JP3824577B2 - Key top with film board - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a key top body with a film plate having a structure in which a plurality of key tops are formed by forming a plurality of key top bodies on a film plate.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in order to reduce size and thickness, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a plurality of key tops are formed by directly molding a plurality of synthetic resin key top bodies on a film plate made of a synthetic resin film. A key top body with a film plate having a structure as described above has been developed.
[0003]
For example, as shown in FIG. 2 of the cited document 1, this type of key top body covers the case, exposes the upper part of each key top from the opening provided in the case, and presses the key top exposed from the opening. By doing so, it is used to turn on the switch contact installed on the lower surface side of the key top.
[0004]
In order to prevent the key top body from rattling with respect to other members such as the case, a positioning hole is provided in the peripheral portion of the film plate constituting the key top body, and this positioning hole is provided in the case or other member. It is inserted into and engaged with a locking projection provided on the head, thereby positioning it.
[0005]
However, in the case of the key top body positioning structure according to the conventional method described above, the key top body positioning holes are provided around the film plate constituting the key top body as described above. There is a problem that the size is increased and the miniaturization is hindered.
[0006]
In addition, since a plurality of key tops are formed on a single film plate, when one of the key tops is pressed and lowered, the surrounding key tops are also lowered in conjunction with this. There was also a problem. This problem becomes more serious as the distance between the key tops becomes smaller, that is, as the key top body is made smaller.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-302526
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the size of the key top with a film plate so that the key top in the surroundings can hardly interfere with the operation of any key top. To provide a body.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a key top body with a film plate having a structure in which a plurality of key tops are formed by forming a plurality of key top bodies on a film plate. And a plurality of outer peripheral key tops located around the central key top, and the outer peripheral key tops are connected only by an outer peripheral connecting portion formed of a film plate, and the central key top is connected to the outer peripheral connecting portion. The key top body with a film plate is positioned on another member in a positioning hole forming portion that is connected only by the central connecting portion branched from the middle and is drawn outward from the middle portion of the outer peripheral connecting portion. Positioning holes are provided, and only two central connecting portions are provided in a direction of 90 ° when viewed from the center of the central key top .
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a view showing a key top body with a film plate (hereinafter simply referred to as a “key top body”) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view, and FIG. It is AA sectional drawing of Fig.1 (a). As shown in the figure, the key top body 1 includes four key tops (hereinafter referred to as “peripheral key tops”) 10-2, 3 and 3 around a central key top (hereinafter referred to as “central key top”) 10-1. 4 and 5, and each key top 10-1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is integrated by a connecting part (hereinafter referred to as “outer peripheral connecting part”) 25 or a connecting part (hereinafter referred to as “central connecting part”) 27. It is connected and configured. Each component will be described in detail below. When both the central key top 10-1 and the outer peripheral key tops 10-2 to 5 are indicated at the same time, it is referred to as “key top”. When both the outer peripheral connecting portion 25 and the central connecting portion 27 are indicated simultaneously, Part.
[0013]
In this embodiment, the shapes of the key tops 10-1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are the same. That is, each of the key tops 10-1 to 5 is formed by deforming the flat film plate 20 in an upward direction so as to have the same shape as the upper shape of each of the key tops 10-1 to 5, and a concave portion on the lower surface side of the curved portion. The key top body 30 is formed inside. That is, each of the key tops 10-1 to 5 in this embodiment is configured to cover the upper surface of the key top main body 30 with the film plate 20 curved and deformed upward. A pressing portion 35 that presses a switch contact (not shown) protrudes from the lower surface of the key top body 30.
[0014]
On the other hand, the film plate 20 protrudes from the outer periphery of each of the key tops 10-1 to 5, and the film plate 20 located on the outer periphery constitutes a flange portion 23. The adjacent outer peripheral key tops 10-2, 3, 4, and 5 are connected in a ring shape (including the polygonal shape, the same applies hereinafter) by a total of four outer peripheral connection portions 25 that protrude from the outer periphery of the collar portion 23, respectively. Yes. The center key top 10-1 branches from the middle (center) of each of the four outer peripheral connection portions 25 connected in the ring shape, and is connected to and connected to the flange portion 23 of the center key top 10-1. The four central connecting portions 27 are connected. Positioning holes 29 for positioning the key top body 1 to other members are provided at each branch portion (four locations) of the outer peripheral connecting portion 25 and the central connecting portion 27.
