JPH11213794A - Lighted key switch and lighting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a key switch capable of easily and visually distinguishing valid keys and invalid keys and applicable to an apparatus with a small size and narrow key pitches. SOLUTION: A light emitting layer 8 and a back face electrode 10 of layers constituting an EL(electroluminescence) device are partially printed to selectively emit light out of only a desired position printed due to the overlapping of the light emitting layer 8 and the back face electrode 10. Further, a spacer having a conductive part and a pierced hole at the positions conformed to the light transmissive switch is formed under the printed part to form a lighting type key switch. Consequently, desired light transmissive switches selectively light only the valid switches by partial light emission of the EL device and valid keys and invalid keys can be visually and easily distinguished.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a key switch for distinguishing between an effective key and an invalid key and displaying an illuminated light in a portable electronic device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional portable devices such as cellular phones have been downsized.
In order to reduce the weight, the number of key switches on the operation panel is limited. For this reason, a plurality of functions are assigned to one key switch, and the functions are switched by a mode switch or the like. However, since the same key is enabled or disabled depending on the state of the mode switch, it is very difficult for beginners who are not familiar with device operation to know which switch is effective or not. It has become something.

In order to solve this problem, a self-illuminated tact switch (1) as shown in a comparative example 1 of FIG.
As shown in the comparative example 2 of FIG. 2, the key which has the LED (6), the incandescent bulb and the like arranged under the rubber switch (3) is used. There is provided a key switch for visually distinguishing an effective key from an invalid key by emitting light from an incandescent bulb or the like for illumination.

[0004]

However, in Comparative Example 1 of FIG. 1, the shape of the self-illuminating tact switch (1) is too large.

Further, in Comparative Example 2 of FIG. 2, the shape of the light emitting element such as the LED (6) and the incandescent bulb is large, and the conductive portion must be arranged beside the matching position of the light emitting element. However, the shape of the rubber switch (3) becomes large.

Therefore, the method of Comparative Example 1 or Comparative Example 2 cannot be used for a device such as a portable device that requires a small key shape and a narrow key pitch.

Further, light-emitting elements such as LEDs (6) and incandescent bulbs consume a large amount of power, are unsuitable for operation with batteries of portable devices and the like, and are liable to generate uneven illumination due to point emission. .

[0008]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an electroluminescence (hereinafter, referred to as EL) is provided on a lower surface of a light-transmitting switch so as to selectively emit light partially. Thus, only the valid switch is illuminated in the state of the mode change switch, so that the valid key and the invalid key can be visually distinguished easily.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to a light-emitting layer (8), a transparent electrode (7) and a light-emitting layer (8), as shown in FIG.
Electroluminescence (hereinafter, EL) formed by sequentially printing or depositing a dielectric layer (9), a back electrode (10), and an insulating layer (11) is provided. By partially printing 10), the light emitting layer (8) and the back electrode (10) are formed so as to selectively emit light only at a desired position where the light emitting layer (8) and the back electrode (10) are printed. An illuminated key switch was formed by arranging a spacer provided with a conductive portion and a hole at a position matching the switch.

In place of the back electrode 10, the light emitting layer 8 and the transparent electrode 7, or all of them can be selectively printed or vapor-deposited to cause partial light emission.

Thus, a desired light-transmitting switch is selectively illuminated by the EL partially emitting light.

Therefore, by aligning the light-emitting portion of the EL with the translucent switch, the switch can be selectively illuminated. Therefore, only the effective switch that matches the state of the mode switch is illuminated. Valid and invalid keys can be distinguished visually.

[0013]

Embodiment 1 FIG. 5 shows Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

On the lower surface of the translucent switch (17), an EL (12) on which a light emitting portion (14) is formed in alignment with the conductive portion (4) is arranged. And a contact sheet (19) composed of an adhesive layer (51) is adhered. Further, the contact sheet (19) to which the EL (12) is fixed is formed of a sheet (62) and an adhesive layer (52), and a contact sheet spacer (20) having a perforated position matching the light-transmitting switch. Via the switch circuit board (2).

Therefore, in the normal state, the conductive portion
(4) and the contact circuit (5) are separated at the perforated part (7) by the contact sheet spacer (20), and the translucent switch (17)
(12) and contact sheet
(19) is bent, and the conductive portion (4) descends along the perforated portion (7) and comes into contact with the contact circuit (5).

