recognize the location of each push button, and can be easily used when an electronic device using the push button switch member is used in a dark place. As the light emitting member, for example, an LED or an EL sheet can be suitably used.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a member for a pushbutton switch having a form in which a transparent organic polymer is filled in a gap between adjacent metal pushbuttons, the transparent resin sheet on one side of a metal plate A step of forming a hole by etching from the surface opposite to the surface of the metal plate on which the transparent resin sheet is pasted to the transparent resin sheet, and a hole from the outside of the transparent resin sheet. A method for manufacturing a member for a pushbutton switch, which includes a step of inserting a transparent rubber-like elastic body toward the hole and filling the hole with a transparent rubber-like elastic body covered with a transparent resin sheet.

  As described above, since the hole is made from one side of the metal plate to the resin sheet pasted on the opposite side, even if each push button is a separate member for a push button switch, the metal plate can be separated into individual push buttons. The member for a push button switch can be manufactured without separating each time. Therefore, the position of the push button depends exclusively on the accuracy in the process of drawing the area to be etched. For this reason, a push button can be arrange | positioned easily and correctly compared with the process of sticking each push button. Moreover, since the transparent resin sheet is pushed into the hole by using the filling pressure of the transparent rubber-like elastic body, there is no need to separately fill the transparent resin sheet and the transparent rubber-like elastic body. The manufacturing process can be simplified.

  Another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a member for a push button switch having a form in which a transparent organic polymer is filled in a gap between adjacent metal push buttons, the thickness of the metal plate being measured from one side of the metal plate. Etching from a surface opposite to the surface on which the transparent resin sheet is pasted, the step of etching to a halfway position to form a concave portion, the step of sticking a transparent resin sheet on the metal plate so as to block the concave portion on one side A step of forming a hole connected to the recess formed in advance, and a transparent rubber-like elastic body is inserted from the outside of the transparent resin sheet toward the hole, and the hole is covered with the transparent resin sheet. And a process for filling a rubber-like elastic body.

  In this way, etching is performed from both sides of the metal plate to form a continuous hole at a predetermined position of the thickness of the metal plate, so that the edge portion of the hole on both sides of the metal plate is clear Easy to form. Therefore, the push button can be processed into an accurate shape. In addition, as in the previous manufacturing method, even if the push button switch member has a form in which each push button is separated, the push button switch member can be produced without separating the metal plate for each push button. Therefore, the position of the push button depends exclusively on the accuracy in the process of drawing the area to be etched. For this reason, a push button can be arrange | positioned easily and correctly compared with the process of sticking each push button.

  Moreover, since the transparent resin sheet is pushed into the hole by using the filling pressure of the transparent rubber-like elastic body, there is no need to separately fill the transparent resin sheet and the transparent rubber-like elastic body. The manufacturing process can be simplified.

  In addition, another invention of the present invention is the pushbutton switch further including a step of forming a printing layer or a colored layer on at least a portion of the transparent resin sheet extending to the top surface side of the metal pushbutton. The manufacturing method of the member for use. By adopting such a manufacturing method, the function of each of the metal push buttons can be displayed. In particular, when light is irradiated from the back side of a transparent rubber-like elastic body, the printed layer or the colored layer portion can be confirmed even in a dark place, so that it is possible to manufacture a push button switch member for an electronic device that is easy to use in a dark place. it can. In addition, when a hole is formed in a metal push button so that a transparent resin sheet can be seen, a printed layer or a colored layer may be provided on the back side of the metal push button.

  In addition, in another of the present invention, in each of the preceding inventions, a method for manufacturing a member for a push button switch, further comprising a step of forming irregularities or holes on the surface of the metal push button to form numbers, symbols, patterns, or pictures. It is said. As described above, since the process of forming irregularities or holes on the surface of the metal push button is adopted, it is very unlikely that the numbers drawn by the irregularities or the holes will disappear due to the operation of the push button. Can be manufactured. The pattern formed by the unevenness or the hole can be formed by processing such as laser, press, etching, mat, hairline, or the like. Further, when a hole is made in a metal push button, the pattern portion can be easily recognized by irradiating light from the back side of the push button. For this reason, the member for pushbutton switches of the electronic device which is easy to use especially in a dark place can be manufactured.

