Patent Application
20130015048
The present application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2011-154578 filed on Jul. 13, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a switch packing (i.e., a packing for a switch) and an electronic key using the switch packing.
2. Description of the Related Art
An actuator is known that is disposed between a push-button and a switch element, and comprised of an elastic member that allows the switch element to be electrically opened or closed by an elastic deformation of the elastic member (e.g., refer to JP-A-H02-210726). The actuator is continuously formed by an extrusion processing.
As the actuator has a cross section uniform in the depth direction, the actuator can be cut into predetermined lengths along the depth direction so as to produce plural actuators.
In equipping plural switches, the conventional actuator needs to be provided for each of the switches. However, since the actuator does not have a waterproof structure, a member other than the actuator is needed so as to provide the switches with waterproofness. Therefore, the manufacturing cost will increase.
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a switch packing that is configured to easily change the operational feeling of a switch and to provide the switch with waterproofness, as well as an electronic key using the switch packing.
(1) According to one embodiment of the invention, a switch packing comprises:
a switch mechanism part disposed between an operation button and a switch element, and configured to be elastically deformed by pushing the operation button so as to have the switch element change to a first state and provide an operational feeling via the operation button; and
a sealing part to prevent penetration of a liquid,
wherein the switch mechanism part and the sealing part are integrated with each other.
In the above embodiment (1) of the invention, the following modifications and changes can be made.
(i) The switch mechanism part comprises:
a cylindrical part having a cylindrical shape and projecting from a top surface of the switch packing;
a plurality of convex portions formed on an upper surface of the cylindrical part and operable to contact with the operation button; and
a dome part having a domical shape, formed in an opening of the cylindrical part, and operable to contact with the operation button at an upper surface thereof and to contact with the switch element at a surface opposite to the upper surface.
(ii) The sealing part is formed outwardly projecting from a bottom part of a side surface part formed along a contour of the top surface in which the switch mechanism part is formed.
(iii) The switch packing further comprises:
a lid portion configured to cover substantially an entirety of a substrate on which the switch element is mounted,
wherein the lid portion comprises a top surface in which the switch mechanism part is formed, and
wherein the lid portion is integrated with the switch mechanism part and the sealing part.
(iv) The sealing part prevents the penetration of the liquid by being sandwiched by an upper case and a lower case that enclose the substrate in a vertical direction.
(v) The upper case comprises a smaller surface area than the lower case such that the upper case is fitted in the lower case.
(vi) The switch packing further comprises a silicone resin.
(vii) The switch mechanism part comprises a plurality of switch mechanism parts.
(viii) The switch packing further comprises a switch packing for an electronic key.
(2) According to another embodiment of the invention, an electronic key comprises a transmitter module including the switch packing according to the above embodiment (1).
Points of the Invention
According to one embodiment of the invention, a switch packing is constructed such that the lid portion configured to cover substantially an entirety of a substrate on which the switch element is integrated with the switch mechanism part and the sealing part, where the lid portion is comprised of a top surface (90a) and a side surface part (90c) (See
The preferred embodiments according to the invention will be explained below referring to the drawings, wherein:
The switch packing according to the embodiment includes a switch mechanism part disposed between an operation button and a switch element, and configured to be elastically deformed due to a push-down operation of the operation button, so as to allow the switch element to be placed in a first state and simultaneously provide an operational feeling via the operation button, and a sealing part configured to prevent penetration of liquid, wherein the switch mechanism part and the sealing part are integrally formed with each other.
Configuration of Electronic Key 1
The electronic key 1 is capable of locking or unlocking, for example, a door, a trunk or the like of vehicles by remote control. The electronic key 1 is roughly configured to include, for example, the main body 2, the key part 3, the first switch 4a to the fourth switch 4d, and the transmitter module 5.
Configuration of Main Body 2
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The lower main body 20 is configured such that the concave portion 200 is formed in the fore-end portion 20a, and the end portion 31 of the key part 3 is fitted into the concave portion 200. In addition, the concave portion 215 is formed in the upper main body 21 corresponding to the concave portion 200, and the end portion 31 that is larger than an opening formed by the concave portion 200 and the concave portion 215 is located internally in the main body 2, thus the key part 3 is configured not to be detached from the main body 2.
