WO2007145423A1 - Clavier lumineux - Google Patents

Clavier lumineux Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2007145423A1
WO2007145423A1 PCT/KR2007/001679 KR2007001679W WO2007145423A1 WO 2007145423 A1 WO2007145423 A1 WO 2007145423A1 KR 2007001679 W KR2007001679 W KR 2007001679W WO 2007145423 A1 WO2007145423 A1 WO 2007145423A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light emitting
key plate
keys
protrusions
protective layer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2007/001679
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jong-Wan Kim
Ki-Bae Song
Hyo-Moon Oh
Cheol-Ho Jo
Hwan-Cheol Choi
Original Assignee
Mogem Co., Ltd.
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
Priority claimed from KR1020060053178A external-priority patent/KR100705483B1/ko
Application filed by Mogem Co., Ltd. filed Critical Mogem Co., Ltd.
Publication of WO2007145423A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007145423A1/fr

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
    • H01H13/83—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 characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
    • 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
    • H01H13/7006—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 comprising a separate movable contact element for each switch site, all other elements being integrated in layers
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2215/00—Tactile feedback
    • H01H2215/004—Collapsible dome or bubble
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
    • H01H2217/018—Indication of switch sites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/002—Legends replaceable; adaptable
    • H01H2219/018—Electroluminescent panel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/05—Force concentrator; Actuating dimple
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/07—Actuators transparent
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/022—Telephone handset

