EP0554084A2 - Structure de bouton poussoir illuminé - Google Patents
Structure de bouton poussoir illuminé Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0554084A2 EP0554084A2 EP93300612A EP93300612A EP0554084A2 EP 0554084 A2 EP0554084 A2 EP 0554084A2 EP 93300612 A EP93300612 A EP 93300612A EP 93300612 A EP93300612 A EP 93300612A EP 0554084 A2 EP0554084 A2 EP 0554084A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- button
- key
- light
- key top
- character
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
- H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
- H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
- H01H2219/014—LED
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2219/00—Legends
- H01H2219/028—Printed information
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/002—Actuators integral with membrane
- H01H2221/006—Adhesive
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2221/00—Actuators
- H01H2221/07—Actuators transparent
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the structure of an illumination type key top applicable to various kinds of equipment and, more particularly, to the structure of a button portion of an illumination type key top made of a plastic.
- a key top capable of displaying a character or similar information on the top of a button when the button is pressed is extensively used with various kinds of equipment including electronic equipment.
- Typical of such a key top is a character illumination type key top which illuminates only a character portion to be displayed.
- This type of conventional key top includes convex portions, concave portions, flanges and so forth and is produced by the bicolor molding or transfer molding of a plastic to allow only the character portion to transmit light.
- a key top capable of displaying predetermined information when illuminated by light issuing from a light source built in the key top of the present invention comprises a button made of a light transmitting plastic, a key seat made of a light transmitting elastic material and affixed to the button, and a key switch for radiating the light from the light source by being operated by the button via the key seat when the button is pressed.
- the key top has a button 21, a key seat 22, a front cover 23, a light conducting plate 14, a key switch 15, a light source in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) 16, and a support plate 17.
- the button 21 has a convex front surface 21a, a concave rear surface 21b, and a flange 21c extending sideways from the button 21.
- the key seat 22 has a convex front surface 22a and a concave rear surface 22b.
- the rear surface 21b of the button 21 contacts the front surface 22a of the key seat 22 while the flange 21b of the button 21 abuts against the rear surface of the front cover 23.
- the rear surface 22b of the key seat 22 is urged against a diaphragm or similar contact portion 15a included in the key switch 15. In this configuration, the button 21 is securely positioned and prevented from coming off.
- the button 21 is formed by the bicolor molding or transfer molding of a plastic to allow the light from the LED 16 to be transmitted only through a character portion thereof. This provides the key top with a character illumination type structure.
- the key seat 22 is implemented as a molding of silicone rubber to transmit light therethrough. Specifically, light issuing from the LED 16 is sequentially propagated through the light conducting plate 14 made of a transparent plastic or similar material, key seat 22, and button 21. On the surface 21a of the button 21, only a character portion appears bright.
- the front cover 23 is formed of a material which shields light.
- the conventional key top described above has some problems left unsolved, as follows.
- the button 21 has to be provided with the convex front surface 21a and concave rear surface 21b while the key sheet 22 has to be provided with the convex front surface 22a and concave rear surface 22b. This obstructs the decrease in the thickness and cost of the key top.
- the bicolor molding or transfer molding of a plastic further increases the cost.
- the key top is made up of a button 11 made of a light transmitting plastic, a key seat 12 located beneath the button 11 and implemented as a molding of light transmitting silicone rubber, a front cover 13 made of a light shielding material and pressing the key seat 12, a light conducting plate 14 made of a transparent plastic or similar material, a key switch 15 contacting the underside of the key seat 12, a light source in the form of an LED 16 buried in the plate 14, and a support plate 17 on which such constituents are mounted.
- the key switch 15 includes a diaphragm or similar contact portion 15a.
- buttons 11 and 12 When the top 11a of the button 11 is pressed, it presses the contact portion 15a of the key switch 15 via the key seat 12, thereby causing the LED 16 to emit light.
- Both the rear surface 11b of the button 11 and the front surface 12a of the key seat 12 are formed flat. These surfaces 11b and 12a are connected together by adhesive to affix the button 11 and key seat 12 to each other. Subsequently, the support plate 17, key switch 15, conducting plate 14, key seat 12, button 11 and front cover 13 are sequentially assembled in this order, as named from the bottom. By adhering the button 11 to the key seat 12, it is possible to provide the button 11 with an extremely simple configuration.
