PUSH-BUTTON SWITCH AND INPUT DEVICE

The present invention address the problem of providing a push-button switch which is capable of clearly displaying an image output from a display and which allows a person performing a depressing operation to have a distinct operational feel. Among the elements constituting the push-button switch, a button is a transparent or substantially transparent button which is disposed over a display and which receives a depressing operation. Lenses are disposed between the button and the display, and cause an image output from the display to be projected with a focal point at a diffusing plate in a top surface of the button in a standby position before a depressing operation is performed. A holding member incorporates the lenses in such a way that the position and orientation of each of the lenses are fixed with respect to the display. Thus, the problem is solved.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a pushbutton switch and an input device having the plurality of pushbutton switches on an external display.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, there has been a human-machine interface (input device), in which a plurality of pushbutton switches having an image display function are arranged on a display. Such a human-machine interface has begun to be employed in the field of broadcast audio equipment. The human-machine interface as such must ensure sharpness of an image displayed on pushbutton switches. As one of the techniques to ensure sharpness of an image displayed on pushbutton switches, a known technique shortens the distance between an image display unit of a pushbutton switch and a display (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2015-84313). However, by shortening the distance between the image display unit of the pushbutton switch and the display, the stroke of a depressing operation on the pushbutton switch will be shortened as well. As a result, a person who performs a depressing operation on the pushbutton switch cannot obtain a clear operational feeling; in line with this, another technique mounts lenses inside the switch, thereby projecting an image from the display onto the pushbutton switch (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. H06-44857).Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2015-84313Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. H06-44857

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, although these techniques can ensure a satisfactory stroke, the lens configuration as described above cannot correct aberrations, resulting in a distorted image, and cannot perform clear and accurate display. As described above, there has been a technical problem in achieving both the sharpness of an image displayed on an image display unit of a pushbutton switch and the operational feeling felt by a person who performs a depressing operation.

The present invention has been made against such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pushbutton switch that can clearly display an image outputted from a display, in which a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling. Another object of the present invention is to provide a human-machine interface, in which a plurality of pushbutton switches having such technical features are arranged on an external display.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the pushbutton switch according to the present invention includes:

a transparent or substantially transparent button that receives a depressing operation and is arranged above an external display;
a plurality of lenses arranged between the button and the external display, the plurality of lenses projecting an image outputted from the external display as focused on a top panel of the button in a standby position before performing a depressing operation; and
a retaining member that incorporates the plurality of lenses such that a position and orientation of each of the plurality of lenses are fixed relative to the external display.

According to the present invention, since the plurality of lenses are arranged between the button and the external display, even if the button and the external display are sufficiently spaced apart to ensure an operational stroke, the plurality of lenses project a video outputted from the external display as focused on the top panel of the button. As a result, a video outputted from the external display can be clearly projected onto the top panel of the button while ensuring a sufficient operational stroke.

The plurality of lenses are preferably composed of a first lens and a second lens each having a convex surface and arranged to face each other, and preferably project the image as focused on the top panel of the button in a standby position.

In this case, since the two lenses each having a convex surface are arranged between the button and the external display, the two lenses project a video outputted from the external display as focused on the top panel of the button. As a result, the video outputted from the external display can be clearly projected onto the top panel of the button.

The first lens and the second lens are preferably incorporated and fixed as spaced apart in a direction of the depressing operation.

In this case, since the first lens and the second lens are incorporated and fixed as spaced apart in the direction of the depressing operation, the position for fixing the first lens and the second lens can be arbitrarily adjusted. As a result, the video outputted from the external display can be clearly projected onto the top panel of the button.

The distance from the standby position to the position of the button after performing a depressing operation is preferably 1.8 mm or more.

In this case, since a sufficient space is ensured between the button and the lenses before performing a depressing operation, a depressing operation with a long stroke can be performed. As a result, a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the input device according to the present invention includes:

the pushbutton switch of any one of the foregoing; and
the external display arranged below the plurality of pushbutton switches.

According to the present invention, an input device can be manufactured, in which a plurality of pushbutton switches having the above-mentioned technical features are arranged. In other words, a human-machine interface can be provided, which can clearly project an image outputted from an external display, in which a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, a pushbutton switch can be provided, which can clearly display an image outputted from a display, in which a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling. Further, a human-machine interface can be provided, in which a plurality of pushbutton switches having such technical features are arranged on an external display.

