KR100840017B1 - Keypad - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a keypad that can contribute to miniaturization and thinning, and can improve the stability and robustness of the operation. The keypad is provided on the button sheet, the film member provided on the upper part of the button sheet, the rubber layer which is provided on the bottom of the button sheet and integrally connects the button sheet and the film member, the adhesive sheet attached to the bottom of the rubber layer, and the bottom of the adhesive sheet. It includes an elastic sheet to be bonded. Therefore, the keypad can be formed in a thin thickness while maintaining a certain shape strength, the button sheet and the film member can be attached to the elastic sheet firmly and stably through the adhesive sheet.

Keypad, button sheet, film member, rubber layer, adhesive sheet, elastic sheet

Description

Keypad {KEYPAD}

1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a personal portable terminal to which a conventional keypad is applied.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a personal portable terminal to which the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied.

4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a manufacturing process of the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

6 is an exploded perspective view showing a modification of the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a plan view showing the structure of a button piece and a film piece as a modification of the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a keypad according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a keypad according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a process chart for explaining a manufacturing process of the keypad according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a keypad according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: terminal body 200, 300, 400, 500, 600: keypad

210,310,410: Button sheet 220,320,420,520,620: Film member

230,330,430,530,630: Rubber layer 240,340,440,540,640: Adhesive sheet

250,350,450,550,650: Elastic Sheet

The present invention relates to a keypad, and more particularly, to a keypad capable of contributing to miniaturization and thinning and improving stability and robustness of operation.

Recently, personal portable terminals have been widely used as conveniences that anyone can easily carry and use freely anywhere.

1 is a perspective view showing the structure of a conventional portable terminal to which the keypad is applied, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG.

1 and 2, the conventional personal portable terminal is rotated relative to the body portion 10 so as to be folded into the body portion 10, the body portion 10 and to open and close the inner surface of the body portion 10. It is composed of a folder unit 20 that is possibly connected.

A display unit 21 for outputting image information is provided on an inner surface of the folder unit 20, and an upper end portion of the folder unit 20 is provided with a sign language unit 22 for transmitting audio from the other party.

The main body 10 includes a front case 11 and a rear case 12 which mutually cooperate to form an accommodating space therein, and inside the printed circuit board 13 for performing various controls. The front case 11 is provided with a keypad 14 having a plurality of keys 14a for inputting information and a talker 15 for transmitting a user's voice. 16) is detachably coupled.

On the upper surface of the printed circuit board 13, a plurality of push control switches 17, called metal domes, which are elastically deformable along a thickness direction to be turned on / off during a push operation, and light emitting elements 18 for illumination. Is provided.

The keypad 14 is formed of a rubber or urethane material so as to be inserted into each of the pad body 14b disposed above the printed circuit board 13 and each key hole 11a of the main body portion 10 to be pressed. A plurality of keys 14a are formed to protrude along the thickness direction at a position corresponding to each push control switch 17, and a force for pressing the keys 14a is applied to the bottom surface of the pad body 14b. A plurality of push protrusions 14c protruding downward along the thickness direction are formed to be effectively transmitted to each push operation switch 17, respectively.

However, in the conventional personal portable terminal, the front case 11 and the keys 14a of the keypad 14 of the main body 10 are formed of a material of low hardness (plastic, rubber, synthetic resin, etc.). In order to maintain a constant shape strength, a certain thickness or more must be maintained, so there is a limit in reducing the thickness, making it difficult to slim down.

In addition, in order to couple the keypad 14 to the main body 10, each key 14a of the keypad 14 had to be positioned so as to correspond to each key hole 11a formed in the front case 11, and thus, to be coupled. Accordingly, there is a problem in that the assembly of the keypad 14 is cumbersome and inconvenient, and as a result, the cost increases and productivity decreases due to an increase in the number of assembly operations.

Accordingly, in recent years, various studies have been made on a keypad that can be formed in a thin thickness while maintaining a constant shape strength, so as to maintain stability and robustness of operation.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a keypad which can be formed in a thin thickness while maintaining a certain shape strength.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a keypad that can improve the stability and robustness of the operation.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a keypad capable of firmly and stably attaching a button sheet and / or a film member to an elastic sheet.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object of the present invention, the keypad is provided on the button sheet, the film member provided on the upper portion of the button sheet, the bottom of the button sheet and integrally connects the button sheet and the film member Rubber layer, an adhesive sheet attached to the bottom of the rubber layer, and an elastic sheet bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet. When the rubber layer and the elastic sheet made of polyurethane are directly bonded to each other, there is a problem in that the adhesion between the parts is not firmly made due to their unique characteristics. However, the present invention allows the adhesion between the rubber layer and the elastic sheet made of polyurethane to be carried out through the adhesive sheet, and each component of the keypad can be firmly and stably connected.