The EL (12) has a light emitting layer (8) on the transparent electrode (7).
, A dielectric layer (9), a back electrode (10), and an insulating layer (11) are sequentially printed or vapor-deposited.
(8) and the back electrode (10) are partially printed. As shown in FIG. 4, the back electrode of the light emitting portion formed on the EL (12) is connected to the back electrode wiring (22) by each printing. Parts A, B, C, D
(Light emitting part) are individually wired. The signal output from the EL power supply (16) is connected to this wiring through the EL switch (15).

In FIG. 4, the signal output from the EL power supply (16) is changed by the EL switch (15) to the "A" of the light emitting portion (18).
Therefore, only the light emitting portions "A" and "C" emit light, and the light emitting portions (14) of "B" and "D" do not emit light.

With such a structure, the present invention provides a light emitting layer
(8) and the back electrode (10) are overlapped to emit light only in the desired portion printed, so that the light transmissive switch (17) can be selectively illuminated. Only the corresponding effective translucent switch (17) is illuminated, so that the effective switch and the invalid switch are visually distinguished easily.

Further, since the light emitting portion (14) of the EL (12) can be formed by printing or vapor deposition as described above, the area can be reduced and a portion located below the light emitting portion (14) of the EL (12). In addition, since the conductive portion (4) is arranged, it is not necessary to arrange the conductive portion (4) beside the position matching the light emitting element as in Comparative Example 2, and the shape of the key can be reduced. Therefore, it is most suitable for a device having a small key shape and a narrow key pitch, such as a portable device.

The type of the light-transmitting switch is a click-type rubber switch with a key sheet with a key top formed of a light-transmitting resin dome switch (FIG. 6), a light-transmitting rubber or a light-transmitting thermoplastic elastomer in a switch shape. (Fig. 7) Or click type translucent resin dome switch (23)
A key switch (FIG. 8) having a structure in which a rubber switch (25) made of a translucent rubber or a translucent thermoplastic elastomer is aligned on the upper surface of the key switch (FIG. 8) is not limited.

Further, in the first embodiment, the conductive portion is formed as a contact sheet.
The contact sheet is fixed to the EL (12) through (19), but is directly printed, painted, or vapor-deposited on the EL (12).
(19) becomes unnecessary, and the thickness of the key switch can be reduced.

[0022]

[Embodiment 2] The signal output from the EL power supply (16) is connected and disconnected at regular intervals by an EL switch (15) instead of the light-transmitting switch of Embodiment 1 being constantly turned on. It was illuminated by blinking.

Blinking illumination makes it easier to distinguish from invalid switches that are not illuminated.

A similar effect can be obtained by fixing the connection of the EL switch (15) and repeatedly outputting / non-outputting the output of the EL power supply (16) at regular intervals.

[0025]

[Embodiment 3] It is known that the EL (12) emits light when the voltage of the AC signal is reduced, and emits light when the voltage is increased.

As shown in FIG. 10, an EL power supply (16) generates a high-luminance EL voltage (31) having a high voltage and a low-luminance EL voltage (32) having a low voltage, and an EL switch (15). ), The high-brightness voltage (31) is applied to the EL light-emitting portion (14) matching the valid switch in the mode switching state, and the low-brightness voltage (32) is applied to the invalid switch, thereby brightening the valid switch. In addition, it is possible to illuminate an invalid switch darkly with a change in light emission luminance.

Thus, not only can the valid switch and the invalid switch be easily distinguished, but also since all the switches are illuminated by the EL (12), the position and display of the switches can always be confirmed even in a dark place. Become like

In this embodiment, the light emission luminance of the EL (12) is changed by changing the voltage value of the AC signal applied to the EL (12). However, as shown in FIG. EL (12)
The light emission luminance may be changed by adjusting the time for applying a voltage to the light emitting element.

[0029]

Fourth Embodiment It is known that the color changes when the frequency of an AC signal is changed. For example, when a high frequency L voltage (33) as shown in FIG. 12 is applied to an EL whose emission color is called “blue green”, the EL becomes blue and a low frequency E
It emits green light when the L voltage (34) is applied.

In the EL power supply (16), voltages of two different frequencies are generated, and the EL switch (15) matches the EL light emitting portion (1
By connecting the high-frequency EL voltage (33) to 4) and the low-frequency EL voltage (34) to the invalid switch, it is possible to illuminate the valid switch to blue and the invalid switch to green. Become. Of course, the valid switches may be illuminated in green and the invalid switches may be illuminated in blue. This makes it easier to distinguish between an effective switch and an invalid switch.