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a light emitting keypad.
  • FIGl illustrates a perspective view of a typical mobile communications terminal.
  • the mobile communications terminal includes a liquid crystal screen 120 for displaying various information required for operation such as receipt and transmission states, and a key panel 110 housing grooves in which a plurality of key buttons of key pad for performing various functions including signal generation are inserted.
  • the key pad consists of a plurality of key buttons formed with a surface printed with visible alphanumeric characters or indicia, and the key buttons are jutted out of the key panel 110 of the mobile communications terminal.
  • a user first checks the alphanumeric characters printed on the surface of the key pad and depresses the key buttons for use of the mobile communications terminal.
  • Light source formed of a luminous element is installed on an external bottom of the key buttons 130 so that the user can identify in a dark place the numerical numbers and letters printed on the key buttons. When the light source is turned on, light is emitted to the letters and numerical numbers printed on the key buttons 130 by the backlight effect, allowing the user to identify the key buttons 130.
  • FIG.2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional EL keypad, which has been developed to solve the problems caused in the direct illumination type LED keypad.
  • the EL keypad includes a key top 210, an EL metal dome sheet 220 and a printed circuit board 230, where the EL metal dome sheet 220 consists of an EL sheet 221, a metal dome 223 and a base tape 222, the construction of which enables to manufacture mobile communications terminals smaller, lighter, slimmer, and with reduced power consumption.
  • the metal dome 223 and a fixed contact terminal 213 of the printed circuit board 230 are interconnected by protrusions 211 disposed at the rear surface of the key top 210, thereby generating a predetermined electric signal, by which the EL sheet 220 emits light to uniformly illuminate the keypad.
  • the conventional EL light emitting key pad suffers from shortcomings in that there is a high likelihood of the EL sheet 221 being damaged due to continued pressure by and abrasion against the protrusions 211, thereby generating a reliability problem, and causing a decreasing click feel of the keypad, such that it is imperative that light emitting keypad free of the above-mentioned shortcomings be developed.
  • the present invention is disclosed to solve the afore-said shortcomings and it is an object of the present invention to provide a light emitting keypad, whereby protrusions are upwardly formed to provide a good click feel and to prevent the protrusions from directly applying pressure to an EL device, thereby substantially obviating deformation and destruction of the EL device.
  • a light emitting keypad comprising: a key plate formed with a plurality of keys; a protective layer disposed underneath the key plate and formed with a plurality of upper protrusions partially or wholly corresponding to the keys; and an EL (Electroluminescence) device formed underneath the protective layer.
  • a light emitting keypad comprising: a key plate formed with a plurality of keys and through holes; a rear surface layer disposed underneath the key plate and formed thereon with penetrating protrusions that go through the corresponding through holes; a protective layer disposed underneath the rear surface layer and formed with upper protrusions to correspond to the keys; and an EL device disposed underneath the protective layer.
  • a light emitting keypad comprising: a key plate formed with a plurality of keys and through holes; a protective layer disposed underneath the key plate, formed with upper protrusions that correspond to the keys and formed with penetrating protrusions that go through the corresponding through holes; and an EL device formed underneath the protective layer.
  • Implementations of these aspects may include one or more of the following features.
  • the light emitting keypad further includes a printed circuit board disposed underneath the EL device and formed with a dome switch.
  • the light emitting keypad is formed in such a manner that the EL device is coupled thereunder to a dome substrate integrally formed with a plurality of metal domes.
  • the key plate is a flat sheet integrally formed with a plurality of keys.
  • the light emitting keypad according to the present invention has advantages in that protrusions are upwardly formed to enhance the click feel and to prevent the protrusions from directly applying pressure to an EL device, thereby substantially obviating deformation and destruction of the EL device, and penetrating protrusions are provided if necessary, whereby formation of intaglios caused by reflection and interference of light emitted from the EL device can be substantially obviated to allow the light to propagate therethrough, and to ensure an enhanced easiness in assembly between a key plate and the EL device.
  • FIGl illustrates a perspective view of a typical mobile communications terminal.
  • FIG.2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional EL keypad.
  • FIG.3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a light emitting keypad according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG.4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a light emitting keypad according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG.5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a light emitting keypad according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a cross-sectional view of a light emitting keypad according to still yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG.3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a light emitting keypad according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the light emitting keypad includes a key plate (11) formed with a plurality of keys, a protective layer (20) disposed underneath the key plate (11) and formed with a plurality of upper protrusions (21) partially or wholly corresponding to the keys, and an EL (30) device formed underneath the protective layer (20).
  • the EL device (30) may be formed thereunder with a printed circuit board disposed with a dome switch mounted with a metal dome (40) and a contact terminal (42).
  • the light emitting keypad according to the present invention is such that the protrusions are upwardly formed to enhance the click feel and tactile activation and to prevent the protrusions from directly applying pressure to the EL device, thereby substantially obviating deformation and destruction of the EL device.
  • the known key plates of a light emitting keypad may be limitlessly used to the key plate (11) of the present invention, and materials and shapes for the key plate (11) of the present invention are not restricted either.
  • the key plates are well-known in the related fields so that detailed explanations thereto are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
  • the key plate (11) is made of a transparent flat sheet integrally formed with keys.
  • the key plate composed of a flat sheet is integrally formed thereunder with keys by forming the keys by a method of printing ink layer (12).
  • the key plate is made of a flat sheet free of the conventional keys so specifically formed as to protrude, although the conventional protruding key plate is not excluded from the present invention.
  • the key plate may be coated with a protective coating layer (not shown) on at least an upper surface or a lower surface thereof.
  • key portions of the key plate are provided with a concave pattern (dimpled) for an easy contact with the dome switch disposed thereunder, thereby preventing malfunction of the keying operation.
  • the key plate may be further formed with a rear surface layer (13) as illustrated in the drawing, or may be dispensed with. Formation of the rear surface layer would protect the printing ink layer (12).
  • the rear surface layer is not limited in material thereof but is preferred to be made of silicon material.
  • the protective layer (20) and the upper protrusions (21) are preferred to be integrally formed and made of silicon material, although not restrained.