  In another aspect of the present invention, in each of the preceding inventions, the light emitting member is disposed between a surface of the transparent rubber-like elastic body opposite to the metal push button and a circuit board disposed below the surface. The manufacturing method of the member for pushbutton switches which further includes a process. For this reason, the gap between the push buttons can be illuminated. This makes it easy to visually recognize the location of each push button, and it is possible to manufacture a push button switch member for an electronic device that is easy to use in a dark place. As the light emitting member, for example, an LED or an EL sheet can be preferably used.

  As the material of the metal push button constituting the member for a push button switch according to the present invention, aluminum, magnesium, copper, zinc, titanium, and the like, and alloys thereof can be preferably used in addition to stainless steel. It is more preferable to use a stainless steel system. However, the above metal is only an example, and other metal materials may be adopted.

  The material of the transparent organic polymer constituting the pushbutton switch member according to the present invention is composed of a transparent resin sheet and a transparent rubber-like elastic body. As a material for the transparent resin sheet, in addition to PET, a transparent resin having a high spreadability such as urethane, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polyester may be used. Further, silicone rubber is particularly preferable as a material for the transparent rubber-like elastic body. However, it is not limited to silicone rubber, and urethane rubber may be employed as another transparent rubber-like elastic body. In addition, the term “transparent” in the present invention should be interpreted broadly to include colorless and transparent, colored and transparent.

  The metal push buttons may be separated from each other or a plurality of metal push buttons may be gathered. Further, the push buttons may not be separated but may be connected in a state in which a part of the periphery of each push button is cut.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a push button switch member that has a natural metallic feeling and a high-class feeling, that is capable of accurately arranging and thinning the push buttons and that is not easily soiled.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a member for a push button switch and a manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the embodiments, an example in which a push button switch member is employed as an operation unit of a mobile phone is described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be applied to an operation unit such as an electronic device other than a mobile phone, such as a notebook personal computer or an electronic notebook.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1A is a plan view of a pushbutton switch member according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in the plan view. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view (b) taken along the line AA in FIG.

  The pushbutton switch member 1 includes a plurality of metal pushbuttons 10 and a transparent organic polymer body 15 (a transparent resin sheet 11 and a transparent rubber-like material) disposed so as to fill a gap between the metal pushbuttons 10. And a transparent resin coating layer 13 applied to the surface of each metal push button 10, and on the back side of the transparent organic polymer body 15 (on the opposite side to the metal push button 10). The light emitting member 14 is mainly provided.

  The metal push button 10 is a pressable operation portion of the push button switch member 1. On the operation surface of the metal push button 10, both numbers and alphabets are formed in a concave shape by pressing. However, the pattern formed on the operation surface may be a pattern other than numerals or alphabets (for example, a symbol or a picture), or may be formed by a processing method such as laser, etching, mat, or hairline. Further, stainless steel is used as the material of the metal push button 10. However, aluminum, magnesium, copper, zinc, titanium, or various alloys can also be employed. A suitable thickness of the metal plate 10a for forming the metal push button 10 is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.15 mm to 0.25 mm. By adopting such a thickness range, deformation due to operation is less likely to occur, and it is possible to meet the demand for thinness. However, the thickness of the metal plate 10a is not limited to the above range, and may be designed to be less than 0.1 mm or more than 0.5 mm.