PREFERRED MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, a pushbutton switch1according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

First Embodiment

The pushbutton switch1according to a first embodiment is a pushbutton switch that can display a video outputted from a display D, via a transparent or substantially transparent mounting panel P arranged above the display D, on a top panel of a button11in a standby position before performing a depressing operation. The video outputted from the display D includes a still image and a moving image. The pushbutton switch1can display either a still image or a moving image outputted from the display D, on the top panel of the button11in a standby position before performing a depressing operation.

As illustrated inFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, the pushbutton switch1as such is configured to include a button11, a diffuser plate12, a plunger13, a retaining member14, four lenses15a,15b,15cand15d, a housing16, a coil spring17, a contact point18, and a fixing plate19. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the pushbutton switches1can be fixed, side by side, onto the mounting panel P by using a membrane sheet31having a plurality of contacts (not illustrated).

As illustrated inFIG. 1B, with the pushbutton switch1in the state before performing a depressing operation on the button11, a video outputted from the display D is inputted in the direction of the arrow and displayed on the diffuser plate12. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 3A, a light ray group L of a video V1displayed on the display D is inputted in the direction of the arrow, refracted and condensed as passing through the four lenses15a,15b,15cand15d, and formed as an inverted image focused on the diffuser plate12. As a result, the video V1displayed on the display D is rotated 180 degrees as a video V2clearly projected onto the diffuser plate12.

Hereinafter, each constituent element of the pushbutton switch1according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

The button11is a button that receives a depressing operation on the pushbutton switch1, and is arranged at the top of the pushbutton switch1, as illustrated inFIG. 1AtoFIG. 4. When a depressing operation on the button11is performed, the button11, the diffuser plate12, and the plunger13move in the direction of the depressing operation, in conjunction with the depressing operation. Along with this, the coil spring17contracts in the direction of the depressing operation. Then, at the contact point18, the blocked state is switched to the energized state, or the energized state is switched to the blocked state. Although the shape of the button11is not limited in particular, in the present embodiment, the shape is a substantially square pole shape having four rounded corners and a flat portion on the top panel, as illustrated inFIG. 1AtoFIG. 4.

The diffuser plate12is a transparent or substantially transparent diffuser plate that functions as a screen for projecting light of a video; and specifically, the diffuser plate12diffuses the light of the video incident thereon and emits the light. The diffuser plate12is arranged on the top panel of the button11. Therefore, a video projected onto the diffuser plate12can be easily visually recognized by a person who intends to depress the pushbutton switch1. Although the shape of the diffuser plate12is not limited in particular, in the present embodiment, the shape is a square or substantially square shape as illustrated inFIG. 1A,FIG. 1B,FIG. 2AtoFIG. 2DandFIG. 4.

The plunger13is arranged as coupled to the bottom of the button11. When a depressing operation on the button11is performed, the plunger13slides downward in conjunction with the depressing operation. An upper end of the coil spring17is connected to the bottom of the plunger13. Therefore, when the plunger13slides downward, the coil spring17contracts in the direction of the depressing operation, in conjunction therewith. Although the shape of plunger13is not limited in particular, in the present embodiment, the shape is a square pole shape having a cavity inside, as illustrated inFIG. 1AtoFIG. 4. The retaining member14and the lenses15a,15b,15cand15dto be described later are arranged in the cavity inside the plunger13.

The retaining member14is a member arranged in the cavity inside the plunger13, and retains the lenses15a,15b,15cand15d. Specifically, the retaining member14functions as a lens unit41that incorporates the lenses15a,15b,15cand15d, such that a position and orientation of each of the lenses15a,15b,15cand15dare fixed relative to the display D. In the present embodiment, the retaining member14functions as the lens unit41that incorporates four lenses (lenses15a,15b,15cand15d); however, the number of lenses is not limited in particular, as long as a plurality of lenses can be incorporated. For example, three lenses may be incorporated, or two lenses may be incorporated by including a first lens that integrates the lenses15aand15b, and a second lens that integrates the lenses15cand15d. The retaining member14may also be integrated with the housing16.

