JP2012043545A - Light guide structure of light guide layer - Google Patents

Light guide structure of light guide layer Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP2012043545A
JP2012043545A JP2010181095A JP2010181095A JP2012043545A JP 2012043545 A JP2012043545 A JP 2012043545A JP 2010181095 A JP2010181095 A JP 2010181095A JP 2010181095 A JP2010181095 A JP 2010181095A JP 2012043545 A JP2012043545 A JP 2012043545A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
light guide
guide layer
light
layer
presser
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP2010181095A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Koji Nishizawa
孝治 西沢
Toshihiko Egawa
敏彦 江川
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd
Shin Etsu Chemical Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd
Shin Etsu Chemical Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd, Shin Etsu Chemical Co Ltd filed Critical Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd
Priority to JP2010181095A priority Critical patent/JP2012043545A/en
Publication of JP2012043545A publication Critical patent/JP2012043545A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Landscapes

  • Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light guide structure of a light guide layer that suppresses a leak of a light beam from an edge nearby a boundary between a peripheral surface of a pressing element and the light guide layer, and prevents an illumination property of an operation key and designability of an operation input layer from becoming worse as the pressing element serves as a bright point.SOLUTION: The light guide structure includes a circuit board 20 which has metal domes 22 arrayed on a surface, and an operation input layer 30 which has operation keys 31 opposed to the metal domes 22, and has the light guide layer 40, guiding a light beam from an LED 21, interposed between the circuit board 20 and the operation input layer 30 to irradiate the operation keys 31 with the light beam guided to the light guide layer 40. Substantially columnar pressing elements 50 which are pressed against the metal domes 22 to turn on the metal domes are integrally formed on a reverse surface of the light guide layer 40, and at least opposite surfaces 54 of peripheral surfaces 51 of the pressing elements 50 which are positioned on opposite sides from the LED 21 are inclined at an angle of inclination of ≤45°.

Description

本発明は、携帯機器や情報通信機器等に使用されるライトガイド層の導光構造に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a light guide layer light guide structure used in portable devices, information communication devices, and the like.

従来におけるライトガイド層の導光構造は、図示しないが、複数のメタルドームを配列した回路基板と、この回路基板の複数のメタルドームに操作キーをそれぞれ対向させる操作入力層とを備え、これら回路基板と操作入力層との間に、ＬＥＤからの光線を導光するライトガイド層が介在されており、このライトガイド層に導光された光線を操作入力層の複数の操作キーに照射するよう機能する（特許文献１参照）。ライトガイド層には、円柱形の押圧子が形成されたり、円柱形の押圧子を有する押圧層が積層され、押圧子が回路基板のメタルドームに圧接してＯＮ動作させる。   The light guide structure of the conventional light guide layer is not shown, but includes a circuit board in which a plurality of metal domes are arranged, and an operation input layer in which operation keys are opposed to the plurality of metal domes on the circuit board. A light guide layer for guiding light from the LED is interposed between the substrate and the operation input layer, and the light guided to the light guide layer is irradiated to a plurality of operation keys of the operation input layer. It functions (see Patent Document 1). The light guide layer is formed with a cylindrical pressing element, or a pressing layer having a cylindrical pressing element is laminated, and the pressing element is brought into pressure contact with the metal dome of the circuit board to be turned on.

上記構成において、ＬＥＤが発光すると、光線は、ＬＥＤからライトガイド層内に反射しながら導光され、このライトガイド層から操作入力層の複数の操作キーにそれぞれ照射され、各操作キーが照光される。   In the above configuration, when the LED emits light, the light beam is guided while being reflected from the LED into the light guide layer, irradiated from the light guide layer to a plurality of operation keys of the operation input layer, and each operation key is illuminated. The

特開２０１０‐６２０８６号公報JP 2010-62086 A

従来におけるライトガイド層の導光構造は、以上のように構成され、回路基板のメタルドームをＯＮ動作させる押圧子が単なる円柱形なので、押圧子の垂直の周面やライトガイド層との境界付近の縁から導光された光線が漏れて発光し、光線の導光に支障を来たすことがある。特に、押圧子の周面のうち、ＬＥＤの反対側に位置する反対面やその根元の縁から光線の漏洩を招くおそれが少なくない。その結果、押圧子、特にその周面が輝点となって異常に輝き、操作キーの照光性が悪化したり、操作入力層の意匠性を損なうという問題がある。   The light guide structure of the light guide layer in the past is configured as described above, and the presser that turns on the metal dome of the circuit board is simply a cylinder, so the vertical peripheral surface of the presser and the boundary with the light guide layer The light beam guided from the edge of the light leaks and emits light, which may hinder the light guide. In particular, there is a high risk of light leakage from the opposite surface located on the opposite side of the LED or the base edge of the peripheral surface of the presser. As a result, there is a problem that the pressing element, particularly the peripheral surface thereof, becomes a bright spot and shines abnormally, and the illumination of the operation key is deteriorated or the design of the operation input layer is impaired.

本発明は上記に鑑みなされたもので、押圧子の周面やライトガイド層との境界付近の縁から光線が漏れるのを抑制し、押圧子が輝点となって操作キーの照光性や操作入力層の意匠性が悪化するのを防止することのできるライトガイド層の導光構造を提供することを目的としている。   The present invention has been made in view of the above, and suppresses the leakage of light from the peripheral surface of the presser and the edge near the boundary with the light guide layer, and the presser becomes a luminescent spot to illuminate and operate the operation keys. An object of the present invention is to provide a light guide layer light guide structure capable of preventing deterioration in design of an input layer.

