button

Abstract

Provide a button [Solution] The present invention provides a button comprising a circuit board, a frame, a cover plate, an elastic conductive member, and a sensor switch. The frame is mounted on the circuit board and has an opening on the side away from the circuit board. The cover plate is movably mounted in the opening. The elastic conductive member is mounted between the circuit board and the cover plate and is surrounded by the frame. The sensor switch is electrically connected to the elastic conductive member and generates a first operation signal. The sensor switch forms a detection area on the side of the cover plate away from the circuit board via the elastic conductive member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a button, and particularly to a button having a function of a non-contact button.

Background Art

[0002] A button is a general signal input device, and a user can input a signal by pressing the button. Considering hygiene, currently, some buttons are equipped with a function of inputting commands by using a non-contact sensor method such as infrared rays or ultrasonic waves. Among various non-contact sensor methods, the capacitance sensor method that generates a signal by detecting an electric field change is considered to have high development potential because of its high reliability in mechanical structure and relatively many types of detectable objects.

[0003] Capacitive sensor switches include those using ITO electrodes. Although the ITO electrode has the advantage of thinness, its wire part structure is fragile compared to general wires, so it is likely to affect the usability and durability of the button.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a button having a function of a non-contact button, with a simple structure and easy maintenance and assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above advantages, in one embodiment of the present invention, a button is provided, which includes a substrate, a frame body, a cover plate, an elastic conductive member, a contact switch, and a sensor switch. The frame body is installed on the substrate and has an opening on the side away from the substrate. The cover plate is movably installed in the opening. The elastic conductive member is installed between the substrate and the cover plate and is surrounded by the frame body. The sensor switch is electrically connected to the elastic conductive member, generates a first operation signal, and forms a detection area on the side of the cover plate away from the substrate through the elastic conductive member.

[0006] In one embodiment, the elastic conductive member is an elastic conductive pin.

[0007] In one embodiment, the elastic conductive member is a spring.

[0008] In one embodiment, the elastic conductive member is a conical spring that gradually tapers from the cover plate toward the substrate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the button further includes a light-emitting element mounted on a circuit board and surrounded by a spring.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cover plate is a light-transmitting plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the button further includes a contact switch, which is mounted on a circuit board, located within a frame, and generates a second operation signal when pressed against by a cover plate.

[0012] In one embodiment, the button further comprises an inner frame, which is installed inside the frame and positioned between the circuit board and the cover plate, and contacts the contact switch when pressed against by the cover plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inner frame comprises a main body and a plurality of elastic arms, the elastic arms extending from the main body toward the substrate and forming a gap between the main body and the contact switch. The main body contacts the cover plate and contacts the contact switch when pressed against by the cover plate.

[0014] In one embodiment, the elastic conductive member comprises a conductive frame and a plurality of conductive elastic arms, the conductive elastic arms extending from the conductive frame toward the substrate and electrically connected to the substrate, and forming a gap between the conductive frame and the contact switch, the conductive frame contacting the cover plate to form a detection area, and further contacting the contact switch by being pressed against by the cover plate.

[0015] As described above, the button of the present invention can reduce the number of components in the button, simplify the button's structure, and facilitate maintenance and assembly by using an elastic conductive member as the medium for the detection area required by the sensor switch.

[0016] To provide a clearer understanding of the above-mentioned or other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, examples are given below and described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a button in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the button along line AA in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the button along line AA in the embodiment of Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the button along line AA in the embodiment of Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the optical image forming assembly in the embodiment of Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the button detection area in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the button detection area in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the button detection area in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the button detection area in another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] In the following text, descriptions of terms used in the description based on embodiments of the present invention, such as directions and positional relationships like "above" and "below", are based on the directions and positional relationships shown in the drawings. The above terms are merely for convenience in explaining the present invention and do not limit the present invention, nor do they indicate or imply that the elements mentioned must be constructed in a specific direction. Also, terms such as "first", "second", etc. mentioned in this specification or the claims are only used to name elements or to distinguish different embodiments or ranges, and are not used to set an upper or lower limit on the number of elements.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a button in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the button in the embodiment of FIG. 1. In the following description, the sizes of the detection areas shown in each figure are merely approximate, and the size of the actual detection area can be adjusted as needed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the button 1 in this embodiment includes a substrate 2, a frame 3, a cover plate 4, an elastic conductive member 5, and a sensor switch 7. The frame 3 is installed on the substrate 2, and there is an opening 31 on the side away from the substrate 2. The cover plate 4 is installed movably in the opening 31. The elastic conductive member 5 is connected between the substrate 2 and the cover plate 4 and is installed inside the frame 3. The sensor switch 7 is electrically connected to the elastic conductive member 5, generates a first operation signal, and forms a detection area R1 (see FIG. 2) on the side of the cover plate 4 away from the substrate 2 through the elastic conductive member 5.

