Abstract:
To obtain a member for a push button switch having a natural metallic impression and an upscale impression; enabling a precise arrangement of the push buttons; being capable of being made thinner; and being difficult to get stained, there is provided a member for a push button switch having a configuration in which a gap between adjacent metal push buttons is filled with a transparent organic polymer material, the transparent organic polymer material including a transparent resin sheet extending from an interior surface of the gap to a ceiling surface side of the push button, and a transparent rubber-like elastic material disposed inside the transparent resin sheet.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a member for a push button switch used in a control panel of an electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     In the industry of members for push button switches used in control panels of electronic devices, particularly those of cellular phones, the diversifications for the design and function has further increased. In recent years, as a member for a push button switch used in the electronic device such as a cellular phone, a member having a metallic appearance is used as a high-end design. The member for a push button switch having a metallic appearance has the structure in which a plated layer, a resin molded portion, and a base rubber are layered in the stated order from the push button surface side. The plated layer is, for example, nickel-plated, copper-plated, or chrome-plated (for example, see Patent Document 1). Further, in order to protect the plated layer, a technology of forming a transparent resin coated layer on a surface of the plated layer is known. Also, there is known a member for a push button switch, in which a resin film subjected to metal evaporation is processed by drawing, and the interior thereof is filled with a core material formed of a resin or a rubber with the resin film being used as a outer layer to be integrated. 
     In order to further increase an upscale impression of electronic devices such as cellular phones, there is also known a member for a push button switch having a structure where a metal push button is attached to a surface of a flexible sheet such as a silicone rubber (for example, see Patent Document 2). Besides, considering the use in a dark place or designability, in this member for a push button switch, a hole having a shape such as a number is made in the push button itself and a transparent resin is fit into the hole. As a result, the number or the like is easily visible when exposed to light from a rear side of the push button. 
     In addition, the demands for making electronic devices such as cellular phones thinner are strong. Therefore, a member for a push button switch mounted onto an electronic device such as a cellular phone is required to become thinner as well. 
     Patent Document 1: JP 2003-129248 A (for example, Scope of Claims) 
     Patent Document 2: KR 100454203 B (for example, Scope of Claims) 
     However, the aforementioned member for a push button switch has the following problems. In the case where a member for a push button switch having metallic appearance is manufactured by forming a plated layer on a surface of a resin molded portion, the plated layer is liable to be peeled off, which makes it difficult to be used for a long period of time. Further, providing a metallic appearance through plating process results in poor productivity, which has a bad influence on the environment. In addition, though taking on a metallic-like texture to a certain extent, the member for a push button switch subjected to the plating process can hardly be provided with a natural metallic appearance. Also in the case of a resin push button having a metallic appearance, because the resin is used as a material, some extent of thickness is required for ensuring intensity. The aforementioned matter is an obstacle to the attempt to make a member for a push button switch thinner. 
     On the other hand, in the case where a metal push button is attached to a surface of a flexible sheet such as a silicone rubber, because the metal push button is used, the problems described above hardly occur. However, the step of accurately positioning each metal push button on a keypad to be bonded thereto is extremely complicated. Further, the flexible sheet such as a silicone rubber exists in a gap between the metal push buttons, and thus there arises a problem in that a friction coefficient becomes relatively large in the gap portion, and the gap is easy to get dirty or stained. 
     The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a member for a push button switch which has a natural metallic impression and upscale impression, enables a precise arrangement of the push buttons, can be made thinner, and is difficult to get stained. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the present invention provides a member for a push button switch having a configuration where a gap between adjacent metal push buttons is filled with a transparent organic polymer material, in which the organic polymer material includes a transparent resin sheet extending from an interior surface of the gap to a ceiling surface side of the push button and a transparent rubber-like elastic material disposed inside the transparent resin sheet. 
     As described above, the push button is a member made of metal, there arises no problem such as a reduction in adhesion between a plated layer and a resin molded portion. Accordingly, a natural metallic impression can be attained. Further, use of the metal push button makes it possible to make the metal push button thinner with ease. Further, because the member for a push button switch according to the present invention has a structure where a gap between the adjacent metal push buttons is filled with the transparent rubber-like elastic material covered with the transparent resin sheet, the transparent resin sheet having a relatively small friction coefficient is provided on the gap which is placed between the adjacent metal push buttons. As a result, the gap is difficult to get stained or dusty. Further, the metal push buttons are not individually attached to an organic polymer material, and thus accurate arrangement of the push buttons is accomplished. 
     Further, another present invention provides, in the preceding invention, a member for a push button switch including a printing layer or a coloring layer at least in a portion extending toward the ceiling surface side of the metal push button in the transparent resin sheet. As a result, the function for the button can be indicated on the each metal push button. In particular, when light is irradiated from a rear side of the transparent rubber-like elastic material, the portion of the printing layer or the coloring layer can be identified even in a dark place, which facilitates the use in the dark place. In the case of the structure where a hole is provided in the metal push button and the transparent resin sheet can be seen, the printing layer or the coloring layer may be provided also on the rear side of the metal push button. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a member for a push button switch in which a surface of the metal push button is provided with irregularities or a hole to form a number, a symbol, a pattern, or a graphic. Since the irregularities or the hole is thus formed in the surface of the metal push button, there is an extremely low possibility that the number or the like made by the irregularities or the hole may be erased through an operation of the push button. The pattern formed by the irregularities or the hole can be formed by processing such as laser processing, press processing, etching, mat finish, and hairline finish. Also in the case where a hole is provided in the metal push button, when light is irradiated from the rear side of the push button, the portion of the pattern is easily visible. For this reason, in particular, the another invention is useful when an electronic device using the member for a push button switch is used in a dark place. 
