JPH05204512A - Structure of illuminated key top - Google Patents

Structure of illuminated key top

Info

Publication number
JPH05204512A
JPH05204512A JP4012726A JP1272692A JPH05204512A JP H05204512 A JPH05204512 A JP H05204512A JP 4012726 A JP4012726 A JP 4012726A JP 1272692 A JP1272692 A JP 1272692A JP H05204512 A JPH05204512 A JP H05204512A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
key
key top
light
sheet
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.)
Granted
Application number
JP4012726A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2710181B2 (en
Inventor
Fumiyuki Kobayashi
文幸 小林
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
NEC Corp
Original Assignee
NEC Corp
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=11813441&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=JPH05204512(A) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by NEC Corp filed Critical NEC Corp
Priority to JP4012726A priority Critical patent/JP2710181B2/en
Priority to CA 2088087 priority patent/CA2088087A1/en
Priority to AU32073/93A priority patent/AU3207393A/en
Priority to EP93300612A priority patent/EP0554084A2/en
Publication of JPH05204512A publication Critical patent/JPH05204512A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP2710181B2 publication Critical patent/JP2710181B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

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

Landscapes

  • Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an illuminated character plastic key top simplified in its shape, reduced in thickness and cost, and superior in wear resistance and the degree of freedom of color tone. CONSTITUTION:This i11uminated key top makes its internal light source 16 illuminate by pressing the contact part of a key switch 15 across a key sheet 12 when the key top is pressed; and the key top 11 and key sheet 12 are adhered into one body and their materials are transparent. Further, a display character, etc., is printed so that light is transmitted through only the character part from the reverse surface of the key top 1.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】Detailed Description of the Invention

【０００１】[0001]

【産業上の利用分野】本発明は電子機器等に使用される
照光式キートップにおける操作ボタン部の構造に関す
る。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structure of an operation button portion in an illuminated key top used in electronic equipment and the like.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】従来この種の操作ボタンの構造におい
て、文字照光方式のプラスチック製キートップにする場
合の構造を図２に示す。この構造はキートップ２１，キ
ーシート２２，フロントカバー２３，導光板１４，キー
スイッチ１５，光源（ＬＥＤ）１６およびサポート板１
７とから構成される。キートップ２１は裏面に凹部２１
ａと側面にフランジ部２１ｂを有する形状になってお
り、キーシート２２は表面および裏面にそれぞれ凸部２
２ａ，２２ｂを有する形状となっている。キートップ２
１の裏面凹部２１ａとキーシート２２の表面凸部２２ａ
が嵌合し、かつキートップ２１のフランジ部２１ｂがフ
ロントカバー２３の裏面に突き当たり、かつキートップ
２１の裏面凸部２２ｂがキースイッチ１５の接点部を押
すことになり、キートップ２１は位置決めされて脱落し
ない構造となっている。2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 2 shows the structure of a conventional key-illuminated plastic key top in this type of operation button structure. This structure has a key top 21, a key sheet 22, a front cover 23, a light guide plate 14, a key switch 15, a light source (LED) 16 and a support plate 1.
7 and 7. The key top 21 has a recess 21 on the back surface.
The key sheet 22 has a convex portion 2 on the front surface and a convex portion 2 on the rear surface.
It has a shape having 2a and 22b. Key top 2
No. 1 back surface recess 21a and key sheet 22 front surface projection 22a
Are engaged with each other, the flange portion 21b of the key top 21 abuts on the back surface of the front cover 23, and the back surface convex portion 22b of the key top 21 pushes the contact portion of the key switch 15, so that the key top 21 is positioned. It has a structure that does not drop.

【０００３】さらに、キートップ２１に表示される文字
部のみが照明される方式、すなわち文字照光方式にする
ために、キートップ２１をプラスチックの２色成形等で
成形することにより、文字部のみ光が透過することにな
る。キーシート２２はシリコンゴム成形することにより
光透過性となっている。従って光源（ＬＥＤ）１６から
発生られた光は、透明プラスチック等で成形された導光
板１４，キーシート２２，キートップ２１の順に透過
し、キートップ２１の表面においては文字部のみ光って
見えることになり、文字照光式のプラスチック製キート
ップが得られる。なお、フロントカバー２３は遮光性の
材料を用いている。Further, in order to provide a system in which only the character portion displayed on the key top 21 is illuminated, that is, a character illumination system, the key top 21 is molded by two-color molding of plastic so that only the character portion is illuminated. Will be transmitted. The key sheet 22 is light transmissive by molding with silicone rubber. Therefore, the light generated from the light source (LED) 16 is transmitted through the light guide plate 14, the key sheet 22 and the key top 21 which are formed of transparent plastic or the like in this order, and only the character portion appears to shine on the surface of the key top 21. As a result, a character illuminated plastic key top is obtained. The front cover 23 is made of a light-shielding material.

