JP4480340B2 - Film key sheet - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a film key sheet used for a push button switch for performing an input operation of various devices such as a mobile phone, a PDA, and a controller.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A film key sheet for a push button switch has a basic structure in which a plurality of resin key tops are integrally fixed to a resin film. One conventional example of such a film key sheet is shown in FIG. This film key sheet 1 is used for a pushbutton switch of a mobile phone P, and has one center key K0 and a total of 12 keys K1 to K12 arranged in a matrix of 4 rows and 3 columns. . As shown in FIG. 9, each of the keys K1 to K12 has a basic structure in which a resin key top 3 made of a thermoplastic resin is fixed to a transparent resin film 2, and the center key K0 has the same structure. 2a on the back surface of the resin film 2 is a decorative layer that displays characters, figures, symbols, and the like and adds color. The film key sheet 1 is formed by drawing the resin film 2 on which the decorative layer 2a is formed to form the inverted recesses 2b corresponding to the keys K0 to K12, and then injecting and curing the molten resin therein to each key. It can be obtained by molding K0 to K12.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 9, such a film key sheet 1 is fixed to a key sheet 4 typically formed of a rubber-like elastic body such as silicone rubber by an adhesive not shown. It is placed on the circuit board 5 built in the housing P1 of the mobile phone P. When the keys K0 to K12 exposed from the through hole P2 of the housing P1 are pressed, the presser 4a of the key sheet 4 is displaced downward, and is constituted by a metal disc spring provided on the circuit board 5 and a board contact. The contact switch 5a is turned on. As a result, switch input through the film key sheet 1 is performed. Patent Document 1 is given as a conventional example of the film key sheet 1 as described above.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-75122
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, when performing an input operation through the film key sheet 1, it is necessary to perform switch inputs independently for the keys K1 to K12 arranged in a matrix form. However, if the space between adjacent keys K1 to K12 is short in order to satisfy the need for space saving of the arrangement of the keys K1 to K12 due to the demand for miniaturization of the cellular phone P, the resin film 2 is pulled. This causes a problem that the other keys K1 to K12 are linked to perform switch input. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the interval d1 between the upper and lower keys in each row is very narrow. For example, when the key K1 in the left row is pressed, the key K4 below it is linked to perform switch input. is there. In addition, the keys K7, K8, and K9 in the third row and the keys K10, K11, and K12 in the fourth row may cause interlocking inputs because the key intervals d2 and d3 are narrow.
[0006]
In order to avoid this problem of interlock input, for example, if a hole 2c as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 10 is formed between adjacent keys K1 to K12 in the resin film 2, the interlock can be insulated. However, since the key intervals d1, d2, and d3 are narrow, it is difficult to perforate the hole 2c in the resin film 2, and even if the perforation is possible, the keys K1 to K12 may be damaged.
[0007]
Other than interlocking insulation by the hole 2c, for example, each key K0 to K12 is formed alone, or each key K0 to K12 is cut and extracted from the film key sheet, and this is attached to the key sheet 4 with an adhesive. There is a way to paste. However, in this case, it is necessary to rearrange the keys K0 to K12 at the time of pasting, so that the working efficiency is remarkably bad, and the keys K1 to K12 having the same shape are easily misaligned. In this case, the keys K0 to K12 must be attached with a narrow key interval using an adhesive, but it is difficult to fine-tune an appropriate coating amount. That is, if the amount is applied slightly, there arises a problem that the keys K1 to K12 are easily dropped. On the other hand, if a large amount is applied to prevent falling off, the adjacent keys K1 to K12 are fixed to each other through the protruding adhesive and the operability is deteriorated, or the keys K1 to K12 are illuminated. May cause adhesion marks to be visually recognized from the outside and cause uneven illumination.
[0008]
The present invention has been made against the background of the prior art as described above. One of the purposes is to enable the interlocking input of adjacent keys to be suppressed even when the key interval is narrow for the film key sheet for the push button switch. Another object is to obtain a film key sheet that can suppress interlocking input without separately manufacturing a plurality of keys and attaching them to the key sheet.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention combines a plurality of key sheets in which adjacent resin key tops are fixed to different resin films among a plurality of resin key tops arranged along at least one of the row direction and the column direction. A film key sheet is provided.