本発明においては上記課題を解決するため、表面に接点スイッチを備えた回路基板と、この回路基板の接点スイッチに操作キーを対向させる操作入力層とを備え、これら回路基板と操作入力層との間に、光源からの光線を導光する可撓性のライトガイド層を介在し、このライトガイド層に導光された光線を操作入力層の少なくとも操作キーに照射する構造であって、
ライトガイド層の表裏いずれか一方の面に、対向する回路基板の接点スイッチに圧接してＯＮ動作させる略柱形の押圧子を一体形成し、この押圧子の周面のうち、少なくとも光源の反対側に位置する反対面を４５°以下の傾斜角度で徐々に広がるよう傾斜させたことを特徴としている。 In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a circuit board having a contact switch on the surface, and an operation input layer that opposes an operation key to the contact switch of the circuit board. In between, a flexible light guide layer for guiding the light from the light source is interposed, and the light guided to the light guide layer is irradiated to at least the operation key of the operation input layer,
A substantially columnar pressing element is integrally formed on either one of the front and back surfaces of the light guide layer so as to be pressed on the contact switch of the opposite circuit board to be turned on, and at least of the peripheral surface of the pressing element opposite to the light source. The opposite surface located on the side is inclined so as to gradually spread at an inclination angle of 45 ° or less.

なお、ライトガイド層の裏面に押圧子を一体形成するとともに、ライトガイド層の表面に、押圧子の上方に位置する発光模様を形成し、この発光模様により導光された光線を操作入力層の少なくとも操作キーに照射することができる。
また、押圧子を略円錐台形に形成することができる。
また、押圧子の接点スイッチに圧接する圧接面と傾斜した周面との境界部を丸めて形成することが好ましい。 A presser is integrally formed on the back surface of the light guide layer, and a light emitting pattern located above the presser is formed on the surface of the light guide layer, and the light beam guided by the light emitting pattern is transmitted to the operation input layer. At least the operation keys can be irradiated.
Further, the pressing element can be formed in a substantially truncated cone shape.
Moreover, it is preferable to round and form the boundary part of the press-contact surface which press-contacts to the contact switch of a presser, and the inclined surrounding surface.

ここで、特許請求の範囲における接点スイッチ、操作キー、光源、押圧子は、単数複数を特に問うものではない。接点スイッチは、ライフサイクルを伸ばす観点から反り返し可能なメタルドームタイプが好ましい。光源は、ライトガイド層の周面の先端部、末端部、一側部、他側部等に適宜配置することができる。また、操作入力層とライトガイド層との間には、空気層や接着層等を介在させても良い。操作入力層の少なくとも操作キーには光透過性を付与することが好ましい。   Here, the contact switch, the operation key, the light source, and the presser in the claims do not particularly have to be singular. The contact switch is preferably a metal dome type that can be warped from the viewpoint of extending the life cycle. The light source can be appropriately arranged at the front end portion, the end portion, the one side portion, the other side portion, or the like of the peripheral surface of the light guide layer. Further, an air layer, an adhesive layer, or the like may be interposed between the operation input layer and the light guide layer. It is preferable to impart light transparency to at least the operation keys of the operation input layer.

本発明によれば、光源が発光すると、光線は、光源からライトガイド層内に反射しながら導光され、このライトガイド層から操作入力層の操作キーに照射され、操作キーの少なくとも一部が照光される。
この際、光線は、ライトガイド層と一体の押圧子内にも入射するが、押圧子の周面のうち、少なくとも光線の漏洩を招き易い反対面が垂直ではなく、４５°以下の傾斜角度で徐々に傾いているので、押圧子の傾斜した周面やライトガイド層との境界付近の縁から漏れて発光することが少ない。 According to the present invention, when the light source emits light, the light beam is guided while being reflected from the light source into the light guide layer, irradiated from the light guide layer to the operation key of the operation input layer, and at least a part of the operation key is irradiated. Illuminated.
At this time, the light beam also enters the presser integral with the light guide layer, but at least the opposite surface of the peripheral surface of the presser that is likely to leak light is not vertical, but at an inclination angle of 45 ° or less. Since it is gradually inclined, there is little light emission due to leakage from the inclined peripheral surface of the presser or the edge near the boundary with the light guide layer.

本発明によれば、押圧子の周面やライトガイド層との境界付近の縁から光線が漏れるのを抑制し、押圧子が輝点となって操作キーの照光性や操作入力層の意匠性が悪化するのを防止することができるという効果がある。   According to the present invention, light is prevented from leaking from the peripheral surface of the presser or the edge near the boundary with the light guide layer, and the presser becomes a luminescent spot, and the illumination of the operation key and the design of the operation input layer There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the deterioration.

また、請求項２記載の発明によれば、押圧子を複数の凹凸や切り欠きを有する複雑な形状に形成するのではなく、円錐台形に形成するので、例えライトガイド層の両端部や前後左右等に複数の光源が設置され、異なる複数の方向から光線が導光されても、押圧子の周面やライトガイド層との境界付近の縁から光線が漏れるのを防止でき、しかも、構成の簡素化や製造の容易化が期待できる。   According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the presser is not formed in a complicated shape having a plurality of irregularities or notches, but is formed in a truncated cone shape, for example, both ends of the light guide layer, front and rear, left and right Even if a plurality of light sources are installed and light is guided from a plurality of different directions, the light can be prevented from leaking from the peripheral surface of the presser or the edge near the boundary with the light guide layer. Simplification and ease of manufacture can be expected.