【０００４】[0004]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】上述した従来のキート
ップ構造には、以下のごとき問題点がある。The above-mentioned conventional key top structure has the following problems.

【０００５】（１）キートップの形状において、凹部や
フランジ部等が必要であり、薄型化及び低コスト化が難
しいこと。(1) It is difficult to reduce the thickness and cost of the key top because it requires recesses, flanges, and the like.

【０００６】（２）文字部のみ光を透過するプラスチッ
ク製キートップを成形する方法として、２色成形や転写
成形を行うとコスト高となる。(2) As a method of molding a plastic key top that transmits light only in the character portion, two-color molding or transfer molding is costly.

【０００７】（３）上記（２）の欠点を避けるために、
表面を塗装や印刷した後にレーザ光線で文字部のみ剥ぎ
取る工法も行なわれているが、表面からの処理であるた
め耐磨耗性が良くないこと及び文字部に使用できる色調
の制約が多い等の欠点がある。(3) In order to avoid the drawback of (2) above,
There is also a method of peeling off only the character part with a laser beam after painting or printing on the surface, but since it is a treatment from the surface, abrasion resistance is not good and there are many restrictions on the color tone that can be used for the character part etc. There are drawbacks.

【０００８】[0008]

【課題を解決するための手段】本発明の照光式キートッ
プの構造は、キートップの押下によりキーシートを介し
てキースイッチの接点部を押し内部の光源が光を発する
照光式キートップにおいて、前記キートップは光透過性
を有するプラスチックからなり、また前記キーシートは
光透過性を有する弾性体からなり、且つ前記キートップ
と前記キーシートを接着等により一体化してなり、また
前記キートップの裏面から文字部のみ光が透過するよう
に表示文字等を印刷し、且つ前記キーシートの前記キー
トップとの接着面以外の部分を遮光処理してもよい。The structure of an illuminated keytop according to the present invention is an illuminated keytop in which a contact point of a key switch is pushed through a key sheet by pressing the keytop, and an internal light source emits light. The key top is made of a light-transmissive plastic, the key sheet is made of a light-transmissive elastic body, and the key top and the key sheet are integrated by adhesion or the like. Display characters or the like may be printed from the back surface so that only the character portion transmits light, and the portion of the key sheet other than the bonding surface with the key tops may be light-shielded.

【０００９】[0009]

【実施例】次に本発明について図面を参照して説明す
る。The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

【００１０】図１は本発明の一実施例を示す断面図であ
る。FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

【００１１】本実施例は透光性のプラスチックからなる
キートップ１１，このキートップ１１の直下にあり透光
性のシリコンゴム成形品からなるキーシート１２，遮光
性の材料からなりキーシート１２を押えつけるフロント
カバー１３，透明プラスチック等で成形された導光板１
４，キーシート１２の下部に接するキースイッチ１５，
導光板１４内に設けられた光源（ＬＥＤ）１６およびこ
れらを搭載するサポート板１７から構成されており、キ
ートップ１１を押下することによりキーシート１２を介
してキースイッチ１５の接点部を押し、光源１６が光を
発するようになっている。ここでそれぞれ平面状をなす
キートップ１１の裏面と、キーシート１２の表面の相対
する面とを接着し、キートップ１１とキーシート１２を
一体化する。しかる後に、下方からサポート板１７、キ
ースイッチ１５、導光板１４、キーシート１２、キート
ップ１１、フロントカバー１３の順になるように順次重
ね合わせることにより全体が構成される。キーシート１
２との接着により、キートップ１１の形状を非常に単純
化することができる。In this embodiment, a key top 11 made of a light-transmissive plastic, a key sheet 12 made of a light-transmissive silicone rubber molded article directly below the key top 11, and a key sheet 12 made of a light-shielding material are used. Front cover 13 to hold down, light guide plate 1 made of transparent plastic, etc.
4, a key switch 15 that contacts the bottom of the key sheet 12,
It is composed of a light source (LED) 16 provided in the light guide plate 14 and a support plate 17 on which these are mounted. When the key top 11 is pushed down, the contact portion of the key switch 15 is pushed through the key sheet 12, The light source 16 emits light. Here, the back surface of the key top 11 and the front surface of the key sheet 12, which are flat, are adhered to each other to integrate the key top 11 and the key sheet 12. After that, the support plate 17, the key switch 15, the light guide plate 14, the key sheet 12, the key top 11, and the front cover 13 are sequentially stacked in this order from below to form the whole. Key sheet 1
By bonding with 2, the shape of the key top 11 can be greatly simplified.