[0010]
According to the present invention, adjacent resin key tops of a plurality of resin key tops arranged at least in either the row direction or the column direction are fixed to different resin films, that is, provided on a plurality of key sheets for insulation. is doing. For this reason, even if the key interval between adjacent resin key tops is narrow, it is possible to suppress the interlocking input of other adjacent resin key tops by a pressing operation on a certain resin key top.
[0011]
The arrangement form of the plurality of resin key tops arranged on the film key sheet of the present invention is such that the plurality of resin key tops are arranged in a straight line only in the row direction, that is, in the horizontal direction, only in the column direction, that is, in the vertical direction. A configuration in which a plurality of resin key tops are arranged along a straight line is included. More specifically, for example, when four resin key tops are arranged along the horizontal direction, the first and third resin key tops from the left are formed on one key sheet, and the second from the left. The fourth resin key top is formed on another key sheet.
[0012]
As another arrangement form, a form in which a plurality of resin key tops are arranged along a plurality of row directions and a plurality of column directions is included. Specifically, for example, in the case of the arrangement form of 2 rows and 2 columns, the resin key tops that are not adjacent in the row direction and the column direction, that is, the upper right and lower left resin key tops located in an oblique direction are combined into one key sheet. The lower right and upper left resin key tops are formed on other key sheets. It should be noted that it is not necessary to have an equal row and column arrangement form as described above, the number of rows and the number of columns may be different, and a resin key top is partially absent for a certain row or column based on a matrix form. The arrangement form may be possible. The film key sheet of the present invention may be a combination of two or more key sheets, but any number of the resin key tops are adjacent to each other by combining them. Therefore, it is necessary to form an arrangement as described above.
[0013]
In the present invention, the resin film of each key sheet can be configured as a connection part that connects the resin key tops without overlapping the bottom surfaces of the resin key tops of the other key sheets.
[0014]
Since the connection part which connects the resin key tops to each key sheet is formed, a film key sheet composed of a key sheet in which a plurality of resin key tops are integrated by the connection part is obtained. Therefore, productivity and attachment workability to equipment are good while enabling interlocking input to be suppressed. Moreover, a connection part does not overlap with the bottom face of the resin key top of another key sheet. Therefore, when the resin key top of a certain key sheet is pressed, the connecting portions of other key sheets are not pressed in conjunction with each other, and the interlocking input can be suppressed. Such a connecting portion is preferably formed in a linear shape that is partially connected to the outer surface of the resin key top. If the resin film adheres to the entire circumference of the outer surface of the resin key top, the input load increases accordingly. However, according to this, the connecting portion is linear and the fixing portion to the resin key top can be reduced. The input load can be further reduced, and light input operability can be obtained.
[0015]
Specifically, the connecting portion as described above can be configured as follows. In the present invention as one, the connection portion formed on the resin film of each key sheet, were formed as connecting the resin key top each other adjacent oblique Me direction. According to this connection part, since the length of a connection part can be taken long, the inhibitory effect of an interlocking input can be heightened.
[0016]
And about this invention which has the above connection parts, the connection part in the resin film of each key sheet | seat is formed so that it may mutually overlap with the connection part of another key sheet, and the fixation which couple | bonds these connection parts which overlap It can comprise as what provides a part.
[0017]
Since the connecting portions of the key sheets are integrated by the fixing portion, it is possible to particularly improve the workability of attachment to the device and to prevent the displacement of the resin key tops. Such a fixing portion can be realized, for example, by chemical fixing such as adhesion or heat fusion, physical engagement, physical fixing such as a fastener, or a combination of chemical fixing and physical fixing.
[0018]
In the present invention, the resin film of each key sheet is formed with an inverted concave portion having a shape relative to the top and side surfaces of the resin key top, and the resin key top is fixed to the inverted concave portion. According to this, since the upper surface and side surface of the resin key top are covered with the resin film, the wear resistance of the resin key top can be improved. In this case, if a decorative layer that imparts letters, figures, symbols, and coloring is formed on the back surface of the resin film, the decorative layer is protected from the outside by the resin film, so that the decorative layer does not wear. Excellent film key sheet. Instead of covering the top and side surfaces of the resin key top in this way, a through hole is formed in the resin film so that the edge of the hole rises in the surface direction of the side surface of the resin key top. It is good also as what adhered to the side surface. According to this, it is easy to increase or decrease the height of the resin key top, and the present invention can be applied to resin key tops of various heights. In this case, by forming a decorative layer and a protective layer on the surface of the resin key top, the wear resistance of the resin key top and the decorative layer can be improved, and a film key sheet having excellent design properties can be obtained. .
