Switching device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A switch device (10) includes a base material (20), a skin material (40), and a switch operating member (63). The base material (20) is obtained by molding a hard portion (21) and a soft portion (30) in one body, the skin material (40) is provided on the surface side of the base material and covers an opening of the hard portion, and the switch operating member (63) is disposed on the back surface side of the base material and corresponds to the opening. The peripheral edge of the opening and the switch operating member are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the press-in direction of the switch operating member. The soft portion is located between the skin material and the switch operating member on the surface side of the opening of the base material. The soft portion has an elastic expansion allowance portion (31) having rubber elasticity. The elastic expansion allowance portion constitutes a portion corresponding to the peripheral edge of the opening of the base material and the switch operating member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a switching device and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, push-in switching devices were known as switching devices used to control the operation of various equipment.

[0003] The push-in switch device includes a substrate, a switch working member, and a skin material. The substrate is rigid, the switch working member is embedded in an opening formed in the substrate, and the skin material is laid on the surface of the substrate to cover the surface of the switch working member. The switch device is configured to perform a switching action by pressing the switch working member toward the back side of the substrate through the skin material (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-212053 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the aforementioned push-in switch device, when the switch working part is pressed in through the outer skin material, the outer skin material is pressed against the periphery of the opening in the substrate and becomes taut, causing local elongation of the outer skin material starting from the periphery of the opening in the substrate. Therefore, if the number of push-in operations of the switch device increases, the pressed-in portion of the outer skin material will become concave and wrinkled.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to suppress the indentation of the pressed portion of the skin material in a push-in switch device.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, in this disclosure, a soft part with rubber elasticity is disposed between the outer skin material and the switch working part, and the pressing operation of the switch working part can be performed by flexing the soft part.

[0012] Specifically, the first aspect of this disclosure pertains to a switching device. The switching device of the first aspect includes a substrate, a sheath material, and a switching working member. The substrate has a rigid portion with an opening. The sheath material is disposed on the surface side of the substrate, covering the opening. The switching working member is disposed on the back side of the substrate at a position corresponding to the opening. The switching device is configured such that the switching working member can be pressed in by applying a pressing force when the sheath material is pressed in. The peripheral edges of the opening and the switching working member are spaced apart from each other in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the switching working member. Between the sheath material and the switching working member, a soft portion, softer than the rigid portion and having rubber elasticity, is provided. The soft portion is supported by the rigid portion, located within the opening or on the surface side of the opening, and has a stretch allowance that corresponds to the portion between the peripheral edges of the switching working member and the opening.

[0013] The second aspect of this disclosure is based on the switching device of the first aspect, wherein the outer skin material and the soft part are bonded together at the portions corresponding to the opening.

[0014] In a third aspect of this disclosure, based on the switching device of the first or second aspect, the soft portion is configured to cover the opening on the surface side of the hard portion.

[0015] In the fourth aspect of this disclosure, based on the switching device of the first or second aspect, the soft portion is configured to close the opening of the hard portion. Furthermore, the surface of the soft portion and the surface of the hard portion are coplanar.

[0016] The fifth aspect of this disclosure is based on the switching device of the first or second aspect, wherein the soft part and the hard part are integrally formed to constitute the substrate.

[0017] The sixth aspect of this disclosure pertains to a method for manufacturing a switching device according to the first aspect. In the method for manufacturing the switching device according to the sixth aspect, a substrate is prepared, which is formed by integrally molding the rigid part and the soft part and has a flat surface. The skin material is laminated onto the surface of the substrate by vacuum pressure forming or pressure forming.

[0018] The effects of the invention

[0019] According to the first aspect, the opening periphery of the switch operating component and the substrate are positioned with a gap between them in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the switch operating component. A soft portion with rubber elasticity is provided between the skin material and the switch operating component. The soft portion is supported by the substrate, located inside the opening or on the surface side of the opening, and has a stretch allowance portion that corresponds to the portion between the opening periphery of the switch operating component and the substrate. When the switch operating component is pressed in through the skin material, the soft portion flexes along with the extension of the stretch allowance portion. At this time, the flexing of the soft portion is relatively gentle, thus reducing the local elongation of the skin material. This helps to suppress the indentation of the pressed portion of the skin material.

[0020] According to the second aspect, the skin material and the flexible part are bonded together at the portion corresponding to the opening of the substrate. When the flexible part flexes due to the pressing operation of the switch working part, the skin material also flexes in accordance with the deformation of the flexible part. This allows the elongation generated in the skin material to be distributed around the pressing portion. This helps to suppress the indentation of the pressed portion of the skin material.

[0021] According to the third aspect, the opening of the substrate is covered by a soft portion disposed on the surface side of the rigid portion. For example, if a structure is adopted in which the soft portion is only disposed within the opening of the substrate and the periphery of the opening of the substrate is in close contact with the skin material, a seam will appear on the surface side at the boundary between the periphery of the opening of the substrate and the soft portion. Therefore, this seam serves as a parting line reflected on the skin material, sometimes detracting from the appearance of the switching device. In contrast, if the opening of the substrate is covered by the soft portion, the seam between the rigid portion and the soft portion will not appear on the surface side, thus preventing the formation of a parting line on the skin material, thereby enabling a better appearance of the switching device.

[0022] According to the fourth aspect, the opening of the rigid part is closed by the soft part. Furthermore, the surface of the soft part is coplanar with the surface of the rigid part. This suppresses the generation of a height difference at the boundary between the opening periphery of the substrate and the soft part. Consequently, the parting line corresponding to the joint between the rigid and soft parts is less likely to be reflected in the outer skin material. This contributes to a better appearance of the switching device.

[0023] According to the fifth aspect, the substrate is composed of a rigid part and a flexible part. This substrate can be molded using two-color molding. By using such a two-color molded product as the substrate, the number of parts required to manufacture the switch device and the assembly time can be reduced.

[0024] According to the sixth aspect, a substrate is prepared, which is formed by molding a rigid part and a flexible part into one piece, has a flat surface, and a skin material is laminated onto the surface of the substrate. In the process of laminating the skin material, vacuum pressure forming or pressure forming is used. If vacuum pressure forming or pressure forming is used, the skin material can be laminated onto the surface of the substrate with good conformability. This suppresses unevenness on the surface of the skin material. This is beneficial for manufacturing a switch device with a good appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the central control console, which is equipped with the switching device of the first embodiment, as viewed from the left side of the vehicle body.