  The transparent resin coating layer 13 formed on the operation surface of the metal push button 10 has a higher hardness than acrylic synthetic resin such as acrylic, polycarbonate, epoxy, oxetane, etc. A transparent synthetic resin such as low urethane type or fluorine type can be used. In the case of maintaining the metal appearance of the metal push button 10 and for the purpose of preventing the touch during operation and the injury caused by the metal burrs, the transparent resin coating layer 13 has a particularly high hardness. It is more preferable to use a high resin paint. However, the above-mentioned resin paint is only an example, and other resin paints may be adopted. The transparent resin coating layer 13 is not an essential layer, and is formed when the feel during operation is good and the risk of injury is low due to the selection of the type of metal and processing that does not generate burrs or the like. It is not necessary.

  The transparent resin sheet 11 constituting the transparent organic polymer body 15 is a transparent sheet-like resin having a spreadability. For example, an organic polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), urethane, etc. A molecular compound or a composite thereof. For example, an alloy of PC and PBT is also rich in aperture characteristics and can be suitably used. Moreover, the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 constituting the transparent organic polymer body 15 is, for example, silicone rubber, urethane rubber or the like. However, other materials (for example, a thermoplastic elastomer) may be employed as the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12. A suitable thickness of the transparent resin sheet 11 is in a range of 0.03 mm to 0.2 mm, and more preferably in a range of 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm. As will be described later, the transparent resin sheet 11 does not have a hole due to the filling of the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 and smoothly extends into the gap between the metal push buttons 10. is there. However, the thickness of the transparent resin sheet 11 may be less than 0.03 mm or may exceed 0.2 mm.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the transparent resin sheet 11 is disposed so as to wrap around the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 in the gap between the metal push buttons 10, and therefore, on the operation surface side of the metal push button 10. The transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 is not exposed. Therefore, it is difficult for dirt and dust to adhere to the gap between the metal push buttons 10. In addition, since the push button switch member 1 is configured so that the metal push button 10 and the transparent resin sheet 11 disposed in the gap between the push buttons 10 are substantially in the same plane, the metal push button Dirt or the like is less likely to adhere to the gap between the ten pieces.

  A light emitting member 14 is provided between the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 and a circuit board (not shown) disposed below the transparent elastic elastic body 12. As the light emitting member 14, an EL sheet can be suitably used. However, a light emitting member 14 (for example, LED) other than the EL sheet may be adopted. Thus, by arranging the light emitting member 14 below the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12, the transparent resin sheet 11 can be illuminated by the light emission of the light emitting member 14. Therefore, the push button switch member 1 can be easily operated even in a dark place.

  Further, if a hole is made in the operation surface of the metal push button 10 and the functions (for example, numerals and alphabets) of the metal push buttons 10 are displayed, the light emitting member 14 is transparent when the light emitting member 14 is caused to emit light. Through the rubber-like elastic body 12, the transparent resin sheet 11, and the hole, light according to the shape of the hole can be visually recognized on the operation surface side. For this reason, each metal push button 10 can be used more easily in a dark place. In addition, without forming a hole, a recess is formed from the operating surface of the metal push button 10 to the depth of the opposite side, and the bottom surface of the recess is made thinner than other regions, thereby forming the shape of the recess. It is also possible to transmit light as expected. Even in the case where such a recess is formed, an effect is obtained in which each metal push button 10 can be used more easily in a dark place.

  Next, an example of the manufacturing method of the member 1 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a manufacturing method of the pushbutton switch member 1 according to the first embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 4 is a figure which shows the state in each process which manufactures the member 1 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 1st Embodiment.

  First, the transparent resin sheet 11 is bonded to one side of the metal plate 10a that is the state before the processing of the metal push button 10 (step S101). For this adhesion, a thermosetting adhesive that exhibits an adhesive function by heating can be suitably used, but a double-sided tape or an adhesive that can be cured at room temperature may be used. By this step S101, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS. Next, a pattern is formed by pressing on the surface of the metal plate 10a that serves as a push button opposite to the surface on which the transparent resin sheet 11 is pasted (step S102).