     Further, yet another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a member for a push button switch having a light emitting member disposed between a surface opposite to the metal push button in the transparent rubber-like elastic material and a circuit board disposed therebelow. Thus, a gap between the adjacent push buttons can emit light. As a result, a position of each push button is easily visible, and the another present invention is easily used when an electronic device using the member for a push button switch is used also in a dark place. As the light emitting member, for example, an LED or EL sheet is preferably used. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a member for a push button switch having a configuration where a hole penetrating the metal push button in a direction into and out of the metal push button is formed to make the transparent organic polymer material extend from the hole to the top surface of the metal push button. For this reason, when light is irradiated from the rear side of the push button, it is getting easier to distinct the push button. Accordingly, in particular, the another invention is useful when an electronic device using the member for a push button switch is used in a dark place. In addition, because the hole is filled with the transparent organic polymer material, penetration of grit and dust from the outside can be prevented. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a member for a push button switch having a sheet provided with a presser for pressing a switch below the transparent rubber-like elastic material. The sheet provided with the presser is attached from the beginning in this way, and thus an electronic device such as a cellular phone is easily assembled. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a member for a push button switch in which the transparent organic polymer material is made to project from the surface of the metal push button. For this reason, compared with the case where the transparent organic polymer material is dented from the surface of the metal push button, accumulation of grit and dirt in the gap between the adjacent metal push buttons can be effectively prevented. Also in the case where the hole penetrating the metal push button itself is filled with the transparent organic polymer material, distinguishing the push button itself becomes easier. In addition, compared with the case where the transparent organic polymer material is dented from the surface of the metal push button, accumulation of grit and dirt in the portion of the transparent organic polymer material filled in the penetrating hole can be effectively prevented. Here, in the case where the surface of the push button is not a planar shape, the description “project from the surface of the metal push button” means that the transparent organic polymer material projects from the surface portion of the metal push button located on an outer edge of the transparent organic polymer material. Accordingly, even in the case where a transparent organic polymer material located in the gap between the adjacent metal push buttons is lower than a top portion of a metal push button which has a convex-shaped center, the height of the transparent organic polymer material projects from the surface of the metal push button if being higher than a periphery of the push button. 
     Further, still another present invention provides a method of manufacturing a member for a push button switch having a configuration in which a gap between adjacent metal push buttons is filled with a transparent organic polymer material, the method including the steps of: attaching a transparent resin sheet to one surface of a metal plate; forming a hole by performing etching from a surface opposite to the one surface having the transparent resin sheet attached thereto in the metal plate to the transparent resin sheet; and filling the hole with a transparent rubber-like elastic material coated with the transparent resin sheet by injecting the transparent rubber-like elastic material from an outer of the transparent resin sheet toward the hole. 
     In this manner, because the hole is made also from one surface of the metal plate to the resin sheet attached to the surface opposite thereto, even in the case of a member for a push button switch having a configuration where each push button is separated, the member for a push button switch can be manufactured without separating the metal plate for each push button. Accordingly, a position of the push button exclusively depends on accuracy in the step of drawing a region which is to be etched. Thus, compared with the step of attaching each push button, a push button can be arranged more easily as well as accurately. Further, with the use of a injection pressure of the transparent rubber-like elastic material, the transparent resin sheet is pushed into the hole, and thus the transparent resin sheet and the transparent rubber-like elastic material do not need to be filled separately. Consequently, the manufacturing step can be simplified. 
     Further, still another present invention provides a method of manufacturing a member for a push button switch having a configuration in which a gap between adjacent metal push buttons is filled with a transparent organic polymer material, the method including the steps of: forming a concave portion by performing etching from one side of a metal plate to a halfway position of a thickness of the metal plate; attaching a transparent resin sheet to the metal plate so as to close the concave portion of the one side; forming a hole connected to the concave portion formed in advance by performing etching from a surface opposite to the surface where the transparent resin sheet is attached; and filling the hole with a transparent rubber-like elastic material coated with the transparent resin sheet by injecting the transparent rubber-like elastic material from an outer of the transparent resin sheet toward the hole. 
     In this manner, the metal plate is etched from both sides thereof and the hole connected to the concave portion in a predetermined position having the thickness of the metal plate, whereby an edge portion of the hole provided on the both sides of the metal plate is easy to be formed clearly. Accordingly, the push button can be processed into an accurate shape. Further, as in the case of the manufacturing method described above, even in the case of a member for a push button switch having a configuration where each push button is separated, the member for a push button switch can be manufactured without separating the metal plate for each push button. Accordingly, a position of the push button exclusively depends on accuracy in the step of drawing a region which is to be etched. Thus, compared with the step of attaching each push button, the push button can be arranged easily as well as accurately. 
     Further, with the use of a injection pressure of the transparent rubber-like elastic material, the transparent resin sheet is pushed into a hole, and thus the transparent resin sheet and the transparent rubber-like elastic material do not need to be filled separately. As a result, the manufacturing step can be simplified. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a method of manufacturing a member for a push button switch further including the step of forming a printing layer or a coloring layer at least in a portion extending toward a ceiling surface side of the metal push button in the transparent resin sheet. Adopting of such a manufacturing method enables to indicate a function of each metal push button. In particular, when light is irradiated from a rear side of the transparent rubber-like elastic material, a portion of the printing layer or the coloring layer can be identified even in a dark place, whereby a member for a push button switch of an electronic device, which is easily used in the dark place, can be manufactured. Further, in the case where a hole is provided in the metal push button such that the transparent resin sheet is seen, the printing layer or the coloring layer may be provided also in a rear side of the metal push button. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a method of manufacturing a member for a push button switch further including the step of forming a number, a symbol, a pattern, or a graphic by providing irregularities or a hole on a surface of the metal push button. In this manner, the step of forming irregularities or a hole on the surface of the metal push button is used, so there can be manufactured a member for a push button switch with an extremely low possibility that the number or the like made by the irregularities or the hole disappears through an operation of the push button. The pattern formed by the irregularities or the hole can be formed by process such as laser processing, press processing, etching, mat finish, and hairline finish. Further, in the case where a hole is made in the metal push button, when light is irradiated from the rear side of the push button, the portion of the pattern is easily visible. As a result, in particular, a member for a push button switch of an electronic device, which is easily used in a dark place, can be manufactured. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a method of manufacturing a member for a push button switch further including the step of disposing a light emitting member between a surface opposite to the metal push button in the transparent rubber-like elastic material and a circuit board disposed therebelow. Adopting of such a manufacturing method makes the gap between the push buttons emit light. As a result, a position of each push button is easily visible, and a member for a push button switch of an electronic device, which is easily used in a dark place, can be manufactured. As the light emitting member, for example, an LED or EL sheet can be preferably used. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a method of manufacturing a member for a push button switch further including the step of forming a hole penetrating the metal push button in a direction into and out of the metal push button, in which, in the step of filling with the transparent rubber-like elastic material, the transparent organic polymer material is made to extend from the hole to a ceiling surface side of the metal push button. When such a manufacturing method is adopted, irradiation of light from the rear side of the push button makes it possible to easily distinguish push buttons. For this reason, in particular, the another present invention is useful when an electronic device using the member for a push button switch is used in a dark place. In addition, because the hole is filled with the transparent organic polymer material, penetration of grit and dirt can be prevented. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a method of manufacturing a member for a push button switch further including the step of providing a sheet provided with a presser for pressing a switch below the transparent rubber-like elastic material. Accordingly, an electronic device such as a cellular phone can be assembled with more ease using the member for a push button switch obtained through this manufacturing method. 