For reference, the keypad of the present invention may be applied to a general personal portable terminal, and as a personal portable terminal, a PDA, a smart phone, a handheld PC, a mobile phone, an MP3 player, or the like, which is made of a folding type, a bar type, a slide type, or the like, may be applied. have.

In addition, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keypad is provided between the button sheet, the film member provided on the upper portion of the button sheet, the button sheet and the film member, the rubber layer for integrally connecting the button sheet and the film member, buttons An adhesive sheet attached to the bottom of the sheet, and an elastic sheet bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet.

As the button sheet, a metal sheet in which a slit is penetrated to be pushed along the thickness direction may be applied. In some cases, the button sheet is formed of a metal material and includes a plurality of button pieces which are arranged to be pressed independently of each other. Can be configured. In addition, a plastic sheet made of a synthetic resin having a high hardness may be applied instead of the metal sheet (or a button piece of metal material).

The rubber layer may be formed by applying heat and pressure to the liquid rubber applied to the bottom of the button sheet (or film member). The button sheet and the film member may be integrally connected while the rubber layer is formed, and the button sheet, the film member and / or the adhesive sheet may be integrally attached to the rubber layer when the rubber layer is formed.

In addition, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the keypad includes a button pattern for displaying a number or a letter and a film member having a convex portion formed to protrude upwardly to correspond to the button pattern, and an adhesive sheet provided below the film member. , A rubber layer provided between the film member and the adhesive sheet to integrally connect the film member and the adhesive sheet, and an elastic sheet bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet.

The convex portion is formed to protrude to the upper surface to correspond to the button pattern, it is configured so that the boundary portion of each button pattern can be formed with a relatively thin thickness than other portions. The convex portion may be formed on the entire surface of the film member so as to correspond to the entire button pattern, and in some cases, the convex portion and the flat portion are alternately disposed along the vertical or horizontal direction, so that only the convex portion of each of the button patterns is provided. Can be formed. In addition, the convex portion may be formed integrally with the film member by molding a part of the film member, and in some cases, may be attached after being manufactured separately from the film member. As an example, the convex portion may be formed by pressing the film member in the mold having the concave portion. In this case, the convex portion may be formed at the same time as the rubber layer formed by applying a liquid rubber to the bottom of the film member and then applying heat and pressure. In some cases, the elastic sheet may also have an adhesive sheet when the convex portion and the rubber layer are formed. It can be attached integrally to.

On the other hand, the elastic sheet may be provided with a light emitting unit for emitting light when power is applied, such a conventional inorganic EL sheet (Organic Electro luminessence Sheet) or organic EL sheet (Inorganic Electro luminessence Sheet) may be applied. . In addition, at least one side of the film member and the adhesive sheet may be formed with a blocking layer for blocking some of the light emitted from the light emitting portion.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited or limited by the embodiments. In describing the present invention, a detailed description of known functions or configurations may be omitted to clarify the gist of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the keypad according to the present invention will be described with an example applied to a personal portable terminal. Here, a personal portable device (Personal Portable Device) is a portable electrical and electronic device, such as PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), smart phone (smart phone), handheld PC, mobile phone, MP3 player, etc., code division multiplexing Access) module, Bluetooth module, infrared communication module (IrDA), can be provided with a predetermined communication module, such as wired and wireless LAN card, and is equipped with a predetermined microprocessor that performs a multimedia playback function collectively referred to a terminal having a predetermined computing power Can be used as a concept.

3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a personal portable terminal to which a keypad is applied according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Is a process chart for explaining the manufacturing process of the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the personal portable terminal to which the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied is a terminal body 100, a button sheet 210, a film member 220, a rubber layer 230, and an adhesive. The keypad 240 includes a seat 240 and an elastic sheet 250 and is installed on the terminal body to be exposed to the outside.