[0015]
The reason why the collar portion 23 is provided is as follows. That is, the inside of the case can be seen from the opening of the case when the key tops 10-1 to 5 are exposed from the opening of the case (not shown) that covers the top of the key top body 1, and the gap between the side surfaces of the key tops 10-1 to 5. This is to prevent the key tops 10-1 to 5-5 from being exposed above the predetermined dimension from the opening of the case. If the gap is small, the collar portion 23 may be omitted.
[0016]
The key top body 1 configured as described above is provided with a case (not shown) on the upper surface thereof, and the upper portions of the key tops 10-1 to 5 are exposed from the openings provided in the case. Switch contacts (not shown) are provided below the pressing portions 35 of -1 to 5, and the switch contacts are pressed by pressing the upper surfaces exposed from the opening portions of the cases of the key tops 10-1 to 5. Turn on. On the other hand, each positioning hole 29 provided in the key top body 1 is positioned by being inserted and engaged with a locking projection (not shown) protruding from a member on the switch board side provided with a case or a switch contact.
[0017]
In the key top body 1 according to the above embodiment, the key tops 10-1 to 5 are connected to each other by the connecting portions 25 and 27. Therefore, any one of the key tops 10-1 to 5 is pressed. Even when the key top is lowered, the amount of the other key tops 10-1 to 5-5 surrounding it is lowered is small. The reason is that the key tops 10-1 to 5 are connected to each other only by the connecting portions 25 and 27 by providing an opening 37 in which the film plate 20 is cut between the key tops 10-1 to 5, respectively. This is because each of the key tops 10-1 to 5 can independently and smoothly operate. As described above, since the key tops 10-1 to 5 operate substantially independently, even if the key top plate 1 is downsized and the distance between the key tops 10-1 to 5 is shortened, the key tops 10-1 to 5 are operated. No trouble occurs in the independent pressing operations of -1 to 5. In particular, in the case of this embodiment, since the four peripheral key tops 10-2 to 5 are connected in a ring shape by the peripheral connecting portion 25, each key top 10-1 to 5 is handled when the key top body 1 is handled. It does not move apart and it is easy to handle.
[0018]
Further, since the key top body 1 according to the above embodiment has the positioning holes 29 provided in the middle of the outer peripheral connecting portions 25, the positioning holes 29 are positioned between the outer peripheral key tops 10-2 to 5-5. As shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, there is no need to provide the positioning hole 29 on the further outer peripheral side of the entire portion of the key top plate provided with the plurality of key tops, thereby reducing the outer dimensions of the key top body 1. I can plan. Further, since these positioning holes 29 are provided in the respective branch portions of the outer peripheral connecting portion 25 and the central connecting portion 27, positioning is performed for all of the connecting portions 25, 27 extending outward from the key tops 10-1 to 5. Since the holes 29 are provided and positioning can be achieved, it is possible to more surely prevent backlash by positioning the key tops 10-1 to 5 and independent operations.
[0019]
In order to manufacture this key top body 1, first, a film plate 20 made of a synthetic resin film having a flat plate shape without any holes (for example, polyethylene terephthalate film which is a thermoplastic film) is prepared. Next, as shown in FIG. 2A, the film plate 20 is pre-formed by press working, and a curved portion that curves upward in the same shape as the upper shape of each of the key tops 10-1 to 5 in the film plate 20. Form.
[0020]
Next, the upper and lower sides of the film plate 20 are sandwiched between the first and second molds 50 and 60 as shown in FIG. At this time, the cavity C1 of the first mold 50 has the same shape as the upper shape of each key top 10-1 to 5, and the cavity C2 of the second mold 60 has the lower shape of each key top 10-1 to 5. Is the same shape. Therefore, at this time, the pre-formed curved portion of the film plate 20 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cavity C1. Then, by injecting (injecting) high-temperature and high-pressure synthetic resin (for example, ABS resin, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, etc., which is a thermoplastic synthetic resin) from the pin gate 70 connected to the cavity C2, both molds The insides of the tees C1 and C2 are filled with the molten synthetic resin.
[0021]
Then, after the molten synthetic resin is solidified, the first and second molds 50 and 60 are removed, and the film plate 20 is cut into a desired outer shape, and as shown in FIG. A key top body 1 having a structure in which four outer peripheral key tops 10-2, 3, 4, 5 are installed and the key tops 10-1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are connected by connecting portions 25, 27 is completed. To do.
[0022]
There are various other methods for manufacturing the key tops 10-1 to 5 having a structure in which the upper surface of the key top body 30 is covered with a curved and deformed film plate 20. For example, the flat film plate 20 is formed as shown in FIG. The flat film plate 20 facing the cavities C1 and C2 is sandwiched between both molds 50 and 60 shown in b) by the heat and pressure of the high-temperature and high-pressure molten synthetic resin injected from the pin gate 70. The key tops 10-1 to 5 may be manufactured by bending so as to push up to the inner peripheral surface of the cavity C1.