[0026] Figure 2 This illustrates the structure of the switching device according to the first embodiment, along... Figure 1 The sectional view taken along line II-II.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the case when the switching device of the first embodiment is pressed in.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum pressure forming apparatus used to manufacture switching devices.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum pressure forming apparatus in the heating and vacuum processes.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum pressure forming device in the pressing process of the outer skin material.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum pressure forming device in the pressurization process.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly process during the manufacture of the switching device according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 9 This illustrates the structure of the switching device in the second embodiment, equivalent to... Figure 2 A sectional view.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the case when the switching device of the second embodiment is pressed in.

[0035] Figure 11 This illustrates the structure of the switching device in the third embodiment, equivalent to Figure 2 A sectional view.

[0036] Figure 12This illustrates the structure of the switching device in the fourth embodiment, equivalent to... Figure 2 A sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, the application of the switching device according to this disclosure to a central control console will be used as an example. It should be noted that the drawings are for conceptual illustration of the technology of this disclosure. Therefore, in the drawings, dimensions, scales, or quantities may sometimes be exaggerated or simplified for ease of understanding of the technology of this disclosure.

[0038] (First Implementation)

[0039] The switching device 10 of the first embodiment is assembled in Figure 1 The central control console 1 is shown. The central control console 1 is located at the front center of the vehicle floor between the driver's and passenger's seats. The central control console 1 includes a gear shift control unit 3, a housing 5, and a control panel 7. The control panel 7 is an example of vehicle interior trim.

[0040] The gear shift control unit 3 is used to operate the transmission installed in the automobile. The gear shift control unit 3 is located near the front end of the center console 1. The gear shift control unit 3 is composed of a gear shift lever and an indicator showing the operating position of the gear shift lever.

[0041] Box 5 is an item box with internal storage space. Box 5 is located at the rear of the central control panel 1. The upper part of box 5 is configured to open and close with a lid 6. When box 5 is closed, lid 6 can be used as a handrail.

[0042] The console panel 7 constitutes the external decorative part of the central console 1. The console panel 7 has a U-shaped cross-section that opens downwards. The gear shift operation unit 3 is assembled onto the console panel 7. The console panel 7 is composed of a console panel body 8 and a cover panel 9.

[0043] The main body 8 of the control panel is a component that forms the main body of the control panel 7. An insert 8a is provided on the upper surface of the main body 8. The cover panel 9 is inserted into the insert 8a of the main body 8 to form the upper surface portion of the control panel 7.

[0044] -Structure of the switching device-

[0045] The switch device 10 is configured as a part of the cover panel 9. The switch device 10 is located between the gear shift operation section 3 and the housing section 5 in the center console 1. A light-transmitting display section 11 is provided on the cover panel 9 at the location where the switch device 10 is configured. The light-transmitting display section 11 displays the icon 13 (in...) Figure 1The part that is lit up for display (represented by "○" for convenience) constitutes the operation section 15 of the switch device 10. The operation section 15 receives the user's push-in operation of the switch device 10.

[0046] The operating unit 15 is part of the cover panel 9, and its position can be confirmed by the display of icon 13. That is, the switch device 10 is operated by pressing the part shown by icon 13 on the light-transmitting display unit 11. The function of the switch device 10 is, for example, to switch the operating state of the vehicle system shown by icon 13. When the light-transmitting display unit 11 is not lit and icon 13 is not displayed, its appearance is the same as other parts of the console panel 7, and it cannot be visually distinguished.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the switching device 10 includes a base material 20, a skin material 40, and a functional module 50. The functional module 50 includes a switching component 55 and a switching working component 63. The base material 20 and the skin material 40 constitute a cover panel 9. The switching device 10 is configured such that the switching working component 63 can be pressed in by applying a pressing force when the skin material 40 is pressed in, and the switching device 10 can perform a pressing operation on the switching component 55 via the switching working component 63.

[0048] <Substrate>

[0049] The substrate 20 is a component constituting the base of the cover panel 9, and has a rigid portion 21 and a flexible portion 30. In this example, the substrate 20 is obtained by molding the rigid portion 21 and the flexible portion 30 together using two-color molding. The rigid portion 21 is a rigid resin part. The rigid portion 21 is a component that forms the base of the substrate 20 and has light-blocking properties. As used in this specification, "light-blocking properties" refers to the ability to block visible light. The rigid portion 21 is composed of a front panel portion 23 and a side panel portion 25.

[0050] The dashboard portion 23 is a plate-shaped portion located on the surface side of the substrate 20, constituting the upper plate portion of the cover panel 9. The side plate portion 25 is a plate-shaped portion extending from at least two end edges in the machine width direction of the periphery of the dashboard portion 23 toward the back side of the substrate 20, and is inserted into the insertion opening 8a of the console panel body 8. A first opening 27 is formed in the dashboard portion 23, and the first opening 27 includes a portion corresponding to the operation portion 15 on its inner side.

[0051] Multiple protrusions 29 (in) Figure 2 (Only two are shown in the diagram) These protrusions are located on the back of the panel portion 23 and are integrally formed with the panel portion 23. Each protrusion 29 is provided around the first opening 27 and protrudes toward the back side of the substrate 20. The multiple protrusions 29 serve as fixing parts for securing the support panel 51 to the substrate 20. Claws or the like are also provided on the substrate 20 and are used when assembling onto the console panel body 8, but are not shown.

[0052] The rigid part 21 is made of synthetic resin. Examples of materials for the rigid part 21 include polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, polycarbonate (PC), and composites of polycarbonate (PC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin (PA-ABS).

[0053] The soft portion 30 is a plate-like portion disposed on the surface of the panel portion 23 within the rigid portion 21, and is integrally formed with the rigid portion 21 to constitute the substrate 20. The soft portion 30 is supported by the rigid portion 21, located on the surface side of the first opening 27, and is configured to cover the first opening 27 on the surface side of the rigid portion 21. In this example, the soft portion 30 is not disposed inside the first opening 27. The soft portion 30 is located between the skin material 40 and the switch operating member 63. The surface of the substrate 20 is formed into a flat surface by means of the soft portion 30.