As the terminal main body 100, a foldable personal portable terminal having a main body portion and a folder portion coupled to each other that can be deployed and folded rotation, which is commonly used in recent years, an input button for inputting a signal and a liquid crystal display device are integrated into the main body portion. Bar-type personal portable terminal provided with, a flip-type personal portable terminal having a flip hinge coupled to the main body so as to open and close the input button area of the bar-type terminal as described above, the slide portion in the main body slides open and close One slide-type personal portable terminal or the like may be applied. Hereinafter, an example in which a folder type personal portable terminal is applied as the terminal body 100 will be described.

The terminal main body 100 is folded to the main body 110 and the main body 110 and a folder portion 120 connected to the main body 110 so as to be relatively rotatable to open and close the front of the main body 110. It is configured to include.

To this end, a pair of main body hinge parts (not shown) are formed at upper ends of the main body part 110 at predetermined intervals, and the lower end of the folder part 120 is rotatably coupled between the main body hinge parts. The folder hinge portion (not shown) is formed to be able to be.

The inner surface of the folder unit 120 is provided with a display unit 121 for outputting image information, the upper end portion is provided with a sign language unit 122 for transmitting the voice from the other party.

The main body 110 includes a front case 111 and a rear case 112 which mutually cooperate to form an accommodating space therein, and inside the printed circuit board 113 for performing various controls. It is accommodated, the front case 111 is provided with a transmitter 115 for transmitting the user's voice, the rear case 112 is detachably coupled to the battery (not shown).

In addition, a front panel of the front case 111 is provided with a keypad 130 for inputting various information, the keypad 130 is exposed to the outside through the keypad hole 116 formed in the front case 111. It is installed if possible.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the keypad 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a button sheet 210, a film member 220 provided on the button sheet 210, and the The rubber layer 230 provided on the bottom of the button sheet 210 and integrally connecting the button sheet 210 and the film member 220, the adhesive sheet 240 attached to the bottom of the rubber layer 230, the It is configured to include an elastic sheet 250 is attached to the bottom of the adhesive sheet 240.

The button sheet 210 may be formed of a conventional metal material having excellent hardness. For example, the button sheet 210 may be a metal sheet made of metal such as copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, platinum, nickel, or the like. Since the metal sheet is superior in hardness to plastic, it is easy to maintain a rigid form even if it is made thin, and can be easily bent while maintaining a rigid form.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example in which the metal sheet formed with the slit 211 penetrates along the thickness direction in a predetermined pattern so that the button region is defined as the button sheet 210 so as to be pressed in the thickness direction. Shall be.

The slit 211 is formed to penetrate in a substantially 'c' shape to form a predetermined button area so that the button area can be connected to the button sheet 210 in a cantilever shape. Therefore, the button area can be elastically flowed along the thickness direction with respect to the button sheet 210, the structure is such that when the button area of any one push operation is transferred to the other button area adjacent to it is interlocked To prevent the occurrence of a malfunction. Furthermore, such a structure makes it possible to improve the click feeling of the button area.

In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the slit 211 formed in the button sheet 210 is described by way of example in a substantially 'c' shape, but the slit 211 may be freely changed according to required conditions and design specifications. The present invention is not limited or limited by the shape and structure of the slit 211.

In addition, in the embodiment of the present invention has been described with an example of applying a metal sheet made of a metal material as the button sheet 210, in some cases, a plastic sheet made of a synthetic resin having a high hardness instead of the metal sheet may be applied.

In addition, a through hole having a shape corresponding to a number, a letter, a symbol, etc. is formed in the button area of the button sheet 210, and a light transmitting area of the button sheet 210 may be defined through the through hole. In other words, the light generated from the luminaire disposed below the button sheet 210 may be exposed to the outside through the light transmission area defined by the through hole formed in the button sheet 210.

The film member 220 is provided to be in close contact with the upper surface of the button sheet 210, it may be formed of a transparent or opaque plastic material. For example, the film member 220 may be made of polypropylene (PP), aromatic polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylbutadiene. It may be formed of a material such as styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC). In addition, it will be described below with an example in which a button pattern for displaying numbers or letters on the film member 220 is formed. In some cases, the film member may be provided in a state where a separate button pattern is excluded.

The rubber layer 230 is provided on the bottom surface of the button sheet 210 and allows the button sheet 210 and the film member 220 to be integrally connected. The rubber layer 230 may be formed of a conventional rubber (rubber) material, the film member 220 so that the button sheet 210 and the film member 220 can be stably connected through the rubber layer 30. May be provided larger than the button sheet 210 to surround the periphery of the button sheet 210.

