JP3131033U - Side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module - Google Patents

Abstract

A side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module capable of realizing high brightness and high uniformity with a smaller number of light sources is provided.
A side-projected ultra-thin light guide key module according to the present invention includes a translucent elastic element, at least one light-emitting element, a display layer, and an elastic filling layer. The bottom of the translucent elastic element has a plurality of light guide microstructures, and the at least one light emitting element is installed on one side of the translucent elastic element. In addition, the display layer is disposed on an upper end of the translucent elastic element, and the display layer has a plurality of translucent portions. The elastic filling layer is provided between the translucent elastic element and the display layer. Therefore, when the at least one light emitting element projects a light source onto the translucent elastic element, the translucent elastic element guides the light source upward through these light guide microstructures, and the light source is The light-transmitting portions of the elastic filling layer and the display layer are transmitted.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultra-thin light guide key module, and more particularly to a side light-projecting type ultra-thin light guide key module.

  With the advent of the IT era, further advances in communication network technology, mobile phones have become one of the most popular communication tools today. Mobile phone products are light and compact, are convenient to carry, have full functionality, and prices are decreasing day by day, and are increasingly used by more and more consumers. In general, when consumers purchase a mobile phone, most of them consider the function and external shape of the mobile phone. On the other hand, in the market, the mobile phone has a complete function and a new external shape according to consumer trends. Developing a phone.

  In order to illuminate the upper font, current cellular phone key modules generally generate light sources by placing light emitting diodes (LEDs) in areas that need to emit light below the key module. Due to its own material properties, it scatters light and changes the direction of light travel to shine the upper transparent font.

  However, the currently used rubber has a low light transmittance due to the material properties, so the loss in the rubber of the light source is very large and the light source cannot be transmitted to a farther area. Even if only the vicinity of the font of the key module is illuminated, it is generally necessary to use 6 to 8 light emitting diodes as a light source.

  Conventionally, there is a method of adopting a material having a relatively high light transmittance and reducing the loss of the light source, but it is still necessary to use four light emitting diodes. For this reason, the conventional method is not preferable for both light transmission efficiency and uniformity.

  As can be seen from the above, the conventional key module has practically inconveniences and problems in application, and is expected to be improved.

  Therefore, in order to improve the above-mentioned drawbacks, the present inventor has made extensive observations and researches based on the experience accumulated in this area since many years, and further combined the operation of academic theory with a rational design and the above-mentioned We proposed the present invention that can effectively improve the defects.

  The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a side-projection type ultra-thin light guide key module capable of realizing high brightness and high uniformity with fewer light sources.

  In the present invention, a light guide microstructure is added to a light-transmitting elastic member (for example, rubber) having a high light transmittance, and a light-emitting element (for example, a light-emitting diode) is attached to a side wall (as in the prior art). , Not under the rubber), and then combined with the manufacturing process of the existing key module, a key module with high luminance and high uniformity can be created with fewer light sources.

  In order to solve the technical problem, one proposal according to the present invention is a side-projected ultra-thin light guide key module including a translucent elastic element, at least one light emitting element, a display layer, and an elastic filling layer. I will provide a.

  Here, the bottom of the translucent elastic element has a plurality of light guide microstructures, the at least one light emitting element is disposed on one side of the translucent elastic element, and the display layer is the translucent element. The display layer has a plurality of light-transmitting portions, and the elastic filling layer is provided between the light-transmitting elastic element and the display layer.

  Therefore, when the at least one light emitting element projects a light source onto the translucent elastic element, the translucent elastic element guides the light source upward through the light guide microstructure, and the light source is elastic. The light-transmitting portions of the filling layer and the display layer are transmitted.

  In order to solve the technical problem, another proposal according to the present invention is a side-projection type ultra-thin light guide key including a translucent elastic element, at least one light-emitting element, a frame, and a plurality of key bodies. Provide modules.

  Here, the bottom of the translucent elastic element has a plurality of light guide microstructures, and the top of the translucent elastic element has a plurality of convex structures corresponding to these light guide microstructures. The at least one light emitting element is disposed on one side of the translucent elastic element, the frame has a plurality of through holes, and the frame is disposed on the translucent elastic element and has the convex structure. The key body is exposed on the convex structure, and each key body has a plurality of light transmitting portions.