The lenses15a,15b,15cand15dare lenses incorporated into the retaining member14, and refract and condense the light ray group L of the video V1outputted from the display D as an image formed on the image diffuser plate12, as illustrated inFIG. 3A. Both the lenses15band15care composed of a planoconvex lens having a convex portion and a flat portion. The lens15bis a planoconvex lens having a convex surface on the display D side and a flat surface on the button11side, and the lens15cis a planoconvex lens having a convex surface on the button11side and a flat surface on the display D side. The retaining member14retains and arranges the lenses15band15csuch that the flat surfaces face each other. Here, in the present embodiment, the lenses15cand15dare retained and arranged such that the flat surfaces are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined gap; however, without limitation thereto, the lenses15cand15dmay be retained as completely in contact with each other. In the present embodiment, the lens15ais composed of a concave meniscus lens having a convex surface on the display D side, and the lens15dis composed of a concave meniscus lens having a convex surface on the button11side.

The housing16is a box-shaped housing having a storage space inside, which can store a multitude of members that compose the pushbutton switch1. Specifically, the housing16houses the plunger13, the retaining member14, the lenses15a,15b,15cand15d, the coil spring17, and the contact point18. Although the shape of the housing16is not limited in particular, in the present embodiment, the shape is a square pole shape having a cavity inside, as illustrated inFIG. 1AtoFIG. 4.

The coil spring17is a linear coil spring having one end connected to the bottom of the plunger13and the other end connected to the membrane sheet31or the contact point18. The coil spring17contracts in the direction of a depressing operation on the button11, in conjunction with an operation of the plunger13that slides downward by the depressing operation. When the depressing operation on the button11is released, the coil spring17elastically deforms and upwardly pushes back the plunger13connected to the one end. As a result, the button11, the diffuser plate12and the plunger13, which were positioned below by the depressing operation, return to the position before performing the depressing operation. The aspect of the coil spring17is not limited in particular, and may at least include a function of returning the members to the position before performing a depressing operation, when the depressing operation on the buttons11is released.

The contact point18is a contact mechanism that switches between a blocked state and an energized state in conjunction with a depressing operation on the button11. The contact point18maintains the blocked state before performing a depressing operation on the button11, and switches to the energized state upon performing a depressing operation. Upon performing a further depressing operation, the contact point18switches from the energized state to the blocked state. More specifically, the contact point18switches between the blocked state and the energized state each time a depressing operation on the pushbutton switch1is performed. An upper end of the contact point18is connected to the end of the coil spring17.

The fixing plate19is a member for fixing the pushbutton switch1to the mounting panel P and is arranged at four corners of the lower portion of the housing16. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the fixing plate19of the pushbutton switch1is fixed as inserted into a hole H provided in the mounting panel P.

With the configuration as described above, the pushbutton switch1can clearly display a video outputted from the display D, which is positioned at a sufficient distance from the top panel (diffuser plate12), on the top panel (diffuser plate12) of the button11in the standby position before performing a depressing operation. Further, since an operational stroke is ensured by providing a sufficient space between the button11and the lens15din a standby position before performing a depressing operation, a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling.

Next, referring toFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B, an operation of the pushbutton switch1when performing a depressing operation on the pushbutton switch1according to the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 3Aillustrates a state of the pushbutton switch1before performing a depressing operation on the button11.FIG. 3Billustrates a state of the pushbutton switch1after performing a depressing operation on the button11. As illustrated inFIG. 3A, a sufficient space S is ensured between the button11and the lens15dof the pushbutton switch1before performing a depressing operation on the button11. When a depressing operation on the button11is performed in the state illustrated inFIG. 3A, the plunger13begins to slide downward, and the lower surface of the button11is locked by the housing16. As a result, the pushbutton switch1enters the state illustrated inFIG. 3B, and the plunger13cannot slide further and will stop. At this timing, the contact point18is switched to switch the blocked state to the energized state, or the energized state to the blocked state.

As illustrated inFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B, the pushbutton switch1can receive a depressing operation by a distance of a stroke M. Here, the distance of the stroke M is not limited in particular; however, it is desirable to ensure a distance of at least 1.8 mm or more, in order to allow a person who performs a depressing operation to obtain a clear operational feeling. Since the distance of the stroke M of the pushbutton switch1of the present embodiment is 4 mm or more, a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling.