In the housing part 201, for example, the transmitter module 5 shown in
The upper main body 21 includes, for example, the first opening 211 to the fourth opening 214 in the front surface 210. In the main body 2, for example, the first switch 4a to the fourth switch 4d are disposed corresponding to these openings 211 to 214. In particular, the first switch 4a is disposed in the first opening 211, the second switch 4b is disposed in the second opening 212, the third switch 4c is disposed in the third opening 213, and the fourth switch 4d is disposed in the fourth opening 214.
Configuration of Key Part 3
The key part 3 is configured to include the key plate 30 having a long and thin plate shape. As shown in
Configuration of Transmitter Module 5
The transmitter module 5 is, for example, a transmitter that is configured to transmit an operation signal to vehicles via radio waves base on an operation applied to the first switch 4a to the fourth switch 4d. As shown in
Configuration of Outer Case 6
The outer case 6 is formed by using, for example, a synthetic resin material such as a polystyrene based resin, a polyethylene based resin, a polyamide based resin, acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS).
In addition, as shown in
The outer case 6 is configured, for example, such that a space (housing part 66) surrounded by side surfaces projecting from edges of the bottom surface 60 is formed. In the bottom surface 60, for example, the supporting parts 67a to 67e having a columnar shape are disposed. Further, for example, the supporting parts 67a to 67e can be integrally formed with the outer case 6, but not limited to this, the parts 67a to 67e can also be attached to the outer case 6 by screw, adhesive or the like.
The supporting parts 67a to 67e are disposed in order to support the substrate 7, and are arranged in accordance with the external form of the substrate 7.
In addition, a plurality of openings into which snap fits formed in the side surfaces of the inner case 8 are fitted, are formed in the side surfaces of the outer case 6. As shown in
Configuration of Substrate 7
The substrate 7 is, for example, a circuit substrate configured to mount various electronic components. The substrate 7 is configured, for example, such that the first to fourth switch elements 71 to 74 are arranged in the front surface 70a. In addition, as shown in
The first to the fourth switch elements 71 to 74 are respectively, for example, a switch such as a tact switch configured such that it is switched on (set in a first state) when the first to fourth front-end portions 711 to 741 are pushed-down so as to be moved within the respective main bodies 710, 720, 730 and 740, and it is switched off when the first to fourth front-end portions 711 to 741 are returned to the former state thereof. The first to the fourth switch elements 71 to 74 are, for example, respectively disposed corresponding to the first to the fourth buttons 41 to 44.
Configuration of Inner Case 8
The inner case 8 is formed by using, for example, a synthetic resin material such as a polystyrene based resin, a polyethylene based resin, a polyamide based resin, acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS). In the front surface 80a of the inner case 8, for example, the first to the fourth circular openings 841 to 844 are formed correspondingly to the respective first to the fourth switches 4a to 4d.
As shown in
The first snap fit 810 has, for example, a long and thin shape along the edge of the front surface 80a, and the upper surface thereof has a planar shape approximately parallel to the front surface 80a. In addition, the first snap fit 810 is configured, for example, such that a cross sectional surface obtained when the first snap fit 810 is cut by a plane parallel to the front surface 80a becomes reduced in size in proportion to lowness of the location (refer to
Configuration of Switch Packing 9
The switch packing 9 is formed of, for example, a silicone resin such as a silicone rubber. The switch packing 9 has, for example, a shape fitted to the shape (i.e., internal shape) of the housing part 800 of the inner case 8.
As shown in
The first switch mechanism part 91 is disposed, for example, between the first button 41 and the first switch element 71, and configured to be elastically deformed due to a push-down operation of the first button 41, so as to allow the first switch element 71 to be switched on and simultaneously provide an operational feeling with an operator via the first button 41.
The second switch mechanism part 92 is disposed, for example, between the second button 42 and the second switch element 72, and configured to be elastically deformed due to a push-down operation of the second button 42, so as to allow the second switch element 72 to be switched on and simultaneously provide an operational feeling with an operator via the second button 42.
The third switch mechanism part 93 is disposed, for example, between the third button 43 and the third switch element 73, and configured to be elastically deformed due to a push-down operation of the third button 43, so as to allow the third switch element 73 to be switched on and simultaneously provide an operational feeling with an operator via the third button 43.