[0019]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a film key sheet comprising a plurality of resin key tops arranged at least in either the row direction or the column direction, and a resin film for fixing the resin key tops. Regarding the manufacturing method, a plurality of resin key tops are integrally formed on each of at least two resin films along at least one of the row direction and the column direction with a key interval of at least one resin key top. Then, the manufacturing method of the film key sheet | seat characterized by performing the process of removing the film part corresponding to the resin key top formed in the other resin film about each resin film is provided.
[0020]
In this manufacturing method, a plurality of resin key tops are integrally formed on each resin film along at least one of the row direction and the column direction with a key interval of at least one resin key top. The step of removing the film portion corresponding to the resin key top formed on the resin film is executed. For this reason, it is not necessary to manufacture the resin key tops individually and attach them with an adhesive that makes it difficult to adjust the coating amount, and the problem of misalignment does not occur. In addition, since there is at least one resin key top space between the resin key tops of each key sheet, when removing the film part, the resin key top can be removed without damaging the resin key top with a punching die. it can.
[0021]
About the said invention, after the said removal process, it can comprise as what performs the process of adhering the part which resin films overlap. Thus, since the cut with integrated with each key sheet, in particular it is possible to improve the mounting workability of the equipment can be prevented misalignment of the resin key top.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure same as a prior art, or the structure which is common in each embodiment, a common code | symbol is attached | subjected and duplication description is abbreviate | omitted.
[0023]
First Embodiment [FIGS. 1 and 2] The film key sheet 11 of the present embodiment includes a center key K0 and keys K1 to K12 arranged in a matrix form, as in the conventional film key sheet 1. However, in this film key sheet 11, the center key K0 and the keys K1, K3, K5, K7, K9, K11 are provided on the first key sheet 12, and the keys K2, K4, K6, K8, K10, K12 are the first ones. Two key sheets 13 are provided. That is, keys adjacent in the row direction (for example, the horizontal alignment direction of the keys K1, K2, and K3) and the column direction (for example, the vertical alignment direction of the keys K1, K4, K7, and K10) are provided in separate key sheets 12 and 13. . The cross-sectional structure of the keys K0 to K12 is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0024]
The first key sheet 12 is obtained by fixing resin key tops 3 corresponding to the keys K0, K1, K3, K5, K7, K9, and K11 to the resin film 12a. These resin key tops 3 are connected by a connecting portion 12b of a resin film 12a extending in an oblique direction. On the other hand, the second key sheet 13 is obtained by fixing the resin key tops 3 corresponding to the keys K2, K4, K6, K8, K10, and K12 to the resin film 13a. These resin key tops 3 are connected by a connecting portion 13b of a resin film 13a extending in an oblique direction.
[0025]
The connecting portions 12 b and 13 b are formed in a linear shape that is partially connected to the outer surface of the resin key top 3. Therefore, since the fixing part with respect to the resin key top 3 by the resin films 12 and 13 is small, that is, the restriction to the resin key top 3 by the resin films 12 and 13 can be reduced, the input load can be reduced and the input operation can be performed lightly. Can be done.
[0026]
Moreover, the connection parts 12b and 13b are extended in the diagonal direction, and are formed so that it may not overlap with the bottom face of the resin key top 3 of the other key sheets 12 and 13. Therefore, even if any key K1-K12 of the 1st key sheet 12 and the 2nd key sheet 13 is pressed, the connection parts 12b and 13b of the other key sheets 12 and 13 will be interlocked and input with the press. There is nothing.
[0027]
In this embodiment, the connecting portions 12b and 13b that connect the key K2 and the key K4, the key K2 and the key K6, the key K8 and the key K10, and the key K8 and the key K12, respectively, are heat-sealed. A fixed fixing portion m is formed, and the first key sheet 12 and the second key sheet 13 are integrated. For this reason, since the film key sheet 11 is easy to handle like the conventional film key sheet 1 formed of a single resin film 2, the workability of attaching the cellular phone P to the housing P1 is good. In addition, it is possible to prevent misalignment between the keys K0 to K12.
[0028]
When integrated in this way, the keys K1, K3, K5, K7, K9, K11 of the first key sheet 12 and the keys K2, K4, K6, K8, K10, K12 of the second key sheet 13 are adjacent to each other. Since they are provided on the separate resin films 12a and 13a, even when a certain key K1 to K12 is pressed, interlocking input of other adjacent keys K1 to K12 is suppressed.