  Next, the metal plate 10a is etched until the transparent resin sheet 11 is reached (step S103). As a result, the hole 20 is formed. By this step S103, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, photoetching is employed as an etching method having advantages such as freedom of design, high processing accuracy, low initial cost, and the like. As a method for forming the hole 20 other than photoetching, for example, machining using a tool for precision machining may be employed.

  Next, a transparent resin coating layer 13 is formed on the surface of the metal push button 10 (step S104). This step is performed, for example, by a method such as spraying, coating, or painting. In this step, the transparent resin coating layer 13 and the metal push button 10 are brought into intimate contact with each other in order to prevent the hand from being injured by a burr generated on the metal push button 10 or the touch feeling from being deteriorated. Done. This is also for preventing dirt from adhering to the pattern formed on the operation surface of the metal push button 10. By this step S104, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS.

Next, the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 is filled toward the hole 20 at a high pressure from the side where the transparent resin sheet 11 is pasted (step S105). As a result, the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 itself fills the hole 20 while pushing the transparent resin sheet 11 into the hole 20. The pressure at the time of filling the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 is preferably 200 kgf / cm ² or less, and the temperature at the time of filling is preferably in the range of 100 to 180 ° C. It is not limited, It can change suitably according to various conditions, such as the material of the transparent resin sheet 11 and the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12. FIG. By this step S105, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS. That is, the transparent resin sheet 11 is extended from the back surface of the metal push button 10 along the inner surface of the gap so as to form the top surface of the gap. Moreover, the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 exists from the back side of the transparent resin sheet 11 to the back side of the metal push button 10.

  Next, the light emitting member 14 is pasted from the back side of the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 (step S106). As an attaching method, it is preferable to use an adhesive, a double-sided tape or the like. By this step S106, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the push button switch member and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present invention will be described.

  The push button switch member according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the push button switch member 1 according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, also about the member for pushbutton switches which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, suppose that the same code | symbol as the member 1 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 1st Embodiment is used. Also, the constituent parts constituting the pushbutton switch member 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as the constituent parts constituting the pushbutton switch member 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore the same reference numerals are used. The description which overlaps with 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for manufacturing the pushbutton switch member 1 according to the second embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 6 is a figure which shows the state in each process which manufactures the member 1 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

  First, etching is performed from one side of the metal plate 10a to the middle of the thickness of the metal plate 10a to form the recess 21 (step S201). As for the etching, it is preferable to employ photo-etching as in the first embodiment. By step S201, the pushbutton switch member 1 is in the state shown in FIG.

  Next, the transparent resin sheet 11 is bonded to the opening-side surface of the recess 21 in the metal plate 10a (step S202). For this adhesion, a thermosetting adhesive that exhibits an adhesive function by heating can be suitably used, but a double-sided tape or an adhesive that can be cured at room temperature may be used. By this step S202, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS. Next, a pattern is formed by pressing on the surface of the metal plate 10a that serves as a push button opposite to the surface on which the transparent resin sheet 11 is pasted (step S203).

  Next, etching is performed from the side opposite to the opening side of the recess 21 to form a hole 20 that continues to the recess 21 (step S204). By this step S204, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS.

  Next, the transparent resin coating layer 13 is formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the transparent resin sheet 11 is pasted in the metal push button 10 (step S205). By this step S205, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS.

  Next, the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 is filled toward the hole 20 at a high pressure from the side where the transparent resin sheet 11 is pasted (step S206). As a result, the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 itself fills the hole 20 while pushing the transparent resin sheet 11 into the hole 20. By this step S206, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS. That is, the transparent resin sheet 11 is extended from the back surface of the metal push button 10 along the inner surface of the gap so as to form the top surface of the gap. Moreover, the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 exists from the back side of the transparent resin sheet 11 to the back side of the metal push button 10.

  Next, the light emitting member 14 is pasted from the back side of the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 (step S207). By this step S207, the push button switch member 1 is brought into the state shown in FIGS.