     Further, still another present invention provides, in each of the preceding inventions, a method of manufacturing a member for a push button switch, in which, in the step of filling with the transparent rubber-like elastic material, the transparent organic polymer material is made to project from a surface of the metal push button. Adopting of such a manufacturing method makes it possible to effectively prevent accumulation of grit and dirt in the gap between the metal push buttons, compared with the case where the transparent organic polymer material is dented from the surface of the metal push button. Also in the case where the hole penetrating the metal push button itself is filled with the transparent organic polymer material, the push button itself is easily distinguished. Moreover, compared with the case where the transparent organic polymer material is dented from the surface of the metal push button, a portion of the transparent organic polymer material filled into the penetrating hole can be effectively prevented from being filled with grit and dirt. 
     As a member of the metal push button forming the member for a push button switch according to the present invention, in addition to stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, zinc, titanium, or their alloy is preferably used, and in particular, stainless steel member is more preferably used. However, the aforementioned metals are cited as an example, and other metal material may be used. 
     Further, the material of the transparent organic polymer material forming the member for a push button switch according to the present invention includes the transparent resin sheet and the transparent rubber-like elastic material. As a material of the transparent resin sheet, in addition to PET, a transparent resin abundant in extendibility, such as urethane, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polyester resin, may be used. Further, a silicone rubber is particularly preferable as the material of the transparent rubber-like elastic material. However, the transparent rubber-like elastic material is not limited to the silicone rubber, and for example, a urethane rubber may be used as other transparent rubber-like elastic material. It is assumed that the term “transparent” referred to in the present invention broadly includes “transparent and colorless”, “transparent and colored”, and “semitransparent”. 
     The metal push buttons may be in a state of being separated each other or a state where a plurality thereof are gathered. Moreover, the push buttons may be not in a state of being completely separated, but in a state where a part of a circumference of each of the push buttons may be notched to connect to another push button. 
     According to the present invention, there can be provided the member for a push button switch, which has a natural metallic impression and an upscale impression; enables a precise arrangement of the push buttons; can be made thinner; and is difficult to get stained. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1(   a ) and  1 ( b ) are views in which  FIG. 1(   a ) is a plan view of a member for a push button switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 1(   b ) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the plane view of  FIG. 1(   a ). 
         FIG. 2  is a partially enlarged view of  FIG. 1(   b ) which is the cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 1(   a ). 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing an example of a method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4(   a ) through  4 ( f ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an example of a method of manufacturing a member for a push button switch according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6(   a ) through  6 ( f ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) are partially enlarged views of a cross-sectional view when a member for a push button switch according to a third embodiment of the present invention is cut by the same line as the line A-A of  FIG. 1(   a ), in which  FIG. 7(   a ) shows an example where a transparent resin coated layer formed on a surface of a metal push button is flush with a transparent organic polymer material, and  FIG. 7(   b ) shows an example where the transparent organic polymer material projects from the transparent resin coated layer toward a surface side. 
         FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ) are views in which  FIG. 8(   a ) is a plan view of a member for a push button switch according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 8(   b ) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of the plan view of  FIG. 8(   a ). 
         FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) are views in which  FIG. 9(   a ) is a plan view of a member for a push button switch according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and  FIG. 9(   b ) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of the plan view of  FIG. 9(   a ). 
         FIG. 10  includes a view showing a member for a push button switch according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention and an enlarged view showing one of a plurality of metal push buttons forming the member for a push button switch. 
         FIG. 11  includes a cross-sectional view of the one of the plurality of metal push buttons, which is taken along the line D-D of  FIG. 10  and a view showing a substrate disposed below the metal push button. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing an example of a method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 13(   a ) through  13 ( e ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  includes a cross-sectional view of one of metal push buttons forming a member for a push button switch according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which is taken along the line D-D of  FIG. 10 , and a view showing a substrate disposed below the metal push button. 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing an example of a method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 16(   a ) through  16 ( g ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a plan view of a member for a push button switch according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a flowchart showing an example of a method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 20(   a ) through  20 ( f ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of a member for a push button switch according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, which is taken along the line E-E of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 
     
         
         
           
               1  member for push button switch 
               10  metal push button 
               10   a  metal plate 
               11  transparent resin sheet 
               12  transparent rubber-like elastic material 
               12   a  presser 
               13  transparent resin coated layer 
               14  light emitting member 
               15  transparent organic polymer material 
               16  pusher sheet (sheet) 
               16   a  presser 
               20  hole 
               21  concave portion 
               25  printing layer, coloring layer 
               30  member for push button switch 
               40  member for push button switch 
               50  member for push button switch 
               60  member for push button switch 
               61  substrate 
               62  fixed contact (switch) 
               63  fixed contact (switch) 
               64  metal disc spring 
               70  member for push button switch 
               80  member for push button switch 
               90  member for push button switch 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, each preferable embodiment of a member for a push button switch according to the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same is described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, a description is made on an example where the member for a push button switch is used as an operating unit of a cellular phone by way of example. However, the present invention is not limited to each embodiment described below, and is applicable to an operating unit of an electronic device other than the cellular phone, such as a laptop computer and an electronic notebook. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIGS. 1(   a ) and  1 ( b ) include a plan view (a) of a member for a push button switch according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view (b) taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 1(   a ).  FIG. 2  is a partially enlarged view of the cross-sectional view (b) taken along the line A-A. 
     A member for a push button switch  1  mainly includes a plurality of metal push buttons  10 , a transparent organic polymer material  15  (including a transparent resin sheet  11  and a transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 ) disposed to fill a gap between the adjacent metal push buttons  10 , a transparent resin coated layer  13  applied on a surface of each metal push button  10 , and a light emitting member  14  disposed on a rear side (side opposite to the metal push button  10 ) of the transparent organic polymer material  15 . 
     The metal push button  10  is an operating part in the member for a push button switch  1 , which can be pushed. On an operating surface of the metal push button  10 , patterns of both a number and an alphabet are formed in a concave shape by pressing. Note that the pattern formed on the operating surface may be a pattern other than the number and the alphabet (for example, symbol or graphic), and may be formed through a processing method such as laser processing, etching, mat finish, and hairline finish. Also, as a material of the metal push button  10 , stainless steel is used. However, aluminum, magnesium, copper, zinc, titanium, or a various alloy can also be used. Note that a thickness of a metal plate  10   a  for forming the metal push button  10  is preferably within a range of equal to or more than 0.1 mm to equal to or less than 0.5 mm, and more preferably within a range of equal to or more than 0.15 mm to equal to or less than 0.25 mm. In case the thickness is in such a range, deformation due to operation is difficult to appear, and also the demands of decreasing the thickness are met. However, the thickness of the metal plate  10   a  is not limited to the above-mentioned range, and may be set to less than 0.1 mm or more than 0.5 mm. 