[0023]
FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views showing key top bodies 1-2 and 1-3 according to a reference example of the present invention, respectively. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts as those of the key top body 1 shown in FIG. That is, in this reference example , like the key top body 1-2 shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of key tops 10-6, 7, and 8 are linearly connected by the connecting portions 25 ', and each connecting portion is connected. The positioning hole 29 may be provided in the middle (center) of 25 ', and the central key top 10-9 and the outer peripheral key top 10 are arranged like a key top body 1-3 shown in FIG. -10 to 13 may be connected radially by a central connecting portion 27 ', and a positioning hole 29 may be provided in the middle (center) of each central connecting portion 27'. Further, the number of key tops to be connected and the connecting structure by the connecting portion can be variously modified. In short, a plurality of key tops are connected by one or more connecting portions formed of a film plate, and Any structure may be used as long as a positioning hole for positioning the key top body on another member is provided in the middle (preferably in the middle if possible).
[0024]
The key top structure constituting the key top body of the present invention can be variously modified. FIG. 4 is a view showing a key top body 1-4 according to still another embodiment of the present invention in which the structure of the key top is changed. FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 4 (b) is FIG. It is AA sectional drawing of (a). In the figure, the same or corresponding parts as those of the key top body 1 shown in FIG. This key top body 1-4 also has four outer peripheral key tops 10-15, 16, 17, 18 around the central key top 10-14, and each brim 23 between each key top 10-14-18. The outer peripheral connecting portion 25 and the central connecting portion 27 are integrally coupled to each other, and a positioning hole 29 is provided in a branch portion between the outer peripheral connecting portion 25 and the central connecting portion 27. The key top body 1-4 differs from the key top body 1 in the structure of the key tops 10-14 to 18.
[0025]
That is, as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the key tops 10-14 to 18 according to this embodiment are all made of a synthetic resin above and below through a through hole 21 provided in the flat film plate 20. The key top body 30 is attached (molded). The key top main body 30 is fixed to the film plate 20 by sandwiching the film plate 20 between the key top main body upper surface portion 31 attached to the upper side of the film plate 20 and the key top main body lower surface portion 33 attached to the lower surface of the film plate 20. Has been.
[0026]
FIG. 5 is a view showing a key top body 1-5 according to still another embodiment of the present invention in which the shapes of the connecting portions 25 and 27 are changed. FIG. 5 (a) is a perspective view and FIG. 5 (b). Is a plan view. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts as those of the key top body 1-4 shown in FIG. This key top body 1-5 is also provided with four outer peripheral key tops 10-20, 21, 22, 23 around the central key top 10-19, and each brim 23 between each key top 10-19-23. The outer peripheral connecting portion 25 and the central connecting portion 27 are integrally connected via the. The structure of each key top 10-19 to 23 is the same as the structure of each key top 10-14 to 18 of the key top body 1-4.
[0027]
The key top body 1-5 is different from the key top body 1-4 in the structure of the outer peripheral connection portion 25 and the number of central connection portions 27. That is, the outer periphery connecting portion 25 of the key top body 1-5 is also connected to the outer periphery key tops 10-20 to 23 in the same manner as in the above embodiments. However, in the case of the outer periphery connecting portion 25, the outer periphery connecting portion 25, the positioning hole forming portion 40 is drawn (projected) outwardly between the key tops 10-20 to 23 from the middle portion (intermediate portion) of 25, and is formed near the tip of the positioning hole forming portion 40. A positioning hole 29 is provided. The outer peripheral connecting portion 25 is a concept including the positioning hole forming portion 40. Further, only two central connecting portions 27 are provided, and these two central connecting portions 27 are provided in a direction of 90 ° when viewed from the center of the central key top 10-19. That is, the two central connecting portions 27 are not provided in a direction opposite to each other by 180 ° when viewed from the center of the central key top 10-19.
