WO2007148852A1 - touche métalliQUe stéréotypée ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, clavier métallisé avec une touche métallique, procédé de touche métalliQUe stéréotypée ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, procédé de clavier métalliQUE avec une touche métalliQUe - Google Patents

touche métalliQUe stéréotypée ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, clavier métallisé avec une touche métallique, procédé de touche métalliQUe stéréotypée ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, procédé de clavier métalliQUE avec une touche métalliQUe Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007148852A1
WO2007148852A1 PCT/KR2006/004376 KR2006004376W WO2007148852A1 WO 2007148852 A1 WO2007148852 A1 WO 2007148852A1 KR 2006004376 W KR2006004376 W KR 2006004376W WO 2007148852 A1 WO2007148852 A1 WO 2007148852A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
metal
main body
key
film
filling member
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2006/004376
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Seung-Hwan Lee
Original Assignee
Insung Corporation
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 KR1020060056901A external-priority patent/KR20060081684A/ko
Application filed by Insung Corporation filed Critical Insung Corporation
Publication of WO2007148852A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007148852A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/068—Properties of the membrane
    • H01H2209/07—Properties of the membrane metallic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/028—Printed information
    • H01H2219/03—Printed information in transparent keyboard
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/054—Optical elements
    • H01H2219/062—Light conductor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/07—Actuators transparent