[0029]
The resin films 12a and 13a of the present embodiment as described above are preferably materials that are flexible and suitable for printing, molding, and the like. Moreover, in order to form the decoration layer 2a, a transparent thing is preferable. In addition, if the decorating property 2a is unnecessary, it may not be a transparent material. As a specific example of this embodiment, for example, a film made of polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylic, ABS, or the like, or an alloy film thereof can be used. In addition, as a material of the resin key top 3 of this embodiment, a material made of a resin such as polycarbonate, ABS, acrylic, styrene, or epoxy can be used.
[0030]
Next, the manufacturing method of the film key sheet 11 of this embodiment will be described. First, the first key sheet 12 and the second key sheet 13 are separately manufactured. Specifically, a decorative layer that imparts characters, figures, symbols, and colors to the rectangular resin film that becomes the resin film 12a of the first key sheet 12 is formed. This decorative layer can be formed by printing, transferring, vapor deposition, or the like. And the inverted recessed part 2b (refer FIG. 9) corresponding to each key K0, K1, K3, K5, K7, K9, K11 is formed by drawing. Next, the resin film is set in an injection mold, the resin key top 3 is injection-molded, and the resin key top 3 is integrally formed on the resin film. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, a process of removing unnecessary portions is performed by using a die, including film portions corresponding to the keys K2, K4, K6, K8, K10, and K12 of the second key sheet 13. Thus, the first key sheet 12 having the connecting portion 12b can be obtained. The second key sheet 13 can also be manufactured through the same process. Then, if the four fixing portions m are formed by heat fusion and the first key sheet 12 and the second key sheet 13 are integrated, the film key sheet 11 of this embodiment can be obtained. According to this manufacturing method, it is not necessary to manufacture the keys K0 to K12 individually and attach them with an adhesive or the like whose adjustment of the coating amount is difficult, and there is no problem of misalignment. Further, since there is at least one key interval between the keys K0 to K12 of each key sheet 12, 13, it is unnecessary without damaging the keys K0 to K12 by using a cutting die or the like in the removal process. The film portion can be removed.
[0031]
Second Embodiment (FIGS. 3 and 4) ; The film key sheet 21 of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in a second key sheet 22. That is, in this embodiment, the keys K4 and K10 in the same row are directly connected by the connecting portion 22b that bypasses the outside of the key K7 of the first key sheet 12, and the keys K6 and K12 in the same row are connected to the first key. The key K9 of the seat 12 is directly connected by a connecting portion 22b that bypasses the outside, and the key K10 and the key K12 in the same line are directly connected by the connecting portion 22b that bypasses the outside of the key K11 of the first key sheet 12. is there. As described above, the film key sheet 21 constituting the second key sheet 22 can also exhibit the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment, such as being able to reliably prevent the interlocking input of adjacent keys even when the key pitch is narrow. it can.
[0032]
3rd Embodiment [FIG. 5, FIG. 6] ; The difference between the film key sheet 31 of this form and 1st Embodiment is the 1st key sheet 32. FIG. That is, in this embodiment, the key K1 and the key K7 in the same row are directly connected by the connecting portion 32b that bypasses the outside of the key K4 of the second key sheet 13, and the key K7 and the key K11 are further connected to the second key sheet 13. The key K10 is directly connected by a connecting portion 32b that bypasses the outside of the key K10. Similarly, the key K3 and the key K9 in the same row are directly connected by a connecting portion 32b that bypasses the key K6 of the second key sheet 13 from the outside, and the key K9 and the key K11 are further connected to the second key sheet 13. The key K12 is directly connected by a connecting portion 32b that bypasses the outside of the key K12. As described above, the film key sheet 21 constituting the first key sheet 32 can also exhibit the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment, such as being able to reliably prevent the interlocking input of adjacent keys.
[0033]
Another Embodiment [FIG. 7] ; FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a film key sheet according to another embodiment. The film key sheet 41 shown in FIG. 7A is obtained by arranging square keys K1 to K5 in a horizontal row in a plan view. In addition, the line | wire extended from each key K1-K5 is a connection part of a resin film. The keys K1, K3, K5 are formed on the first key sheet 41a, the keys K2, K4 are formed on the second key sheet 41b, and the black circle is the fixing portion m. Moreover, the film key sheet 51 of FIG.7 (b) arrange | positions the elliptical keys K1-K6 in the vertical line by planar view. The keys K1, K3, and K5 are formed on the first key sheet 51a, and the keys K2, K4, and K6 are formed on the second key sheet 51b. The key K4 is formed with an extended portion 51c made of a resin film that forms the connecting portion and the fixing portion m of the first key sheet 51a. Further, FIG. 7C shows a film key sheet 61 of 2 rows and 2 columns, with circular keys K1 and K4 formed on the first key sheet 61a and keys K2 and K3 formed on the second key sheet 61b in plan view. It is integrated with the fixing part m. The film key sheets 41, 51, 61 as described above can also prevent adjacent keys from being linked and input.