Next, referring toFIG. 4, a specific example of an input device100will be described, in which a plurality of pushbutton switches1according to the first embodiment are arranged on a display D.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the pushbutton switches1according to the present embodiment can be fixed, side by side, onto the mounting panel P by using the membrane sheet31described above. Specifically, three pushbutton switches1are coupled to form a single unit using a single membrane sheet31, and sequentially arranged and fixed onto the mounting panel P. Here, a specific method of fixing the pushbutton switches1to the mounting panel P is not limited in particular; however, in the present embodiment, as described above, the fixing plate19of the pushbutton switch1is inserted and fixed into the hole H provided in the mounting panel P. As described above, the plurality of pushbutton switches1fixed on the mounting panel P are arranged and fixed on the display D, thereby completing the input device100. A video outputted from the display D is clearly displayed on the plurality of pushbutton switches1orderly arranged on the input device100.

Second Embodiment

A pushbutton switch1according to a second embodiment is a pushbutton switch that can display a video outputted from a display D, on a top panel of a button11in a standby position before performing a depressing operation. The video outputted from the display D includes a still image and a moving image. The pushbutton switch1can display either a still image or a moving image outputted from the display D, on the top panel of the button11in a standby position before performing a depressing operation.

As illustrated inFIG. 5AandFIG. 5B, the pushbutton switch1as such is configured to include the button11, a diffuser plate12, a plunger13, a housing16, a coil spring17, a cover20, a torsion coil spring22, a switch element23, a printed circuit board24, four lenses25a,25b,25cand25d, a lens fixation frame26, and a lens hood27. The switch element23has a movable armature231and a fixed armature232. As illustrated inFIG. 5C, the pushbutton switch1is fixed such that the housing16and the lens hood27sandwich the printed circuit board24from above and below. The pushbutton switch1is arranged together with the printed circuit board24on the display D.

With the pushbutton switch1as illustrated inFIG. 5A, in the state before performing a depressing operation on the button11, a video outputted from the display D is inputted in the direction of the arrow and displayed on the diffuser plate12. Specifically, similar to the first embodiment, a light ray group of the video displayed on the display D is inputted in the direction of the arrow, refracted and condensed as passing through the four lenses25a,25b,25cand25d, and formed as an inverted image focused on the diffuser plate12. As a result, the video displayed on the display D is rotated 180 degrees as a video clearly projected onto the diffuser plate12.

Hereinafter, each constituent element of the pushbutton switch1according to the second embodiment will be described in detail.

Since the configuration of the button11, the diffuser plate12, the plunger13, and the housing16illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5Bis the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

The coil spring17is a linear coil spring having one end connected to the bottom of the plunger13and the other end connected to the housing16. The coil spring17contracts in the direction of a depressing operation on the button11, in conjunction with an operation of the plunger13that slides downward by the depressing operation. When the depressing operation on the button11is released, the coil spring17elastically deforms and upwardly pushes back the plunger13connected to the one end. As a result, the button11, the diffuser plate12, and the plunger13, which were positioned below by the depressing operation, return to the position before performing the depressing operation. The aspect of the coil spring17is not limited in particular, and may at least include a function of returning the members to the position before performing a depressing operation, when the depressing operation on the buttons11is released.

The cover20is a cover arranged on the outer side of the plunger13and the housings16.

The torsion coil spring22is a member that generates an audible click by colliding with a portion of the plunger13when a depressing operation on the button11is performed or released. One end22aof the torsion coil spring22is rotatably supported by a shaft support13aprovided on the side surface of the plunger13. The other end (not illustrated) of the torsion coil spring22is rotatably and slidably engaged with a long groove (not illustrated) provided vertically on the side surface of the plunger13. When the button11is depressed, and the plunger13slides downward, the end of the torsion coil spring22engaged with the long groove (not illustrated) of the plunger13slides downward in the long groove and collides with a lower end of the long groove. As a result, a collision sound (audible click) is generated. When the plunger13slides upward upon releasing the button11, the end of the torsion coil spring22engaged with the long groove of plunger13slides upward in the long groove and collides with an upper end of the long groove. As a result, a collision sound (audible click) is generated.