[0054] The soft portion 30 is softer than the hard portion 21 and has rubber elasticity. The soft portion 30 has a relatively low hardness. The Type A hardness of the soft portion 30 is, for example, about 1 to 90, more preferably about 10 to 15. Here, "Type A hardness" refers to the hardness value measured using a Type A hardness tester specified in Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K 6253 for general medium-hardness rubber materials. The thickness of the soft portion 30 is, for example, about 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0055] The soft portion 30 is bonded to the skin material 40 at least at the portion corresponding to the first opening 27 of the hard portion 21. The skin material 40 and the soft portion 30 are bonded using an adhesive, glue, or similar agent. In this example, the soft portion 30 is bonded to the skin material 40 with its entire surface. The soft portion 30 has a stretch allowance 31 for allowing expansion and contraction. The stretch allowance 31 forms a portion corresponding to the periphery of the first opening 27 of the switch operating member 63 and the substrate 20. The stretch allowance 31 is the portion of the soft portion 30 that forms the bottom surface of the groove-shaped portion 33, which will be described later. The stretch allowance 31 helps ensure the pressable amount (stroke) of the operating part 15.

[0056] The soft portion 30 in this example also has light transmittance. "Light transmittance" as used in this specification refers to the property of allowing visible light to pass through. The light transmittance of the soft portion 30 in the thickness direction is 3% or more (e.g., 3% to 60%). The "light transmittance" mentioned in this specification was measured using a commercially available light transmittance measuring instrument according to Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K 7361. For example, a Topcon SR-LEDW spectroradiometer was used as the light transmittance measuring instrument.

[0057] The soft portion 30 is made of an elastomer. Thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based elastomers (SBC), olefin-based elastomers (TPO), polyvinyl chloride-based elastomers (TPVC), polyurethane-based elastomers (PU), ester-based elastomers (TPEE), and amide-based elastomers (TPAE) can also be used as materials for the soft portion 30. Thermosetting elastomers such as silicone rubber, fluororubber, and polyurethane rubber can also be used as materials for the soft portion 30.

[0058] <Outer skin material>

[0059] The skin material 40 is a sheet that forms the surface of the cover panel 9. The skin material 40 is configured to cover the first opening 27 together with the soft part 30 on the surface side of the substrate 20. The skin material 40 covers the surface of the substrate 20 (in this example, the surface of the soft part 30), forming the appearance surface of the cover panel 9. The outer peripheral portion of the skin material 40 covers the side plate portion 25 of the substrate 20 and wraps around to the back side of the substrate 20, and is fixed to the substrate 20 with bonding materials such as double-sided tape and adhesive.

[0060] The skin material 40 is both elastic and flexible. The thickness of the skin material 40 is, for example, about 0.2 mm to 3 mm. The skin material 40 has a light-transmitting layer 41 and a light-blocking layer 43. The light-transmitting layer 41 is the base layer of the skin material 40. The skin material 40 is formed, for example, by calendering, extrusion, slush molding, injection molding, molded skin molding, or spray skin molding.

[0061] The light-transmitting layer 41 is made of a synthetic resin with added pigments. Examples of materials for the light-transmitting layer 41 include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The material of the light-transmitting layer 41 can be chosen according to the molding method used.

[0062] The thickness of the light-transmitting layer 41 is approximately 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm. The light-transmitting layer 41 contains black pigment, but in small amounts, and is translucent. In this example, the light-blocking layer 43 contains only black pigment, exhibiting a grayish, smoky color. The light transmittance of the light-transmitting layer 41 in the thickness direction is, for example, approximately 3% to 60%.

[0063] A light-shielding layer 43 is provided covering the entire back side of the light-transmitting layer 41. The light-shielding layer 43 has light-shielding properties and is a layer that blocks light L that is to pass through from the back side of the cover panel 9 towards the surface side. The light-shielding layer 43 is composed of a coating film containing black pigment. The thickness of the light-shielding layer 43 is, for example, about 5 μm to 50 μm, more preferably 8 μm to 10 μm. The light transmittance of the light-shielding layer 43 in the thickness direction is, for example, 0%.

[0064] In the portion of the light-transmitting display section 11 formed by the light-shielding layer 43, a light-transmitting hole 45 is formed to allow light L to pass through. The light-transmitting hole 45 is formed into a predetermined pattern shape for display when illuminated, and in this example, it is formed into the same shape as icon 13. The light-transmitting hole 45 is formed by irradiating with a laser. When the light-shielding layer 43 is formed by screen printing, the light-transmitting hole 45 can be set using a mask or included in the printed pattern.

[0065] <Functional Modules>

[0066] Functional module 50 is a mechanism that implements lighting and switching functions for display purposes. In addition to the switch component 55 and the switch operating component 63, functional module 50 also includes a support panel 51, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 57, and a compression coil spring 59. The LED 57 is an example of a light source.

[0067] A support panel 51 is disposed on the back side of the rigid portion 21 of the substrate 20, corresponding to the first opening 27. The support panel 51 is fixed to a plurality of protrusions 29 provided on the substrate 20 by self-tapping screws 54. The support panel 51 is located at a distance from the surface portion 23 of the rigid portion 21. A light-shielding wall 53 is provided on the support panel 51.

[0068] The light-shielding wall 53 protrudes towards the surface of the support panel 51 and is formed in a frame shape to correspond to the outer periphery of the operating part 15. Multiple claw plates 53a are provided at the top of the light-shielding wall 53. Figure 2 (Only one is shown in the image). Multiple claws 53a are located circumferentially on the light-shielding wall 53, spaced apart from each other, and protrude toward the inner circumference of the light-shielding wall 53. Each claw 53a functions as an anti-detachment part to prevent the switch operating part 63 from falling off the interior of the light-shielding wall 53.

[0069] The switch component 55 and the LED 57 are mounted on the same substrate 61, which is fixed to the inner portion of the light-shielding wall 53 of the support panel 51. The switch component 55 is arranged near the light-shielding wall 53 within the space enclosed by the light-shielding wall 53. The switch component 55 is, for example, a touch switch, having a pressing surface that accepts a pressing operation. The LED 57 is arranged at a centrally located position within the space enclosed by the light-shielding wall 53. The LED 57 emits light L (strictly speaking, visible light) toward the light-transmitting display section 11.