EL is a transparent electrode (7) as described above.
By partially printing the back electrode (10), it becomes possible to emit light partially. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the light emitting portion (14) is comb-shaped in a blue light emitting EL (35) and a green light emitting EL.
Emitting part (14), consisting of (36), matching the active switch
The same effect can be obtained by causing the blue light emitting EL (35) to emit light and the light emitting portion (14) matching the invalid switch to emit the green light emitting EL (36). In this case, not only blue and green but also any combination can be selected.

[0032]

Embodiment 5 Since the light emitting portion (14) of the EL (12) can be formed by printing or vapor deposition, its area can be reduced and
Since the conductive portion (4) is arranged in a portion located below the light emitting portion (14) of L, the conductive portion (4) is arranged beside the light emitting element matching position as in Comparative Example 2. Since there is no need to do so, the shape of the key can be reduced,
The present invention is suitable for use in mobile phones.

As shown in FIG. 9, the currently active switches on the liquid crystal display (28) are a "0" switch and a "1" switch.
It shows that there is a switch. At the same time as this display, only the light emitting portion (14) of the EL (12) that matches the switches "0" and "1" that are valid is made to emit light, and the "0" and "1" switches that are valid are activated. By illuminating, the valid switch and the invalid switch can be easily distinguished. Therefore, key switches for mobile phones
Even a beginner who is not familiar with the operation of (27) does not mistake a key.

[0034]

According to the present invention, it is easy to distinguish between an effective switch and an invalid switch at the time of mode switching even in a device that emphasizes portability, so that even a novice who is not familiar with the operation method will definitely do so. You can operate the equipment. In addition, since the light-emitting element is a planar light-emitting element, there is no uneven illumination, and an EL that consumes less power than an LED, an incandescent bulb, or the like is used. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a self-illuminated tact switch of Comparative Example 1.

FIG. 2 is a key in which an LED, an incandescent bulb, and the like are arranged below a rubber switch of Comparative Example 2.

FIG. 3 Structure of EL

Fig. 4 Partial light emission circuit

FIG. 5 Example 1

FIG. 6 is a key switch using a translucent resin dome.

FIG. 7 is a key switch using a rubber switch.

FIG. 8 is a key switch combining a translucent switch and a rubber switch.

[FIG. 10] Voltage for changing luminance

[Figure 11] Adjustment voltage for imprint time

FIG. 12: Voltage that changes color

[Figure 13] Comb pattern printing

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 self-illuminated tact switch 2 switch circuit board 3 rubber switch 4 conductive part 5 contact circuit 6 LED 7 transparent electrode 8 light emitting layer 9 dielectric layer 10 back electrode 11 insulating layer 12 EL 13 light emitting part not emitting light 14 emitting light Light emitting part 15 EL switch 16 EL electrode 17 Transparent switch 19 Contact sheet 20 Contact sheet spacer 23 Transparent resin dome switch 24 Dome spacer 25, 26 Rubber switch 27 Cell phone key switch 28 LCD display 29 Illuminated switch 30 Non-illuminated switch 31 EL voltage for high luminance emission 32 EL voltage for low luminance emission 33 EL voltage for blue emission 34 EL voltage for green emission 35 EL for blue emission 36 EL for green emission 51, 52 Adhesive layer 61, 62 Sheet

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] March 24, 1998

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Brief description of drawings

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a self-illuminated tact switch of Comparative Example 1.

FIG. 2 is a key in which an LED, an incandescent bulb, and the like are arranged below a rubber switch of Comparative Example 2.

FIG. 3 Structure of EL

Fig. 4 Partial light emission circuit

FIG. 5 Example 1

FIG. 6 is a key switch using a translucent resin dome.

FIG. 7 is a key switch using a rubber switch.

FIG. 8 is a key switch combining a translucent switch and a rubber switch.

FIG. 9 is a voltage diagram using the embodiment of the present invention for a key switch of a mobile phone.

FIG. 10: Voltage for changing luminance

FIG. 11 Adjustment voltage for imprint time

FIG. 12 shows a voltage that changes color.