【００１２】さらに文字照光方式のキートップとする場
合は、キートップ１１を透光性のプラスチックで成形し
た後に、キートップ１１の裏面に遮光色のインクで抜き
文字印刷を施せば良い。また照光文字に色を付与したい
場合は、その上から透光色のインクでべた印刷すれば良
い。なおキーシート１２は従来と同様に透光性のシリコ
ンゴム成形品を用い、キートップ１１との接着面以外の
部分は塗装または印刷等の方法により遮光処理するもの
とする。Further, in the case of a character illumination type key top, after the key top 11 is molded with a light-transmissive plastic, the back surface of the key top 11 may be subjected to character printing by removing light-colored ink. Further, when it is desired to add a color to the illuminated character, solid printing may be performed on the illuminated character with ink of a translucent color. As in the conventional case, the key sheet 12 is made of a translucent silicone rubber molded product, and the portion other than the bonding surface with the key top 11 is light-shielded by a method such as painting or printing.

【００１３】従って、光源１６から発せられた光は、透
明プラスチック等で成形さてた導光板２４、キーシート
１２、キートップ１１の順に透過し、キートップ１１の
表面においては文字部のみが光って見えることになり、
文字照光式プラスチック製キートップが得られる。Therefore, the light emitted from the light source 16 is transmitted through the light guide plate 24 formed of transparent plastic or the like, the key sheet 12, and the key top 11 in this order, and only the character portion shines on the surface of the key top 11. You can see
A character illuminated plastic key top is obtained.

【００１４】[0014]

【発明の効果】以上説明したように本発明によれば、以
下の様な効果が得られる。As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

【００１５】（１）キートップの形状が単純化でき、薄
型化及び低コスト化が可能となる。(1) The shape of the key top can be simplified, and the thickness and cost can be reduced.

【００１６】（２）キートップの裏面に表示文字を印刷
するため、文字消え等の耐磨耗性による不具合の心配が
ない。(2) Since the characters to be displayed are printed on the back surface of the key top, there is no fear of problems such as disappearing of characters due to abrasion resistance.

【００１７】（３）透光色であれば、透光文字色の色調
は自由に選べる。(3) If the color is transparent, the color tone of the transparent character can be freely selected.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief description of drawings]

【図１】本発明の一実施例を示す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】従来のキートップ構造の一例を示す断面図であ
る。FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of a conventional key top structure.

【符号の説明】[Explanation of symbols]

１１，２１ キートップ １２，２２ キーシート １３，２３ フロントカバー １４ 導光板 １５ キースイッチ １６ 光源（ＬＥＤ） １７ サポート板 ２１ａ キートップ裏面凹部 ２１ｂ キートップフランジ部 ２２ａ キーシート表面凸部 ２２ｂ キーシート裏面凸部 11, 21 key top 12, 22 key sheet 13, 23 front cover 14 light guide plate 15 key switch 16 light source (LED) 17 support plate 21a key top back surface recessed portion 21b key top flange portion 22a key sheet front surface protruding portion 22b key sheet back surface protruding portion Department