  • the protective layer may serve as a buffer between the upper protrusions and the EL device to prevent the upper protrusions to directly apply pressure to the EL device, and to simultaneously protect the EL device against penetration of oxygen and moisture that could cause damages thereto.
  • the upper protrusions (21) are plurally formed to correspond to key positions on the key plate of the light emitting keypad, and when the keys are depressed by a user, the upper protrusions relevant thereto are depressed to generate a switching at a switching unit comprising a dome switch and the like to be positioned underneath the EL device.
  • the EL device is formed with an insulating layer, a front surface electrode layer, a light emitting layer, a dielectric layer, a rear surface layer and an insulating layer.
  • the front surface electrode layer, the light emitting layer, the dielectric layer and the rear surface layer form an EL system that is a light emitting structure of the EL device.
  • the EL device (13) is formed by screen printing process for slimming and miniaturization.
  • the EL device (30) is coupled thereunder with a printed circuit board (43) mounted with a dome switch correspondingly disposed with the upper protrusions, and the dome switch is preferably comprised of a contact terminal (42) and a metal dome (41) discretely disposed on the contact terminal.
  • the metal dome is preferred to be made of material with excellent elasticity for good tactile actuation and good click feel.
  • the metal dome of the printed circuit board provided underneath a particular key is depressed to allow the metal dome to be brought into contact with the contact terminal and switched.
  • FIG.4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a light emitting keypad according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the light emitting keypad comprises: a key plate (11) formed with a plurality of keys and through holes; a rear surface layer (13) disposed underneath the key plate and formed thereon with penetrating protrusions (14) that go through the corresponding through holes; a protective layer (20) disposed underneath the rear surface layer (13) and formed with upper protrusions (21) to correspond to the keys; and an EL device (30) disposed underneath the protective layer (20).
  • the EL device (30) may be disposed thereunder with a printed circuit board (43) formed with a dome switch mounted with a metal dome (40) and a contact terminal (42).
  • the light emitting keypad according to the present invention is such that the protrusions are upwardly formed to enhance the click feel and tactile activation and to prevent the protrusions from directly applying pressure to the EL device, thereby substantially obviating deformation and destruction of the EL device.
  • the known key plates of a light emitting keypad may be limitlessly used to the key plate (11) of the present invention, and materials and shapes for the key plate (11) of the present invention are not restricted either.
  • the key plates are well-known in the related fields so that detailed explanations thereto are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
  • the key plate (11) is made of a transparent flat sheet integrally formed with keys.
  • the key plate composed of a fiat sheet is integrally formed thereunder with keys by forming the keys by a method of printing ink layer (12).
  • the key plate is made of a flat sheet free of the conventional keys so specifically formed as to protrude, although the conventional protruding key plate is not excluded from the present invention.
  • the key plate may be coated with a protective coating layer (not shown) on at least an upper surface or a lower surface thereof.
  • key portions of the key plate are provided with a concave pattern (dimpled) for an easy contact with the dome switch disposed thereunder, thereby preventing malfunction of the keying operation.
  • the key plate (11) is formed with through holes through which the penetrating protrusions (13) formed at the rear surface layer (13) can pass.
  • the rear surface layer (13) is formed thereon with the penetrating protrusions (14) to allow the penetrating protrusions (14) to pass through the through holes of the key plate (11), thereby enabling the key plate (11) to be coupled with the rear surface layer (13).
  • the through holes are respectively formed at borders of each key.
  • the rear surface layer can function as a protector of the ink layer.
  • the rear surface layer is not limited in the use of material but may be preferably made of silicon.
  • the protective layer (20), the upper protrusions (21), the EL device (30), and the printed circuit board (43) disposed with the dome switch correspondingly positioned to the upper protrusions have been already described in the foregoing, such that explanations thereto will be omitted.
  • FIG.5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a light emitting keypad according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the light emitting keypad includes a key plate (11) formed with a plurality of keys and through holes, a protective layer (20) disposed underneath the key plate and formed with upper protrusions (21) correspondingly disposed with the keys and penetrating protrusions (22) that correspondingly penetrate the through holes, and an EL device (30) formed underneath the protective layer (20).
  • the EL device (30) may be positioned thereunder with a printed circuit board formed with a dome switch mounted with a metal dome (40) and a contact terminal (42).
  • FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate a cross-sectional view of a light emitting keypad according to still yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the light emitting keypad may be featured in such a fashion that the EL device is coupled thereunder with a dome substrate (41) integrally formed with a plurality of metal domes (40).
  • the integral formation of the plurality of metal domes enables the light emitting keypad to be easily assembled.
  • the dome substrate (41) is disposed thereunder with a printed circuit board (43) mounted with the contact terminal (42).
  • the light emitting keypad according to the present invention has an industrial applicability in that protrusions are upwardly formed to provide a good click feel and to prevent the protrusions from directly applying pressure to an EL device, thereby substantially obviating deformation and destruction of the EL device, and penetrating protrusions are provided if necessary, whereby formation of intaglios caused by reflection and interference of light emitted from an EL device can be obviated to allow the light to propagate therethrough, and to facilitate a key plate and the EL device to be easily assembled.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un clavier lumineux, comprenant un plateau de touches comportant une pluralité de touches, une couche protectrice disposée sous le plateau de touches et comportant une pluralité de protubérances supérieures correspondant partiellement ou complètement aux touches, et un dispositif électroluminescent (EL) disposé sous la couche protectrice. Selon un mode de réalisation, le clavier lumineux comprend un plateau de touches comportant une pluralité de touches et de trous traversants, une couche de dos disposée sous le plateau de touches et comportant des protubérances pénétrant dans les trous traversants correspondants, une couche protectrice disposée sous la couche de dos et comportant des protubérances supérieures correspondant aux touches, et un dispositif EL disposé sous la couche protectrice. Des protubérances font saillie vers le haut de façon à produire un clic adapté et à ne pas appliquer une pression directe sur le dispositif EL en évitant ainsi sensiblement sa déformation ou sa rupture. Des protubérances pénétrantes sont éventuellement utilisées pour permettre à la lumière émise par le dispositif EL de se propager à travers lui sans réflexion ni interférence, et pour faciliter l'assemblage du plateau de touches et du dispositif EL.
PCT/KR2007/001679 2006-06-13 2007-04-05 Clavier lumineux WO2007145423A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2006-0053178 2006-06-13
KR1020060053178A KR100705483B1 (ko) 2006-06-13 2006-06-13 발광 키패드
KR1020060053253 2006-06-14
KR10-2006-0053253 2006-06-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007145423A1 true WO2007145423A1 (fr) 2007-12-21