また、請求項３記載の発明によれば、押圧子の圧接面と周面との境界部が角張っておらず、光線の反射角度に変更が生じるのを防ぐことができるので、境界部から光線が漏れ、押圧子の輝度が過剰に増大するのを抑制することが可能になる。   According to the invention described in claim 3, the boundary between the press contact surface and the peripheral surface of the presser is not angular, and it is possible to prevent a change in the reflection angle of the light beam. It is possible to suppress leakage and excessive increase in luminance of the presser.

本発明に係るライトガイド層の導光構造の実施形態における携帯電話を模式的に示す分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows typically the mobile telephone in embodiment of the light guide structure of the light guide layer which concerns on this invention. 本発明に係るライトガイド層の導光構造の実施形態を模式的に示す部分断面説明図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view showing typically an embodiment of a light guide structure of a light guide layer concerning the present invention. 本発明に係るライトガイド層の導光構造の実施形態における押圧子を模式的に示す拡大説明図である。It is an expansion explanatory view showing typically a presser in an embodiment of a light guide structure of a light guide layer concerning the present invention. 本発明に係るライトガイド層の導光構造の第２の実施形態を模式的に示す部分断面説明図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view showing typically a 2nd embodiment of a light guide structure of a light guide layer concerning the present invention. 本発明に係るライトガイド層の導光構造の実施例と比較例とを模式的に示す部分断面説明図である。It is a partial section explanatory view showing typically the example and comparative example of the light guide structure of the light guide layer concerning the present invention. 本発明に係るライトガイド層の導光構造の比較例を模式的に示す部分断面説明図である。It is a fragmentary sectional view showing typically the comparative example of the light guide structure of the light guide layer concerning the present invention.

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態を説明すると、本実施形態におけるライトガイド層の導光構造は、図１ないし図３に示すように、携帯電話１に内蔵される回路基板２０と、この回路基板２０のメタルドーム２２に操作キー３１を対向させる操作入力層３０とを備え、これら回路基板２０と操作入力層３０との間に、ＬＥＤ２１からの光線を導光するライトガイド層４０を介在し、導光された光線を操作入力層３０の操作キー３１に照射する構造であり、ライトガイド層４０に、回路基板２０のメタルドーム２２にＯＮ動作させる押圧子５０を形成してその周面５１を所定の傾斜角度で傾斜させるようにしている。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A light guide structure of a light guide layer in the present embodiment includes a circuit board 20 built in a mobile phone 1 as shown in FIGS. A light guide layer 40 for guiding a light beam from the LED 21 between the circuit board 20 and the operation input layer 30. The operation key 31 of the operation input layer 30 is irradiated with the guided light beam, and the light guide layer 40 is formed with a presser 50 that turns on the metal dome 22 of the circuit board 20. The peripheral surface 51 is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle.

携帯電話１は、図１に示すように、送話口２を有する第一の筐体３と、この第一の筐体３の先端部に折り畳み可能に軸支される第二の筐体９とを備え、この第二の筐体９の先端部には、受話口１０が設けられる。第一の筐体３は、回路基板２０、操作入力層３０、ライトガイド層４０を積層して挟持する表カバー４と裏カバー５とを備え、これら表カバー４と裏カバー５との間には、図示しない小型のマイクが併せて内蔵される。裏カバー５の裏面には、薄いバッテリ６を収納する収納穴７が凹み形成され、この収納穴７には、バッテリ６用のバッテリカバー８が外部から着脱自在に覆着される。   As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 1 includes a first housing 3 having a mouthpiece 2 and a second housing 9 that is pivotally supported at the tip of the first housing 3 so as to be foldable. The earpiece 10 is provided at the tip of the second housing 9. The first housing 3 includes a front cover 4 and a back cover 5 that sandwich and sandwich the circuit board 20, the operation input layer 30, and the light guide layer 40, and between the front cover 4 and the back cover 5. Includes a small microphone (not shown). A storage hole 7 for storing the thin battery 6 is formed in the back surface of the back cover 5 so that the battery cover 8 for the battery 6 is detachably attached to the storage hole 7 from the outside.

第二の筐体９は、回路基板２０にフレキシブル基板１１を介し電気的に接続された表示装置１２を挟持する表面カバー１３と裏面カバー１４とを備える。これら表面カバー１３と裏面カバー１４との間には、小型のスピーカ１５や図示しないカメラ等が内蔵される。表示装置１２の端部には、赤外線入出力装置１６が付設される。   The second housing 9 includes a front cover 13 and a rear cover 14 that sandwich the display device 12 that is electrically connected to the circuit board 20 via the flexible board 11. Between the front cover 13 and the back cover 14, a small speaker 15 and a camera (not shown) are built. An infrared input / output device 16 is attached to the end of the display device 12.

回路基板２０は、図１や図２に示すように、表面に配線パターンと共に複数のメタルドーム２２がＸＹ方向に配列され、この複数のメタルドーム２２が接点スイッチとして機能する。この回路基板２０の表面の末端部には一対のＬＥＤ２１が間隔をおいて配設され、この一対のＬＥＤ２１がライトガイド層４０の周面の対向する対向部に僅かな間隔をおいて隣接し、図２に矢印で示す白色や青色の光線を照射する。   As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the circuit board 20 has a plurality of metal domes 22 arranged in the XY direction together with a wiring pattern on the surface, and the plurality of metal domes 22 function as contact switches. A pair of LEDs 21 are disposed at the end of the surface of the circuit board 20 with an interval, and the pair of LEDs 21 are adjacent to the opposing portions of the peripheral surface of the light guide layer 40 with a slight interval, White or blue light rays indicated by arrows in FIG. 2 are irradiated.