The switch element23is a contact mechanism that switches between the blocked state and the energized state in conjunction with a depressing operation on the button11. The switch element23has a movable armature231and a fixed armature232. When the button11is depressed, and the plunger13slides downward, the lower end of plunger13downwardly pushes a movable portion231aof the movable armature231from above. Along with this, a contact area231bof the movable armature231moves toward and contacts the fixed armature232side. As a result, the switch element23switches from the blocked state to the energized state.

The printed circuit board24is a board for fixing the pushbutton switch1on the display D.

The lenses25a,25b,25c, and25dare lenses that are fixed by the lens fixation frame26and thereby incorporated into the pushbutton switch1. Both the lenses25aand25dare composed of a planoconvex lens having a convex portion and a flat portion. The lens25ais a planoconvex lens having a convex surface on the display D side and a flat surface on the button11side. The lens25dis a planoconvex lens having a convex surface on the button11side and a flat surface on the display D side. Both the lenses25band25care composed of a concave meniscus lens having a convex portion and a concave portion. The lens25bis a concave meniscus lens having a concave surface on the display D side and a convex surface on the button11side. The lens25cis a concave meniscus lens having a convex surface on the button11side and a convex surface on the display D side. The lenses25band25care arranged and fixed by the lens fixation frame26such that the convex surfaces thereof face each other. Here, in the present embodiment, the lenses are adjacently arranged and fixed as spaced apart by a predetermined gap, between the lens25aand the lens25b, between the lens25band the lens25c, and between the lens25cand the lens25d. However, the present invention is not limited thereto; and for example, the lenses may be fixed as completely in contact with each other.

The lens hood27is a housing arranged to surround the lenses25aand25b.

With the configuration as described above, the pushbutton switch1according to the second embodiment can clearly display a video outputted from the display D positioned at a sufficient distance from the top panel (diffuser plate12), on the top panel (diffuser plate12) of the button11in a standby position before performing a depressing operation. Further, since an operational stroke is ensured by providing a sufficient space between the button11and the lens25din a standby position before performing a depressing operation, a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling. Furthermore, an audible click (collision sound) generated by an operation of the torsion coil spring22allows a person who performs a depressing operation to obtain a further clearer operational feeling.

Next, referring toFIG. 5AandFIG. 5B, an operation of the pushbutton switch1when performing a depressing operation on the pushbutton switch1according to the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a state of the pushbutton switch1before performing a depressing operation on the button11.FIG. 5Billustrates a state of the pushbutton switch1after performing a depressing operation on the button11. When a depressing operation on the button11is performed in the state illustrated inFIG. 5A, the plunger13begins to slide downward, and the lower surface of the button11is locked by the housing16. As a result, the pushbutton switch1enters the state illustrated inFIG. 5B, and the plunger13cannot slide further and will stop. At this timing, the switch element23is switched, and an audible click (collision sound) is generated by an operation of the torsion coil spring22. As a result, a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling.

Third Embodiment

A pushbutton switch1according to a third embodiment is a pushbutton switch that can display a video outputted from a display D, on a top panel of a button11in a standby position before performing a depressing operation. The video outputted from the display D includes a still image and a moving image. The pushbutton switch1can display either a still image or a moving image outputted from the display D, on the top panel of the button11in a standby position before performing a depressing operation.

As illustrated inFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B, the pushbutton switch1as such is configured to include the button11, a diffuser plate12, a plunger13, a housing16, a cover20, a torsion coil spring30, a click plate31, a printed circuit board24, four lenses25a,25b,25cand25d, a lens fixation frame26, and a lens hood27. A switch element composed of a movable armature231and a fixed armature232is provided. As illustrated inFIG. 6C, the pushbutton switch1is fixed to the printed circuit board24such that the housing16and the lens hood27sandwich the printed circuit board24. The pushbutton switch1is arranged together with the printed circuit board24on the display D.