[0070] The switch operating member 63 is retractably disposed inside the light-shielding wall 53 of the support panel 51 and is arranged on the back side of the substrate 20 at a position corresponding to the first opening 27. The switch operating member 63 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape corresponding to the inner circumferential shape of the light-shielding wall 53. The switch operating member 63 is constructed including a supporting plate portion 65 and a peripheral wall portion 67. The supporting plate portion 65 forms a flat surface that withstands the external force generated by the pressing operation on the switch device 10. The peripheral wall portion 67 is a portion that extends cylindrically from the periphery of the supporting plate portion 65 toward the back side. The outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 67 faces the inner peripheral surface of the light-shielding wall 53 and is capable of sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface of the light-shielding wall 53.

[0071] A switch contact 69 is integrally provided on the rear side end face of the peripheral wall portion 67 of the switch working member 63. The switch contact 69 protrudes toward the rear side of the switch working member 63 and faces the pressing surface of the switch member 55. The rear side end face of the switch contact 69 is in contact with the pressing surface of the switch member 55, or is close to the pressing surface with a small gap between them. A spring insertion portion 71 is also integrally provided on the rear side end face of the peripheral wall portion of the switch working member 63. The spring insertion portion 71 protrudes toward the rear side of the switch working member 63 and faces the support panel 51.

[0072] A compression coil spring 59 is inserted into the spring insertion portion 71. The compression coil spring 59 is located between the peripheral wall portion 67 of the switch working member 63 and the support panel 51, and always applies a pressing force toward the surface side to the switch working member 63. The switch working member 63 is thus maintained in a state where the receiving plate portion 65 is placed in the first opening 27 of the substrate 20 and is in close contact with the back side of the soft portion 30, and a gap larger than the insertion depth (stroke) of the switch working member 63 is left between the switch working member 63 and the support panel 51 when the switch device 10 is not pressed in.

[0073] The switch working component 63 is a rigid component made of synthetic resin and is translucent. Examples of materials that can be used for the switch working component 63 include polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The switch working component 63 is molded by injection molding.

[0074] The periphery of the switch working component 63 and the first opening 27 of the substrate 20 are positioned in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the switch working component 63, that is, in a direction along the surface of the cover panel 9, with a gap between them. A groove-shaped portion 33 is provided on the outer periphery of the support plate portion 65 of the switch working component 63. The groove-shaped portion 33 has the outer peripheral surface of the support plate portion 65 and the inner peripheral surface of the first opening 27 of the substrate 20 as its side surface, and the back surface of the soft portion 30 as its bottom surface. The distance D between the outer peripheral surface of the support plate portion 65 of the switch working component 63 and the inner peripheral surface of the first opening 27 of the substrate 20 (the width of the groove-shaped portion 33), that is, the width of the expansion allowance portion 31, is, for example, 1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably about 5 mm.

[0075] -Operating status of the switching device-

[0076] In the switch device 10 of this first embodiment, light L emitted by LED 57 illuminates the cover panel 9 from the back side of the substrate 20. This light L passes through the switch operating member 63 and the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20, illuminating the corresponding light-transmitting display portion 11 from the back side. This illumination light L passes through the light-transmitting hole 45 and through the outer skin material 40, thereby reflecting the icon 13. Thus, the light-transmitting display portion 11 illuminates and displays the icon 13. When the light-transmitting display portion 11 is illuminated, the operation portion 15 of the switch device 10 is revealed.

[0077] Then, the switching device 10 as follows Figure 3 As shown, when the user presses the operating part 15 in with their finger UF, the soft part 30 deforms by flexing towards the back side of the substrate 20 according to the degree of pressure. The pressing force is applied to the switch operating member 63 via the soft part 30. The switch operating member 63 thus overcomes the force of the compression coil spring 59 and retracts towards the support panel 51, and the pressing surface of the switch member 55 is pressed in by the switch contact part 69. Thus, the switch member 55 is pressed in.

[0078] Furthermore, regarding the switch device 10, when the user releases the pressure on the operating part 15, the soft part 30 recovers its deformation through elastic recovery, and the switch operating member 63, under the force of the compression coil spring 59, is pushed upward toward the surface side along with the recovery of the soft part 30, thus moving. The operating part 15 thereby returns to its state before being pressed in. As a result, the pressure of the switch contact part 69 on the pressing surface of the switch member 55 disappears, and the pressing operation on the switch member 55 is released.

[0079] - Manufacturing method of switching device -

[0080] To manufacture the switching device 10, firstly, a substrate 20 is prepared. This substrate 20 is formed by integrally molding a rigid part 21 and a flexible part 30, and has a flat surface. Such a substrate 20 can be formed using two-color molding. Next, a skin material 40 is laminated onto the surface of the substrate 20 using vacuum pressure molding. In the lamination process of laminating the skin material 40 onto the surface of the substrate 20, a method is used... Figure 4 The vacuum pressure forming apparatus 100 shown is shown.

[0081] The vacuum pressure forming apparatus 100 includes a forming chamber 110, a heater 130, a substrate support 140, a vacuum pressurizing device 150, and a vacuum device 160. In the description of this first embodiment, as shown in the figures, the upper and lower sides of the vacuum pressure forming apparatus 100 are defined, but this is only for ease of explanation. For example, the orientation of the vacuum pressure forming apparatus 100 can also be changed by taking the upper and lower direction as the left and right direction (horizontal direction).

[0082] The molding box 110 includes a lower box component 111 and an upper box component 119. The lower box component 111 and the upper box component 119 are separate parts of the molding box 110, and are arranged such that their openings correspond vertically. The lower box component 111 has its opening facing upwards and is located on the lower side. The upper box component 119 has its opening facing downwards and is located on the upper side.

[0083] The lower side box component 111 has a bottom wall portion 113 and a lower peripheral wall portion 115. The lower peripheral wall portion 115 extends upward from the periphery of the bottom wall portion 113. A lower flange 117 is provided at the upper end of the lower peripheral wall portion 115. The lower flange 117 has a portion that protrudes horizontally toward the outer peripheral side of the lower peripheral wall portion 115 and a portion that protrudes horizontally toward the inner peripheral side of the lower peripheral wall portion 115. The upper surface of the lower flange 117 is the portion on which the outer skin material 40 is placed.