各メタルドーム２２は、良好なクリック感を得る観点から薄いＳＵＳ板等を使用して弾性変形可能な中空の略半球状殻形に形成される。このメタルドーム２２は、上方から押圧されることで変形して回路基板２０の回路をＯＮ動作し、押圧が解除され、元の形態に復帰することで回路をＯＦＦ動作する。   Each metal dome 22 is formed in a hollow, substantially hemispherical shell shape that can be elastically deformed using a thin SUS plate or the like from the viewpoint of obtaining a good click feeling. The metal dome 22 is deformed by being pressed from above, and the circuit of the circuit board 20 is turned on. The pressure is released, and the circuit is turned off by returning to the original form.

操作入力層３０は、図１や図２に示すように、可撓性を有する細長い平面矩形の薄いシート等からなり、ライトガイド層４０の表面周縁部に両面粘着テープや接着剤を介し平坦に接着されて携帯電話１の表カバー４に略面一に揃えられる。この操作入力層３０のシートとしては、特に限定されるものではないが、例えば寸法安定性や強度に優れるポリカーボネート（ＰＣ）やポリエチレンテレフタレート（ＰＥＴ）製のシート等があげられる。   As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the operation input layer 30 is made of a thin sheet having a flexible elongated flat rectangular shape, etc., and is flattened with a double-sided adhesive tape or adhesive on the surface peripheral portion of the light guide layer 40. It is adhered and is almost flush with the front cover 4 of the mobile phone 1. The sheet of the operation input layer 30 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a sheet made of polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that is excellent in dimensional stability and strength.

操作入力層３０の平坦な表面には、回路基板２０の複数のメタルドーム２２の直上にそれぞれ位置する複数の操作キー３１が所定の間隔で一体的に配列され、各操作キー３１が平面矩形に区画形成されてその表面には操作用の模様（文字、数字、記号等）が印刷される。各操作キー３１は、少なくとも周縁部に照光用の光透過性が付与される。   On the flat surface of the operation input layer 30, a plurality of operation keys 31 respectively positioned directly above the plurality of metal domes 22 of the circuit board 20 are integrally arranged at a predetermined interval, and each operation key 31 has a planar rectangular shape. After the section is formed, an operation pattern (letters, numbers, symbols, etc.) is printed on the surface. Each operation key 31 is provided with light transmissivity for illumination at least at the periphery.

ライトガイド層４０は、同図に示すように、可撓性を有する平面矩形の薄いシートやフィルム等からなり、回路基板２０上に積層されて操作入力層３０の裏面周縁部に接着する。このライトガイド層４０は、特に限定されるものではないが、例えば導光性に優れる透明のシリコーンゴムやポリウレタン等からなる厚さ０．１〜０．２ｍｍ程度、好ましくは０．１２５ｍｍ程度のシートやフィルムで細長い平面矩形に形成される。   As shown in the figure, the light guide layer 40 is made of a thin flat rectangular sheet or film having flexibility, and is laminated on the circuit board 20 and adhered to the peripheral edge of the back surface of the operation input layer 30. The light guide layer 40 is not particularly limited. For example, the light guide layer 40 is made of a transparent silicone rubber or polyurethane having excellent light guiding properties, and has a thickness of about 0.1 to 0.2 mm, preferably about 0.125 mm. It is formed into a long and thin flat rectangle with a film.

ライトガイド層４０の平坦な表面には、操作入力層３０の複数の操作キー３１の直下にそれぞれ位置する発光パターン４１が白色インク等でドット印刷される。各発光パターン４１は、発光模様として導光された光線を操作入力層３０の操作キー３１に拡散照射し、照光するよう機能する。   On the flat surface of the light guide layer 40, light emission patterns 41 respectively positioned immediately below the plurality of operation keys 31 of the operation input layer 30 are dot-printed with white ink or the like. Each light emitting pattern 41 functions to irradiate and illuminate the operation key 31 of the operation input layer 30 with the light beam guided as the light emitting pattern.

押圧子５０は、図２や図３に示すように、ライトガイド層４０の平坦な裏面に所定の間隔で一体的に配列成形され、回路基板２０の複数のメタルドーム２２に上方からそれぞれ対向するとともに、複数の発光パターン４１の下方にそれぞれ位置しており、メタルドーム２２に圧接して変形させることにより、回路基板２０の回路をＯＮ動作させる。   As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pressing members 50 are integrally arrayed and formed on the flat back surface of the light guide layer 40 at a predetermined interval, and respectively face the plurality of metal domes 22 of the circuit board 20 from above. At the same time, they are positioned below the plurality of light emitting patterns 41, and are pressed against the metal dome 22 to be deformed, thereby turning on the circuit of the circuit board 20.

各押圧子５０は、例えば高さ０．２ｍｍ程度の背の低い透明の円錐台形に成形され、材料のコスト削減や光線の漏洩防止の観点から、全ての周面５１が４５°以下、好ましくは５°〜４５°、より好ましくは１０°〜４５°の傾斜角度で徐々に広がるよう傾斜する。押圧子５０のメタルドーム２２の湾曲した表面に圧接する平坦な圧接面５２と傾斜した周面５１との境界部５３は、光線の漏洩を防止するため、滑らかに僅かに丸めてＲ加工される。   Each pressing element 50 is formed into a low-profile transparent frustoconical shape having a height of about 0.2 mm, for example, and all peripheral surfaces 51 are 45 ° or less, preferably from the viewpoint of reducing material costs and preventing light leakage. It inclines so that it may spread gradually at an inclination angle of 5 ° to 45 °, more preferably 10 ° to 45 °. The boundary portion 53 between the flat pressure contact surface 52 that presses against the curved surface of the metal dome 22 of the presser 50 and the inclined peripheral surface 51 is smoothly rounded and rounded to prevent light leakage. .