[0028]
When the key top body 1-5 is configured as described above, the independent operation of each of the key tops 10-19 to 23 is further improved as compared with the above embodiments. That is, the key top body 1-5 is fixed to the other members of the key top body 10-5 in the positioning hole forming portion 40 drawn out from the outer periphery connecting portion 25, so that one outer periphery key top 10-20-23. , The positioning holes 29 fixed on both sides thereof are not in the middle of the linear outer periphery connecting portion 25 but from the middle of the linear outer periphery connecting portion 25 and further substantially outside of the key tops 10-20 to 23. Since the position extends to the position (curve G in FIG. 5B), the distance between the key tops 10-20 to 23 and the positioning hole 29 is further increased, and the positioning hole 29 is connected to the linear outer peripheral connecting portion. Compared with the case where it is provided in the middle of 25, the operation of the outer peripheral key tops 10-20 to 23 is not hindered, so that the operation of each of the outer peripheral key tops 10-20 to 23 is further independent.
[0029]
In this embodiment, the two central connecting portions 27 are not provided in a direction opposite to 180 ° when viewed from the center of the central key top 10-19, but are provided in a 90 ° direction. 27 can be easily swung around the center 27, and the pressing operation can be performed independently and smoothly.
[0030]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims and the technical idea described in the specification and drawings. Deformation is possible. Note that any shape, structure, or material not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention as long as the effects and advantages of the present invention are exhibited. For example, in the above embodiment, one positioning hole is provided in each of the connecting portions provided in the key top body, but the positioning holes may be provided in at least one of the connecting portions provided in the key top body. . Further, the number of positioning holes provided in one connecting portion may be two or more.
[0031]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, the present invention has the following effects.
(1) It consists of a central key top and a plurality of outer peripheral key tops located around the central key top. The outer peripheral key tops are connected only by the outer peripheral connecting part, and the central key top is inserted from the middle of the outer peripheral connecting part. Since it is connected only by the central connecting part that branches, even if one key top is pressed and lowered, the amount of other key tops that move down in conjunction with this is small. Each can be operated independently. Therefore, even if the key top body is downsized and the key tops are installed and connected at short intervals, there is no problem in the pressing operation of each key top.
[0032]
(2) Since a positioning hole for accurately positioning and attaching the key top body to another member is provided in the middle of the connecting portion (the outer peripheral connecting portion and the central connecting portion) , each key top is pressed during each pressing operation. never keytop rattling, can be miniaturized in the outer dimension of the key top body by providing a positioning hole at a position between the respective key tops of the key top body simultaneously.
[0033]
(3) Since the positioning hole is provided in the positioning hole forming portion formed by being drawn outward from the middle portion of the outer peripheral coupling portion , the outer peripheral key top can be secured even if the positioning hole portion is fixed to another member. The operation is not hindered, and the operation of each outer peripheral key top is further independent.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing a key top body 1 with a film plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 (a) is a perspective view, and FIG. 1 (b) is an AA of FIG. 1 (a). It is sectional drawing.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a method for manufacturing the key top body 1. FIGS.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views showing key top bodies 1-2 and 1-3 according to a reference example of the present invention, respectively.
4A and 4B are diagrams showing a key top body 1-4 according to still another embodiment of the present invention in which the structure of the key top is changed. FIG. 4A is a perspective view, and FIG. It is AA sectional drawing of 4 (a).
5A and 5B are diagrams showing a key top body 1-5 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 5A is a perspective view and FIG. 5B is a plan view.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Key top with film board (key top)
10-1 Central key top (key top)
10-2, 3, 4, 5 Peripheral key top (key top)
20 Film board 23 Collar part 25 Outer periphery connection part (connection part)
27 Central connecting part (connecting part)
29 Positioning hole 30 Key top body 37 Opening 50 First mold C1 Cavity 60 Second mold C2 Cavity 70 Pin gate 1-2, 1-3 Key top bodies 10-6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Key Top 1-4 Key Top Body 10-14 Center Key Top (Key Top)
10-15, 16, 17, 18 Peripheral key top (key top)
31 Key top body upper surface 33 Key top body lower surface 1-5 Key top body 10-19 Central key top (key top)
10-20, 21, 22, 23 Peripheral key top (key top)
40 Positioning hole forming part

Claims (1)

In a key top body with a film plate having a structure in which a plurality of key tops are formed by molding a plurality of key top bodies on the film plate,
The key top is composed of a central key top and a plurality of outer peripheral key tops located around the central key top, and the outer peripheral key tops are connected only by an outer peripheral connecting portion formed of the film plate, The central key top is connected only by the central connecting part that branches off from the middle of the outer peripheral connecting part,
A positioning hole for positioning the key top body with a film plate on another member is provided in a positioning hole forming portion formed by being drawn outward from an intermediate portion of the outer peripheral coupling portion , and the central coupling. The key top body with a film plate is characterized in that only two portions are provided in a direction of 90 ° when viewed from the center of the central key top .

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