With the pushbutton switch1as illustrated inFIG. 6A, in the state before performing a depressing operation on the buttons11, a video outputted from the display D is inputted in the direction of the arrow and displayed on the diffuser plate12. Specifically, similar to the first and second embodiments, a light ray group of the video displayed on the display D is inputted in the direction of the arrow, refracted and condensed as passing through the four lenses25a,25b,25cand25d, and formed as an inverted image focused on the diffuser plate12. As a result, the video displayed on the display D is rotated 180 degrees as a video clearly projected onto the diffuser plate12.

Hereinafter, each constituent element of the pushbutton switch1according to the third embodiment will be described in detail.

Since the configuration of the diffuser plate12, the plunger13and the housing16illustrated inFIG. 6AandFIG. 6Bis the same as that of the first and second embodiments, description thereof will be omitted. Since the configuration of the printed circuit board24, the lenses25ato25dand the lens hood27is the same as that of the second embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

The button11is a button that receives a depressing operation on the pushbutton switch1, and arranged at the top of the pushbutton switch1as illustrated inFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B. The button11has a shape having a recess on the top panel. This achieves an effect of facilitating a depressing operation on the pushbutton switch1. Since the top panel has a shape having a recess, the imaging surface needs to be adjusted; therefore, the rear surface (video entrance surface) of the button11has an aspherical shape.

The cover20is a cover for covering the upper portion of the housing16. A collision piece20afor generating a sound (audible click) by colliding with an upper end31bof the click plate31is provided inside a ceiling portion of the cover20. The shape of the cover20is not limited in particular; however, in the present embodiment, the cover20has a square shape having a cavity in the central portion as illustrated inFIG. 6AtoFIG. 6C.

The torsion coil spring30is a torsion coil spring composed of a first shaft30aand a second shaft30barranged to face each other and two coils formed between the shafts. The first shaft30ais pivotally supported by a shaft support13aprovided in a portion of the plunger13. As a result, when the plunger13slides downward, the torsion coil spring30rotates around the first shaft30a. The second shaft30bis pivotally supported by a shaft support31aprovided in a portion of the click plate31. When the pushbutton switch1is in the blocked state, the shaft support13aand the shaft support31ahave a positional relationship such that the shaft support13ais positioned above the shaft support31a, as illustrated inFIG. 6A. Here, when a depressing operation on the button11begins, the plunger13begins to slide downward in conjunction with the depressing operation. Then, the torsion coil spring30stores elastic energy while the first shaft30ais bending and approaching the second shaft30b. In the state in which the torsion coil spring30has bent and the first shaft30aand the second shaft30bare closest to each other, when the plunger13slides further downward, the torsion coil spring30swings backward and releases the stored elastic energy while the second shaft30bis stretching and separating from the first shaft30a. The released energy is transmitted to the click plate31via the shaft support31a. As a result, the click plate31slides upward so as to jump up. Then, the upper end31bof the click plate31having slid upward collides with the collision piece20aof the cover20and generates a collision sound (audible click).

When the plunger13begins to slide upward in conjunction with a returning operation of the button11, the torsion coil spring30stores elastic energy while the first shaft30ais bending and approaching the second shaft30bagain. In the state in which the torsion coil spring30has bent and the first shaft30aand the second shaft30bare closest to each other again, when the plunger13slides further upward, the torsion coil spring30swings backward and releases the stored elastic energy while the second shaft30bis stretching and separating from the first shaft30a. The released elastic energy is transmitted to the click plate31via the shaft support31a. As a result, the click plate31slides downward. Then, the lower end31cof the click plate31having slid downward collides with a bottom16aof an inner wall of the housing16and generates a collision sound (audible click).

The click plate31is a member for generating an audible click when performing a depressing operation on the button11; the click plate31slides using elastic energy released simultaneously with the torsion coil spring30elastically deforming, and collides with the collision piece20ato generate a collision sound (audible click). Specifically, the click plate31has the shaft support31athat pivotally supports the second shaft30bof the torsion coil spring30. The click plate31is arranged near the bottom of the inner wall of the housing16when the pushbutton switch1is in the blocked state. When a depressing operation on the button11begins, and the plunger13slides downward, the torsion coil spring30stores elastic energy while the first shaft30ais bending and approaching the second shaft30b; and when the plunger13further slides in the state in which the first shaft30aand the second shaft30bare closest to each other, the torsion coil spring30swings backward while the second shaft30bis stretching and separating from the first shaft30a, and the torsion coil spring30causes the click plate31to slide upward while releasing the stored elastic energy. When the torsion coil spring30swings backward, an operator of the pushbutton switch1recognizes the swinging backward of the torsion coil spring30as a so-called click feeling on the fingertip. Then, the upper end31bof the click plate31having slid upward collides with the collision piece20aof the cover20and generates a collision sound (audible click).