[0034]
In the above embodiment, the film key sheet for the pushbutton switch of the cellular phone P has been exemplified. However, the present invention can be applied to any device such as a PDA, a car audio device, a car navigation device, and various controllers. is there.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
According to the film key sheet of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the interlocking input of adjacent keys as much as possible even if the key arrangement interval is narrowed from the request for space saving or the request in terms of design. Malfunctions can be reduced. Therefore, the reliability and operability of the switch input of the device can be improved while meeting such a request.
[0036]
According to the film key sheet manufacturing method of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a film key sheet capable of suppressing interlocking input with high productivity and high quality without separately manufacturing a plurality of keys and attaching them to the key sheet. Is possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a film key sheet according to a first embodiment.
2 is an exploded view of the film key sheet of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is an external view of a film key sheet according to a second embodiment.
4 is an exploded view of the film key sheet of FIG. 3. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an external view of a film key sheet according to a third embodiment.
6 is an exploded view of the film key sheet of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a film key sheet according to another embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an external view of a film key sheet according to a conventional example.
9 is a sectional view taken along line SA-SA in FIG.
10 is an enlarged view of a main part of the key sheet of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Film key sheet (conventional example)
2 resin film 2a decorative layer 2b inverted recess 2c hole 3 resin key top 4 key sheet 4a pusher 5 circuit board 5a contact switch 11 film key sheet (first embodiment)
12 1st key sheet 12a Resin film 12b Connection part 13 2nd key sheet 13a Resin film 13b Connection part 21 Film key sheet (2nd Embodiment)
22 2nd key sheet 22a Resin film 22b Connection part 31 Film key sheet (3rd Embodiment)
32 1st key sheet 32a Resin film 32b Connection part 41 Film key sheet 41a 1st key sheet 41b 2nd key sheet 51 Film key sheet 51a 1st key sheet 51b 2nd key sheet 51c Extension part 61 Film key sheet 61a 1st key Sheet 61b Second key sheet P Mobile phone P1 Case P2 Through hole K0 Center key K1 to K12 Key m Adhering part

Claims (6)

A film key sheet comprising a combination of a plurality of key sheets in which adjacent resin key tops are fixed to different resin films among a plurality of resin key tops arranged along at least one of the row direction and the column direction,
The resin film of each key sheet is provided with a connecting part that connects the resin key tops without overlapping the bottom surface of the resin key top of the other key sheet,
One or more polymerized portions in which a connecting portion in one resin film and a connecting portion in another resin film intersect and overlap each other are provided, and the connecting portions are bonded to some of the one or more polymerized portions. a fixing portion to be formed,
A film key sheet in which any one connecting portion is formed so as to bypass the outside of one resin key top. The film key sheet according to claim 1, wherein the resin key top is disposed along both the row direction and the column direction. The film key sheet according to claim 2, wherein a connecting portion different from a connecting portion formed so as to bypass the outside of one resin key top is formed so as to connect resin key tops adjacent in an oblique direction. A film key sheet comprising a combination of a plurality of key sheets in which adjacent resin key tops are fixed to different resin films among a plurality of resin key tops arranged along at least one of the row direction and the column direction,
In the resin film of each key sheet, a connecting portion that connects the resin key tops without overlapping the bottom surface of the resin key top of the other key sheet is formed,
An extension part is formed on the resin film of any one key sheet to connect only the resin key top fixed to the key sheet and the connection part provided on the other key sheet, and the extension part is coupled to the connection part. Forming a fixing part to
A film key sheet in which any one of the connecting portions is formed so as to bypass the outside of the one resin key top. The film key sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixing portion is formed by heat sealing. A resin film of each key sheet, Yes forms the inverted concave portion of the upper surface of the resin key top and sides and corresponding shape, claims 1 to 5 any one that is fixed to the resin key top in the reverse of the recess The film key sheet as described.

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