  By adopting the manufacturing process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, it becomes difficult to damage the transparent resin sheet 11 during etching. That is, after the recess 21 is formed, etching is performed from the side opposite to the opening surface of the recess 21, and the etching is stopped when the recess 21 is connected. It becomes difficult to give. Further, since the holes 20 are formed by etching from both surfaces of the metal plate 10a, it is easy to form edges at both openings of the holes 20, and the edges of the metal push button 10 can be easily formed. Therefore, when the transparent organic polymer body 15 is filled, the interface between the metal push button 10 and the transparent organic polymer body 15 becomes clear.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the push button switch member and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present invention will be described.

  The pushbutton switch member 30 according to the third embodiment has a configuration part in common with the pushbutton switch member 1 according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, the same reference numerals are used for the components common to the pushbutton switch member 30 according to the third embodiment and the pushbutton switch member 1 according to the first embodiment, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. .

  FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of a cross-sectional view of the pushbutton switch member 30 according to the third embodiment, taken along line AA in FIG. 7A shows an example in which the transparent resin coating layer 13 formed on the surface of the metal push button 10 and the transparent organic polymer body 15 are flush with each other. Moreover, (b) shows an example in which the transparent organic polymer body 15 is in a state of protruding from the transparent resin coating layer 13 to the surface side.

  As is clear from a comparison between FIG. 7 and FIG. 2, the pushbutton switch member 30 according to the third embodiment includes a printing layer 25 between the transparent resin sheet 11 and the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12. Or it differs from the member 1 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 1st Embodiment by the point in which the colored layer 25 (henceforth "printing layer etc." 25) exists. In FIG. 7, the print layer 25 or the like is indicated by a thick black line. Moreover, it differs from the member 1 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 1st Embodiment also in the point which uses the urethane resin as the transparent resin sheet 11. FIG.

  The printing layer 25 may be formed in advance on the transparent resin sheet 11 or the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12, or may be formed separately before or after the transparent resin sheet 11 is attached to the metal plate 10a. May be. In the latter case, it is preferable to perform the process of forming the print layer 25 or the like before step S202 in FIG. 5 or between step S202 and step S206. The print layer 25 is formed so that printing or coloring can be visually recognized from the front side of the pushbutton switch member 30 by irradiation of light from the back side of the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12. As a method for forming the print layer 25 or the like, for example, a method of converting a desired design into data in a CAD process and drawing on the transparent resin sheet 11 or the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 based on the created data. Can be mentioned. As a specific method for forming the print layer 25 or the like, for example, methods such as screen printing and curved surface printing can be employed. Note that the print layer 25 or the like may be formed between the surface of the metal push button 10 and the transparent resin sheet 11.

  When a urethane resin is adopted as the transparent resin sheet 11, higher spreadability can be expected as compared with PET. Accordingly, even when the pressure when filling the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 is relatively small, or even when the thickness of the metal push button 10 is large, the transparent resin sheet 11 is placed in the gap between the metal push buttons 10. And a transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 can be easily filled.

  Further, the pushbutton switch member 30 shown in FIG. 7B has a structure in which the transparent organic polymer body 15 protrudes more on the surface side than the transparent resin coating layer 13 formed on the surface of the metal pushbutton 10. It differs from the pushbutton switch member 30 shown in FIG. Thus, by making the clearance gap between the metal pushbuttons 10 into a convex shape, the position of each metal pushbutton 10 can be easily grasped by the touch of a finger. In particular, if a part or all of the periphery of the numeral “5” push button has a convex shape, it is possible to give a role similar to the role of the protrusion on the surface of the numeral “5” push button in an existing mobile phone. In addition, projecting the transparent organic polymer body 15 is more advantageous in protecting the user's finger than projecting a part of the surface of the metal push button 10. The structure shown in FIG. 7B can be easily molded by providing a concave portion on the inner surface of the concave mold of the molding die, for example. Further, among the metal push buttons 10, a number “5” push button is provided with a hole in the shape of the number, and the transparent organic polymer 15 is projected from the back side to the hole, so that an existing mobile phone A role similar to the role of the protrusion on the surface of the push button with the numeral “5” can also be given. Furthermore, not only the push button “5” but also the transparent organic polymer 15 may be projected on the surface of the push button of other numbers so that each push button can be recognized by the touch of a finger.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the push button switch member and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present invention will be described.