上記構成において、操作入力層３０の所定の操作キー３１が押圧操作されると、ライトガイド層４０が撓みながらその対応する押圧子５０を回路基板２０のメタルドーム２２に圧接し、対応するメタルドーム２２が圧潰変形して回路基板２０の回路をＯＮ動作し、携帯電話１の所定の機能（例えば、電話の送話機能、メールの新規作成や送信機能等）が実行されることとなる。   In the above configuration, when a predetermined operation key 31 of the operation input layer 30 is pressed, the corresponding pressure element 50 is pressed against the metal dome 22 of the circuit board 20 while the light guide layer 40 is bent, and the corresponding metal dome is pressed. 22 is crushed and deformed, the circuit of the circuit board 20 is turned on, and predetermined functions of the cellular phone 1 (for example, telephone transmission function, new mail creation and transmission function, etc.) are executed.

次に、操作入力層３０の所定の操作キー３１が押圧操作され、一対のＬＥＤ２１が発光すると、光線は、各ＬＥＤ２１からライトガイド層４０内のＸＹ方向に繰り返し全反射しながら導光され、このライトガイド層４０表面の発光パターン４１から複数の操作キー３１にそれぞれ拡散照射され、各操作キー３１の少なくとも周縁部が照光される。   Next, when a predetermined operation key 31 of the operation input layer 30 is pressed and the pair of LEDs 21 emits light, light rays are guided from each LED 21 while being repeatedly totally reflected in the XY directions in the light guide layer 40. A plurality of operation keys 31 are diffused and irradiated from the light emission pattern 41 on the surface of the light guide layer 40, and at least the peripheral edge of each operation key 31 is illuminated.

この際、光線は、ライトガイド層４０と一体の押圧子５０内にも入射するが、押圧子５０の周面５１が垂直ではなく、４５°以下の傾斜角度で傾斜しているので、反射角度に変更が生じることが殆んどなく、押圧子５０の周面５１やライトガイド層４０との境界付近の縁から外部に漏れて発光することがない。したがって、光線は、押圧子５０から外部に漏れることなく、ライトガイド層４０内に閉じ込められつつ、全反射しながら導光される。   At this time, the light beam also enters the pressing member 50 integrated with the light guide layer 40. However, since the peripheral surface 51 of the pressing member 50 is not vertical but is inclined at an inclination angle of 45 ° or less, the reflection angle is reduced. Therefore, there is almost no change, and no light is leaked outside from the peripheral surface 51 of the presser 50 or the edge near the boundary with the light guide layer 40 to emit light. Accordingly, the light beam is guided while being totally reflected while being confined in the light guide layer 40 without leaking from the presser 50 to the outside.

上記構成によれば、押圧子５０の周面５１が徐々に傾き、光線が所定の入射角で入射して界面で略完全に反射するので、押圧子５０の周面５１やライトガイド層４０との境界付近の縁から光線が漏れるのを有効に防止することができる。特に、押圧子５０の周面５１のうち、ＬＥＤ２１の反対側、換言すれば、光線の導光方向側の反対面５４やその根元の縁から光線の漏洩を招くことが全くなく、良好な光線の導光特性を得ることができる。したがって、押圧子５０の周面５１が輝点となって押圧子５０や発光パターン４１が局所的に過剰に輝くのを抑制し、操作キー３１の照光性が悪化したり、操作入力層３０の意匠性が損なわれるのを防止することができる。   According to the above configuration, the peripheral surface 51 of the pressing element 50 is gradually inclined, and light rays are incident at a predetermined incident angle and are reflected almost completely at the interface. Therefore, the peripheral surface 51 of the pressing element 50 and the light guide layer 40 It is possible to effectively prevent light rays from leaking from the edge near the boundary. In particular, of the peripheral surface 51 of the presser 50, there is no leakage of light from the opposite side of the LED 21, in other words, the opposite surface 54 on the light guide direction side or the edge of the root thereof, and a good light beam. Can be obtained. Accordingly, the peripheral surface 51 of the presser 50 becomes a bright spot, and the presser 50 and the light emission pattern 41 are prevented from being excessively shined locally, the illumination of the operation key 31 is deteriorated, or the operation input layer 30 is It is possible to prevent the designability from being impaired.

また、押圧子５０の圧接面５２と周面５１との境界部５３が角張っておらず、Ｒ加工されて光線の反射角度に変更が生じるのを防ぐので、境界部５３から光線が漏れ、押圧子５０や発光パターン４１の輝度が過剰に増大するのを抑制することが可能になる。また、押圧子５０を円錐台形に形成して全周面５１を傾斜させるので、例え回路基板２０表面の両端部にＬＥＤ２１がそれぞれ配設され、相反する多方向（例えば、図２の左右）から光線が導光されても、押圧子５０の周面５１やライトガイド層４０との境界付近の縁から光線が漏れるのを有効に防止でき、しかも、構成の簡素化や製造の容易化が可能になる。   Further, the boundary portion 53 between the press contact surface 52 and the peripheral surface 51 of the presser 50 is not angular, and it is prevented from being changed by the R processing and the reflection angle of the light beam. It is possible to suppress an excessive increase in luminance of the child 50 and the light emission pattern 41. Further, since the presser 50 is formed in a truncated cone shape and the entire circumferential surface 51 is inclined, for example, the LEDs 21 are disposed at both ends of the surface of the circuit board 20, respectively, from opposite directions (for example, left and right in FIG. 2). Even if the light beam is guided, it is possible to effectively prevent the light beam from leaking from the peripheral edge 51 of the pressing member 50 and the edge near the boundary with the light guide layer 40, and the structure can be simplified and the manufacturing can be facilitated. become.