Family

ID=38831909

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2007/001679 WO2007145423A1 (fr) 2006-06-13 2007-04-05 Clavier lumineux

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2007145423A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2326068A1 (fr) * 2009-11-19 2011-05-25 Research In Motion Limited Clavier adaptatif doté d'un retour d'informations physiques
US8581850B2 (en) 2009-11-19 2013-11-12 Blackberry Limited Adaptive keyboard with physical feedback
WO2013151695A3 (fr) * 2012-04-03 2013-12-05 Motorola Mobility Llc Clavier qwerty à couverture d'un bord à l'autre de dispositif portatif

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH10283096A (ja) * 1997-04-04 1998-10-23 San Arrow Kk 照光式キー
US5924555A (en) * 1996-10-22 1999-07-20 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Panel switch movable contact body and panel switch using the movable contact body
US20060024111A1 (en) * 2004-06-18 2006-02-02 Dombrowski Richard J Thin keypad assemblies and components for electronics devices and methods
US7019242B2 (en) * 2004-05-01 2006-03-28 Kbf Co., Ltd Electroluminescent metal dome keypad

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5924555A (en) * 1996-10-22 1999-07-20 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Panel switch movable contact body and panel switch using the movable contact body
JPH10283096A (ja) * 1997-04-04 1998-10-23 San Arrow Kk 照光式キー
US7019242B2 (en) * 2004-05-01 2006-03-28 Kbf Co., Ltd Electroluminescent metal dome keypad
US20060024111A1 (en) * 2004-06-18 2006-02-02 Dombrowski Richard J Thin keypad assemblies and components for electronics devices and methods

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2326068A1 (fr) * 2009-11-19 2011-05-25 Research In Motion Limited Clavier adaptatif doté d'un retour d'informations physiques
US8581850B2 (en) 2009-11-19 2013-11-12 Blackberry Limited Adaptive keyboard with physical feedback
WO2013151695A3 (fr) * 2012-04-03 2013-12-05 Motorola Mobility Llc Clavier qwerty à couverture d'un bord à l'autre de dispositif portatif
US8760406B2 (en) 2012-04-03 2014-06-24 Motorola Mobility Llc Edge to edge qwerty keypad for a handheld device

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