     For the transparent resin coated layer  13  formed on the operating surface of the metal push button  10 , in addition to a transparent synthetic resin such as an acrylic, polycarbonate, epoxy, oxetane synthetic resin having a high hardness, a transparent synthetic resin such as urethane or fluorinated synthetic resin having a lower hardness than the transparent synthetic resin having high hardness may be used. In the case where there is aimed a prevention of injuries caused by a touch during the operation and a contact with a metal burr or the like while maintaining a metallic appearance of the metal push button  10 , as the transparent resin coated layer  13 , in particular, using a resin paint is more preferable. However, the aforementioned resin paint is just an example, and other resin paint having high hardness may be used. Note that the transparent resin coated layer  13  is not an essential layer. Through selection of a metal type, a processing which does not cause a burr or the like, if a touch during the operation is good and there is a low possibility of the danger of injuries, the transparent resin coated layer  13  may not be formed. 
     The transparent resin sheet  11  forming the transparent organic polymer material  15  is a transparent sheet-like resin having extendibility, and, for example, is an organic polymer chemical compound such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycarbonate (PC), and urethane, or their compound. For example, because being excellent in drawing characteristics, an alloy of PC and PBT can be preferably used. Further, the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  forming the transparent organic polymer material  15  is, for example, a silicone rubber or a urethane rubber. However, as the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 , other material (for example, thermoplastic elastomer) may be used. A thickness of the transparent resin sheet  11  is preferably within a range of equal to or more than 0.03 mm to equal to or less than 0.2 mm, and more preferably within a range of equal to or more than 0.05 mm to equal to or less than 0.1 mm. As described later, this is because the transparent resin sheet  11  smoothly extends to the gap between the adjacent metal push buttons  10  without making a hole by filling with the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 . However, the thickness of the transparent resin sheet  11  may be set to less than 0.03 mm or more than 0.2 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1(   b ), the transparent resin sheet  11  is arranged to cover a periphery of the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  in the gap between the metal push buttons  10 , so the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is not exposed to the operating surface side of the metal push button  10 . Accordingly, it is difficult to get stained or dusty on the gap between the metal push buttons  10 . Moreover, the member for a push button switch  1  is structured so that the metal push button  10  is substantially flush with the transparent resin sheet  11  disposed in the gap between the adjacent push buttons  10 . As a result, further, grit and dirt hardly adhere to the gap between the adjacent metal push buttons  10 . 
     Further, the light emitting member  14  is disposed between the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  and a circuit board (not shown) arranged therebelow. As the light emitting member  14 , an EL sheet can be preferably used. However, the light emitting member  14  (for example, LED) other than the EL sheet may be used. In this manner, when the light emitting member  14  is arranged below the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 , the transparent resin sheet  11  can emit light through light emission of the light emitting member  14 . Therefore, even in a dark place, the member for a push button switch  1  can be easily operated. 
     Further, when a hole is made in the operating surface of the metal push button  10  to indicate a function (for example, number and alphabet) of each metal push button  10 , in the case of making the light emitting member  14  emit light, light in a shape corresponding to a shape of the hole is visible on the operating surface side through the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 , the transparent resin sheet  11 , and the hole. For this reason, each metal push button  10  can be used more easily in a dark place. Note that, without making a hole, the concave portion is formed with the almost full depth from the operating surface of the metal push button  10  to the surface opposed thereto and a bottom of the concave portion is made thinner than other regions, whereby light can be made to pass corresponding to the shape of the concave portion. In the case where the concave portion is formed, there can be obtained an effect that each metal push button  10  can be used much more easily in a dark place. 
     Next, a description is made on an example of a method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing an example of the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 4(   a ) through  4 ( f ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment. 
     First, the transparent resin sheet  11  is attached to one surface side of the metal plate  10   a  in a state before processing the metal push button  10  (Step S 101 ). In this attachment, although a thermosetting adhesive which demonstrates an adhesive function by heat is preferably used, a double-sided tape and an adhesive capable of becoming cured at room temperature may be used. Through this Step S 101 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 4(   b ) from the state shown in  FIG. 4(   a ). Next, on a surface which becomes a push button on the opposite side of the surface to which the transparent resin sheet  11  in the metal plate  10   a  is attached, a pattern is formed by press (Step S 102 ). 
     Next, until reaching the transparent resin sheet  11 , the metal plate  10   a  is etched (Step S 103 ). As a result, a hole  20  is formed. Through this Step S 103 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 4(   c ) from the state shown in  FIG. 4(   b ). In this embodiment, a photo-etching is used as an etching method having merits such as design freedom, excellent processing accuracy, and low initial cost. Note that, as a method of forming the hole  20  other than the photo-etching, for example, a machining process using a tool for high-precision processing may be used. 
     Next, the transparent resin coated layer  13  is formed on the surface of the metal push button  10  (Step S 104 ). This step is conducted, for example, by a method such as spray, coat, and paint. This step is conducted to bring the transparent resin coated layer  13  into contact with the metal push button  10 , to prevent hand injuries caused by a contact with a burr or the like generated in the metal push button  10 , and to prevent a touch feeling from being deteriorated. Also, this step is conducted to prevent the pattern formed on the operating surface of the metal push button  10  from getting stained. Through this Step S 104 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 4(   d ) from the state shown in  FIG. 4(   c ). 
     Next, the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is filled at high pressure from the side where the transparent resin sheet  11  is attached toward the hole  20  (Step S 105 ). As a result, the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is filled in the hole  20  while pushing the transparent resin sheet  11  to the hole  20 . It is preferable that a pressure during filling the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  be made equal to or less than 200 kgf/cm 2 , and a temperature during the filling be within a range of 100 to 180° C. However, the pressure and the temperature are both not limited to the aforementioned range, and can be arbitrarily changed according to the various conditions such as a material of the transparent resin sheet  11  and the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 . Through this Step S 105 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 4(   e ) from the state shown in  FIG. 4(   d ). In other words, the transparent resin sheet  11  is extended from a rear surface of the metal push button  10  along an inner surface of the gap so as to form a top surface of the gap. Further, the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  exists from the rear side of the transparent resin sheet  11  to the rear side of the metal push button  10 . 