[0084] The upper box component 119 has an upper wall portion 121 and an upper peripheral wall portion 123. The upper peripheral wall portion 123 extends downward from the periphery of the upper wall portion 121. An upper flange 125 is provided at the lower end of the upper peripheral wall portion 123. The upper flange 125 protrudes horizontally toward the outer periphery of the upper peripheral wall portion 123. The lower surface of the upper flange 125 is the portion that holds the skin material 40 between the upper flange 125 and the lower flange 117 when the molding box 110 is in the closed state.

[0085] A box-moving device (not shown) is connected to the upper box-forming component 119. The box-moving device moves the upper box-forming component 119 relative to the lower box-forming component 111 in a direction approaching and moving away from it (vertically in this example). The box-moving device is, for example, a fluid pressure cylinder that operates using fluid pressure. The box-moving device is controlled by a molding control device (not shown).

[0086] In the molded box 110 in the closed state, the box moving device moves the upper box component 119 upward, moving it away from the lower box component 111, thereby opening the molded box 110. Conversely, in the molded box 110 in the open state, the box moving device moves the upper box component 119 downward, bringing it closer to the lower box component 111, thereby causing the upper flange 125 and lower flange 117 to clamp the outer skin material 40 and engage, closing the molded box 110.

[0087] Heater 130 is arranged inside the upper casing component 119. Specifically, heater 130 is positioned on the upper part of the upper casing component 119 in a manner arranged along the inner surface of the upper wall portion 121. Heater 130 is used to heat the skin material 40 to soften it. Heater 130 is controlled by a molding control device. The heating temperature of heater 130 is set to avoid causing heat damage to the skin material 40.

[0088] The substrate support 140 has a base 141 and a base portion 143. The base 141 extends in the vertical direction and is inserted into a through hole 114 formed in the lower side box component 111. The base 141 protrudes to a position lower than the bottom wall portion 113 of the lower side box component 111. The base portion 143 is disposed above the base 141 and is arranged inside the lower side box component 111.

[0089] The substrate 20 is placed on the base portion 143 in a manner that covers the base portion 143. The base portion 143 holds the substrate 20 with the surface of the soft portion 30 facing upward. A sealing wall portion 145 is provided on the lower peripheral edge of the base portion 143. The sealing wall portion 145 protrudes toward the outer peripheral side of the base portion 143, and when the substrate support 140 moves toward the internal space of the upper box component 119, the sealing wall portion 145 abuts against the lower surface of the inner peripheral portion of the lower flange 117.

[0090] A substrate moving device (not shown) is connected to the base 141. This device moves the substrate support 140 relative to the interior space of the upper box component 119 in directions approaching and away from it (vertically in this example). The substrate moving device may be, for example, a fluid pressure cylinder that operates using fluid pressure. The substrate moving device is controlled by a molding control device (not shown).

[0091] The vacuum pressurizing device 150 is connected to the interior of the upper housing component 119 via an upper pipe 151. The vacuum pressurizing device 150 includes a vacuum pump and an atmospheric venting valve (not shown). The vacuum pressurizing device 150 is configured to evacuate the surface-side space R2 formed within the molding chamber 110, making the pressure in the surface-side space R2 a vacuum pressure. It should be noted that the term "vacuum" in this specification does not necessarily refer to a strict vacuum, but rather any industrially achievable vacuum level.

[0092] Furthermore, after the vacuum pressurizing device 150 establishes a vacuum in the surface-side space R2, it can restore the pressure in the surface-side space R2 to atmospheric pressure by opening the atmospheric vent valve. The vacuum pressurizing device 150 may also include a pressurizing pump. Because the vacuum pressurizing device 150 includes a pressurizing pump, after establishing a vacuum in the surface-side space R2, it can then restore the pressure to a level higher than atmospheric pressure using the pressurizing pump. The vacuum pressurizing device 150 is controlled by a molding control device.

[0093] The vacuum device 160 is connected to the interior of the lower housing component 111 via a lower pipe 161. The vacuum device 160 includes a vacuum pump and an atmospheric vent valve (not shown). The vacuum device 160 is configured to evacuate the back side space R1 formed within the molding chamber 110, making the pressure in the back side space R1 a vacuum pressure. Furthermore, after making the pressure in the back side space R1 a vacuum pressure, the vacuum device 160 opens the atmospheric vent valve, thereby enabling the pressure in the back side space R1 to become atmospheric pressure. The vacuum device 160 is controlled by a molding control device.

[0094] In order to use the vacuum pressure forming apparatus 100 to laminate the skin material 40 onto the surface of the substrate 20, the actions involved in the following processes can be performed by controlling the various parts of the vacuum pressure forming apparatus 100 using a forming control device, or by having an operator operate the various parts of the vacuum pressure forming apparatus 100 to perform the actions involved in the following processes.

[0095] First, a preparation process is performed. In this process, the upper box component 119 is moved upward by a box moving device, thereby opening the molding box 110. Additionally, the substrate support 140 is moved downward by a substrate moving device. Then, in the open molding box 110, the substrate 20 is placed on the base portion 143 of the substrate support 140 and held by the base portion 143.

[0096] At this time, an adhesive or bonding material is provided on the surface of the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20, or a substrate 20 pre-installed with such a bonding material is used. Furthermore, the pre-fabricated skin material 40 is held on the upper surface of the lower flange 117 of the lower box component 111, and the skin material 40 is provided to cover the opening of the lower box component 111. It should be noted that the bonding material may also be provided on the back side of the skin material 40 corresponding to the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20, instead of on the surface of the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20.

[0097] Next, as Figure 5 As shown, by moving the upper box component 119 downward using the box moving device, the upper box component 119 and the lower box component 111 are aligned with the state where the skin material 40 is already sandwiched between the upper flange 125 and the lower flange 117, forming a sealed vacuum chamber R0 inside the molding box 110. The vacuum chamber R0 includes a surface side space R2 and a back side space R1. The surface side space R2 is the space on the side where the surface of the skin material 40 faces. The back side space R1 is the space on the side where the back of the skin material 40 faces.