  The pushbutton switch member 40 according to the fourth embodiment has a configuration part in common with the pushbutton switch member 1 according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, about the component which is common in the member 40 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 4th Embodiment, and the member 1 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is used and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. . In addition, as the manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment, any of the manufacturing methods according to the first and second embodiments described above may be adopted.

  FIG. 8: is a top view (a) of the member 40 for pushbutton switches which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention, and the BB sectional drawing (b) in the said top view (a).

  The pushbutton switch member 40 is obtained by integrating each metal pushbutton 10 and the outer peripheral frame 41. The push button switch member 40 is formed of a transparent organic polymer 15 (transparent resin sheet 11+ from the back side in the gaps between the metal push buttons 10 floating in an island shape and between the metal push buttons 10 and the outer peripheral frame 41. It has a structure filled with a transparent rubber-like elastic body 12), and has a structure similar to that of the push button switch member 1 according to the first embodiment. Such a structure makes it easy to obtain a sense of unity between the metal push button 10 and the outer peripheral frame 41.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the push button switch member and the method for manufacturing the same according to the present invention will be described.

  The pushbutton switch member 50 according to the fifth embodiment has the same components as the pushbutton switch member 1 according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, about the component which is common in the member 50 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 5th Embodiment, and the member 1 for pushbutton switches which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is used and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted. . As for the manufacturing method according to the fifth embodiment, any of the manufacturing methods according to the first and second embodiments described above may be adopted.

  FIG. 9A is a plan view of a pushbutton switch member 50 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 9A.

  In the pushbutton switch member 50, a part of each metal pushbutton 10 is not separated, but is connected by a notch. A transparent organic polymer body 15 is filled from the back side of the cut. In this way, even when each metal push button 10 forms a region that is not completely separated, the transparent organic polymer 15 is filled into the cuts separating the metal push buttons 10 from each other, The same effects as those of the pushbutton switch members 1, 30, and 40 according to the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

  The preferred embodiments of the pushbutton switch member and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and is implemented with various modifications. be able to.

  For example, the adhesion between the metal plate 10a and the transparent resin sheet 11 is not performed through an adhesive or an adhesive such as a double-sided tape, but one surface of the metal plate 10a is roughened and the transparent resin sheet 11 is attached to the surface. You may make it weld. If necessary, another transparent resin sheet 11 may be bonded on the transparent resin sheet 11 thereafter.

  Further, when filling the hole 20 with the transparent rubber sheet 12 together with the transparent resin sheet 11, the transparent resin sheet 11 is subjected to a primer treatment, and the surface subjected to the primer treatment has a transparent rubber elastic body. It is preferable to supply 12 because the bonding force between the transparent resin sheet 11 and the transparent rubber-like elastic body 12 is increased.

  Further, in the method for manufacturing a pushbutton switch member according to the first embodiment of the present invention, step S101 and step S102 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 may be performed in reverse order. Further, step S104 may be performed after step S105 or step S106. Further, at least one of step S102, step S104, and step S106 may not be performed.

  Further, in the method for manufacturing a pushbutton switch member according to the second embodiment of the present invention, step S203 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 may be performed before step S201, step S202, or step S205. . Further, step S205 may be performed after step S206 or step S207. Furthermore, at least one of step S203, step S205, and step S207 may not be performed.

  The present invention can be used in an industry that manufactures or uses a member for a push button switch of an electronic device.