     Next, the light emitting member  14  is attached from a rear side of the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  (Step S 106 ). As an attaching method, an adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like is preferably used. Through this Step S 106 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 4(   f ) from the state shown in  FIG. 4(   e ). 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, a description is made on the member for a push button switch according to the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same according to the second embodiment. 
     The member for a push button switch according to the second embodiment has the same structure as that of the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment described above. Thus, also in the member for a push button switch according to the second embodiment, the same symbols as those in the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment are used. Also, because component parts composing the member for a push button switch  1  according to the second embodiment is the same as component parts composing the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment, the same symbols are used and the description overlapping the first embodiment is omitted. 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing an example of the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  1  according to the second embodiment.  FIGS. 6(   a ) through  6 ( f ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  1  according to the second embodiment. 
     First, from one surface side of the metal plate  10   a , etching is performed to the middle of a thickness of the metal plate  10   a  to form a concave portion  21  (Step S 201 ). In the etching, as in the case of the first embodiment, a photo-etching is preferably used. Through Step S 201 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 6(   a ). 
     Next, the transparent resin sheet  11  is attached to a surface of an opening side of the concave portion  21  in the metal plate  10   a  (Step S 202 ). In this attachment, although a thermosetting adhesive which demonstrates an adhesive function by heat is preferably used, a double-sided tape or an adhesive capable of becoming cured at room temperature may be used. Through this Step S 202 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 6(   b ) from the state shown in  FIG. 6(   a ). Next, on a surface which becomes a push button on the opposite side of the surface to which the transparent resin sheet  11  in the metal plate  10   a  is attached, a pattern is formed by press (Step S 203 ). 
     Next, etching is performed from a side opposite to the opening side of the concave portion  21  to form the hole  20  connecting with the concave portion  21  (Step S 204 ). Through this Step S 204 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 6(   c ) from the state shown in  FIG. 6(   b ). 
     Next, the transparent resin coated layer  13  is formed on the side opposite to the surface having the transparent resin sheet  11  attached in the metal push button  10  (Step S 205 ). Through this Step S 205 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 6(   d ) from the state shown in  FIG. 6(   c ). 
     Next, the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is filled from a side where the transparent resin sheet  11  is attached toward the hole  20  at high pressure (Step S 206 ). As a result, the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is filled in the hole  20  while pushing the transparent resin sheet  11  to the hole  20 . Through this Step S 206 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 6(   e ) from the state shown in  FIG. 6(   d ). In other words, the transparent resin sheet  11  is extended from a rear surface of the metal push button  10  along an inner surface of the gap so as to form a top surface of the gap. Further, the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  exists from a rear side of the transparent resin sheet  11  to the rear side of the metal push button  10 . 
     Next, the light emitting member  14  is attached from the rear side of the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  (Step S 207 ). Through this Step S 207 , the member for a push button switch  1  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 6(   f ) from the state shown in  FIG. 6(   e ). 
     When the manufacturing steps shown in  FIGS. 6(   a ) through  6 ( f ) and  FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) are used, the transparent resin sheet  11  is hardly to be damaged during etching. In other words, after the formation of the concave portion  21 , etching can be performed from the side opposite to the opening surface of the concave portion  21  and can be stopped at a time when connecting with the concave portion  21 , whereby the transparent resin sheet  11  is hardly to be damaged by etching. Further, etching is performed from the both sides of the metal plate  10   a  to form the hole  20 . Accordingly, an edge is easily formed on the both opening portions of the hole  20 , and an edge of the metal push button  10  is easily made. Thus, when the transparent organic polymer material  15  is filled, an interface between the metal push button  10  and the transparent organic polymer material  15  becomes clear. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Next, a description is made on the member for a push button switch according to the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same according to the third embodiment. 
     A member for a push button switch  30  according to the third embodiment has component parts common to the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment described above. Thus, the same symbols are used in the component parts which are common to the member for a push button switch  30  according to the third embodiment and the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment, and an overlapping description is omitted. 
       FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) are partially enlarged views of a cross-sectional view when the member for a push button switch  30  according to the third embodiment is taken along the line similar to the line A-A of  FIG. 1(   a ).  FIG. 7(   a ) shows an example in a state where the transparent resin coated layer  13  formed on the surface of the metal push button  10  is flush with the transparent organic polymer material  15 , and  FIG. 7(   b ) shows an example in a state where the transparent organic polymer material  15  projects from the transparent resin coated layer  13  toward a surface side. 
     As apparent from the comparison of  FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) and  FIG. 2 , the member for a push button switch  30  according to the third embodiment is different from the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment in that a printing layer  25  or a coloring layer  25  (hereinafter, referred to as “printing layer or the like”  25 ) exists between the transparent resin sheet  11  and the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 . In  FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ), the printing layer or the like  25  is represented by a black heavy line. Further, the member for a push button switch  30  according to the third embodiment is different from the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment in that a urethane resin is used as the transparent resin sheet  11 . 
     The printing layer or the like  25  may be formed in advance in the transparent resin sheet  11  or the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 , and may be formed separately before or after attaching the transparent resin sheet  11  to the metal plate  10   a . In the latter case, the formation step of the printing layer or the like  25  is preferably performed before Step S 202  or between Step S 202  and Step S 206  of  FIG. 5 . The printing layer or the like  25  is formed so that printing or coloring is visible from a surface side of the member for a push button switch  30  through irradiation of light from the rear side of the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 . As a specific formation method of the printing layer or the like  25 , for example, there can be included a method of converting a desired design to data by a CAD system to make a drawing on the transparent resin sheet  11  or the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  based on the created data. As a formation method of the printing layer or the like  25 , for example, a method such as a screen printing or a curved surface printing can be adopted. Note that the printing layer or the like  25  may be formed between the surface of the metal push button  10  and the transparent resin sheet  11 . 
     When a urethane resin is used as the transparent resin sheet  11 , higher extendibility can be expected compared with PET. Accordingly, even in the case where a pressure at a time of filling the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is relatively small, or even in the case where a thickness of the metal push button  10  is large, the transparent resin sheet  11  and the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  can be easily filled in the gap between the adjacent metal push buttons  10 . 