[0020] According to the present invention, there is no limitation on the installation object of the button 1. For example, an elevator or other operable devices can be mentioned, but it is not limited thereto. During installation, the button 1 is attached to, for example, the decorative plate 9 of the elevator (see FIG. 2), and the cover plate 4 is exposed from the opening 91 of the decorative plate 9.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the substrate 2 directly or indirectly supports each member necessary for the button 1. These members include the aforementioned frame body 3, the cover plate 4, the elastic conductive member 5, and the sensor switch 7. The substrate 2 may be, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB), but is not limited thereto. There is no particular limitation on the shape and size of the substrate 2, and it can be adjusted according to the shape of the frame body 3, for example, as required.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the frame body 3 houses the cover plate 4 and the elastic conductive member 5, and is fixed to the decorative plate 9, for example, when installing the button 1, but is not limited thereto. Examples of the material of the frame body 3 include plastic. Also, the frame body 3 is, for example, a rectangular frame, but can be designed in other shapes as required. There is no particular limitation on the size of the frame body 3, but for example, the size of the opening 31 of the frame body 3 can be made larger than or equal to the size of the opening 91 of the decorative plate 9 (see FIG. 2).

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover plate 4 covers the opening 31 and protects the elastic conductive member 5 from protruding outside. In this embodiment, the cover plate 4 further forms a pattern indicating the operation intention of the button 1, and the specific method thereof will be described later.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elastic conductive member 5 in this embodiment is connected between the substrate 2 and the cover plate 4. The elastic conductive member 5 is, for example, a spring fixed on the substrate 2. As a specific position, the elastic conductive member 5 is connected to the substrate 2 and arranged to correspond to the central portion of the cover plate 4. In the thickness direction D of the button 1, the length of the elastic conductive member 5 in a state where no external force is applied is, for example, approximately the same as or slightly longer than the distance between the cover plate 4 and the substrate 2. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the elastic conductive member 5 from detaching from the substrate 2 or moving inside the button 1 and affecting the position of the detection area R1.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor switch 7 is mounted on, for example, the substrate 2. There are no particular restrictions on the mounting position of the sensor switch 7; for example, it can be installed on the surface of the substrate 2 away from the frame 3, but it is not limited to this. The sensor switch 7 is, for example, a capacitive sensor switch. Specifically, the sensor switch 7 includes, for example, an oscillation circuit (not shown), and can detect whether an object has approached the button 1 by detecting changes caused by an electrostatically charged object entering the electric field range (including the detection area R1) on which the sensor switch 7 is installed, such as a change in the oscillation frequency. Specifically, in this embodiment, the detection area R1 of the sensor switch 7 is formed on the side of the cover plate 4 away from the substrate 2, using, for example, only the elastic conductive member 5 as the medium.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, button 1 further includes, for example, a contact switch 6. The contact switch 6 is installed on the circuit board 2 and located within the frame 3, and generates a second operation signal when pressed by the cover plate 4. By installing the contact switch 6, button 1 functions as a button that can simultaneously generate an operation signal by pressing and an operation signal by a non-contact method.

[0027] The contact switch 6 is, for example, a tact switch (or touch switch), which generates a second operation signal when pressed or touched. Specifically, in this embodiment, the contact switch 6 generates a second operation signal when the inner frame 8 (details described later), which is linked by the cover plate 4, is touched and pressed. However, in other embodiments, there are no particular restrictions on the shape of the cover plate 4, so in some embodiments, the contact switch 6 can also generate a second operation signal when it is directly pressed by the cover plate 4.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the button further comprises, for example, an inner frame 8. The inner frame 8 is located within the frame 3 and also between the substrate 2 and the cover plate 4, surrounding the elastic conductive member 5. The inner frame 8 can be made of an elastic material, such as plastic.