Claims (2)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 【請求項１】 キートップの押下によりキーシートを介
してキースイッチの接点部を押し内部の光源が光を発す
る照光式キートップにおいて、前記キートップは光透過
性を有するプラスチックからなり、また前記キーシート
は光透過性を有する弾性体からなり、且つ前記キートッ
プと前記キーシートを接着等により一体化したことを特
徴とする照光式キートップの構造。1. An illuminated key top in which a contact point of a key switch is pressed through a key sheet by pressing the key top, and an internal light source emits light, wherein the key top is made of a light-transmissive plastic, and The key sheet is made of an elastic material having a light-transmitting property, and the key top and the key sheet are integrated by adhesion or the like. 【請求項２】 前記キートップの裏面から文字部のみ光
が透過するように表示文字等を印刷し、且つ前記キーシ
ートの前記キートップとの接着面以外の部分を遮光処理
したことを特徴とする請求項１記載の照光式キートップ
の構造。2. A display character or the like is printed from the back surface of the key top so that light only passes through the character portion, and a portion of the key sheet other than the bonding surface with the key top is light-shielded. The structure of the illuminated key top according to claim 1.
JP4012726A 1992-01-28 1992-01-28 Illuminated key top structure Expired - Lifetime JP2710181B2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP4012726A JP2710181B2 (en) 1992-01-28 1992-01-28 Illuminated key top structure
CA 2088087 CA2088087A1 (en) 1992-01-28 1993-01-26 Structure of an illumination type key top
AU32073/93A AU3207393A (en) 1992-01-28 1993-01-27 Structure of an illumination type key top
EP93300612A EP0554084A2 (en) 1992-01-28 1993-01-28 Structure of an illumination type key top

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP4012726A JP2710181B2 (en) 1992-01-28 1992-01-28 Illuminated key top structure

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH05204512A true JPH05204512A (en) 1993-08-13
JP2710181B2 JP2710181B2 (en) 1998-02-10

Family

ID=11813441

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP4012726A Expired - Lifetime JP2710181B2 (en) 1992-01-28 1992-01-28 Illuminated key top structure

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0554084A2 (en)
JP (1) JP2710181B2 (en)
AU (1) AU3207393A (en)
CA (1) CA2088087A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100591854B1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2006-06-26 디케이 유아이엘 주식회사 Ultra slim keypad for portable appliance and thereof manufacturing method
JP2007018488A (en) * 2005-06-10 2007-01-25 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Key input unit

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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
KR960003475U (en) * 1994-06-08 1996-01-22 Lighting Remote Control
JPH10116639A (en) * 1996-10-15 1998-05-06 Shin Etsu Polymer Co Ltd Thin type push-button switch member
DE19704419C1 (en) * 1997-02-06 1998-03-12 Whirlpool Co Illuminated switch pushbutton device
JP2893445B2 (en) * 1997-02-18 1999-05-24 サンアロー株式会社 Illuminated key and method of manufacturing the same
WO2001016977A1 (en) * 1999-08-27 2001-03-08 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Push-button switch and switch device
FI108582B (en) 2000-05-02 2002-02-15 Nokia Corp Keyboard lighting arrangements that allow dynamic and individual lighting of keys, as well as method of utilizing it
JP2004079232A (en) * 2002-08-12 2004-03-11 Nec Corp Illumination structure for push-button and electronic apparatus equipped with push button
FR2846144B1 (en) * 2002-10-18 2005-04-15 Thales Sa KEYBOARD WATERPROOF
KR100689392B1 (en) * 2005-05-19 2007-03-02 삼성전자주식회사 Key-pad and key-pad assembly using the same
KR100649482B1 (en) * 2006-05-15 2006-11-28 (주)아토콘 Light emitting keypad
US7825899B2 (en) 2006-07-18 2010-11-02 Research In Motion Limited Piano-style keypad employing a light guide
ATE483241T1 (en) * 2006-07-18 2010-10-15 Research In Motion Ltd PIANO-LIKE KEYBOARD WITH A LIGHT GUIDE

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2062304B (en) * 1979-10-15 1983-07-13 Casio Computer Co Ltd Key input device for electronic timepiece calculator
JPS6087125U (en) * 1983-11-15 1985-06-15 信越ポリマー株式会社 rubber switch parts
JPH01174820U (en) * 1988-05-30 1989-12-12
DE9102919U1 (en) * 1991-03-12 1991-06-06 AEG Mobile Communication GmbH, 7900 Ulm Key layout

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR100591854B1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2006-06-26 디케이 유아이엘 주식회사 Ultra slim keypad for portable appliance and thereof manufacturing method
JP2007018488A (en) * 2005-06-10 2007-01-25 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Key input unit
JP4581971B2 (en) * 2005-06-10 2010-11-17 パナソニック株式会社 Key input device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2710181B2 (en) 1998-02-10
EP0554084A2 (en) 1993-08-04
CA2088087A1 (en) 1993-07-29
EP0554084A3 (en) 1994-01-05
AU3207393A (en) 1993-07-29

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