[0098] After the preparation process, a heating process and a vacuum process are performed. In the heating process, the surface material 40 is softened by heating with the heat from heater 130. In the vacuum process, the vacuum pump of vacuum pressurization device 150 is activated to evacuate the surface-side space R2, and the vacuum pump of vacuum device 160 is activated to evacuate the back-side space R1. The heating process and the vacuum process can be performed simultaneously, or the heating process can be performed earlier than the vacuum process, or the vacuum process can be performed earlier than the heating process.

[0099] When the temperature of the skin material 40 is presumed to reach its softening temperature and the vacuuming of the surface-side space R2 and the back-side space R1 has been completed, the skin pressing process is performed. In the skin pressing process, if... Figure 6 As shown, the substrate moving device moves the substrate support 140 upward. This presses the surface of the substrate 20 against the back of the skin material 40, shaping the softened skin material 40 to extend along the surface of the substrate 20.

[0100] At this time, the back side space R1 and the surface side space R2 have been evacuated, thus preventing air from entering between the substrate 20 and the skin material 40. Furthermore, when the substrate support 140 moves to the upper position, the upper surface of the sealed wall portion 145 abuts against the lower surface of the inner circumferential portion of the lower flange 117. This ensures airtightness between the back side space R1 and the surface side space R2.

[0101] Next, a pressurization process is performed. In this pressurization process, the pressure in the surface-side space R2 is increased to the pressure in the back-side space R1. Specifically, as follows... Figure 7 As shown, by opening the atmospheric opening valve of the vacuum pressurization device 150, the surface-side space R2 is made to atmospheric pressure, thereby increasing the pressure in the surface-side space R2 to be higher than the pressure in the back-side space R1. At this time, the surface-side space R2 can also be pressurized to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. This allows the skin material 40 to adhere tightly to the surface of the substrate 20 and be laminated with good conformability.

[0102] Next, the skin material 40 is cooled. After the skin material 40 has solidified through this cooling, a removal process is performed. During the removal process, the atmospheric release valve of the vacuum device 160 is opened to bring the back side space R1 to atmospheric pressure. Then, the upper box component 119 is moved upward by the box moving device, thereby opening the molding box 110. Then, the substrate 20 with the skin material 40 is removed from the molded box 110, which is now in the open state.

[0103] Next, a post-processing step is performed. In the post-processing step, firstly, the excess portion of the skin material 40 is removed. Then, the outer peripheral portion of the skin material 40 is wrapped around the back side of the substrate 20, and the outer peripheral portion of the skin material 40 is fixed to the rigid part 21 of the substrate 20 using double-sided tape, adhesive, or U-shaped nails. This allows the skin material 40 to be laminated onto the surface of the substrate 20. The substrate 20 with the skin material 40 produced in this way constitutes the cover panel 9.

[0104] Then, as Figure 8 As shown, other components constituting the functional module 50 are assembled onto the substrate 20 with the skin material 40. At this time, a support panel 51, a switch working component 63, and a compression coil spring 59 are prepared. A substrate 61 has been pre-installed on the support panel 51, and a switch component 55 and an LED 57 have been installed on the substrate 61.

[0105] First, the compression coil spring 59 is inserted into the spring insertion portion 71 of the switch working member 63. Next, the switch working member 63 with the compression coil spring 59 is embedded inside the light-shielding wall 53, and the support panel 51 supports the switch working member 63 with the compression coil spring 59. Then, the substrate 61, on which the switch member 55 and LED 57 are mounted, the switch working member 63, and the support panel 51 on which the compression coil spring 59 is placed are fixed to the protrusions 29 of the substrate 20 with self-tapping screws 54, thereby mounting them onto the substrate 20.

[0106] By performing each step as described above, the switch device 10 can be manufactured.

[0107] -Features of the first embodiment-

[0108] In the switching device 10 of this first embodiment, the periphery of the first opening 27 of the substrate 20 and the switch working member 63 are positioned with a gap between them in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the switch working member 63. A soft portion 30 with rubber elasticity is provided between the skin material 40 and the switch working member 63. The soft portion 30 is supported by the substrate 20, located on the surface side of the first opening 27, and has a stretch allowance 31, which forms a portion corresponding to the periphery between the switch working member 63 and the first opening 27 of the substrate 20. When the switch working member 63 is pressed in through the skin material 40, the soft portion 30 becomes flexed along with the extension of the stretch allowance 31. At this time, the flexing of the soft portion 30 is relatively gentle, so the local elongation of the skin material 40 is small. This can suppress the indentation of the pressed portion of the skin material 40.

[0109] In the switching device 10 of this first embodiment, the skin material 40 and the soft portion 30 are bonded together at the portion corresponding to the first opening 27 of the substrate 20. When the soft portion 30 flexes due to the pressing operation of the switching working member 63, the skin material 40 also flexes in accordance with the deformation of the soft portion 30. This allows the elongation generated in the skin material 40 to be distributed around the pressing portion. This helps to suppress the depression of the pressing portion of the skin material 40.

[0110] In the switching device 10 of this first embodiment, the first opening 27 of the substrate 20 is covered by the soft portion 30 provided on the surface side of the rigid portion 21. If the first opening 27 of the substrate 20 is covered by the soft portion 30, the seam between the rigid portion 21 and the soft portion 30 will not appear on the surface side, thereby preventing the formation of a parting line on the skin material 40, thus enabling the switching device 10 to have a good appearance.

[0111] In the switching device 10 of this first embodiment, the substrate 20 is composed of a rigid portion 21 and a flexible portion 30. This substrate 20 can be molded using two-color molding. By using such a two-color molded product as the substrate 20, the number of parts required to manufacture the switching device 10 and the assembly time can be reduced.

[0112] In the manufacturing method of the switching device 10 according to the first embodiment, a substrate 20 is prepared, which is formed by molding a rigid part 21 and a soft part 30 into one piece and has a flat surface. A skin material 40 is then laminated onto the surface of the substrate 20. Vacuum pressure molding is used in the process of laminating the skin material 40. Using vacuum pressure molding allows for good conformability of the skin material 40 to the surface of the substrate 20. This suppresses unevenness on the surface of the skin material 40. This is beneficial for manufacturing a switching device 10 with a good appearance.