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, a metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, a method of manufacturing the three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, and a method of manufacturing the metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function.
  • the present invention relates to a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, a metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, a method of manufacturing the three- dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, and a method of manufacturing the metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, in which, when a key for switching the function of communication equipment, such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or an MP3 player, is manufactured from a metal plate, a hole is pierced to permit light to be emitted from behind, and a film is attached to the metal plate to color the light, so that light is emitted behind while the feel of metal material is maintained, thus allowing the key to be easily used at night or in a dark place, and having the same effect as a product plated on conventional plastic resin.
  • Background Art
  • a "three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function” is referred to as a "metal key”
  • a "metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function” is referred to as a "metal keypad”.
  • An electronic product including a mobile phone, an MP3 player, or a PDA, has various keys to switch functions.
  • the keys include a key button having a dial function to make a call, a navigation key for navigating a menu, a volume key for adjusting volume, a camera key of a mobile phone having a camera function, a button key for transmitting electric signals, and a speaker decoration part or a hinge decoration part used for the purpose of design or decoration.
  • the keys are parts which are coupled to electronic products, especially mobile communication equipment, and are manufactured to have a three-dimensional shape, thus providing a shape suitable for the shape of a corresponding product (body) and a three-dimensional effect.
  • a metal dome or a protrusion for pressing a switch are provided on the bottom of each key.
  • the key is made flat. Thereafter, the pad is additionally attached to the key, thus providing the protrusion.
  • the key, formed as described above, is made of synthetic resin, because it is easy to shape synthetic resin and mass production is easy.
  • the key made of synthetic resin has been widely adopted and used.
  • a molded key made of synthetic resin is primarily formed to have a shape suitable for the function thereof using an injection molding machine.
  • the surface of the molded key which has been primarily formed through injection molding, is treated. Afterwards, rubber, such as silicone or urethane, is added to the bottom of the molded key so that the key has a metal dome or a protrusion for pressing a switch.
  • rubber such as silicone or urethane
  • the surface of the molded key is treated, thus primarily protecting the surface of the molded key, and secondarily achieving a unique design by changing the color or surface.
  • the surface of the molded key is treated, plating is usually used.
  • the surface of the key is treated through plating, the molded key maintains the advantage of a metal material, that is, has superior corrosion resistance or abrasion resistance. Further, various textures can be created through the surface treatment of the metal material.
  • copper-nickel-hexavalent chromium or nickel-hexavalent chromium are restricted substances, in order to protect the environment. Thus, it is very complicated to manufacture the key so that it is harmless to humans.
  • nickel itself causes allergic disease.
  • the applied nickel may peel off while it is being used.
  • a user having allergic dermatitis must take special care when using the key.
  • the molded key plated with copper- nickel-hexavalent chromium or nickel-hexavalent chromium has been widely used, because it has the advantages of metal material, and permits easy formation of a light passing part for allowing the key to be easily selected and used even at night.
  • the button of the utility model includes a metal button part manufactured by cutting a metal plate into a predetermined shape, and a resin insulating part assembled with the metal button part.
  • the main object of the present device is to provide a button for electronic products, which has no danger of causing an electric shock when the button is in use, and maintains its initial quality even when the button has been used for a long period of time.
  • the product is plated to impart it with a metal luster.
  • nickel since nickel is used, and in addition, the surface portion of the nickel is electroplated with chromium, the danger of electric shock remains.
  • the product is designed such that the bottom of an associated plated key is insulated using resin, such as rubber or urethane, thus preventing the equipment circuit from coming into in direct contact with the plated product.
  • resin such as rubber or urethane
  • the metal button part of the button according to the utility model is made of a metal material.
  • a nickel plate may not be used as the metal plate.
  • substances, such as hexavalent chromium or nickel which are harmful to the environment and cause a user to suffer allergic symptoms, are not used, so that allergic symptoms are prevented.
  • the metal button part may undesirably become separated from the resin insulating part when the button is in use, so that the reliability of the product is impaired, because the resin insulating part is simply injection molded onto the metal button part, which is not easily attached to the resin insulating part. Further, since the metal plate is simply cut to form the metal button part, it is difficult to shape the metal button part, and thus the defect rate is high. Further, since the metal plate is simply cut, it is impossible to realize backlighting. Conversely, the conventional key, obtained by plating the double injection product, allows light to be emitted from behind. Thus, the utility model technically retrogresses, compared to the above-mentioned key. That is, the button according to the utility model is problematic in that it is difficult to distinguish letters and figures of the key (button key) from each other in a dark place or at night.