It is the top view (a) of the member for pushbutton switches which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the AA sectional view (b) in the said top view (a). It is a partially expanded view of the AA sectional view (b) of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the manufacturing method of the member for pushbutton switches which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state in each process of manufacturing the member for pushbutton switches which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the manufacturing method of the member for pushbutton switches which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state in each process which manufactures the member for pushbutton switches which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of a cross-sectional view of the pushbutton switch member according to the third embodiment of the present invention, taken along the same line as the AA line of FIG. 1. (A) shows an example in which the transparent resin coating layer formed on the surface of the metal push button and the transparent organic polymer are in a flush state. Moreover, (b) shows an example in which the transparent organic polymer is in a state protruding from the transparent resin coating layer to the surface side. It is the top view (a) of the member for pushbutton switches which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention, and the BB sectional drawing (b) in the said top view (a). It is the top view (a) of the member for pushbutton switches which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention, and CC sectional view taken on the line in the said top view (a).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pushbutton switch member 10 Metal pushbutton 10a Metal plate 11 Transparent resin sheet 12 Transparent rubber-like elastic body 13 Transparent resin coating layer 14 Light-emitting member 15 Transparent organic polymer 20 Hole 21 Recess 25 Print layer, coloring Layer 30 Pushbutton switch member 40 Pushbutton switch member 50 Pushbutton switch member

Claims (9)

A pushbutton switch member having a configuration in which a transparent organic polymer is filled in a gap between adjacent metal pushbuttons,
The organic polymer body is a transparent resin sheet extending from the inner surface of the gap to the top surface of the push button,
A member for a push button switch, comprising: a transparent rubber-like elastic body inside the transparent resin sheet.   2. The member for a push button switch according to claim 1, further comprising a printed layer or a colored layer at least on a portion of the transparent resin sheet that extends to a top surface side of the metal push button.   3. The member for a push button switch according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a surface of the metal push button is provided with irregularities or holes to form numbers, symbols, patterns or pictures.   The light emitting member is arrange | positioned between the surface on the opposite side to the said metal pushbutton in the said transparent rubber-like elastic body, and the circuit board arrange | positioned therebelow. The member for pushbutton switches of any one of these. A method for producing a pushbutton switch member having a form in which a transparent organic polymer is filled in a gap between adjacent metal pushbuttons,
A process of sticking a transparent resin sheet on one side of a metal plate;
Etching from the surface on the opposite side of the surface of the metal plate to which the transparent resin sheet is pasted to the transparent resin sheet to form a hole;
Putting the transparent rubber-like elastic body from the outside of the transparent resin sheet toward the hole, and filling the hole with the transparent rubber-like elastic body covered with the transparent resin sheet;
A method for manufacturing a member for a push button switch, comprising: A method for producing a pushbutton switch member having a form in which a transparent organic polymer is filled in a gap between adjacent metal pushbuttons,
Etching from one side of the metal plate to the middle of its thickness to form a recess,
A step of sticking a transparent resin sheet on the metal plate so as to close the concave portion on the one side;
Etching from the surface opposite to the surface on which the transparent resin sheet is pasted in the metal plate to form a hole connected to the recess formed in advance,
Putting the transparent rubber-like elastic body from the outside of the transparent resin sheet toward the hole, and filling the hole with the transparent rubber-like elastic body covered with the transparent resin sheet;
A method for manufacturing a member for a push button switch, comprising:   The push button according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a step of forming a printing layer or a colored layer on at least a portion of the transparent resin sheet that extends to a top surface side of the metal push button. A method for manufacturing a switch member.   The pushbutton switch according to any one of claims 5 to 7, further comprising a step of forming irregularities or holes on the surface of the metal pushbutton to form numbers, symbols, patterns, or pictures. Method for manufacturing a member.   The method further comprises the step of disposing a light emitting member between a surface of the transparent rubber-like elastic body opposite to the metal push button and a circuit board disposed below the surface. The manufacturing method of the member for pushbutton switches of any one of 5-8.

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