[0029] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the button along line AA in the embodiment of Figure 1. Specifically, the inner frame 8 comprises, for example, a main body 81 and a plurality of elastic arms 82 surrounding the main body 81. The main body 81 contacts the cover plate 4 when no external force is acting on it, and is pressed against the cover plate 4 and contacts the contact switch 6 when the cover plate 4 moves. The shape of the main body 81 is, for example, rectangular, and the position of the main body 81 is, for example, above the contact switch 6 in the pressing direction (the same as the thickness direction D of the button 1).

[0030] In the thickness direction D, the elastic arm 82 is located on the side of the main body 81 closer to the substrate 2 and extends diagonally from the main body 81 toward the substrate 2 with respect to the thickness direction D. The elastic arm 82 can be integrally molded with the main body 81. As shown in Figure 2, with this structure, when no external force is applied to the button 1, the main body 81 of the inner frame 8 contacts the bottom of the cover plate 4, and the side away from the cover plate 4 is supported on the substrate 2 via the elastic arm 82, thereby creating a gap between it and the contact switch 6. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the inner frame 8 is pressed against the cover plate 4, the shape of the elastic arm 82 changes, causing the main body 81 to contact and press the contact switch 6. It should be noted that in some embodiments, it is possible for the button 1 to not have an inner frame 8 by changing the shape of the detailed components of the cover plate 4 and the contact switch 6.

[0031] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the button 1 further includes a light-emitting element 21. The light-emitting element 21 is mounted on the substrate 2 and projects a light beam L toward the opening 31. The light-emitting element 21 is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), and the wavelength range of the light beam L is, for example, within the wavelength range of visible light, but is not limited thereto. Specifically, the number of light-emitting elements 21 can be, for example, multiple, and their number and arrangement can be set as needed.

[0032] In this embodiment, since the elastic conductive member 5 is a spring, there is a gap, which makes it less likely to affect the optical path direction of the light-emitting element 21. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the elastic conductive member 5 in this embodiment may be installed so as to surround the light-emitting element 21, or it may be installed so as to be surrounded by other light-emitting elements 21.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cover plate 4 covers the opening 31. In this embodiment, since the button 1 has the function of a contact button, the cover plate 4 further comes into contact with the user's finger and moves toward the substrate 2 when pressed by the finger, triggering the contact switch 6. In this embodiment, the cover plate 4 is, for example, a translucent material and includes a pressing member 41 and an optical image forming assembly 42.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pressing member 41 is located on the side of the cover plate 4 away from the substrate 2, making contact with the user's fingers, and also protecting the optical image forming assembly 42. The pressing member 41 is formed, for example, by plastic injection molding. Specifically, the pressing member 41 comprises, for example, a pressing portion 411 and an outer flange 412. The pressing portion 411 corresponds to, for example, the shape of the opening 91 on the decorative plate 9, and is circular in shape. The outer flange 412 surrounds the pressing portion 411 and corresponds to the shape of the opening 31 of the frame 3, and is capable of covering the entire opening 31. As shown in Figure 2, in the thickness direction D, the thickness of the pressing portion 411 is greater than the thickness of the outer flange 412. During assembly, the surface of the pressing portion 411 can be aligned with the surface of the decorative plate 9.

[0035] In this embodiment, the pressing member 41 comprises, for example, a fixing block 413 and a guide block 414. The fixing block 413 fixes the optical image forming assembly 42 and extends, for example, from the outer flange 412 along the thickness direction D toward the substrate 2, with a hook 413a provided at one end. The hook 413a is used to fix the optical image forming assembly 42. The guide block 414 is installed on the wall surface of the fixing block 413 away from the pressing portion 411, and is provided to slide within the guide rail 32 on the inner wall surface of the frame 3 during assembly. In this embodiment, when the guide block 414 slides, it catches on the wall surface at one end of the guide rail 32 away from the substrate 2, thereby preventing the cover plate 4 from coming off the opening 31.