- light shielding ink may be applied to the rear surface 11b of the button 11 by printing while leaving a character portion blank.
- ink of light transmitting color may be applied to the light shielding ink by printing.
- the key seat 12, like the conventional key seat, is constituted by a molding of light transmitting silicone rubber and provided with a light shielding layer by painting or printing except for the surface 12a thereof which contacts the button 11.
- the present invention provides a simple, thin and inexpensive key top. Further, since the key top of the invention has a character printed on the rear surface of a button, it is free from various problems ascribable to wear, e.g., defacing of the character. In addition, the character can be colored in any desired tone so long as the color transmits light.
Landscapes
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP12726/92 | 1992-01-28 | ||
JP4012726A JP2710181B2 (ja) | 1992-01-28 | 1992-01-28 | 照光式キートップの構造 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0554084A2 true EP0554084A2 (fr) | 1993-08-04 |
EP0554084A3 EP0554084A3 (fr) | 1994-01-05 |
Family
ID=11813441
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP93300612A Pending EP0554084A2 (fr) | 1992-01-28 | 1993-01-28 | Structure de bouton poussoir illuminé |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0554084A2 (fr) |
JP (1) | JP2710181B2 (fr) |
AU (1) | AU3207393A (fr) |
CA (1) | CA2088087A1 (fr) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5568367A (en) * | 1994-06-08 | 1996-10-22 | Universal Electronics Inc. | Remote control with key lighting |
EP0858087A2 (fr) * | 1997-02-06 | 1998-08-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Agencement de bouton-poussoir |
EP0859388A2 (fr) * | 1997-02-18 | 1998-08-19 | Sunarrow Co., Ltd. | Touche illuminée et son procédé de production |
US5881866A (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 1999-03-16 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Push button switch covering assembly including dome contact |
EP1126481A1 (fr) * | 1999-08-27 | 2001-08-22 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Bouton-poussoir et dispositif de commutation |
EP1389790A1 (fr) * | 2002-08-12 | 2004-02-18 | Nec Corporation | Structure d'illumination pour un bouton poussoir et appareil électronique avec cette structure |
FR2846144A1 (fr) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-04-23 | Thales Sa | Clavier etanche |
US6806815B1 (en) | 2000-05-02 | 2004-10-19 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. | Keypad structure with inverted domes |
EP1729205A2 (fr) * | 2005-05-19 | 2006-12-06 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Assemblage de clavier numérique avec un modèle de réflexion |
EP1890310A1 (fr) * | 2006-07-18 | 2008-02-20 | Research In Motion Limited | Clavier pour dispositif électronique portable avec guide de lumière |
DE112006003887B4 (de) * | 2006-05-15 | 2010-08-05 | Attocon Co., Ltd., Uiwang | Lichtemittierende Tastatur |
US7825899B2 (en) | 2006-07-18 | 2010-11-02 | Research In Motion Limited | Piano-style keypad employing a light guide |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5401927A (en) * | 1993-03-31 | 1995-03-28 | Motorola, Inc. | Selectively illuminated indicator and method for making the same |
KR100591854B1 (ko) * | 2005-03-10 | 2006-06-26 | 디케이 유아이엘 주식회사 | 휴대단말기용 초슬림형 키패드 및 그 제조방법 |
JP4581971B2 (ja) * | 2005-06-10 | 2010-11-17 | パナソニック株式会社 | キー入力装置 |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3038613A1 (de) * | 1979-10-15 | 1981-04-30 | Casio Computer Co Ltd | Tasteneingabevorrichtung fuer einen elektronischen uhrenrechner |
DE3441614A1 (de) * | 1983-11-15 | 1985-07-11 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd., Tokio/Tokyo | Gummihaube mit tastenkappe |
US4937408A (en) * | 1988-05-30 | 1990-06-26 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Self-illuminating panel switch |
DE9102919U1 (fr) * | 1991-03-12 | 1991-06-06 | Aeg Mobile Communication Gmbh, 7900 Ulm, De |
-
1992
- 1992-01-28 JP JP4012726A patent/JP2710181B2/ja not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1993
- 1993-01-26 CA CA 2088087 patent/CA2088087A1/fr not_active Abandoned
- 1993-01-27 AU AU32073/93A patent/AU3207393A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-01-28 EP EP93300612A patent/EP0554084A2/fr active Pending