The rubber layer 230 is a button sheet 210 and the film member 220 is disposed in the mold (710, 720), as shown in Figure 5, after applying the liquid rubber (230a) on the bottom of the button sheet 210 It can be formed by applying heat and pressure. In addition, the button sheet 210 and the film member 220 may be integrally connected while the rubber layer 230 is formed as described above, and the rubber sheet 230 may also be formed with the adhesive sheet 240 and the elastic sheet 250. When the rubber layer 230 may be integrally attached.

The adhesive sheet 240 is attached to the bottom of the rubber layer 230 and allows the button sheet 210 and the film member 220 to be attached to the elastic sheet 250 via the adhesive sheet 240. The adhesive sheet 240 may be formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate and polyurethane, and as described above, when the rubber layer 230 is formed, a mold ( 710 and 720 may be pressed together inside and integrally attached to the rubber layer 230. As such, the adhesive sheet 240 is interposed between the rubber layer 230 and the elastic sheet 250 so that the rubber layer 230 integrally connected with the button sheet 210 and the film member 220 is directly elastic sheet 250. ) To be firmly bonded to the elastic sheet 250 with a stronger adhesive force than when bonded to the).

The elastic sheet 250 is bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet 240 and forms an integral with the button sheet 210 and the film member 220. The elastic sheet 250 may be formed of a conventional material having elasticity and flexibility. As an example, the elastic sheet 250 may be formed of a polyurethane material, and the adhesive sheet 240 may be bonded to each other through a conventional adhesive such as a transparent silicone material. As such, the elastic sheet 250 may be firmly and stably bonded to the rubber layer 230 through the adhesive sheet 240.

In addition, the upper surface of the printed circuit board 113 is provided with a plurality of switches (113a) to be on / off operation according to the pressing operation of the keypad, the force of pressing the keypad on the bottom of the elastic sheet 250 The push protrusion 251 may be formed to correspond to each switch 113a so as to be effectively transmitted to each switch 113a.

On the other hand, Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a modification of the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 As a modification of the keypad according to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is a plan view showing the structure of a button piece and a film piece.

In the above-described and illustrated embodiments of the present invention, a metal sheet in which a slit is formed in a predetermined pattern is applied as a button sheet in a predetermined pattern. However, in some cases, instead of the above-described button sheet, it may be pressed independently of each other. It is possible to configure a button sheet including a plurality of button pieces arranged to be.

In addition, the same or equivalent reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent components as those described above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the keypad 300 includes a button sheet 310, a film member 320, a rubber layer 330, an adhesive sheet 340, and an elastic sheet 350. The button sheet 310 may be configured to include a plurality of button pieces 312 are arranged to be pressed independently of each other.

The plurality of button pieces 312 arranged to be pushed independently may be formed of a conventional metal material having excellent hardness. For example, each button piece 312 may be made of metal such as copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, platinum, nickel, or the like. Since the button piece 312 of the metal material is superior in hardness to plastic, it is easy to maintain a rigid shape even if it is made thin, and can be easily bent while maintaining a rigid shape.

The film member 320 is provided in close contact with the upper surface of the button sheet 310. Hereinafter, the film member 320 will be described with an example including a plurality of film pieces 322 disposed independently of each other to correspond to each button piece 312. In some cases, instead of the plurality of film pieces 322, each button piece 312 may be disposed on one film (not shown) formed in a size corresponding to the button sheet 310.

As described above, the film member 320 including the plurality of film pieces 322 may be formed of a transparent or opaque plastic material. For example, each film piece 322 is polypropylene (PP), aromatic polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic Butadiene styrene (ABS), it may be formed of a material such as polycarbonate (PC). In addition, a button pattern 321 for displaying numbers or letters may be formed on each of the film pieces 322.

On the other hand, each button piece 312 constituting the button sheet 310 is first provided in the state of a metal disc connected by a connecting line 313 having a width that is thinner than each button piece 312, and is cut together with the film disc The button pieces 312 are paired with each film piece 322 to form a button unit. Herein, the button unit refers to a unit disposed independently of each other so that the button piece 312 and the film piece 322 form a pair. Such a button unit may be variously changed according to required conditions and design specifications.