The fourth switch mechanism part 94 is disposed, for example, between the fourth button 44 and the fourth switch element 74, and configured to be elastically deformed due to a push-down operation of the fourth button 44, so as to allow the fourth switch element 74 to be switched on and simultaneously provide an operational feeling with an operator via the fourth button 44.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The second switch mechanism part 92 is roughly configured to include, for example, the cylindrical part 920, the convex portions 923, 924 formed on the upper part 922 of the cylindrical part 920, and being in contact with the second button 42, and the dome part 925 having a domical shape and formed in the opening 925a of the cylindrical part 920, of which upper surface 926 is in contact with the second button 42 and the rear surface 928 opposite to the upper surface 926 is in contact with the second switch element 72. The upper part 922 is formed, for example, so as to have a circular shape larger than that of the second opening 842.
The cylindrical part 920 is configured, for example, to have a concave portion (not shown) formed so as to have the same shape as that of the concave portion 911. The concave portion is configured to, for example, be fitted into the second opening 842.
In the upper part 922, for example, the convex portions 923, 924 are formed so as to project from the upper part 922 and face to each other. The convex portions 923, 924 have, for example, a plate shape respectively.
The third switch mechanism part 93 is roughly configured to include, for example, the cylindrical part 930, the convex portions 933, 934 formed on the upper part 932 of the cylindrical part 930, and being in contact with the third button 43, and the dome part 935 formed in the opening 935a of the cylindrical part 930, of which upper surface 936 is in contact with the third button 43 and the rear surface 938 opposite to the upper surface 936 is in contact with the third switch element 73. The upper part 932 is formed, for example, so as to have a circular shape larger than that of the third opening 843.
The cylindrical part 930 is configured, for example, to have a concave portion (not shown) formed so as to have the same shape as that of the concave portion 911. The concave portion is configured to, for example, be fitted into the third opening 843.
In the upper part 932, for example, the convex portions 933, 934 are formed so as to project from the upper part 932 and face to each other. The convex portions 933, 934 have, for example, a plate shape respectively.
The fourth switch mechanism part 94 is roughly configured to include, for example, the cylindrical part 940, the convex portions 943, 944 formed on the upper part 942 of the cylindrical part 940, and being in contact with the fourth button 44, and the dome part 945 formed in the opening 945a of the cylindrical part 940, of which upper surface 946 is in contact with the fourth button 44 and the rear surface 948 opposite to the upper surface 946 is in contact with the fourth switch element 74. The upper part 942 is formed, for example, so as to have a circular shape larger than that of the fourth opening 844.
The cylindrical part 940 is configured, for example, to have a concave portion (not shown) formed so as to have the same shape as that of the concave portion 911. The concave portion is configured to, for example, be fitted into the fourth opening 844.
In the upper part 942, for example, the convex portions 943, 944 are formed so as to project from the upper part 942 and face to each other. The convex portions 943, 944 have, for example, a plate shape respectively.
Configuration of First to Fourth Switches 4a to 4d
The electronic key 1 includes, for example, the first to fourth switches 4a to 4d. The first switch 4a is, for example, a switch configured to lock a door of vehicles. The second switch 4b is, for example, a switch configured to unlock a door of vehicles. The third switch 4c is, for example, a switch configured to unlock a trunk of vehicles by being continuously pushed down for a predetermined time. The fourth switch 4d is, for example, a switch configured to output a warning alarm by being continuously pushed down.
The first switch 4a is roughly configured to include, for example, the first button 41 as an operation button, the first switch mechanism part 91 and the first switch element 71. The second switch 4b is roughly configured to include, for example, the second button 42, the second switch mechanism part 92 and the second switch element 72. The third switch 4c is roughly configured to include, for example, the third button 43, the third switch mechanism part 93 and the third switch element 73. The fourth switch 4d is roughly configured to include, for example, the fourth button 44, the fourth switch mechanism part 94 and the fourth switch element 74.
Subsequently, hereinafter, in order to explain an operation of the first switch 4a described below, a configuration of the first button 41 will be mainly explained.
As shown in
In addition, in the rear side surface 412d of the first button 41, for example, the stopper 414 having a plate shape that projects from the rear side surface 412d and functions to prevent the first button 41 from being detached from the opening of the upper main body 21. In the operation surface 411, for example, the projections 411a and 411b having a conical shape are formed.