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3038613A1 (de) * | 1979-10-15 | 1981-04-30 | Casio Computer Co Ltd | Tasteneingabevorrichtung fuer einen elektronischen uhrenrechner |
DE3441614A1 (de) * | 1983-11-15 | 1985-07-11 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd., Tokio/Tokyo | Gummihaube mit tastenkappe |
US4937408A (en) * | 1988-05-30 | 1990-06-26 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Self-illuminating panel switch |
DE9102919U1 (fr) * | 1991-03-12 | 1991-06-06 | Aeg Mobile Communication Gmbh, 7900 Ulm, De |
Cited By (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5568367A (en) * | 1994-06-08 | 1996-10-22 | Universal Electronics Inc. | Remote control with key lighting |
US5881866A (en) * | 1996-10-15 | 1999-03-16 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Push button switch covering assembly including dome contact |
EP0930629A1 (fr) * | 1996-10-15 | 1999-07-21 | Shin-Etsu Polymer Co., Ltd. | Protection pour interrupteur à bouton poussoir |
EP0858087A2 (fr) * | 1997-02-06 | 1998-08-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Agencement de bouton-poussoir |
EP0858087A3 (fr) * | 1997-02-06 | 1999-01-27 | Whirlpool Corporation | Agencement de bouton-poussoir |
EP0859388A2 (fr) * | 1997-02-18 | 1998-08-19 | Sunarrow Co., Ltd. | Touche illuminée et son procédé de production |
EP0859388A3 (fr) * | 1997-02-18 | 1998-08-26 | Sunarrow Co., Ltd. | Touche illuminée et son procédé de production |
EP0939414A1 (fr) * | 1997-02-18 | 1999-09-01 | Sunarrow Co., Ltd. | Touche illuminée et son procédé de production |
EP1316979A1 (fr) * | 1997-02-18 | 2003-06-04 | Sunarrow Ltd. | Touche illuminée |
EP1126481A1 (fr) * | 1999-08-27 | 2001-08-22 | Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha | Bouton-poussoir et dispositif de commutation |
EP1126481A4 (fr) * | 1999-08-27 | 2004-12-01 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Bouton-poussoir et dispositif de commutation |
US6806815B1 (en) | 2000-05-02 | 2004-10-19 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd. | Keypad structure with inverted domes |
EP1389790A1 (fr) * | 2002-08-12 | 2004-02-18 | Nec Corporation | Structure d'illumination pour un bouton poussoir et appareil électronique avec cette structure |
US6997572B2 (en) | 2002-08-12 | 2006-02-14 | Nec Corporation | Illumination structure for pushbutton and electronic device with pushbutton having illumination structure |
WO2004038747A1 (fr) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-05-06 | Thales | Clavier etanche |
FR2846144A1 (fr) * | 2002-10-18 | 2004-04-23 | Thales Sa | Clavier etanche |
EP1729205A2 (fr) * | 2005-05-19 | 2006-12-06 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Assemblage de clavier numérique avec un modèle de réflexion |
EP1729205A3 (fr) * | 2005-05-19 | 2013-04-17 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Assemblage de clavier numérique avec un modèle de réflexion |
DE112006003887B4 (de) * | 2006-05-15 | 2010-08-05 | Attocon Co., Ltd., Uiwang | Lichtemittierende Tastatur |
EP1890310A1 (fr) * | 2006-07-18 | 2008-02-20 | Research In Motion Limited | Clavier pour dispositif électronique portable avec guide de lumière |
EP2003669A1 (fr) * | 2006-07-18 | 2008-12-17 | Research In Motion Limited | Clavier de type piano utilisant un guide lumineux |
US7825899B2 (en) | 2006-07-18 | 2010-11-02 | Research In Motion Limited | Piano-style keypad employing a light guide |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2710181B2 (ja) | 1998-02-10 |
JPH05204512A (ja) | 1993-08-13 |
EP0554084A3 (fr) | 1994-01-05 |
CA2088087A1 (fr) | 1993-07-29 |
AU3207393A (en) | 1993-07-29 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
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AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): GB IT SE |
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PUAL | Search report despatched |
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17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19940113 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19950606 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
|
18W | Application withdrawn |
Withdrawal date: 19960202 |
|
18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19951017 |
|
D18W | Application withdrawn (deleted) |