In addition, each of the film pieces 322 is preferably provided larger with a certain margin than the button piece 312 to surround the periphery of the corresponding button piece 312. Such a structure allows the end of the film piece 322 to cover the outer edge of the button piece 312 in a process of cutting the film disc and the metal disc. Accordingly, in the process of cutting the film disc and the metal disc, the end of the film piece 322 may cover the outer side of the button piece 312 roundly, and the film piece 322 may cover the outside of the button piece 312 formed of a metal material. It can be processed smoothly, and it is not necessary to round the end of the button unit.

In addition, the cut surface ⓐ of the connecting line 312 connecting each button piece 312 in the cut button piece 312 and the film piece 322 pair approximately coincides with the cut surface ⓑ of the film piece 322. do. That is, the film piece 322 prevents the cutting surface ⓐ of the connecting line 313 from being exposed to the outside, and makes it possible to cleanly process the outer edges of the button piece 312 and the film piece 322 pair.

The rubber layer 330 is provided on the bottom surface of the button sheet 310 as in the above-described embodiment and allows the butt sheet and the film member 320 to be integrally connected. The rubber layer 330 may be formed of a conventional rubber material, and as shown in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 5), the button sheet 310 and the film member 320 are disposed inside the mold, and the button sheet 310 It may be formed by applying a liquid rubber to the bottom of the) and then applying heat and pressure. In addition, while the rubber layer 330 is formed in this way, the button sheet 310 and the film member 320 may be integrally connected, and the adhesive sheet 340 and the elastic sheet 350 may also be formed with the rubber layer 330. When the rubber layer 330 may be integrally attached.

The adhesive sheet 340 is attached to the bottom of the rubber layer 330 and allows the button sheet 310 and the film member 320 to be attached to the elastic sheet 350 via the adhesive sheet 340. The adhesive sheet 340 may be formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate and polyurethane, and as described above, when the rubber layer 330 is formed Pressed together in the rubber layer 330 may be integrally attached. As such, the adhesive sheet 340 is interposed between the rubber layer 330 and the elastic sheet 350 so that the rubber layer 330 integrally connected with the button sheet 310 and the film member 320 is directly elastic sheet 350. ) To be firmly bonded to the elastic sheet 350 with a stronger adhesive force than when bonded to the).

The elastic sheet 350 is bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet 340 and forms an integral part with the button sheet 310 and the film member 320. The elastic sheet 350 may be formed of a conventional material having elasticity and flexibility. As an example, the elastic sheet 350 may be formed of a polyurethane material, and the adhesive sheet 340 may be bonded to each other through a conventional adhesive such as a transparent silicone material. As such, the elastic sheet 350 may be firmly and stably bonded to the rubber layer 330 through the adhesive sheet 340.

In addition, the fixing protrusion 352 may protrude in a predetermined pattern on the upper surface of the elastic sheet 350. The fixing protrusion 352 is formed to correspond to the interval between the button unit each button piece 312 and the film piece 322 is configured to pair, the button sheet 310 and the film member 320 is an elastic sheet ( When disposed on the 350 may be disposed between each button unit. The fixing protrusion 352 disposed as described above constrains the periphery of the button unit configured such that the button piece 312 and the film piece 322 are paired, and each button unit disposed on the elastic sheet 350 is formed by repetitive external force. It can be prevented from being pushed back.

In addition, a pressing protrusion 351 may be formed on the bottom of the elastic sheet 350 to correspond to each switch so that the pressing force of the keypad can be effectively transmitted to each switch provided on the upper surface of the printed circuit board.

9 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a keypad according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same or equivalent reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent components as the above-described configuration, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted to clarify the gist of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the keypad 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a button sheet 410, a film member 420 provided on the button sheet 410, and the button sheet 410. ) Is provided between the film member 420 and the rubber layer 430 which integrally connects the button sheet 410 and the film member 420, and the adhesive sheet 440 attached to the bottom surface of the button sheet 410. The elastic sheet 450 is bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet 440.

The button sheet 410 may be formed of a conventional metal material having excellent hardness. For example, the button sheet 410 may be a metal sheet made of metal such as copper, copper alloy, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, platinum, nickel, or the like. Since the metal sheet is superior in hardness to plastic, it is easy to maintain a rigid form even if it is made thin, and can be easily bent while maintaining a rigid form.

Hereinafter, the button sheet 410 will be described with an example in which the button sheet having the slit 411 penetrated along the thickness direction in a predetermined pattern is applied so that the button region is defined to be pressed along the thickness direction. Of course, the button sheet may be applied to a case in which a plurality of button pieces are formed of a metal material and are arranged to be pushed independently of each other as in the modification of the first embodiment.