     Further, the member for a push button switch  30  shown in  FIG. 7(   b ) is different from the member for a push button switch  30  shown in  FIG. 7(   a ) in having a structure in which the transparent organic polymer material  15  projects from the transparent resin coated layer  13  formed on the surface of the metal push button  10  toward the surface side. When the gap between the metal push buttons  10  is made to have a convex shape in this manner, a position of each metal push button  10  can be easily grasped by touch. In particular, if a part or all of the periphery of a push button having a number “5” is made to have a convex shape, there can be provided a role similar to a role of a projection of the surface of the push button having the number “5” in an existing cellular phone. In addition, it is more advantageous when the transparent organic polymer material  15  is made to project than when a part of the surface of the metal push button  10  is made to project, in view of protection of user&#39;s fingers. The structure shown in  FIG. 7(   b ) can be easily formed, for example, by providing a concave portion on the concave interior surface of a molding die. Further, it is possible that, among the metal push buttons  10 , a hole having the shape of the number “5” is provided in the push button having the number “5” so that the transparent organic polymer material  15  is projected from the rear side to the hole, whereby there can be provided the role similar to the role of the projection of the surface of the push button having the number “5” in the existing cellular phone. Further, the transparent organic polymer material  15  may be projected not only to the surface of the push button having the number “5” but also to a surface of a push button having other number such that each push button is recognized by touch. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Next, a description is made on the member for a push button switch according to the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same according to the fourth embodiment. 
     A member for a push button switch  40  according to the fourth embodiment has component parts common to the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, the same symbols are used in the component parts common to the member for a push button switch  40  according to the fourth embodiment and the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment, and an overlapping description is omitted. Further, in the manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment, any of each manufacturing method according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, which is described above, may be adopted. 
       FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ) include a plan view  FIG. 8(   a ) of the member for a push button switch  40  according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view  FIG. 8(   b ) taken along the line B-B of the plan view of  FIG. 8(   a ). 
     Each metal push buttons  10  and an external frame  41  are integrated in the member for a push button switch  40 . The member for a push button switch  40  has a structure in which the transparent organic polymer material  15  (including the transparent resin sheet  11  and the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 ) is filled from a rear side thereof in the gaps between the adjacent metal push buttons  10  floating like islands, and in a gap between the metal push buttons  10  and the external frame  41 . The member for a push button switch  40  has the structure similar to that of the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment. With such a structure, unity between the metal push buttons  10  and the external frame  41  can be obtained with more ease. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     Next, a description is made on the member for a push button switch according to the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same according to the fifth embodiment. 
     A member for a push button switch  50  according to the fifth embodiment has component parts common to the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, the same symbols are used in the component parts common to the member for a push button switch  50  according to the fifth embodiment and the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment, and an overlapping description is omitted. Further, in the manufacturing method according to the fifth embodiment, any of each manufacturing method according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, which is described above, may be adopted. 
       FIGS. 9(   a ) and  9 ( b ) include a plan view  FIG. 9(   a ) of the member for a push button switch  50  according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and a cross-sectional view  FIG. 9(   b ) taken along the line C-C of the plan view of  FIG. 9(   a ). 
     In the member for a push button switch  50 , a part of each metal push button  10  is not separated but co-joined with each other through a part of a cut. From a rear side of the cut, the transparent organic polymer material  15  is filled. In this manner, in the case of forming a region where each metal push button  10  is not completely separated, the transparent organic polymer material  15  is filled in a cut dividing the adjacent metal push buttons  10 , whereby the same operational advantages as those of the member for a push button switch  1 ,  30 , and  40  according to each embodiment described above can be obtained. 
     Sixth Embodiment 
     Next, a description is made on the member for a push button switch according to the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same according to the sixth embodiment. 
     A member for a push button switch  60  according to the sixth embodiment has component parts common to the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, the same symbols are used in the component parts common to the member for a push button switch  60  according to the sixth embodiment and the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment, and an overlapping description is omitted. 
       FIG. 10  includes a view showing the member for a push button switch  60  according to the sixth embodiment and an enlarged view showing one of a plurality of metal push buttons  10  forming the member for a push button switch  60 . In  FIG. 10 , the surface of the metal push button  10  is coated with the transparent resin coated layer  13 , so a reference numeral denoting the metal push button  10  is presented by “ 10 ( 13 )”.  FIG. 11  includes a cross-sectional view of one of the metal push buttons  10 , which is taken along the line D-D of  FIG. 10 , and a view showing a substrate  61  disposed below the metal push button  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , the transparent organic polymer material  15  is in a state of projecting from the transparent resin coated layer  13  toward the surface side. A hole having a shape of a number, a character, or a symbol which is to be indicated thereon is made in the metal push button  10 , and the transparent organic polymer  15  is made to project from the rear side to the hole, whereby each metal push button  10  can be easily recognized by touch. Moreover, the designability as a three-dimensional character can be improved. 
     The transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  has a presser  12   a  for pushing a fixed contact (switch). Switches  62 ,  62 , and  63  are arranged in the substrate  61 . A metal disc spring  64  fixes its opening edges to the switches  62 ,  62 . In space inside the metal disc spring  64 , the switch  63  electrically connected to the substrate  61  is disposed so as not to be contact with the metal disc spring  64 . On a surface of the metal disc spring  64  and a surface of the substrate  61 , the light emitting member  14  such as an EL sheet is disposed. 
     When the metal push button  10  is pushed, the presser  12   a  formed below the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  pushes the metal disc spring  64  from above the light emitting member  14 . As a result, the metal disc spring  64  is elastically dented and pushes the switch  63 . When the pushing of the metal push button  10  is released, the presser  12   a  is released from the metal disc spring  64 , and the metal disc spring  64  also returns to the original hemispherical shape. Accordingly, the pushing of the switch  63  is also released. 
     Next, an example of the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  60  according to the sixth embodiment is described. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing an example of the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  60  according to the sixth embodiment.  FIGS. 13(   a ) through  13 ( e ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  60  according to the sixth embodiment. 
     Step S 301  to Step S 304  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 12  are the same steps as Step S 101  to Step S 104  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , respectively. Similarly, a state shown in each of  FIGS. 13(   a ) to  13 ( d ) is the same state of each of  FIGS. 4(   a ) to  4 ( d ) shown in  FIG. 4 . However, in the case of the member for a push button switch  60  according to the sixth embodiment, the hole  20  is formed in the metal push button  10  itself, and the transparent organic polymer material  15  is filled also in the hole  20 . Accordingly, in Step S 303  shown in  FIG. 12 , etching is performed such that the hole  20  is formed not only in the gap between the adjacent metal push buttons  10 , but also in the metal push button  10  itself. Further,  FIG. 13  show a state where a cross-sectional part of the metal push button  10  shown in  FIG. 11  changes as the manufacturing process advances. As for the manufacturing process, many parts thereof overlap the manufacturing process described in the first embodiment, so a description thereof is omitted. In the sixth embodiment, parts significantly different from the first embodiment are that the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  has the shape having the presser  12   a , and that the step (Step S 106 ) of attaching the light emitting member  14  to a bottom surface of the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  does not exist. This is because the light emitting member  14  may be disposed on the substrate  61  side. 