In the center of the rear surface 415 of the first button 41, for example, the convex portion 417 that projects from rear surface 415 and has a conical shape is formed. The convex portion 417 is configured, for example, such that the contact surface 418 is formed in the upper part. The contact surface 418 is in contact with the upper surface 916 of the dome part 915 of the first switch mechanism part 91. In addition, the contact surface 416 is formed from the central portion to the right side surface 412b and the left side surface 412c. The contact surface 416, for example, has a rectangular shape and is in contact with the convex portions 913 and 914 of the first switch mechanism part 91. Further, the second to the fourth buttons 42 to 44 are configured to be approximately similar to the first button 41, thus detail explanation will be omitted.
Waterproof Property of Transmitter Module 5
In the switch packing 9, for example, the sealing part 900 configured to prevent penetration of liquid is formed. The sealing part 900 is formed so as to project exteriorly from the bottom part 96 of the side surface part 90c formed along the contour of the top surface 90a.
As shown in
When the inner case 8 to which the switch packing 9 is attached is assembled with the outer case 6 to which the substrate 7 is attached, at the stage that the sealing part 900 is in contact with the bottom surface 60 of the outer case 6 and the bottom surface 80b of the inner case 8 (at the stage that the sealing part 900 is not elastically deformed), all of the snap fits of the inner case 8 are not fitted into the openings formed in the side surfaces of the outer case 6. In order that the snap fits are fitted into the openings, it is needed for the sealing part 900 to be elastically deformed. Due to the elastic deformation of the sealing part 900, for example, as shown in
Hereinafter, the operation of the first switch 4a of the electronic key 1 will be explained. Further, the operation of the second to the fourth switches 4b to 4d is almost similar to that of the first switch 4a except for signals output, thus the explanation will be omitted.
Operation of First Switch 4a
As shown in
When the first button 41 is pushed down in the direction of an arrow shown in
The first switch element 71 is switched on by that the front-end portion 711 is pushed into the main body 710, a signal showing “ON” is output from the electronic key 1 wirelessly via an electronic circuit of the substrate 7. A vehicle that has received the signal, for example, locks a door of the vehicle.
When an operator takes his (her) finger off the first button 41, the first button 41 is returned to a state before the operation by elastic forces to go back to the former state, of the convex portions 913, 914 and the side part 917 that are elastically deformed.
Subsequently, hereinafter, an assembly of the inner case 8 and the switch packing 9 will be explained.
Assembly of the Switch Packing 9 and the Inner Case 8
First, as shown in
Next, as shown in
Next, as shown in
Subsequently, the above-mentioned assembling operation is applied to each of the other switch mechanism parts, so that the assembly of the switch packing 9 and the inner case 8 is completed.
Further, in the above-mentioned example, a method of carrying out an assembling operation with respect to each of the switch mechanism parts is adopted, but not limited to this, a method of preparing the jigs 100 of which number is corresponding to that of the switch mechanism part, and carrying out the assembling operation at one time can be also adopted. In addition, the switch packing 9 has a high elasticity, thus the assembling operation can be carried out by a finger instead of the jig 100.
The electronic key 1 according to the embodiment is configured such that the switch packing 9 includes the switch mechanism part and the sealing part having a waterproof function that are integrally formed with each other, thus an operational feeling can be easily changed and a waterproof function can be provided. Namely, taking the first switch 4a as an example, the operational feeling of the first button 41 can be easily changed mainly by the shapes of the convex portion 913 and the convex portion 914. In case that the switch packing 9 comprised of one type of material, it is formed by using a single mold, thus these changes of the shapes of the convex portions can be easily carried out. However, in case that the switch mechanism part and the sealing part are formed by a two-color molding, it is needed to use a hard resin as the switch mechanism part and use a soft resin like a rubber as the sealing part, and at least two moldings into which materials are poured are required, thus it is not easy to change the shapes of the convex portions.
In addition, the electronic key 1 can be reduced in the production costs in comparison with a case that the switch mechanism part and the sealing part are not integrally formed or are formed by a two-color molding. This is due to the fact that in the former, a member for waterproof as the sealing part is needed separately from the switch mechanism part, and in the latter, two kinds of materials and at least two moldings are needed.
Furthermore, the electronic key 1 according to the embodiment is configured such that the switch packing 9 is comprised of a silicone rubber having a high elasticity as whole, thus it can be easily assembled with the inner case 8 in comparison with a case that the switch mechanism part and the sealing part are not integrally formed or are formed by a two-color molding, so that productivity can be enhanced.
Although the invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments for complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-154578 | Jul 2011 | JP | national |