  Therefore, when the at least one light emitting element projects a light source onto the translucent elastic element, the translucent elastic element guides the light source upward via the light guide microstructure, and the light source is the key. The light is transmitted through the translucent part of the body.

  Since the light guide microstructure is directly coupled to the key module structure, the amount of light emitting diodes used is reduced and power loss is reduced, thereby reducing the number of times of charging and increasing battery life. In addition, since it is not necessary to make the other individual elements have a light guide structure, the thickness of the key module is reduced, and a key module having a light guide function with a thickness lower than 1 mm can be mass-produced.

  In order to better understand the technology, means and functions used by the present invention to achieve the above object, a detailed description relating to the present invention will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although I am confident that it can be understood more deeply and concretely by the following explanation, it goes without saying that the accompanying drawings are used only for reference and explanation and do not narrowly limit the scope of the claimed invention. That is.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module provided by the present invention includes a translucent elastic element 1, two light emitting elements 2, a display layer 3, and an elastic filling layer 4. Including.

  Here, the translucent elastic element 1 is made of a transparent rubber material or a transparent plastic material. The bottom of the translucent elastic element 1 has a plurality of light guide microstructures 10, and each light guide microstructure 10 has a plurality of inwardly recessed grooves 100. Each light guide microstructure 10 includes a first microstructure 10A and a second microstructure 10B provided around the first microstructure 10A, and the first microstructure 10A. Is larger than the thickness h of the second microstructure 10B.

  The two light emitting elements 2 are respectively installed on one side of the translucent elastic element 1. The light emitting element 2 is a light emitting diode.

  The display layer 3 is installed on the upper end of the translucent elastic element 1, and the display layer 3 has a plurality of translucent portions 30. The display layer 3 is a metal sheet or a plastic sheet, and these light transmitting portions 30 are light transmitting patterns, symbols, letters or numbers (or these light transmitting portions 30 are hollow patterns, symbols, letters or numbers. But it ’s okay.)

  The elastic filling layer 4 is provided between the translucent elastic element 1 and the display layer 3. The elastic filling layer 4 is a thermoplastic elastomer, for example, a thermoplastic group polyurethane film (TPU) film. The present embodiment further includes a circuit board 5 provided at the bottom of the translucent elastic element 1.

  As shown by the arrows, when the two light emitting elements 2 project the light source onto the translucent elastic element 1, the translucent elastic element 1 guides the light source upward through these light guide microstructures 10, and the light source Is transmitted through the elastic filling layer 4 and the translucent part 30 of the display layer 3.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the ultra-thin light guide key module of the side projection type provided by the present invention includes a translucent elastic element 1 ′, two light emitting elements 2 ′, a plurality of key bodies 3 ′, a frame 4 '.

  The translucent elastic element 1 ′ is made of a transparent rubber material or a transparent plastic material. The bottom of the translucent elastic element 1 ′ has a plurality of light guide microstructures 10 ′, and the top of the translucent elastic element 1 ′ has a plurality of light guide microstructures 10 ′. Each light guide microstructure 10 ′ has a convex groove structure 11 ′ and a plurality of inwardly recessed grooves 100 ′. Each light guide microstructure 10 ′ includes a first microstructure 10A ′ and a second microstructure 10B ′ provided around the first microstructure 10A ′. The first microstructure The thickness H ′ of the body 10A ′ is larger than the thickness h ′ of the second microstructure 10B ′.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the two light emitting elements 2 ′ are respectively installed on one side of the translucent elastic element 1 ′. The light emitting element 2 'is a light emitting diode.

  The key body 3 ′ is provided on the convex structure 11 ′, and each key body 3 ′ has a plurality of light transmitting portions 30 ′. These key bodies 3 ′ are metal sheets or plastic sheets, and these translucent portions 30 ′ are light transmissive patterns, symbols, letters or numbers (or these translucent portions 30 ′ are hollow patterns. , Sign, letter or number).