また、押圧子５０の周面５１が５°以上の傾斜角度で傾斜しているので、隣接する押圧子５０の周面５１同士の干渉防止が期待できる。さらに、ライトガイド層４０と押圧子５０を有する別体の押圧層とを積層するのではなく、ライトガイド層４０と押圧子５０を一体化して薄くするので、携帯電話１の薄型化が大いに期待できる。   Moreover, since the peripheral surface 51 of the pressing element 50 is inclined at an inclination angle of 5 ° or more, it can be expected to prevent interference between the peripheral surfaces 51 of the adjacent pressing elements 50. In addition, the light guide layer 40 and the pressing member 50 are not laminated separately, but the light guide layer 40 and the pressing member 50 are integrated and thinned. it can.

次に、図４は本発明の第２の実施形態を示すもので、この場合には、各押圧子５０を基本的には円柱形に形成し、この押圧子５０の周面５１のうち、少なくともＬＥＤ２１の反対側、換言すれば、光線の導光方向の反対面５４を４５°以下の傾斜角度で徐々に広がるよう傾斜させ、押圧子５０の圧接面５２と傾斜した周面５１との境界部５３を僅かにＲ加工するようにしている。その他の部分については、上記実施形態と略同様であるので説明を省略する。   Next, FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, each presser 50 is basically formed in a cylindrical shape, and of the peripheral surface 51 of this presser 50, At least the opposite side of the LED 21, in other words, the opposite surface 54 in the light guide direction is inclined so as to gradually spread at an inclination angle of 45 ° or less, and the boundary between the press contact surface 52 of the presser 50 and the inclined peripheral surface 51. The portion 53 is slightly rounded. The other parts are substantially the same as those in the above embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

本実施形態においても上記実施形態と同様の作用効果が期待でき、しかも、押圧子５０の形状の多様化を図ることができるのは明らかである。   In the present embodiment, it is obvious that the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment can be expected, and the shape of the presser 50 can be diversified.

なお、上記実施形態では押圧子５０をライトガイド層４０の裏面に形成したが、何らこれに限定されるものではなく、例えばライトガイド層４０の表面に形成しても良い。また、上記実施形態では押圧子５０にプランジャ機能と光線の漏洩防止機能とを付与したが、これに限定されるものではない。例えば、押圧子５０にレンズ機能等をさらに付与して光線を集光し、この集光した光線で操作キー３１を発光パターン４１を介し効率的に照明しても良い。   In the above embodiment, the presser 50 is formed on the back surface of the light guide layer 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be formed on the surface of the light guide layer 40, for example. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the plunger function and the leakage prevention function of the light beam were provided to the presser 50, it is not limited to this. For example, the presser 50 may be further provided with a lens function or the like to collect light, and the operation key 31 may be efficiently illuminated via the light emission pattern 41 with the collected light.

以下、本発明に係るライトガイド層の導光構造の実施例を比較例と共に説明する。
〔実施例１〕
図５に示すように、表面にメタルドームが実装された回路基板上に、ＬＥＤからの光線を導光するライトガイド層を水平に積層し、このライトガイド層の表面に、光線を拡散照射する発光パターンを白色インクでドット印刷してその上方には輝度計〔コニカミノルタ製：商品名ＣＳ‐１００〕を設置し、ライトガイド層の裏面には、回路基板のメタルドームにＯＮ動作させる押圧子を成形した。 Hereinafter, examples of the light guide structure of the light guide layer according to the present invention will be described together with comparative examples.
[Example 1]
As shown in FIG. 5, a light guide layer for guiding the light from the LED is horizontally stacked on a circuit board having a metal dome mounted on the surface, and the light is diffusely irradiated on the surface of the light guide layer. A luminous pattern (made by Konica Minolta: product name CS-100) is installed above the light-emitting pattern with dots printed with white ink. Was molded.

ＬＥＤは、回路基板の表面端部に設置してライトガイド層の周面の対向部に僅かな間隔で対向させ、押圧子の中心部までの距離を３０ｍｍとした。また、ライトガイド層はシリコーンゴムを用いて成形した。押圧子は、発光パターンの下方に位置する円錐台形に一体成形してその全周面を所定の傾斜角度θで徐々に広がるよう傾斜させた。この押圧子の周面の傾斜角度θは４０°に調整した。   The LED was installed at the end of the surface of the circuit board and opposed to the opposing portion of the peripheral surface of the light guide layer at a slight interval, and the distance to the center of the presser was 30 mm. The light guide layer was molded using silicone rubber. The presser was integrally formed into a truncated cone shape located below the light emission pattern, and its entire peripheral surface was inclined so as to gradually spread at a predetermined inclination angle θ. The inclination angle θ of the peripheral surface of the presser was adjusted to 40 °.