  • Korean Patent No. 592114, Korean U.M. Registration No. 0383014, etc. have been proposed.
  • the metal keypad is designed such that backlighting is performed through a through part. Since the metal keypad comprises a planar keypad, and is very thin, the metal keypad is widely used as a keypad for a slim-type mobile phone. A plurality of keys is not individually formed as in the conventional method, but is integrally formed all at once, so that the manufacturing cost can be reduced. However, the method of pressing a button is conducted by pressing protruding resin. Alternatively, when the pad itself is pressed, a protrusion elastically presses a metal dome or a switch of a circuit board. These methods inconvenience a user.
  • Korean Patent No. 592116 relates to the method of manufacturing an integral-type acryl touch pad having a through line.
  • the touch pad is advantageous in that it is thinner than the metal keypad, the formability is good, the thermal deformation of the touch pad is lower than conventional ABS synthetic resin, and the touch pad is cheaper than the metal pad.
  • the touch pad is almost equal to the conventional integral-type metal keypad except that a different material is used. Further, the touch pad is lower in strength than the metal keypad.
  • a metal plate is pierced so that light passes through the metal plate, and is cut to be flat in the form of a metal key.
  • a finished resin injection product having a protrusion which is provided on a light passing portion so as to correspond to the pierced portion, is inserted into the metal plate.
  • the technology is problematic in that it is difficult to precisely align the pierced portion with the protrusion of the formed resin, so that the defect rate is high, and the metal plate is not completely compressed against the resin injection product.
  • Such a flat-plate-type metal key attachment method using double stick tape focuses on making a structure similar to a conventional integral-type metal keypad, after the flat metal plate has been cut into the form of a key and a piercing process has been conducted in order to provide a backlighting function.
  • a slim keypad is achieved, like the conventional metal keypad.
  • the keypad does not have a three- dimensional effect, thus being a technical retrogression, and in addition, hinders various designs, like the conventional integral-type metal keypad. Disclosure of Invention
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, a metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, a method of manufacturing the three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, and a method of manufacturing the metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, in which, when a key for switching the function of communication equipment, such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or an MP3 player, is manufactured using a metal plate, a hole is pierced to permit light to be emitted from behind, and a film is attached to the metal plate to color the light, so that light is emitted from behind while the feel of a metal material is maintained and a three- dimensional effect is imparted, thus allowing the key to be easily used at night or in a dark place.
  • a key for switching the function of communication equipment such as a mobile phone, a PDA, or an MP3 player
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, a metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, a method of manufacturing the three- dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, and a method of manufacturing the metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, which do not use hexavalent chromium or nickel, thus being environmental friendly, and preventing allergic reactions, and which provide a metal key having a backlighting function in a method that is simpler than a conventional plating method.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, a metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, a method of manufacturing the three- dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, and a method of manufacturing the metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, in which a metal button part is simply cut and formed, and thereafter a resin insulating part is additionally formed, or a resin insulating part is directly formed on a metal button part through insert injection, thus affording easy attachment, and a printing film, a heat-resistant film, or a fire-retardant film is attached through thermal-fusion or laminating, thus providing heat resistance and fire retardation, in addition to providing various colors, and maintaining the function and feel of a metal material.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, a metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, a method of manufacturing the three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, and a method of manufacturing the metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, in which environmentally harmful substances, used in plating and causing allergic reactions, such as hexavalent chromium or nickel, are not used, and but in which a backlighting function and high corrosion resistance of a conventional plated key are maintained or improved.
  • a still further object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, a metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, a method of manufacturing the three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, and a method of manufacturing the metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, which prevent a filling member from causing a pierced backlighting portion to protrude, thus deforming or tearing it, using a thermal-fusion film or a printing film.