(Movable Armature and Fixed Armature)

The movable armature231and the fixed armature232configure a switch element that switches between the blocked state and the energized state in conjunction with a depressing operation on the button11. When the button11is depressed and the plunger13slides downward, and the click plate31consequently slides upward, the upper end31bof the click plate31pushes up a movable portion231aof the movable armature231from below, and a contact area231bof the movable armature231moves toward and contacts the fixed armature232side in conjunction therewith. As a result, the blocked state is switched to the energized state.

With the configuration as described above, the pushbutton switch1according to the third embodiment can clearly display a video outputted from the display D positioned at a sufficient distance from the top panel (diffuser plate12), on the top panel (diffuser plate12) of the button11in a standby position before performing a depressing operation. Further, since an operational stroke is ensured by providing a sufficient space between the button11and the lens25din a standby position before performing a depressing operation, a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling. Furthermore, an audible click (collision sound) generated by an operation of the torsion coil spring30allows a person who performs a depressing operation to obtain a further clearer operational feeling.

Next, referring toFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B, an operation of the pushbutton switch1when performing a depressing operation on the pushbutton switch1according to the third embodiment will be described.

FIG. 6Aillustrates a state of the pushbutton switch1before performing a depressing operation on the button11.FIG. 6Billustrates a state of the pushbutton switch1after performing a depressing operation on the button11. When a depressing operation on the button11is performed in the state illustrated inFIG. 6A, the plunger13begins to slide downward, and the lower surface of the button11is locked by the housing16. As a result, the pushbutton switch1enters the state illustrated inFIG. 6B, and the plunger13cannot slide further and will stop. At this timing, the contact mechanism is switched, and an audible click (collision sound) is generated by an operation of the torsion coil spring30. As a result, a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling.

Some embodiments of the present invention have been described above; however, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention. Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the first embodiment described above, the shape of the lenses15band15cemploys a planoconvex lens having a convex portion and a flat portion, and the shape of the lenses15aand15demploys a concave meniscus lens having a convex portion and a concave portion, which are however merely an example. A lens of an aspect that can achieve the object of the present invention may be used, and for example, a biconvex lens, a convex meniscus lens, a planoconcave lens, a biconcave lens, etc. may be employed. For example, in the second and third embodiments described above, the shape of the lenses25band25cemploys a concave meniscus lens having a convex portion and a concave portion, and the shape of the lenses25aand25demploys a planoconvex lens having a convex portion and a flat portion, which are however merely an example. A lens of an aspect that can achieve the object of the present invention may be used, and for example, a biconvex lens, a convex meniscus lens, a planoconcave lens, a biconcave lens, etc. may be employed.

In summary, the pushbutton switch to which the present invention is applied may be configured as follows and can take various embodiments. Specifically, the pushbutton switch to which the present invention is applied (e.g., pushbutton switch1ofFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B) includes:

a transparent or substantially transparent button (e.g., button11and diffuser plate12ofFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B) that receives a depressing operation and is arranged above an external display (e.g., display D ofFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B);
a plurality of lenses (e.g., lenses15a,15b,15cand15dofFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B) arranged between the button and the external display, the plurality of lenses projecting an image (e.g., video V1ofFIG. 3A) outputted from the external display as focused on the top panel (e.g., diffuser plate12ofFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B) of the button in a standby position before performing a depressing operation; and
a retaining member (e.g., retaining member14ofFIGS. 3A and 3B, or lens fixation frame26ofFIGS. 5A and 5B) that incorporates the plurality of lenses such that a position and orientation of each of the plurality of lenses are fixed relative to the external display.

Thus, for example, in the first embodiment, since the lenses15a,15b,15cand15dare arranged between the button11and the display D, the light ray group L of the video V1outputted from the display D is refracted and condensed as an image formed on the diffuser plate12. As a result, the video V1outputted from the display D can be clearly projected as a video V2onto the transparent or substantially transparent diffuser plate12.