  The frame 4 'is a metal sheet or a plastic sheet. The frame 4 ′ has a plurality of through holes 40 ′, and the frame 4 ′ is installed on the translucent elastic element 1 ′ to expose the convex structure 11 ′. That is, the frame 4 ′ is pasted on the translucent elastic element 1 ′ in such a manner that the corresponding convex structure 11 ′ is transmitted through each through hole 40 ′. Located between them, the structural strength of the translucent elastic element 1 ′ is reinforced. Further, like the first embodiment, this embodiment further includes a circuit board 5 ′ provided at the bottom of the translucent elastic element 1 ′.

  Therefore, when at least one light emitting element 2 ′ projects a light source onto the translucent elastic element 1 ′ as indicated by an arrow, the translucent elastic element 1 ′ transmits the light source via these light guide microstructures 10 ′. Guided upward, the light source is transmitted through the translucent part 30 ′ of the key body 3 ′.

  FIG. 3 is a side view showing another light guide microstructure in the first embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 3, each light guide microstructure 10a of the translucent elastic element 1a has a plurality of convex portions 101a protruding outward.

  FIG. 4 is a side view showing another light guide microstructure in the first embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 4, each light guide microstructure 10b of the translucent elastic element 1b has a plurality of inwardly recessed grooves 100b and a plurality of outwardly projecting convex portions 101b.

  In other words, for the first embodiment, the light guide microstructure may be any shape (concave groove or convex portion) or any shape (circular, triangular, etc.) stepped microstructure.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first relative position of the translucent elastic element and the light emitting element according to the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 5, the two light emitting elements 2c are provided on the opposite sides of the translucent elastic element 1c. As indicated by the arrows, the light sources projected from the two light emitting elements 2c can be uniformly transmitted to each corner of the translucent elastic element 1c, and the ultra-thin light guide key module according to the present invention obtains the optimum light emission efficiency. To be able to.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second relative position of the translucent elastic element and the light emitting element according to the present invention. As can be seen from FIG. 6, one light-emitting element 2d includes a light-emitting diode 20d and a transparent light guide line 21d surrounding the side of the translucent elastic element 1d. Are connected to each. Here, the transparent light guide line 21d may be an optical fiber or any light transmissive conductor.

  In addition, according to the user's request, the light emitting device according to the present invention includes one light emitting diode or a plurality of light emitting diodes. Further, the light emitting element may be a combination of a light emitting diode and an optical fiber.

  As described above, an object of the present invention is to join a light guide microstructure in a light-transmitting elastic member (for example, rubber) having a high light transmittance, and to further attach a light emitting element (for example, a light emitting diode) to the light transmitting elastic member. Place as a light source on the side wall of the member (not under the rubber as before), then create a high brightness and high uniformity key module with less light source by the existing key module manufacturing process I can do it.

  Since the light guide microstructure is directly coupled to the key module structure, the amount of light emitting diodes used is reduced and power loss is reduced, thereby reducing the number of times of charging and increasing battery life. In addition, since it is not necessary to make the other individual elements have a light guide structure, the thickness of the key module is reduced, and a key module having a light guide function with a thickness lower than 1 mm can be mass-produced.

  The foregoing is merely a detailed description and drawings of a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, and the features of the present invention are not limited thereto, and are not intended to limit the present invention. A knowledgeable expert can make appropriate changes and modifications within the field of the present invention, but it goes without saying that such implementation should be delivered within the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of a side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view showing another light guide microstructure in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view showing another light guide microstructure in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a first relative position of the translucent elastic element and the light emitting element according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a second relative position of the translucent elastic element and the light emitting element according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1 'Translucent elastic element 2, 2' Light emitting element 3 Display layer 4 Elastic filling layer 4 'Frame 5, 5' Circuit board 10, 10 ', 10a, 10b Light guide microstructure 11' Convex structure 100, 100 ', 100b Concave groove 101a, 101b Convex part 10A, 10A' First microstructure 10B, 10B 'Second microstructure 30, 30' Translucent part 40 'Through hole H, h, H', h 'Thickness 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Translucent elastic element 2c, 2d Light emitting element 20d Light emitting diode 21d Transparent light guide line