  • An additional object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, a metal keypad having at least one three- dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, a method of manufacturing the three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, and a method of manufacturing the metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, in which a main body, formed by cutting a metal plate into a predetermined shape and piercing the metal plate so that light passes through the metal plate and backlighting is possible, having a three-dimensional effect, and defining the appearance of a metal key, and a resin injection product for precisely filling the hole pierced for the penetration of light and the back surface of the main body are manufactured through an injection molding machine, and adhesive or double stick tape is provided between the main body and the resin injection product to couple the main body to the resin injection product one-to-one through thermal-fusion or laminating, thus providing a three-dimensional effect.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, a metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, a method of manufacturing the three- dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, and a method of manufacturing the metal keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, in which the drawbacks of a conventional integral-type metal keypad are overcome, and a plurality of metal keys, constructed to be pressed to operate three-dimensional metal buttons, is attached to a keypad, thus allowing a user to press and use a desired metal key.
  • the present invention provides a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, including a main body formed to have predetermined height and space using a thermo-forming machine, with a backlighting hole pierced through a predetermined portion of the main body; a film attached to either an inner surface or an outer surface of the main body, or to both the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body, through laminating or thermal- fusion; and a filling member loaded on the inner surface of the main body through an injection-molding machine.
  • the main body is made of a metal material.
  • the metal material of the main body is selected from among a group consisting of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
  • the main body comprises a metal, a surface of which is treated through one of the chemical etching, electroplating, anodizing, chromate treatment, vacuum-ion plating, and deposition.
  • the film is a heat-resistant film or a fire-retardant film.
  • the filling member comprises rubber or synthetic resin.
  • the filling member comprises silicone, urethane, or polycarbonate.
  • the film or the filling member further comprises a coloring agent for providing various colors.
  • the film or the filling member further comprises a luminous material.
  • the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a three- dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, including (1) forming a main body having a predetermined height and space using a thermo-forming machine, after surface treatment has been conducted and a backlighting hole has been pierced at a predetermined position; (2) attaching a film to either an inner surface or an outer surface of the main body, or both the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body, through laminating or thermal-fusion; and (3) filling a filling member on the inner surface of the main body using an injection-molding machine.
  • step (1) and step (2) may change. That is, first, a film is attached to either an inner surface or an outer surface of a main body, or both the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body, through laminating or thermal-fusion. Next, the main body having predetermined height and space is formed using a thermo-forming machine.
  • the main body is made of a metal material.
  • the main body is selected from among a group consisting of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
  • the film is a heat-resistant or fire-retardant film.
  • the filling member comprises rubber or synthetic resin.
  • the filling member comprises silicone, urethane, or polycarbonate.
  • the film or the filling member further comprises a coloring agent for providing various colors.
  • the film or the filling member further comprises a luminous material.
  • a protrusion is formed on a back surface of the filling member so as to press a metal dome switch, when the filling member is loaded.
  • the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a three- dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, including (1) forming a main body having a predetermined height and space using a thermo-forming machine, after surface treatment has been conducted and a backlighting hole has been pierced at a predetermined position; (2) forming a filling member to be loaded on an inner surface of the main body, using an additional injection-molding machine; and (3) adhering the main body to the formed filling member using adhesive or double stick tape.
  • the main body is made of a metal material.
  • the main body is selected from among a group consisting of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
  • the filling member comprises rubber or synthetic resin.
  • the filling member comprises silicone, urethane, or polycarbonate.
  • the filling member further comprises a coloring agent for providing various colors.
  • the filling member further comprises a luminous material.
  • a protrusion is formed on a back surface of the filling member so as to press a metal dome switch, when the filling member is injection molded.
  • the present invention provides a metal keypad having at least one three- dimensional metal key having a backlighting function
  • the metal keypad including a metal key having a main body formed to have predetermined height and space using a thermo-forming machine, with a backlighting hole pierced through a predetermined portion of the main body, a film attached to either an inner surface or an outer surface of the main body, or to both the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body, through laminating or thermal-fusion, and a filling member loaded on the inner surface of the main body through an injection-molding machine; and an upper pad having a hole so that the metal key is inserted into the hole to be coupled to the upper pad, wherein the metal key is fitted into the hole and partially protrudes upwards, so that the metal key does not move leftwards or rightwards.
  • the upper pad having the hole into which the metal key is inserted is formed by piercing a thin metal plate made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum, or by injection molding synthetic resin in a mold using an injection molding machine.
  • the main body is made of a metal material.
  • the main body comprises stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
  • the main body comprises a metal, a surface of which is treated through one of the chemical etching, electroplating, anodizing, chromate treatment, vacuum-ion plating, and deposition.
  • the film is a heat-resistant or fire-retardant film.
  • the filling member comprises rubber or synthetic resin.
  • the filling member comprises silicone, urethane, or polycarbonate.
  • the film or the filling member further comprises a coloring agent for providing various colors.
  • the film or the filling member further comprises a luminous material.
  • the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a metal keypad having a backlighting function, including (1) forming a main body having a predetermined height and space using a thermo-forming machine, after surface treatment has been conducted and a backlighting hole has been pierced at a predetermined position; (2) attaching a film to an inner surface of the main body through laminating or thermal-fusion; (3) loading a filling member onto the film using an injection molding machine, thus forming a metal key; (4) coupling the metal key to a pad; (5) attaching a film to a back surface of the pad into which the metal key is inserted, through laminating or thermal-fusion, so that the film and the pad form a one-to-one correspondence, thus preventing the metal key from being completely separated from the pad; and (6) adhering a pad to a back surface of the metal keypad having the pad and the metal key, the pad being made of elastic synthetic resin, such as rubber or urethane, and having a protrusion for pressing
  • Step (4) includes (4-1) piercing a hole in a metal pad, and inserting the metal key into the hole.
  • Step (4) includes (4-2) injection-molding a pad, having a hole, using synthetic resin and an injection molding machine, and inserting the metal key into the hole.
  • Step (4) includes (4-3) inserting the metal key into a hole of a complex pad obtained by attaching a metal pad to a pad molded using synthetic resin, using double stick tape or an adhesive.
  • the pad having the hole into which the metal key is inserted is formed by piercing a thin metal plate made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum, or by molding synthetic resin in a mold using an injection-molding machine.
  • the main body is made of a metal material.
  • the main body comprises stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or an alloy containing at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
  • the main body comprises a metal, a surface of which is treated through one of the chemical etching, electroplating, anodizing, chromate treatment, vacuum-ion plating, and deposition.
  • the film comprises a heat-resistant film or a fire-retardant film.
  • the filling member comprises rubber or synthetic resin.
  • the filling member comprises silicone, urethane, or polycarbonate.
  • the film or the filling member further comprises a coloring agent for providing various colors.
  • the film or the filling member further comprises a luminous material.
  • FlG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a three-dimensional metal key having a backlighting function, according to the present invention.
  • FTG. 2 is a sectional view of HG. 1 ;
  • FlG. 3 is a view showing a metal keypad including at least one metal key having the backlighting function, according to the present invention
  • FTG. 4 is a sectional view of HG. 3 ;
  • FlG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the method of manufacturing the three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function, according to the present invention.
  • FlG. 6 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a key manufactured according to the present invention.
  • FlG. 7 is a sectional view showing important parts of the present invention.
  • FlG. 8 is a view illustrating the manufacturing process of the present invention, in which the surface of a metal plate is treated to provide various textures to the surface of a metal material
  • FlG. 9 is a view illustrating the manufacturing process of the present invention, in which a key pattern is etched or pressed on the metal plate
  • FlG. 10 is a view illustrating the manufacturing process of the present invention, in which a printing film is attached to a surface opposite the surface of the metal plate having the key pattern through etching or pressing
  • FlG. 11 is a view illustrating the manufacturing process of the present invention, in which the key pattern formed on the metal plate is realized in the shape of a main body
  • metal key is referred to as a three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function
  • metal keypad is referred to as a keypad having at least one three-dimensional metal key having the backlighting function.
  • the metal key 100 has in predetermined positions thereof backlighting holes 70 and 71.
  • the metal key 100 includes a main body 40, films 30 and 31, and a filling member 50.
  • the main body 40 is formed by a thermo-forming machine to have a predetermined height and space.
  • the films 30 and 31 are attached to either the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body 40 or both the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body 40 through laminating or thermal-fusion.
  • the filling member 50 is injected into the main body 40 by an injection molding machine.
  • the main body 40 is made of a metal material.
  • the metal material of the main body is made of a metal material.
  • 40 is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, and alloy including at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
  • the main body 40 comprises metal, the surface of which is treated through one of a chemical etching process, an electroplating process, an anodizing process, a chromate process, a vacuum-ion plating process, and a deposition process.
  • the films 30 and 31 comprise a heat-resistant or fire-retardant film.
  • the filling member 50 comprises rubber or synthetic resin.
  • the filling member 50 comprises silicone, urethane, or polycarbonate.
  • the film 30 or the filling member 50 further includes a coloring agent for providing various colors, thus having the effect as though light having various colors were emitted to the outside.
  • the film or the filling member 50 further includes a luminous material.
  • protrusions 50a are provided on the back surface of the filling member 50 to press a metal dome switch.
  • the metal key having the backlighting function according to the present invention is manufactured as follows. First, a metal plate 10 is selected from among a stainless steel plate, a copper plate, an aluminum plate, or an alloy plate containing at least one of the stainless steel plate, the copper plate, and the aluminum plate, and the surface of the metal plate is treated. After the backlighting hole 70 is pierced at a predetermined position in the metal plate 10, the main body 40 having a predetermined height and space is formed using the thermo-forming machine at step SlOO. As such, when the surface of the metal plate 10 is treated, the surface of the metal plate 10 of FlG. FlG.
  • the surface of the metal plate 10 is treated through one of the chemical etching, electroplating, anodizing, chromate treatment, vacuum-ion plating, and deposition.
  • the chemical etching roughens the surface of metal using chromic acid or sulfuric acid.
  • the metal plate After the backlighting hole 70 is pierced through the metal plate 10 through etching or pressing, the metal plate is located at a main body forming portion. Thereafter, the main body 40, having a predetermined height and space, is formed using one of a forming machine or a press machine.
  • cut slits 20b are formed on a curved line to allow the main body 40 to be easily formed.
  • a key pattern 20 cut by the cut slits 20b is processed through the above-mentioned forming machine or press machine so that the main body 40 has a predetermined shape. That is, when the key pattern 20 is shaped as shown in FlG. 9, the key pattern 20 may expand due to the heat of the thermal forming machine. However, since the curved line is cut by the cut slits 20b, the key pattern is smoothly and naturally shaped.
  • a protective film 60 be attached to the metal plate 10 so as to smoothly curve the curved portion of the main body 40.
  • the metal plate 10 has a thickness from 0.05 mm to 1.00 mm, which makes it easy to shape the main body 40 and realizes a light weight.
  • the key pattern 20 is processed to have a coupling part 20c so that the key pattern is not removed from the metal plate 10 when etching or pressing is conducted or the main body 40 is shaped.
  • a letter or sign 20a, as well as the backlighting hole 70, may be perforated in the main body 40.
  • the film 30 is attached to either the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body 40 or both the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body 40 through laminating or thermal- fusion at step Sl 10.
  • the film 30 is a heat-resistant film or fire-retardant film, and contains the coloring agent to represent various colors or the luminous material.
  • light passes through the perforated backlighting hole 70, the perforated letter or sign 20a, so that various colors can be exposed.
  • one of the silicone, urethane, and synthetic resin is filled in a space 40a defined by the inner surface of the main body 40 to which the film 30 is attached through thermal-fusion, using the injection molding machine.
  • the filling member 50 including the protrusions 50a for pressing a metal dome or a switch is filled at step S 120.
  • the metal key 100 has been completed, as shown in FIG. 13.
  • the thermal-fusion of the film 30 or the filling member 50 may be formed as described below. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, in order to apply the film 30 to the bottom of the main body 40, the main body 40 is seated in a mold for charging the filling material into the space 40a of the main body 40. Afterwards, the film 30 is seated on the main body 40, and the filling material is discharged to the upper portion of the film 30. In such a state, when the thermo-forming process is performed using the thermo-forming machine such that the filling material 50 fills the space 40a of the main body 40, the film 30 is deformed into the shape of the main body 40, and is thermally fused to the main body 40.
  • thermal fusion refers to the method of adhering using adhesive force and pressure of thermoplastic resin discharged through an injection molding machine, without using an additional glue or adhesive.
  • the metal key of the present invention can be manufactured through thermal fusion.
  • laminating refers to the method of using a thermal-fusion polymer adhesive in the main body, or using film, both surfaces of which are covered with an adhesive material, thus affording easy adhesion. That is, an adhesive affording good adhesion to metal is first applied to one side of the film, so that the film is attached to the metallic main body. Further, an adhesive that affords good adhesion to the discharged resin is first applied to the other side of the film.
  • the three-dimensional metal key may be manufactured through the following method. That is, the main body is made, and the filling material to be charged in the main body is separately formed through the injection molding machine. Thereafter, double stick tape is provided on the formed filling material in place of the film, so that the main body is seated on the double stick tape and is pressed by heat.
  • the key manufactured in this way is formed to have a shape suitable for a desired function.
  • the key having the suitable shape is used in mobile communication equipment.
  • step SlOO and step SIlO may vary from the above-mentioned sequence. That is, after the film is attached to either the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body or both the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body through laminating or thermal- fusion, the main body, having a predetermined height and space, may be formed using the thermo-forming machine.
  • a metal keypad 200 includes a metal key 100 and an upper pad 81.
  • the metal keypad 200 includes a main body 40, a film 30, and a filling member 50.
  • a backlighting hole 70 is pierced at a predetermined position in the main body.
  • the main body 40 is formed by a thermo-forming machine to have a predetermined height and space.
  • the film 30 is attached to either the inner surface or the outer surface of the main body 40 or both the inner surface and the outer surface of the main body 40 through laminating or thermal-fusion.
  • the filling member is charged in the main body 40 by an injection molding machine.
  • the upper pad 81 has a hole 82 so that the metal key 100 is inserted into the hole.
  • the metal key 100 is inserted into the hole 82 such that part of the metal key 100 protrudes upwards.
  • the upper pad 81 having the hole 82 for insertion of the metal key 100, is formed by piercing a thin metal plate made of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or alloy containing at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
  • the upper pad is formed by injection molding synthetic resin in a mold using an injection molding machine.
  • a lower pad 86 may be further provided under the upper pad 81, and has the same shape as the upper pad 81.
  • one of the pads is the pad which is made of metal or alloy, and the other pad is the pad which is made of synthetic resin. The two pads overlap each other and are used together, thus enhancing durability and affording superior design.
  • the main body 40 is made of a metal material.
  • the metal material is selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, or alloy containing at least one of the stainless steel, copper, and aluminum.
  • the main body 40 is made of metal, the surface of which is treated through one of a chemical etching process, an electroplating process, an anodizing process, a chromate process, a vacuum-ion plating process, and a deposition process.
  • the film 30 comprises a heat-resistant or fire-retardant film.
  • the filling member 50 comprises rubber or synthetic resin.
  • the filling member 50 comprises silicone, urethane, or polycarbonate.
  • the film 30 or the filling member 50 further includes a coloring agent for providing various colors.
  • the film 30 or the filling member 50 may include a luminous material.
  • the method of manufacturing the metal keypad having the backlighting function will be described.
  • the main body 40 As shown in FlG. 4, after the surface of the metal plate 10 is treated, and the backlighting hole 70 is pierced through a predetermined portion of the metal plate, the main body 40, having a predetermined height and space, is formed using a thermo-forming machine at step S200.
  • the film 30 is attached to the inner surface of the main body 40 through laminating or thermal- fusion at step S210.
  • the filling member 50 is injected into the upper portion of the film 30 using an injection molding machine, so that the metal key 100 is formed at step S220. That is, the steps S200 to S220 are the steps of forming the metal key and are equal to the above-mentioned method of manufacturing the metal key so that a detailed description of these steps will be omitted.
  • the metal key 100 is coupled to the upper pad 81 having the hole 82 in the area in which the metal key 100 is inserted, at step S230.
  • the method of coupling the metal key to the pad is as follows. That is, the metal key 100 is placed on the hole 82, and the metal key is pressed against the hole with a certain force. Thereby, the metal key is fitted into the hole 82 and is thus coupled to the pad 81.
  • a film 83 is attached to the back surface of the upper pad 81 into which the metal key is inserted, through laminating or thermal-fusion, at step S240, so that the film and the pad form one-to-one coupling.
  • Such a construction prevents the metal key 100 from being completely separated from the pad 81.
  • a pad 84 which is made of elastic synthetic resin, such as rubber or urethane, and has protrusions for pressing the metal-dome switch, adheres to the back surface of the metal keypad to which the upper pad 81 and the metal key 100 are coupled through the step S240.
  • the step S240 may be conducted as follows. That is, the hole 82 may be pierced through the metallic upper pad 81 so that the metal key 100 is inserted into the hole 82.
  • the upper pad 81 having the hole 82 may be formed from synthetic resin using an injection molding machine, and the metal key 100 may be inserted into the hole 81.
  • the present invention thus provides a metal key, which has a clean appearance, and modifies a conventional production structure or product structure of a metallic key, which is used in place of a plated key having a metallic surface through electroplating after various chemical processes are conducted on an injection product made of synthetic resin, thus allowing light to be emitted from a back surface, and having a three-dimensional design, therefore allowing a desired key to be easily selected at night or in the dark, and affording a good appearance.
  • the present invention simplifies the process of manufacturing a metallic key, thus affording mass production and reducing the manufacturing cost.
  • a plated layer is formed on an associated metal material through electroplating
  • other surface treatments are also conducted on the metal material, or the treated surface is removed, so that metal material having a good appearance is exposed, and a clean appearance can always be realized.
  • a printing film, a heat-resistant film, or a fire- retardant film is attached through thermal-fusion or laminating, so that heat resistance or fire retardation is provided while various colors are realized, and the feel of metal is maintained, and thus the value of commodities is enhanced through the key, and an environmentally friendly key is provided.
  • the present invention provides a metal key, which has superior environmentally friendly properties, and high durability, without additionally using nickel or hexavalent chromium.