上記構造に構成したら、ＬＥＤを発光させてその光線をライトガイド層の対向部に照射し、発光パターンの平均輝度と、輝点部分、すなわち押圧子周面の輝度とを輝度計により測定した。測定の結果、発光パターンの平均輝度は４５〔ｃｄ／ｍ２〕、押圧子周面の輝度は４７〔ｃｄ／ｍ２〕であり、良好な測定結果を得られた。
なお、押圧子の周面の傾斜角度θが４０°以下の場合についても測定したが、同様に良好な測定結果が得られた。 When configured in the above-described structure, the LED was caused to emit light, and the light beam was irradiated to the opposing portion of the light guide layer, and the average luminance of the light emission pattern and the luminance of the bright spot portion, that is, the luminance of the peripheral surface of the presser were measured with a luminance meter. As a result of the measurement, the average luminance of the light emission pattern was 45 [cd / m 2 ], and the luminance of the peripheral surface of the presser was 47 [cd / m 2 ], and good measurement results were obtained.
In addition, although it measured also when the inclination | tilt angle (theta) of the surrounding surface of a presser was 40 degrees or less, the favorable measurement result was obtained similarly.

〔実施例２〕
基本的には実施例１と同様だが、押圧子の周面の傾斜角度θは４５°に変更した。このような構造に構成したら、ＬＥＤを発光させてその光線をライトガイド層の対向部に照射し、発光パターンの平均輝度と押圧子周面の輝度とを輝度計により測定した。測定の結果、発光パターンの平均輝度は４６〔ｃｄ／ｍ２〕、押圧子周面の輝度は４８〔ｃｄ／ｍ２〕であった。 [Example 2]
Basically the same as in Example 1, but the inclination angle θ of the peripheral surface of the presser was changed to 45 °. If it comprised in such a structure, LED was light-emitted, the light ray was irradiated to the opposing part of the light guide layer, and the average brightness | luminance of the light emission pattern and the brightness | luminance of the presser peripheral surface were measured with the luminance meter. As a result of the measurement, the average luminance of the light emission pattern was 46 [cd / m 2 ], and the luminance of the peripheral surface of the presser was 48 [cd / m 2 ].

〔比較例１〕
基本的には実施例１と同様であるが、押圧子の周面の傾斜角度θは５０°に変更した。こうして変更したら、ＬＥＤを発光させてその光線をライトガイド層の対向部に照射し、発光パターンの平均輝度と押圧子周面の輝度とを輝度計により測定した。測定したところ、発光パターンの平均輝度が４６〔ｃｄ／ｍ２〕、押圧子周面の輝度が８５〔ｃｄ／ｍ２〕となり、押圧子の周面が輝いて見えるようになった。 [Comparative Example 1]
Basically the same as in Example 1, but the inclination angle θ of the peripheral surface of the presser was changed to 50 °. After changing in this way, the LED was caused to emit light, and the light beam was irradiated to the opposite portion of the light guide layer, and the average luminance of the light emission pattern and the luminance of the peripheral surface of the presser were measured with a luminance meter. As a result of measurement, the average luminance of the light emission pattern was 46 [cd / m 2 ] and the luminance of the peripheral surface of the presser was 85 [cd / m 2 ], and the peripheral surface of the presser appeared to shine.

〔比較例２〕
基本的には実施例と同様であるが、押圧子を図６に示すように従来の円柱形に形成してその全周面の傾斜角度θを９０°に変更した。
このように構成したら、ＬＥＤを発光させてその光線をライトガイド層の対向部に照射し、発光パターンの平均輝度と押圧子周面の輝度とを輝度計により測定した。測定したところ、発光パターンの平均輝度が４９〔ｃｄ／ｍ２〕、押圧子周面の輝度が１８５〔ｃｄ／ｍ２〕で実施例よりも数値が大幅に悪化し、押圧子の周面が輝点となって押圧子が過剰に輝いた。 [Comparative Example 2]
Although basically the same as the embodiment, the presser was formed in a conventional cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 6 and the inclination angle θ of the entire circumferential surface thereof was changed to 90 °.
If comprised in this way, LED was made to light-emit, the light beam was irradiated to the opposing part of the light guide layer, and the average brightness | luminance of the light emission pattern and the brightness | luminance of the presser peripheral surface were measured with the luminance meter. When measured, the average luminance of the light emission pattern was 49 [cd / m 2 ] and the luminance of the presser peripheral surface was 185 [cd / m 2 ]. The pressing element shone excessively as a bright spot.

以上より、実施例の場合には、押圧子の周面の傾斜角度θが４５°以下なので、比較例と異なり、押圧子の周面が輝点となって押圧子や発光パターンが局所的に過剰に輝くことが殆んどなく、きわめて良好な結果を得た。   As described above, in the case of the example, since the inclination angle θ of the peripheral surface of the presser is 45 ° or less, unlike the comparative example, the peripheral surface of the presser becomes a bright spot and the presser and the light emission pattern are locally formed. Very little result was obtained with very little over-shine.

本発明に係るライトガイド層の導光構造は、音楽機器、家電機器、携帯機器、コンピュータ機器、情報通信機器、車載機器等の分野で使用することができる。   The light guide layer light guide structure according to the present invention can be used in the fields of music equipment, home appliances, portable equipment, computer equipment, information communication equipment, in-vehicle equipment, and the like.