[0113] (Second Implementation)

[0114] Regarding the switching device 10 of this second embodiment, the structure of the substrate 20 differs from that of the first embodiment. In this second embodiment, apart from the structure of the substrate 20, the other structures of the switching device 10 are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the structure of the switching device 10 that differs from that of the first embodiment will be described, and the details of the same structure have already been described in the first embodiment, so their detailed description will be omitted.

[0115] like Figure 9 As shown, in the switching device 10 of this second embodiment, the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20 is only disposed within the first opening 27 of the hard portion 21. In this example, the substrate 20 is also obtained by molding the hard portion 21 and the soft portion 30 together using two-color molding. The soft portion 30 is disposed in a manner that closes the first opening 27 of the hard portion 21. The outer peripheral surface of the soft portion 30 is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the first opening 27 of the hard portion 21.

[0116] The surfaces of the soft portion 30 and the hard portion 21 are coplanar. The surface of the substrate 20 is thus formed as a flat surface. It should be noted that "coplanar" in this specification refers to a flat state without any height difference, but it may not be strictly coplanar; it can be approximately coplanar with height differences within manufacturing tolerances. The skin material 40 covers the surfaces of the substrate 20 (in this example, the surfaces of both the hard portion 21 and the soft portion 30) and the side plate portion 25. As in the first embodiment described above, the skin material 40 wraps around the back side of the substrate 20 and is fixed therein. The soft portion 30 is bonded to the skin material 40 using adhesives or other bonding materials. The skin material 40 may also be bonded to the surface of the hard portion 21.

[0117] The switching device 10 in this second embodiment is also as follows: Figure 10 As shown, when the user presses the operating part 15 in with their finger UF, the soft part 30 deforms in a way that flexes towards the back side of the substrate 20 according to the degree of pressure. The pressing force is applied to the switch operating member 63 via the soft part 30. The switch operating member 63 thus overcomes the force of the compression coil spring 59 and retracts towards the support panel 51, and the pressing surface of the switch member 55 is pressed in by the switch contact part 69. Thus, the switch member 55 is pressed in.

[0118] Furthermore, in this switching device 10, when the user releases the pressure on the operating part 15, the soft part 30 recovers its deformation through elastic recovery, and the switch operating member 63, under the force of the compression coil spring 59, is pushed upward toward the surface side along with the recovery of the soft part 30, thus moving. The operating part 15 thereby returns to its state before being pressed in. As a result, the pressure of the switch contact part 69 on the pressing surface of the switch member 55 disappears, and the pressing operation on the switch member 55 is released.

[0119] -Features of the second embodiment-

[0120] In the switching device 10 of this second embodiment, the first opening 27 of the rigid portion 21 is closed by the soft portion 30. Furthermore, the surface of the soft portion 30 is coplanar with the surface of the rigid portion 21. This suppresses the generation of a height difference at the boundary between the periphery of the first opening 27 of the substrate 20 and the soft portion 30. Consequently, the parting line corresponding to the seam between the rigid portion 21 and the soft portion 30 is less likely to be reflected in the outer skin material 40. This contributes to a better appearance of the switching device 10.

[0121] (Third Implementation)

[0122] Regarding the switching device 10 of this third embodiment, the structure of the substrate 20 differs from that of the first embodiment. In this third embodiment, apart from the structure of the substrate 20, the other structures of the switching device 10 are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the structure of the switching device 10 that differs from that of the first embodiment will be described, and the details of the same structure have already been described in the first embodiment, so their detailed description will be omitted.

[0123] like Figure 11As shown, in the switching device 10 of this third embodiment, the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20 is disposed within the first opening 27 of the rigid portion 21 and on the surface side of the first opening 27. In this example, the substrate 20 is also obtained by molding the rigid portion 21 and the soft portion 30 together using two-color molding. The soft portion 30 is laminated on the surface of the panel portion 23 in the rigid portion 21, and the soft portion 30 is disposed such that it covers the first opening 27 on the surface side of the rigid portion 21 and is also disposed inside the first opening 27.

[0124] -Features of the third embodiment-

[0125] In the switching device 10 of this third embodiment, the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20 is provided to be located within the first opening 27 of the hard portion 21 and on the surface side of the first opening 27. This allows the thickness of the soft portion 30 constituting the operating portion 15 to be set relatively thick. When the switching device 10 is pressed in, the flexibility of the soft portion 30 varies depending on the thickness of the soft portion 30. Therefore, the pressing force on the operating portion 15, which is the force required to press the switching device 10 in, can be adjusted.

[0126] (Fourth Implementation)

[0127] The switching device 10 of this fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in two aspects: the structure of the substrate 20 and the inclusion of the buffer material 80. In this fourth embodiment, apart from the differences in the structure of the substrate 20 and the inclusion of the buffer material 80, the other structures of the switching device 10 are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the structure of the switching device 10 that differs from that of the first embodiment will be described, and details of the same structures, which have already been described in the first embodiment, will be omitted.

[0128] like Figure 12 As shown, in the switching device 10 of this fourth embodiment, the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20 is configured to be located only on the portion corresponding to the surface side of the first opening 27 of the hard portion 21 and the outer peripheral portion of the first opening 27 on the surface of the hard portion 21. In this example, the substrate 20 is also obtained by molding the hard portion 21 and the soft portion 30 together using two-color molding. The soft portion 30 is supported by the outer peripheral portion of the first opening 27 of the hard portion 21, located on the surface side of the first opening 27, and configured to cover the first opening 27 on the surface side of the hard portion 21. In this example, the soft portion 30 is not provided inside the first opening 27.

[0129] A cushioning material 80 is provided on the surface of the rigid portion 21 where the soft portion 30 is not provided. The cushioning material 80 is made of a foaming resin such as expanded polyurethane (PU) and has both softness and elasticity. A second opening 81 is formed on the cushioning material 80. The second opening 81 is formed at a position corresponding to the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20 and is shaped to correspond to the soft portion 30 of the substrate 20. The soft portion 30 of the substrate 20 is embedded in the second opening 81. The thickness of the cushioning material 80 is approximately the same as the thickness of the soft portion 30.