The slit 411 is formed through the button sheet 410 so that the button region is formed in a predetermined pattern. The slit 411 has a cantilever shape and a bridge shape according to the required conditions and design specifications. It can be changed freely to, and the present invention is not limited or limited by the shape and structure of such a slit 411.

In addition, a through hole having a shape corresponding to a number, a letter, or a symbol is formed in the button area of the button sheet 410, and a light transmitting area of the button sheet 410 may be defined through the through hole. In other words, the light generated from the luminaire disposed below the button sheet 410 may be exposed to the outside through a light transmission area defined by the through hole formed in the button sheet 410.

The film member 420 is provided on the button sheet 410 and may be formed of a transparent or opaque plastic material. For example, the film member 420 may be made of polypropylene (PP), aromatic polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylbutadiene. It may be formed of a material such as styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC). In addition, it will be described below with an example in which a button pattern for displaying numbers or letters on the film member 420 is formed. In some cases, the film member may be provided in a state where a separate button pattern is excluded. In addition, when a structure including a plurality of button pieces (see 312 in FIG. 6) disposed independently of each other as a button sheet is employed, the film members are independently of each other corresponding to each button piece as in the modification of the second embodiment described above. It may be configured to include a plurality of film pieces arranged.

The rubber layer 340 is provided between the button sheet 410 and the film member 420 to allow the button sheet 410 and the film member 420 to be integrally connected. The rubber layer 430 may be formed of a conventional rubber (rubber) material, the rubber layer 430 is disposed on the button sheet 410 and the film member 420 inside the mold (see 710, 720 of FIG. 5). And, by applying a liquid rubber to the bottom of the film member 420 may be formed by applying heat and pressure. In addition, the button sheet 410 and the film member 420 may be integrally connected while the rubber layer 430 is formed as described above. In some cases, the adhesive sheet 440 and the elastic sheet 450 may also have a rubber layer 430. ) May be integrally attached to the button sheet 410 when it is formed.

The adhesive sheet 440 is attached to the bottom surface of the button sheet 410 and allows the button sheet 410 and the film member 420 to be attached to the elastic sheet 450 through the adhesive sheet 440. The adhesive sheet 440 may be formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, and polyurethane, and the like when the rubber layer 430 is formed as described above. Pressed together and may be integrally attached to the button sheet 410. As described above, the adhesive sheet 440 is interposed between the button sheet 410 and the elastic sheet 450 so that the button sheet 410 to which the film member 420 is integrally bonded is directly bonded to the elastic sheet 450. It can be firmly bonded to the elastic sheet 450 with a stronger adhesive force.

The elastic sheet 450 is bonded to the bottom surface of the adhesive sheet 440 and forms an integral part with the button sheet 410 and the film member 420. The elastic sheet 450 may be formed of a conventional material having elasticity and flexibility. For example, the elastic sheet 450 may be formed of a polyurethane material, and the adhesive sheet 440 may be bonded to each other through a conventional adhesive such as a transparent silicone material. As such, the elastic sheet 450 may be firmly and stably bonded to the rubber layer 430 through the adhesive sheet 440.

In addition, a pressing protrusion 451 may be formed on the bottom of the elastic sheet 450 to correspond to each switch so that the force for pressing the keypad can be effectively transmitted to each switch provided on the upper surface of the printed circuit board.

On the other hand, Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a keypad according to a third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 is a process chart for explaining the manufacturing process of the keypad according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same or equivalent reference numerals are assigned to the same or equivalent components as the above-described configuration, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted to clarify the gist of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the keypad 500 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a button pattern for displaying a number or a letter and has a convex portion protruding to an upper surface corresponding to the button pattern. The film member 520, the adhesive sheet 540 provided below the film member 520, and are provided between the film member 520 and the adhesive sheet 540, and the film member 520 and the adhesive sheet 540. ) Includes a rubber layer 530 integrally connecting the elastic layer 530, and an elastic sheet 550 bonded to the bottom surface of the adhesive sheet 540.

The film member 520 may be formed of a transparent or opaque plastic material. For example, the film member 520 may be made of polypropylene (PP), aromatic polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylics. Butadiene styrene (ABS), it may be formed of a material such as polycarbonate (PC). In addition, the film member 520 is formed with a button pattern for displaying a number or a letter, etc., the shape and size of such a button pattern can be variously changed according to the required conditions and design specifications.