１ 携帯電話
２０ 回路基板
２１ ＬＥＤ（光源）
２２ メタルドーム（接点スイッチ）
３０ 操作入力層
３１ 操作キー
４０ ライトガイド層
４１ 発光パターン
５０ 押圧子
５１ 周面
５２ 圧接面
５３ 境界部
５４ 反対面 1 Cellular phone 20 Circuit board 21 LED (light source)
22 Metal dome (contact switch)
30 operation input layer 31 operation key 40 light guide layer 41 light emitting pattern 50 presser 51 peripheral surface 52 pressure contact surface 53 boundary 54 opposite surface

Claims (3)

表面に接点スイッチを備えた回路基板と、この回路基板の接点スイッチに操作キーを対向させる操作入力層とを備え、これら回路基板と操作入力層との間に、光源からの光線を導光する可撓性のライトガイド層を介在し、このライトガイド層に導光された光線を操作入力層の少なくとも操作キーに照射するライトガイド層の導光構造であって、
ライトガイド層の表裏いずれか一方の面に、対向する回路基板の接点スイッチに圧接してＯＮ動作させる略柱形の押圧子を一体形成し、この押圧子の周面のうち、少なくとも光源の反対側に位置する反対面を４５°以下の傾斜角度で徐々に広がるよう傾斜させたことを特徴とするライトガイド層の導光構造。 A circuit board having a contact switch on the surface, and an operation input layer that opposes an operation key to the contact switch of the circuit board, and guides a light beam from a light source between the circuit board and the operation input layer. A light guide layer light guide structure for interposing a flexible light guide layer and irradiating at least an operation key of the operation input layer with a light beam guided to the light guide layer,
A substantially columnar pressing element is integrally formed on either one of the front and back surfaces of the light guide layer so as to be pressed on the contact switch of the opposite circuit board to be turned on, and at least of the peripheral surface of the pressing element opposite to the light source. The light guide structure of a light guide layer, wherein the opposite surface located on the side is inclined so as to gradually spread at an inclination angle of 45 ° or less. 押圧子を略円錐台形に形成した請求項１記載のライトガイド層の導光構造。   The light guide layer light guide structure according to claim 1, wherein the presser is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape. 押圧子の接点スイッチに圧接する圧接面と傾斜した周面との境界部を丸めて形成した請求項１又は２記載のライトガイド層の導光構造。   3. The light guide layer light guide structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide layer is formed by rounding a boundary portion between a pressure contact surface that is in pressure contact with the contact switch of the presser and an inclined peripheral surface.
JP2010181095A 2010-08-12 2010-08-12 Light guide structure of light guide layer Pending JP2012043545A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2010181095A JP2012043545A (en) 2010-08-12 2010-08-12 Light guide structure of light guide layer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2010181095A JP2012043545A (en) 2010-08-12 2010-08-12 Light guide structure of light guide layer

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2012043545A true JP2012043545A (en) 2012-03-01

Family

ID=45899643

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP2010181095A Pending JP2012043545A (en) 2010-08-12 2010-08-12 Light guide structure of light guide layer

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2012043545A (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103985584A (en) * 2014-04-18 2014-08-13 李明 Mechanical METAL DOME ultra-thin keyboard
CN104755572A (en) * 2012-10-31 2015-07-01 三之星机带株式会社 Reactive polyolefin hot-melt adhesive with low adhesion to uncoated aluminium tools and use thereof as a laminating hot-melt
KR101580150B1 (en) * 2015-03-16 2015-12-24 (주)모던테크 Light emitting keypad module and manufacturing methods thereof

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104755572A (en) * 2012-10-31 2015-07-01 三之星机带株式会社 Reactive polyolefin hot-melt adhesive with low adhesion to uncoated aluminium tools and use thereof as a laminating hot-melt
US10285280B2 (en) 2012-10-31 2019-05-07 Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd. Conductive adhesive for screen printing, joined body of inorganic material, and method for producing same
CN103985584A (en) * 2014-04-18 2014-08-13 李明 Mechanical METAL DOME ultra-thin keyboard
KR101580150B1 (en) * 2015-03-16 2015-12-24 (주)모던테크 Light emitting keypad module and manufacturing methods thereof

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4732230B2 (en) Keypad, keypad assembly and portable terminal
JP4959164B2 (en) Seat switch, seat switch module and panel switch
JP5301118B2 (en) Key assembly and portable terminal equipped with the same
JP4358204B2 (en) Keypad device and portable terminal
JP4308831B2 (en) Keypad having light guide layer, keypad assembly, and portable terminal
US7525454B2 (en) Keypad assembly for a portable terminal
JP4279347B2 (en) Light guide film and light emitting keypad provided with the same
US7186935B2 (en) Keypad assembly for a portable terminal
JP2007053063A (en) Sheet switch module
JP2007324100A (en) Sheet switch module
JP2009021142A (en) Sheet switch module
JP2011150804A (en) Key module, and electronic device
JP2008130506A (en) Key base, key-sheet including the same, and key unit including the same
JP2012043545A (en) Light guide structure of light guide layer
JP5023971B2 (en) Movable contact with light guiding function and input device using the same
JP2009205940A (en) Light guide sheet, and moving contact body using it
JP2009164114A (en) Movable contact body provided having light guide function and illumination panel switch composed using the same
JP2009117330A (en) Energy-saving light-emitting module
JP4954054B2 (en) Display device and operation switch
JP2010040385A (en) Switch device
JP4959415B2 (en) Light guide key sheet and light guide key sheet module
JP2009093813A (en) Key switch panel
KR101102943B1 (en) Optical sheet
KR20070021964A (en) Sheet switch, sheet switch module and panel switch
KR100749118B1 (en) Light emitting keypad