     Note that, as in the case of the embodiment described above, the printing layer or the like  25  may be formed in the transparent resin sheet  11  in advance. The timing of the formation may be before or after attaching the transparent resin sheet  11  to the metal plate  10   a.    
     Seventh Embodiment 
     Next, a description is made on the member for a push button switch according to the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same according to the seventh embodiment. 
     A member for a push button switch  70  according to the seventh embodiment has component parts common to the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, the same symbols are used in the component parts common to the member for a push button switch  70  according to the seventh embodiment and the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment, and an overlapping description is omitted. 
       FIG. 14  includes a cross-sectional view of one of the metal push buttons  10  forming the member for a push button switch  70  according to the seventh embodiment, which is taken along the same line as the line D-D of  FIG. 10 , and a view showing the substrate  61  disposed below the metal push button  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the transparent organic polymer material  15  is in a state of projecting from the transparent resin coated layer  13  toward the surface side. A hole having a shape of a number, a character, or a symbol which is to be indicated thereon is made in the metal push button  10 , and the transparent organic polymer  15  is made to project to the hole from the rear side, whereby each metal push button  10  can be easily recognized by touch. Moreover, the designability as a three-dimensional character can be improved. 
     The light emitting member  14  such as an EL sheet is disposed below the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  of the member for a push button switch  70 , and a pusher sheet (sheet)  16  having a presser  16   a  is disposed therebelow. The pusher sheet  16  may be transparent or opaque. In this manner, the light emitting member  14  may be disposed on the member for a push button switch  70  side, not on the substrate  61  side. The fixed contacts (switches)  62 ,  62 , and  63  are arranged in the substrate  61 . The metal disc spring  64  fixes its opening edges to the switches  62 ,  62 . In space inside the metal disc spring  64 , the switch  63  electrically connected to the substrate  61  is disposed so as not to be contact with the metal disc spring  64 . 
     When the metal push button  10  is pushed, the presser  16   a  of the pusher sheet  16  pushes the metal disc spring  64 . As a result, the metal disc spring  64  is elastically dented and pushes the switch  63 . When the pushing of the metal push button  10  is released, the presser  16   a  is released from the metal disc spring  64 , and the metal disc spring  64  also returns to the original hemispherical shape. Accordingly, the pushing of the switch  63  is also released. 
     Next, an example of the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  70  according to the seventh embodiment is described. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing an example of the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  70  according to the seventh embodiment.  FIGS. 16(   a ) through  16 ( g ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  70  according to the seventh embodiment. 
     Step S 401  to Step S 406  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 15  are the same steps of Step S 101  to Step S 106  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , respectively. Similarly, the state shown in each of  FIGS. 16(   a ) to  16 ( f ) is the same state of each of  FIGS. 4(   a ) to  4 ( f ). However, in the case of the member for a push button switch  70  according to the seventh embodiment, the hole  20  is formed in the metal push button  10  itself, and the transparent organic polymer material  15  is filled also in the hole  20 . Accordingly, in Step S 403  shown in  FIG. 15 , etching is performed such that the hole  20  is formed not only in the gap between the adjacent metal push buttons  10  but also in the metal push button  10  itself. Further,  FIG. 16  show a state where a cross-sectional part of the metal push button  10  shown in  FIG. 14  changes as the manufacturing process advances. The manufacturing process overlaps the manufacturing process described in the first embodiment, so a description thereof is omitted. In the seventh embodiment, a part different from the first embodiment is that the step (Step S 407 ) of attaching the pusher sheet  16  having the presser  16   a  to below the light emitting member  14  exists. The pusher sheet  16  is a necessary member because of the structure of an electronic device such as a cellular phone. However, it is assumed that the member for a push button switch according to the present invention is broadly interpreted to include both of the state where the pusher sheet is attached and the state where the pusher sheet is not attached. Note that, after Step S 405 , the step of attaching the light emitting member  14  to the pusher sheet  16  may be performed, and after that, the step of attaching the light emitting member  14  side of the member obtained in the attaching step to the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  may be performed. Further, after Step S 405 , there may be performed the step of integrally forming the light emitting member  14  and the rubber-like elastic material having the presser  16   a , and the step of attaching the light emitting member  14  side obtained in the integrally forming step to the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 . 
     Note that, as in the case of the embodiment described above, the printing layer or the like  25  may be formed in the transparent resin sheet  11  in advance. The timing of the formation may be before or after attaching the transparent resin sheet  11  to the metal plate  10   a.    
     Eighth Embodiment 
     Next, a description is made on the member for a push button switch according to the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same according to the eighth embodiment. 
     A member for a push button switch  80  according to the eighth embodiment has component parts common to the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, the same symbols are used in the component parts common to the member for a push button switch  80  according to the eighth embodiment and the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment, and an overlapping description is omitted. 
       FIG. 17  is a plain view of the member for a push button switch  80  according to the eighth embodiment.  FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of  FIG. 17 . In  FIG. 18 , X is a metal push button  10  having “1” indicated thereon, which is shown in  FIG. 17 , Y is a metal push button  10  having “2” indicated thereon, which is shown in  FIG. 17 , and Z is a metal push button  10  having “3” indicated thereon, which is shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the transparent resin sheet  11  is disposed on the rear side of the metal push button  10 . Another transparent resin sheet (In  FIG. 18 , represented by a black heavy line)  11  is disposed over a rear side of the transparent resin sheet  11 , an interior surface of the hole inside the metal push button  10 , and the top surface of the hole. The transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is disposed on the rear side of the another transparent resin sheet  11 . A transparent organic polymer material  15  composed of the another transparent resin sheet  11  and the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is attached so as to fill the gap between the adjacent metal push buttons  10  and the hole inside the metal push button  10  from the rear surface of the metal push button  10 . At a position below the metal push button  10  in the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 , the presser  12   a  is formed. Note that a light emitting member (not shown) is disposed on the substrate side which is disposed below the member for a push button switch  80 , not on the member for a push button switch  80  side. 
     Next, an example of the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  80  according to the eighth embodiment is described. 