Claims (20)

A translucent elastic element having a plurality of light guide microstructures at the bottom;
At least one light emitting element installed on one side of the translucent elastic element;
A display layer installed at an upper end of the translucent elastic element and having a plurality of translucent portions;
An elastic filling layer provided between the translucent elastic element and the display layer,
When the at least one light emitting element projects a light source onto the translucent elastic element, the translucent elastic element guides the light source upward through the light guide microstructure, and the light source is guided to the elastic filling layer. And a side-projection type ultra-thin light guide key module that transmits the light-transmitting portion of the display layer.   The side light projecting type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 1, wherein the translucent elastic element is made of a transparent rubber material or a transparent plastic material.   2. The side light projection type super structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the light guide microstructures includes a plurality of inwardly recessed grooves or a plurality of outwardly projecting protrusions. Thin light guide key module.   2. The side light projecting type super structure according to claim 1, wherein each of the light guide microstructures has a plurality of inwardly recessed grooves and a plurality of outwardly projecting protrusions. Thin light guide key module.   Each of the light guide microstructures includes a first microstructure and a second microstructure ringed around the first microstructure, and the thickness of the first microstructure is the second. The side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 1, wherein the thickness is larger than the thickness of the microstructure.   2. The side-projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 1, wherein the at least one light-emitting element comprises one light-emitting diode or a plurality of light-emitting diodes.   The at least one light emitting element includes a light emitting diode and a transparent light guide line surrounding a side of the translucent elastic element, and opposite ends of the transparent light guide line are respectively connected to both ends of the light emitting diode, The side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 1, wherein the light beam is an optical fiber.   The side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 1, wherein the display layer is made of a metal sheet or a plastic sheet.   2. The side-projecting ultrathin light according to claim 1, wherein the light-transmitting portion is a light-transmitting pattern, code, letter, or number, or a hollow pattern, code, letter, or number. Guide key module.   The side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 1, wherein the elastic filling layer is a thermoplastic elastomer. A translucent elastic element having a plurality of light guide microstructures at the bottom and a plurality of convex structures corresponding to these light guide microstructures at the top;
At least one light emitting element installed on one side of the translucent elastic element;
A frame having a plurality of through-holes and installed on the translucent elastic element to expose the convex structure;
Each having a plurality of light-transmitting portions, including a plurality of key bodies provided on the convex structure,
When the at least one light emitting element projects a light source onto the translucent elastic element, the translucent elastic element guides the light source upward through the light guide microstructure, and the light source is guided to the key body. A side-projection type ultra-thin light guide key module that transmits the light-transmitting portion.   The side light projecting type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 11, wherein the translucent elastic element is made of a transparent rubber material or a transparent plastic material.   The side light projection type super structure according to claim 11, wherein each of the light guide microstructures includes a plurality of inwardly recessed grooves or a plurality of outwardly projecting protrusions. Thin light guide key module.   The side light projection type super structure according to claim 11, wherein each of the light guide microstructures includes a plurality of inwardly recessed grooves and a plurality of outwardly projecting protrusions. Thin light guide key module.   Each of the light guide microstructures includes a first microstructure and a second microstructure ringed around the first microstructure, and the thickness of the first microstructure is the second. The side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 11, wherein the thickness is larger than the thickness of the microstructure.   12. The side-projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 11, wherein the at least one light-emitting element comprises one light-emitting diode or a plurality of light-emitting diodes.   The at least one light emitting element includes a light emitting diode and a transparent light guide line surrounding a side of the translucent elastic element, and opposite ends of the transparent light guide line are respectively connected to both ends of the light emitting diode, The side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 11, wherein the light beam is an optical fiber.   The side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 11, wherein the frame is made of a metal sheet or a plastic sheet.   The side projection type ultra-thin light guide key module according to claim 11, wherein the key body is made of a metal sheet or a plastic sheet.   12. The side-projecting ultra-thin light guide according to claim 11, wherein the light-transmitting portion is a light-transmitting pattern, code, letter or number, or a hollow pattern, code, letter or number. Key module.

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