In addition, the film member 520 may be formed with a convex portion 523 protruding to an upper surface to correspond to the button pattern. The convex portion 523 is formed to have an approximately arc-shaped cross section so that a boundary portion of each button pattern can be formed with a relatively thin thickness than other portions, and is formed on the film member 520 to correspond to the entire button pattern. Can be formed. Of course, in some cases, the convex portion and the flat portion may be alternately arranged along the vertical or horizontal direction, and thus, the convex portion may be formed only on a part of each button pattern. The convex portion 523 may be formed integrally with the film member 520 by molding a part of the film member 520, and in some cases, may be attached separately after being manufactured separately from the film member 520. For example, the convex portion 523 may be formed by pressing the film member 520 in the molds 710 ′ and 720 ′ having the arcuate recesses 711.

Meanwhile, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the convex portion 523 is formed on the film member 520 in the structure in which the button sheet is excluded. The convex part can be formed also in the film member of an Example.

The rubber layer 530 is provided between the film member 520 and the adhesive sheet 540 and allows the film member 520 and the adhesive sheet 540 to be integrally connected. The rubber layer 530 may be formed of a cylindrical rubber material. The rubber layer 530 may include a film member 520 and an adhesive sheet 540 in the mold, and the film member 520. It can be formed by applying heat and pressure after applying the liquid rubber to the bottom of the. While the rubber layer 530 is formed, the film member 520 and the adhesive sheet 540 may be integrally connected. Such a rubber layer 530 is a convex portion 523 in the above-described molds 710 'and 720'. Can be formed simultaneously during formation. In some cases, the elastic sheet 550 may also be integrally attached to the adhesive sheet 540 when the convex portion 523 and the rubber layer 530 are formed.

The adhesive sheet 540 is attached to the bottom of the rubber layer 530 and allows the film member 520 to be attached to the elastic sheet 550 via the adhesive sheet 540. The adhesive sheet 540 may be formed of a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate and polyurethane, and the convex portion 523 and the rubber layer 530 as described above. When it is formed is pressed together in the mold and may be integrally attached to the button sheet 510. As such, the adhesive sheet 540 is interposed between the film member 520 and the elastic sheet 550 so that the elastic sheet 550 has a stronger adhesive force than when the film member 520 is directly bonded to the elastic sheet 550. To be firmly adhered to.

The elastic sheet 550 is bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet 540 and forms an integral part with the film member 520. The elastic sheet 550 may be formed of a conventional material having elasticity and flexibility. As an example, the elastic sheet 550 may be formed of a polyurethane material, and the adhesive sheet 540 may be bonded to each other through a conventional adhesive such as a transparent silicone material. As such, the elastic sheet 550 may be firmly and stably bonded to the rubber layer 530 through the adhesive sheet 540.

In addition, a push protrusion 551 may be formed on the bottom of the elastic sheet 550 to correspond to each switch so that the force for pressing the keypad can be effectively transmitted to each switch provided on the upper surface of the printed circuit board.

12 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a keypad according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the same or the same equivalent parts as the above-described configuration is given the same or identical reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted to clarify the gist of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 12, the keypad 600 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a button pattern for displaying numbers or letters and has a convex portion 623 protruding to an upper surface corresponding to the button pattern. The film member 620, the adhesive sheet 640 provided under the film member 620, and the film member 620 and the adhesive sheet 640 are provided between the film member 620 and the adhesive sheet 640. ) Is formed on the rubber layer 630, the elastic sheet 650 bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet 640, the upper surface of the elastic sheet 650, and emits light when power is applied ( 660).

The light emitting unit 660 is to generate light for the illumination of the keypad, a thin sheet type organic EL sheet (Organic Electro luminessence Sheet) or an organic EL sheet (Inorganic Electro luminessence Sheet) may be applied. As the light emitting unit 660 is modularized together with the keypad, the height between the keypad and the printed circuit board can be minimized, and the space efficiency and design freedom of the terminal body can be improved. Can contribute.

In addition, a blocking layer 670 may be formed on at least one side of the film member 620 and the adhesive sheet 640 to block some of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 660. Hereinafter, an example in which the blocking layer 670 is formed on the upper surface of the adhesive sheet 640 will be described. The blocking layer 670 may be formed by a method such as printing or deposition. The blocking layer 670 may block some of the light emitted from the light emitting part 660 and may be formed from the light emitting part 660 by only a light transmitting area defined by a button pattern. The generated light can be exposed to the outside.