[0130] Furthermore, the surface of the cushioning material 80 and the surface of the soft part 30 are coplanar. The surface of the substrate 20 is thus configured to be flat. The skin material 40 covers the surface of the substrate 20 (in this example, the surfaces of both the soft part 30 and the cushioning material 80) and the side plate 25. As in the first embodiment described above, the skin material 40 wraps around the back side of the substrate 20 and is fixed therein. The soft part 30 is bonded to the skin material 40 using adhesives or other bonding materials. The skin material 40 may also be bonded to the surface of the cushioning material 80.

[0131] -Features of the fourth embodiment-

[0132] In the switching device 10 of this fourth embodiment, a soft portion 30 of the substrate 20 is provided only in the portion corresponding to and around the first opening 27 of the rigid portion 21, and a cushioning material 80 is provided in the portion of the surface of the rigid portion 21 where the soft portion 30 is not provided. The cushioning material 80 provides cushioning to the surface of the cover panel 9. This makes the surface of the cover panel 9 feel pleasant to the touch. In addition, the surface feel of the cover panel 9 can be made different in the portion corresponding to the soft portion 30 and the portion corresponding to the cushioning material 80. This is useful for confirming the position of the operating part 15 by using the surface feel of the cover panel 9.

[0133] (Other implementation methods)

[0134] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, a compression coil spring 59 is used to ensure that the pressing force toward the surface side always acts on the switch working member 63, but this is not a limitation. A spring member other than the compression coil spring 59 may also be used to ensure that the aforementioned force always acts on the switch working member 63, or the switch member 55 may be used without a spring member to have the function of ensuring that the force always acts on the switch working member 63.

[0135] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the light-shielding wall 53 and the support panel 51 are integrally formed, but the invention is not limited thereto. The light-shielding wall 53 may also be integrally formed with the rigid part 21 of the substrate 20. Alternatively, the light-shielding wall 53 may be a component separately formed from the support panel 51. That is, the switching device 10 may also include components other than the support panel 51 that constitute the light-shielding wall 53.

[0136] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the example given is that the cover panel 9 has a light-transmitting display section 11, and the icon 13 displayed on the light-transmitting display section 11 indicates the position of the operation section 15 of the switch device 10, but this is not a limitation. For example, the icon 13 may also be printed on the part of the cover panel 9 that constitutes the operation section 15 of the switch device 10. In this case, the switch device 10 does not include a light source such as an LED 57, and a light-transmitting hole 45 is not formed in the light-shielding layer 43 of the outer skin material 40.

[0137] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, during the manufacturing process of the switching device 10, the skin material 40 is laminated onto the surface of the substrate 20 using vacuum pressure forming, but this is not the only method. For example, the process of laminating the skin material 40 onto the surface of the substrate 20 can also be performed using pressure forming, in which the skin material 40 is pressed onto the surface of the substrate 20 and shaped by applying pressure with compressed air.

[0138] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the substrate 20 is obtained by molding the rigid portion 21 and the soft portion 30 together using two-color molding, but it is not limited to this. The substrate 20 may also be composed solely of the rigid portion 21, and the soft portion 30 may be composed of a soft component separately disposed from the substrate 20. In this case, the soft component is fixed to the substrate using an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment described above, the soft portion 30 and the cushioning material 80 may also be molded together using two-color molding.

[0139] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the light-shielding layer 43 is disposed on the skin material 40, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the light-shielding layer 43 can be disposed on the surface or back of the soft part 30, or on the surface or back of the switch operating member 63.

[0140] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the case of assembling the switch device 10 into the center console 1 was used as an example, but it is not limited thereto. The switch device 10 disclosed herein can also be assembled into other vehicle interior trim parts such as dashboards, door trim, pillar trim, and sun visors. In addition, the switch device 10 disclosed herein can be widely used not only in vehicles, but also in various products such as home appliances and game consoles.

[0141] The preferred embodiments have been described above as technical examples of this disclosure. However, the technology of this disclosure is not limited thereto, and it can also be applied to embodiments with appropriate changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure, and such modifications also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0142] It should be noted that the use of "first," "second," etc., as mentioned above is merely for distinguishing the statements to which these statements are given, and there is no limitation on the number or order of these statements. Furthermore, the use of "~" to indicate a numerical range refers to a range encompassing the values ​​before and after it. That is, when using X and Y to represent values, if recorded as "X~Y," it indicates a range of "above X and below Y."

[0143] -Industry Applicability-

[0144] In summary, this disclosure is useful for switching devices and methods of manufacturing the same.

[0145] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0146] 10: Switching device; 20: Substrate; 21: Rigid part; 27: First opening (opening); 30: Soft part; 31: Expansion allowance part; 40: Sheath material; 63: Switching working part.

Claims

1. A switching device, characterized in that, include: The device comprises a substrate (20), a skin material (40), and a switch working component (63). The substrate (20) has a rigid portion (21) with an opening (27). The skin material (40) is disposed on the surface side of the substrate (20) to cover the opening (27). The switch working component (63) is disposed on the back side of the substrate (20) at a position corresponding to the opening (27). The switch device is configured such that the switch working component (63) can be pressed in by applying a pressing force when the skin material (40) is pressed in. The periphery of the switch working component (63) and the opening (27) are positioned with a gap between them in a direction orthogonal to the pressing direction of the switch working component (63). Between the outer skin material (40) and the switch working part (63), there is a soft part (30) that is softer than the hard part (21) and has rubber elasticity. The soft part (30) is supported by the hard part (21) and located inside the opening (27) or on the surface side of the opening (27), and has a telescopic allowance (31) that forms a portion corresponding to the periphery between the switch working part (63) and the opening (27).

2. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer skin material (40) and the soft part (30) are bonded together at the portion corresponding to the opening (27).

3. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The soft part (30) is configured to cover the opening (27) on the surface side of the hard part (21).

4. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The soft part (30) is configured to close the opening (27) of the hard part (21). The surface of the soft part (30) and the surface of the hard part (21) are coplanar.

5. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The soft part (30) and the hard part (21) are integrally formed to constitute the substrate (20).

6. A method for manufacturing a switching device, wherein the switching device is the switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Prepare a substrate (20), which is formed by integrally molding the hard part (21) and the soft part (30) and has a flat surface. The skin material (40) is laminated onto the surface of the substrate (20) by vacuum pressure forming or pressure forming.

Images