       FIG. 19  is a flowchart showing an example of the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  80  according to the eighth embodiment.  FIGS. 20(   a ) through  20 ( f ) are views showing a state in each step of manufacturing the member for a push button switch  80  according to the eighth embodiment. 
     First, the transparent resin sheet  11  is attached to one surface side of the metal plate  10   a  which is in a state before processing the metal push button  10  (Step S 501 ). Although a thermosetting adhesive which demonstrates an adhesive function by heat is preferably used in this attachment, a double-sided tape or an adhesive capable of becoming cured at room temperature may also be used. Through this Step S 501 , the member for a push button switch  80  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 20(   b ) from the state shown in  FIG. 20(   a ). Next, a through hole  81  is formed on a part of the transparent resin sheet  11  (Step S 502 ). This through hole  81  is formed according to a shape of a character or the like which is indicated on the metal push button  10  and each of its surface. When the through hole  81  is provided on the entire periphery of the metal push button  10 , the metal push button  10  drops. Thus, the through hole  81  is provided so as to leave a part of the periphery. Through Step S 502 , the member for a push button switch  80  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 20(   c ) from the state shown in  FIG. 20(   b ). 
     Next, the metal plate  10   a  is etched from the side opposite to the transparent resin sheet  11  to the transparent resin sheet  11  (Step S 503 ). As a result, the hole  20  is formed. Note that the transparent resin sheet  11  does not exist in the part of the through hole  81 . Through Step S 503 , the member for a push button switch  80  becomes the state shown in  FIG. 20(   d ) from the state shown in  FIG. 20(   c ). 
     Next, another transparent resin sheet  11  is made to overlap the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 , whereby a molding having a convex portion for filling the hole  20  and the presser  12   a  below each metal push button  10  is manufactured (Step S 504 ). Although the preferable molding method is an injection molding, a molding method other than this may be adopted. Through Step S 504 , the transparent organic polymer material  15  as shown in  FIG. 20(   e ) is obtained. 
     Next, the component member including the metal push button  10  manufactured in Steps S 501  to S 503  and the transparent resin sheet  11  is attached to the transparent organic polymer material  15  manufactured in Step S 504  (Step S 505 ). In this manner, the member for a push button switch  80  shown in  FIG. 20(   f ) is obtained. 
     Note that, in Step S 504 , only the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  can be attached to the component member including the metal push button  10  and the transparent resin sheet  11  without using the another transparent resin sheet  11 . Further, a decorative printing layer can be formed in the transparent organic polymer material  15  interposed inside the metal push button  10 . In this case, the decorative printing layer may be formed in at least any of the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  and the another transparent resin sheet  11 . 
     Ninth Embodiment 
     Next, a description is made on the member for a push button switch according to the present invention and a method of manufacturing the same according to the ninth embodiment. 
     A member for a push button switch  90  according to the ninth embodiment has component parts common to the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment described above. For this reason, the same symbols are used in the component parts common to the member for a push button switch  90  according to the ninth embodiment and the member for a push button switch  1  according to the first embodiment, and an overlapping description is omitted. 
       FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the member for a push button switch  90  according to the ninth embodiment, which is taken along the same line as the line E-E shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     The member for a push button switch  90  according to the ninth embodiment has the transparent resin sheet  11  on the surface side of the metal push button  10 . Also, from a surface side opposite to the transparent resin sheet  11 , the transparent organic polymer material  15  composed of the another transparent resin sheet  11  and the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is disposed so as to fill the gap between the adjacent metal push buttons  10  and a hole inside each metal push button  10 . At a position below the metal push button  10  in the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12 , the presser  12   a  is formed. 
     The member for a push button switch  90  of a structure shown in  FIG. 21  can be manufactured by, after the state shown in  FIG. 20   b , etching from the surface side opposite to the attached transparent resin sheet  11  and attaching the transparent organic polymer material  15  shown in  FIG. 20   e  to the side of the hole  20  which is formed through the etching. 
     The member for a push button switch  90  shown in  FIG. 21  can be manufactured also by a manufacturing method different from the aforementioned manufacturing method, which is described below. First, the transparent resin sheet  11  is attached to one surface of the metal plate  10   a , and etching is performed from the side opposite to the transparent resin sheet  11 . After that, another transparent resin sheet  11  is attached to an opening side of the hole  20  formed through the etching. Next, from any of the transparent resin sheets  11  on the both sides, the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is press-fitted toward the hole  20 . 
     Further, a printing layer can be formed on a part or entire of the rear side of the transparent resin sheet  11  attached to the outer surface of the metal push button  10 . 
     Each preferable embodiment of the member for a push button switch according to the present invention and the method of manufacturing the same has been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be performed through various modifications. 
     For instance, attachment of the metal plate  10   a  to the transparent resin sheet  11  may be performed by roughing a surface of the metal plate  10   a  and depositing the transparent resin sheet  11  to the roughed surface, not performed through an adhesive material such as an adhesive and a double-sided tape. 
     Also, in the case of filling the hole  20  with both the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  and the transparent resin sheet  11 , when the transparent resin sheet  11  is subjected to a primer processing and the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is supplied to the surface subjected to the primer processing, adhesiveness between the transparent resin sheet  11  and the transparent rubber-like elastic material  12  is improved, which is preferable. 
     Also, in the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Step S 101  and Step S 102  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3  may be performed in reverse. Also, Step S 104  may be performed after Step S 105  or Step S 106 . Further, at least any one of Step S 102 , Step S 104 , and Step S 106  may not be performed. 
     Also, in the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the second embodiment of the present invention, Step S 203  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 5  may be performed before Step S 201 , Step S 202 , or Step S 205 . Also, Step S 205  may be performed after Step S 206  or Step S 207 . Further, at least any one of Step S 203 , Step  205 , and Step  207  may not be performed. 
     Also, in the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, Step S 301  and Step S 302  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 12  may be performed in reverse. Also, Step S 304  may be performed after Step S 305 . Further, at least any one of Step S 302  and Step  304  may not be performed. 
     Also, in the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, Step S 401  and Step S 402  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 15  may be performed in reverse. Also, Step S 404  may be performed after Step S 405 , Step S 406 , or Step  407 . Further, at least any one of Step S 402 , Step S 404 , and Step  406  may not be performed. 
     Also, in the method of manufacturing the member for a push button switch according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, Step S 501  and Step S 502  of the flowchart shown in  FIG. 19  may be performed in reverse. Also, Step S 504  may be performed before any of Step S 501  to Step S 503 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present invention can be used in the industry where a member for a push button switch of an electronic device is manufactured or used.