FIG. 13: Comb pattern printing

[Description of Signs] 1 Self-illuminated tact switch 2 Switch circuit board 3 Rubber switch 4 Conductor 5 Contact circuit 6 LED 7 Transparent electrode 8 Light emitting layer 9 Dielectric layer 10 Back electrode 11 Insulating layer 12 EL 13 Light emitting portion not emitting light Reference Signs List 14 light emitting portion 15 EL switch 16 EL electrode 17 translucent switch 19 contact sheet 20 contact sheet spacer 23 transparent resin dome switch 24 dome spacer 25, 26 rubber switch 27 mobile phone key switch 28 liquid crystal display 29 illumination Switch 30 not illuminated switch 31 EL voltage for high luminance emission 32 EL voltage for low luminance emission 33 EL voltage for blue emission 34 EL voltage for green emission 35 EL for blue emission 36 EL for green emission 51, 52 Adhesion Layer 61, 62 sheets

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A light-transmitting switch, electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as EL) having a conductive portion provided on a lower surface thereof at a position matching with the light-transmitting switch, and further provided on a lower surface of the EL. An illuminating type, wherein a spacer provided with a perforation is arranged at a position matching the translucent switch, and the EL partially emits light to selectively illuminate a desired translucent switch. Key switch. 2. An EL comprising: a transparent electrode; a light emitting layer, a dielectric layer,
The back electrode and the insulating layer are sequentially printed or vapor-deposited, and the light-emitting layer and the back electrode or the transparent electrode or all of them are partially printed or vapor-deposited, so that only the desired positions where they are printed or vapor-deposited are overlapped. 2. The illuminated key switch according to claim 1, wherein the key switch selectively emits light. 3. The illuminated key switch according to claim 1, wherein the partial light emission is blinking illumination. 4. The illuminated key switch according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the light-transmitting switches that emits light partially is of flashing illumination. 5. A light-transmitting switch, electroluminescence (hereinafter referred to as EL) having a conductive portion provided on a lower surface thereof at a position aligned with the light-transmitting switch, and further provided on a lower surface of the EL. An illuminated key switch in which a spacer provided with a perforation is disposed at a position matching the translucent switch, and the EL is partially illuminated and illuminated.
The signal output from the power supply for EL is connected or disconnected at regular intervals only to the light emitting portion of the EL selected through the EL switch, or the connection of the EL switch is fixed, and the power supply for EL (16) An illumination method for an illuminated key switch, wherein at least one of the switches at a position matching the light emitting portion is blinked and illuminated by repeating the output and non-output of the output at regular intervals. 6. A light-transmitting switch, an EL disposed on the lower surface thereof and provided with a conductive portion on the lower surface at a position matching with the light-transmitting switch, and further comprising a light-transmitting switch on the lower surface of the EL. A spacer provided with a perforation is arranged at a position matching with, and by illuminating the translucent switch with changing luminance, a desired translucent switch can be distinguished from other switches. Illuminated key switch. 7. A light-transmitting switch, an EL provided on the lower surface thereof and provided with a conductive portion on a lower surface thereof at a position matching with the light-transmitting switch, and further comprising the light-transmitting switch on a lower surface of the EL. In the illuminated key switch that illuminates the translucent switch by changing the luminance, a power supply for EL is provided with a high-voltage high-luminance EL voltage and a low-voltage EL voltage. A low-brightness EL voltage is generated, and a high-brightness voltage or a low-brightness voltage is selectively applied to an EL light emitting portion in an EL switch, a voltage value of an applied AC signal is changed, or a time-division method is used. To adjust the voltage application time to selectively
A method of illuminating an illuminated key switch, characterized in that a desired translucent switch can be distinguished from other switches by changing the light emission luminance of L. 8. A light-transmitting switch, an EL provided on the lower surface thereof with a conductive portion provided at a position matching the light-transmitting switch, and further provided on the lower surface of the EL with the light-transmitting switch. A spacer provided with a perforation is arranged at a position matching with the desired light-transmitting switch so that the desired light-transmitting switch can be distinguished from other switches by illuminating the desired light-transmitting switch with a different color tone. Illuminated key switch. 9. A light-transmitting switch, an EL disposed on the lower surface thereof and provided with a conductive portion on the lower surface at a position matching the light-transmitting switch, and further comprising the light-transmitting switch on the lower surface of the EL. In the illuminated key switch that illuminates the desired light-transmitting switch with different colors, a spacer having a perforated hole is arranged at a position that matches the EL switch with high frequency or EL with low frequency selectively by EL switch
An illuminating method for an illuminated key switch, wherein a desired translucent switch can be distinguished from other switches by applying a voltage to illuminate the translucent switch with a different color tone.