The plurality of lenses are composed of the first lens (e.g., lens15aofFIGS. 3A and 3B) and the second lens (e.g., lens15bofFIGS. 3A and 3B) each having a convex surface and arranged to face each other, and can project the image as focused on the top panel of the button in the standby position.

As a result, for example, in the first embodiment, since the two lenses15aand15beach having a convex surface are arranged between the button11and the display D, the light ray group L of the video V1outputted from the display D is refracted and condensed as an image formed on the transparent or substantially transparent diffuser plate12. Therefore, the video V1outputted from the display D can be clearly projected as a video V2onto the transparent or substantially transparent diffuser plate12.

The retaining member can incorporate the first lens and the second lens to be fixed as spaced apart from each other in the direction of the depressing operation.

As a result, since the first lens and the second lens are incorporated and fixed as spaced apart from each other in the direction of the depressing operation, the positions for fixing the first lens and the second lens can be arbitrarily adjusted. Therefore, the video outputted from the external display can be clearly projected onto the top panel of the button.

A distance from the standby position to the position of the button after performing a depressing operation (e.g., a distance of the stroke M ofFIG. 3A) can be 1.8 mm or more.

Therefore, for example, in the first embodiment, since a sufficient space is ensured between the button11and the lens15bin the state before performing a depressing operation, a depressing operation with a long stroke M can be performed. As a result, a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling.

The pushbutton switch may further include: a torsion coil spring (e.g., torsion coil spring30ofFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B) that accumulates or releases elastic energy when a plunger (e.g., plunger13ofFIGS. 6A and 6B) slides in conjunction with a depressing operation on the button;

a click plate (e.g., click plate31ofFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B) that slides using the elastic energy released simultaneously with the torsion coil spring elastically deforming, and collides with a collision piece (e.g., collision piece20aofFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B) to generate a collision sound;
a movable armature (e.g., movable armature231ofFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B) including a movable-side contact (e.g., contact area231bofFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B) and being movable when depressed by the click plate sliding; and a fixed armature (e.g., fixed armature232ofFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B) including a fixed-side contact, the fixed armature locking the movable-side contact at the fixed-side contact simultaneously or substantially simultaneously with the click plate colliding with the collision piece.

As a result, the timing of generating a collision sound with the click plate can be synchronized with the timing of switching the pushbutton switch. A person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling (so-called click feeling).

The pushbutton switch further includes: a plunger (e.g., plunger13ofFIGS. 5A and 5B) including a shaft support (e.g., shaft support13aofFIGS. 5A and 5B) and a long groove, the plunger sliding in conjunction with a depressing operation on the button; and

a torsion coil spring (e.g., torsion coil spring22ofFIGS. 5A and 5B) including a first end (e.g., end22aofFIGS. 5A and 5B) and a second end, the first end being rotatably supported by the shaft support of the plunger, and the second end being rotatably and slidably engaged in the long groove of the plunger, in which
the first end moves along with the plunger sliding, and stores elastic energy in the torsion coil spring, and
the second end slides in the long groove by using the elastic energy released simultaneously with the torsion coil spring elastically deforming, and collides with the lower end of the long groove to allow for generating a collision sound.

As a result, the torsion coil spring generates a collision sound along with a depressing operation; therefore, a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling (so-called click feeling).

The button (e.g., button11ofFIG. 6AandFIG. 6B) may have a recessed shape on the top panel side, and an aspherical shape on the external display side.

Thus, since the top panel side of the button has a recessed shape, the depressing operation can be facilitated. Since the aspherical shape on the external display side of the button adjusts the imaging surface, a suitable video can be outputted.

The input device (e.g., input device100ofFIG. 4) to which the present invention is applied includes:

the pushbutton switch described above; and
the external display arranged below the plurality of pushbutton switches.

As a result, the input device100can be manufactured, in which the plurality of pushbutton switches having the above-mentioned technical features are arranged. Specifically, a human-machine interface can be provided, which can clearly project the video V1outputted from the display D, in which a person who performs a depressing operation can obtain a clear operational feeling.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS