Illuminated keyboard switch

#The present invention relates to an illuminated keyboard switch that is used as an input device for various types of electronic equipment, such as a personal computer and a word processor.

#As such electronic equipment as personal computers and word processors has come into widespread use recently, keyboard switches used as input devices for such equipment also have more multiple functions. For example, a keyboard switch that allows illumination of such indication as letters, symbols, pictures on a push button is required so that the push button can be identified even in dark environments.

#A conventional illuminated keyboard switch is described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

#FIG. 1 is a partially sectional view of an illuminated keyboard switch in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the keyboard switch.

#FIG. 3 is a partially sectional view of an EL element for use in the keyboard switch.

#Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. Elements similar to those in accordance with the conventional technique have the same reference marks, and the detailed descriptions of those elements are omitted.

#First Embodiment

#FIG. 1 is a partially sectional view of an illuminated keyboard switch in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof. With reference to these drawings, push button 1 made of such insulating resins as ABS, polycarbonate, and acrylic has indication part 1A for letters, symbols, pictures, and the like formed thereon. The indication part is formed by overlaying light-conductive resin having such a color as milky white with lightproof resin using two-color forming, or by laser machining after application of lightproof paint.