[0036] It should be understood that the shapes and structures of the various pressing members 41 described above can be designed as needed and are not limited to these examples.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the optical image forming assembly in the embodiment of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the optical image forming assembly 42 is installed on the side of the pressing member 41 closer to the substrate 2, for example via a fixed block 413, and forms a floating optical image P on the side of the cover plate 4 away from the substrate 2. The shape of the optical image forming assembly 42 corresponds to, for example, the shape of the pressing member 41, but is not limited thereto. The optical image forming assembly 42 comprises, for example, a lens array 421, a pattern element 422, and an optical path conversion element 423 in order, facing the substrate 2.

[0038] The lens array 421 is located on the side of the optical image forming assembly 42 away from the substrate 2. The lens array 421 is, for example, a lens array composed of multiple biconvex lenses, which form a three-dimensional image from the light beam L passing through the pattern element 422. The lens array 421 can determine the pattern position of the floating optical image P, which corresponds, for example, to the position of the detection area R1. In other embodiments not shown, the lens array 421 may be a lens array with a single convex shape and can be designed as needed. There are no particular restrictions on the material of the lens array 421, and it may be, for example, glass or transparent acrylic resin.

[0039] The pattern element 422 is installed on the side of the lens array 421 facing the substrate 2. The pattern element 422 is, for example, a backsheet, photomask, or pattern layer film having a preset pattern, but is not limited to these. The preset pattern of the pattern element 422 corresponds to the floating optical image P displayed after the light beam L passes through the optical image forming assembly 42. The floating optical image P is not limited to the content of the image, but corresponds to a pattern required by a device to which button 1 is attached, such as a number representing the elevator floor or a pattern indicating the intent of the operation command (e.g., opening and closing a door) entered by button 1.

[0040] The optical path conversion element 423 is located on the side of the optical image forming assembly 42 closer to the substrate 2, and improves the brightness of the floating optical image P by diffusing the light beam L and / or converting it into a parallel light beam. The optical path conversion element 423 is, for example, a Fresnel lens, but is not limited thereto. The material of the optical path conversion element 423 may be the same as the material of the lens array 421 described above, but is not particularly limited. In some embodiments, if multiple light-emitting elements 21 are installed on the substrate 2 and uniform illumination can be provided, the optical image forming assembly 42 may not include the optical path conversion element 423.

[0041] Figures 6 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing the detection area of ​​a button in another embodiment. As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the position and size of the detection area R1 can be determined according to the position of the elastic conductive member 5 and the performance (sensitivity) of the sensor switch 7. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the button 1 forms a detection area R1 in the central part by installing the elastic conductive member 5 in the center of the cover plate 4, for example. On the other hand, in the embodiment of Figure 6, the button 1a can form a detection area R2 that is larger than the detection area R1 at the same location via the same elastic conductive member 5 without changing the design or position of the elastic conductive member 5, by using a sensor switch 7a which has higher sensitivity than the sensor switch 7. However, the method of changing the detection area is not limited to this.

[0042] As shown in Figure 7, in one embodiment, the elastic conductive member 5a of button 1b is, for example, a conical spring that gradually tapers from the cover plate 4 toward the substrate 2, and the projected area in the thickness direction D on the side of the elastic conductive member 5a closer to the cover plate 4 is larger than the projected area on the side closer to the substrate 2. As a result, as shown in Figures 2 and 7, the projected area of ​​the elastic conductive member 5a of button 1b closer to the cover plate 4 is larger than the projected area of ​​the elastic conductive member 5 of button 1 closer to the cover plate 4, so that button 1b can form a detection area R3 that is larger than the detection area R1 of button 1. Note that the method of changing the size of the detection area by changing the shape of the elastic conductive member can be combined with the method of changing the sensitivity of the sensor switch 7.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, in one embodiment, the elastic conductive member 5b of button 1c is, for example, a plurality of conductive pins (or pogo pins) evenly distributed within the frame 3, and the detection area R4 is increased by increasing the number of elastic conductive members 5b. As shown in Figures 2 and 8, since the number of elastic conductive members 5b of button 1c is greater than the number of elastic conductive members 5 of button 1, multiple detection areas R4 are formed together in button 1c, and a larger detection area can be formed than that of button 1a in Figure 6.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, in one embodiment, the middle frame 8a of the button 1d is entirely made of a conductive material, and the middle frame 8a comprises, for example, a conductive frame 81a (with a shape corresponding to the main body 81) and a conductive elastic arm 82a (corresponding to the elastic arm 82). In this embodiment, the middle frame 8a can be used as an elastic conductive member and forms a detection area R5 via the conductive frame 81a. The middle frame 8a is electrically connected to the substrate 2 and the sensor switch 7 via the conductive elastic arm 82a. In an embodiment not shown, first a frame with a shape similar to the middle frame 8a is manufactured from a non-conductive material, then a metal frame for forming a detection area is installed on the side of the frame that contacts the cover plate 4, and further metal contacts for electrically connecting to the substrate 2 are installed on the elastic arm of this frame. These metal contacts and the metal frame are electrically connected via a conductor or conductive pattern on the frame, and a member with substantially similar function and shape to the middle frame 8a is manufactured.