Meanwhile, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting unit 660 is provided on the upper surface of the elastic sheet 650 in the keypad structure from which the button sheet is excluded. The light emitting part may also be provided on the elastic sheet of the example and the second embodiment. In addition, in the keypad structure in which the button sheet is employed as in the first and second embodiments described above, the button sheet may serve as a barrier layer and at the same time play a role of the button sheet.

As seen above, according to the keypad according to the present invention, each component of the keypad can be firmly and stably connected while maintaining a thin thickness and a certain shape strength.

Further, by allowing the button sheet and / or the film member to be attached to the elastic sheet via the adhesive sheet, the button sheet and / or the film member can be firmly and stably attached to the elastic sheet. In particular, the present invention allows the adhesion between the rubber layer and the elastic sheet made of polyurethane to be carried out through the adhesive sheet and each component of the keypad can be connected firmly and stably.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the separation between the components of the keypad due to the repeated external force and the adhesive force, etc., it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the operation stability and reliability.

In addition, the present invention can be formed in a thin thickness while maintaining a certain shape strength and bonding strength. Therefore, it can contribute to the miniaturization and thinning of the personal portable terminal in which the keypad is installed.

As described above, although described with reference to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art various modifications and variations of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims below I can understand that you can.

Claims (16)

Button sheet; A film member provided on an upper portion of the button sheet; A rubber layer provided on a bottom surface of the button sheet and integrally connecting the button sheet and the film member; An adhesive sheet attached to a bottom of the rubber layer; And And an elastic sheet bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet. The rubber layer is formed by applying heat and pressure to the liquid rubber applied to the bottom of the button sheet, and when the rubber layer is formed, the button sheet, the film member, and the adhesive sheet are integrally attached to the rubber layer. Keypad characterized in that. delete Button sheet; A film member provided on an upper portion of the button sheet; A rubber layer provided between the button sheet and the film member to integrally connect the button sheet and the film member; An adhesive sheet attached to a bottom surface of the button sheet; And And an elastic sheet bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet. The rubber layer is formed by applying heat and pressure to the liquid rubber applied to the bottom surface of the film member, the keypad is characterized in that the button sheet is integrally attached to the rubber layer when the rubber layer is formed. delete The method according to claim 1 or 3, The button sheet is a keypad, characterized in that it comprises a metal sheet with a slit formed in a predetermined pattern to be pressed along the thickness direction. The method according to claim 1 or 3, The button sheet is a keypad characterized in that it comprises a plurality of button pieces are formed of a metal material and are arranged to be pressed independently of each other. The method of claim 6, The film member comprises a plurality of film pieces disposed independently of each other corresponding to each of the button pieces. The method of claim 7, wherein The elastic sheet includes a fixing projection protruding on the upper surface, the fixing projection is characterized in that the keypad is disposed between the button unit is configured such that each of the button piece and the film piece in pairs. The method according to claim 1 or 3, The film member is a keypad, characterized in that it comprises a button pattern for displaying numbers or letters. The method according to claim 1 or 3, And a light emitting part provided on an upper surface or a lower surface of the elastic sheet and emitting light when power is applied. A film member including a button pattern for displaying a number or a letter and having a convex portion protruding to an upper surface to correspond to the button pattern; An adhesive sheet provided below the film member; A rubber layer provided between the film member and the adhesive sheet and integrally connecting the film member and the adhesive sheet; And And an elastic sheet bonded to the bottom of the adhesive sheet. The rubber layer is formed by applying heat and pressure to the liquid rubber applied to the bottom of the film member, the keypad is characterized in that the adhesive sheet is integrally attached to the rubber layer when the rubber layer is formed. delete The method of claim 11, The convex portion is a keypad, characterized in that formed integrally or separately from the film member. The method of claim 13, And the convex portion is formed by pressing the film member in a mold having a concave portion together with the rubber layer and the adhesive sheet. The method of claim 11, And a light emitting part provided on an upper surface or a lower surface of the elastic sheet and emitting light when power is applied. The method of claim 15, The keypad is formed on at least one side of the film member and the adhesive sheet further comprises a blocking layer for blocking some of the light emitted from the light emitting portion.

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