Landscapes

  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Switches (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une touche métallique tridimensionnelle ayant une fonction de rétroéclairage, un clavier métallique ayant au moins une touche métallique tridimensionnelle ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, un procédé de fabrication de la touche métallique tridimensionnelle ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, et un procédé de fabrication du clavier métallique ayant au moins une touche métallique tridimensionnelle ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, dans lesquels, lorsqu'une touche pour commuter la fonction d'un équipement de communication, tel qu'un téléphone mobile, un assistant numérique personnel ou un lecteur MP3, est fabriquée à partir d'une plaque métallique, un trou est percé pour permettre à la lumière d'être émise depuis l'arrière, et un film est fixé sur la plaque métallique pour colorer la lumière, de sorte que la lumière est émise derrière tandis que la sensation du matériau métallique est maintenue, permettant ainsi à la touche d'être facilement utilisée la nuit ou dans un endroit sombre.
PCT/KR2006/004376 2006-06-23 2006-10-25 touche métalliQUe stéréotypée ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, clavier métallisé avec une touche métallique, procédé de touche métalliQUe stéréotypée ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, procédé de clavier métalliQUE avec une touche métalliQUe WO2007148852A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020060056901A KR20060081684A (ko) 2006-06-23 2006-06-23 배면 라이트가 가능한 휴대용 통신기기의 부품키 제조방법및 그 구조
KR10-2006-0056901 2006-06-23
KR10-2006-0089998 2006-09-18
KR20060089998 2006-09-18

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007148852A1 true WO2007148852A1 (fr) 2007-12-27

Family

ID=38833575

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/KR2006/004376 WO2007148852A1 (fr) 2006-06-23 2006-10-25 touche métalliQUe stéréotypée ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, clavier métallisé avec une touche métallique, procédé de touche métalliQUe stéréotypée ayant la fonction de rétroéclairage, procédé de clavier métalliQUE avec une touche métalliQUe

Country Status (2)

Country Link
TW (1) TW200802459A (fr)
WO (1) WO2007148852A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109378234A (zh) * 2018-09-30 2019-02-22 苏州中晟精密制造有限公司 一种按键组装自动化设备

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6423171B1 (en) * 1998-12-31 2002-07-23 You Eal Electronics Co., Ltd. Keypad for portable telephone and manufacturing method thereof
US6607812B2 (en) * 2000-03-06 2003-08-19 Polymatech Co., Ltd. Key sheet
US6762381B2 (en) * 2001-07-16 2004-07-13 Polymatech Co., Ltd. Key top for pushbutton switch and method of producing the same
KR20050047275A (ko) * 2003-11-17 2005-05-20 에스케이텔레텍주식회사 이동 통신 단말기용 키버튼 제조방법, 이 방법에 의해제조된 키버튼 및 이를 구비한 키패드 어셈블리
US6977352B2 (en) * 2004-03-02 2005-12-20 Nec Corporation Transmissive key sheet, input keys using transmissive key sheet and electronic equipment with input keys
KR20060008468A (ko) * 2004-07-20 2006-01-27 주식회사 엘엔씨테크 휴대폰의 키패드 제조방법

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6423171B1 (en) * 1998-12-31 2002-07-23 You Eal Electronics Co., Ltd. Keypad for portable telephone and manufacturing method thereof
US6607812B2 (en) * 2000-03-06 2003-08-19 Polymatech Co., Ltd. Key sheet
US6762381B2 (en) * 2001-07-16 2004-07-13 Polymatech Co., Ltd. Key top for pushbutton switch and method of producing the same
KR20050047275A (ko) * 2003-11-17 2005-05-20 에스케이텔레텍주식회사 이동 통신 단말기용 키버튼 제조방법, 이 방법에 의해제조된 키버튼 및 이를 구비한 키패드 어셈블리
US6977352B2 (en) * 2004-03-02 2005-12-20 Nec Corporation Transmissive key sheet, input keys using transmissive key sheet and electronic equipment with input keys
KR20060008468A (ko) * 2004-07-20 2006-01-27 주식회사 엘엔씨테크 휴대폰의 키패드 제조방법

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109378234A (zh) * 2018-09-30 2019-02-22 苏州中晟精密制造有限公司 一种按键组装自动化设备

Also Published As

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