[0045] As is clear from the above description, in these multiple embodiments, the detection area is related only to the elastic conductive member and the sensor switch 7, and is unrelated to the design of the cover plate 4. In other words, the shape and material of the cover plate 4 can be arbitrarily selected. Furthermore, the sensor switch in each of the above embodiments generates a first operation signal depending on whether an object has entered the detection area. That is, if button 1 generates a second operation signal via the contact switch 6, the sensor switch 7 can simultaneously generate the first operation signal without providing any special control-related components, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0046] As described above, the button of the present invention uses an elastic conductive member as the medium for the detection area required by the sensor switch, thereby reducing the number of components in the button, simplifying the button's structure, and facilitating maintenance and assembly. Furthermore, in an embodiment of a button that incorporates a contact switch and simultaneously combines the functions of a contact button and a non-contact button, the elastic conductive member not only generates the repulsive force required for the contact switch but also generates the detection area required for the sensor switch, thus further reducing the number of components in the button and simplifying its structure.

[0047] Although the present invention has been disclosed above using examples, the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make several modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection of the present invention is limited by the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d: Buttons 2: Circuit board 21: Light-emitting element 3:Frame body 31: Opening 32: Guide rail 4: Lid plate 41: Pressing member 411: Pressing part 412: Outer flange 413: Fixed Block 413a: Hook 414: Guide Block 42: Optical Image Forming Assembly 421: Lens Array 422: Pattern element 423: Optical path conversion element 5, 5a, 5b: Elastic conductive members 6: Contact switch 7, 7a: Sensor switch 8, 8a: Middle frame 81: Main unit 81a: Conductive frame 82: Elastic Arm 82a: Conductive elastic arm 9: Decorative board 91: Opening R1, R2, R3, R4, R5: Detection area P: Floating optical image L: Luminous flux D: Thickness direction AA: Section line

Claims

1. circuit board and A frame, which is installed on the aforementioned substrate and has an opening on the side away from the substrate, A lid plate is movably installed in the opening, An elastic conductive member is installed between the substrate and the cover plate and surrounded by the frame, A sensor switch is electrically connected to the at least one elastic conductive member, generates a first operation signal, and forms at least one detection area on the side of the cover plate away from the substrate via the at least one elastic conductive member. A button characterized by having the following features.

2. The button according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one elastic conductive member is an elastic conductive pin.

3. The button according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one elastic conductive member is a spring.

4. The button according to claim 3, characterized in that the elastic conductive member is a conical spring that gradually tapers from the cover plate toward the substrate.

5. The button according to claim 3, wherein the cover plate further comprises at least one light-emitting element mounted on the substrate and surrounded by the spring.

6. The button according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover plate is a light-transmitting plate.

7. The button according to claim 1, further comprising a contact switch that is installed on the substrate, located within the frame, and generates a second operation signal when pressed against the cover plate.

8. The button according to claim 7, further comprising an intermediate frame installed within the frame, positioned between the substrate and the cover plate, and contacting the contact switch when pressed against the cover plate.

9. The button according to claim 8, wherein the middle frame comprises a main body and a plurality of elastic arms, the plurality of elastic arms extending from the main body toward the substrate, forming a gap between the main body and the contact switch, and the main body contacts the cover plate and is pressed against the cover plate to contact the contact switch.

10. The button according to claim 7, wherein the at least one elastic conductive member comprises a conductive frame and a plurality of conductive elastic arms, the plurality of conductive elastic arms extending from the conductive frame toward the substrate, forming a gap between the conductive frame and the contact switch, the conductive frame contacting the cover plate to form the detection area, and further pressing against the cover plate to contact the contact switch.

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