WO2008085130A1 - Ielp (piston el intelligent) - Google Patents

Ielp (piston el intelligent) Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008085130A1
WO2008085130A1 PCT/SG2007/000030 SG2007000030W WO2008085130A1 WO 2008085130 A1 WO2008085130 A1 WO 2008085130A1 SG 2007000030 W SG2007000030 W SG 2007000030W WO 2008085130 A1 WO2008085130 A1 WO 2008085130A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
keypad
plunger
front electrode
transparent
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG2007/000030
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jit Ming Bryan Lim
Original Assignee
Sinco Technologies Pte 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
Application filed by Sinco Technologies Pte Ltd filed Critical Sinco Technologies Pte Ltd
Priority to PCT/SG2007/000030 priority Critical patent/WO2008085130A1/fr
Priority to TW096104994A priority patent/TW200832474A/zh
Publication of WO2008085130A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008085130A1/fr

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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
    • H01H13/88—Processes specially adapted for manufacture of rectilinearly movable switches having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/702—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches
    • H01H13/705—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard with contacts carried by or formed from layers in a multilayer structure, e.g. membrane switches characterised by construction, mounting or arrangement of operating parts, e.g. push-buttons or keys
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/22—Illumination; Arrangements for improving the visibility of characters on dials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/23—Construction or mounting of dials or of equivalent devices; Means for facilitating the use thereof
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/002—Materials
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/002—Materials
    • H01H2209/0021—Materials with metallic appearance, e.g. polymers with dispersed particles to produce a metallic appearance
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/004—Depressions or protrusions on switch sites
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2209/00—Layers
    • H01H2209/014—Layers composed of different layers; Lubricant in between
    • 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
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/04—Attachments; Connections
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00—Legends
    • H01H2219/036—Light emitting elements
    • H01H2219/052—Phosphorescence
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/002—Screen printing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2229/00—Manufacturing
    • H01H2229/024—Packing between substrate and membrane
    • H01H2229/028—Adhesive
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2231/00—Applications
    • H01H2231/022—Telephone handset
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2239/00—Miscellaneous
    • H01H2239/008—Static electricity considerations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a keypad module having a plunger layer with built-in electroluminescent lamp and to a method of constructing such a module, in particular for a mobile or cellular telephone.
  • Mobile telephones are an extremely widespread wireless communication appliance allowing portable use.
  • Mobile telephone design may comprise a single piece or bar- type phone with exposed key buttons, a flip-type phone, a folding phone or a swinging type compact mobile phone having improved portability.
  • folding telephones have been developed to provide a mobile telephone of shorter length when in the folded position than single-piece mobile telephones, while maintaining sufficient separation between speaker and microphone when unfolded and in use.
  • Such folding mobile telephones may have a length (or height) of around 80-90mm.
  • the thickness (or depth) of folding telephones may be somewhat greater than single piece mobile telephones, for example a folding telephone may have a thickness of around 25-30 mm.
  • single piece mobile telephones may have a length of the order of 100-120 mm, the thickness or depth of single piece mobile telephones may be around 20 min. Depending on user or application, such distinctions in device size and proportion can be of much importance.
  • Mobile telephones include a keypad to allow user input and user control of device functions.
  • the keypad is usually an assembly of a number of individual parts stacked up together, and has numeric and alphabetical characters and / or symbols that can be actuated by being depressed or touched by the user.
  • Individual keys of the telephone keypad should have electrical and mechanical switch contact closure points which ensure electrical contact and which are resistant to fatigue.
  • the required press force for actuation of each key should be low for ease of use, while being sufficiently high to avoid the key being actuated in error by small or accidental contact.
  • the mobile telephone as a whole, and the mobile telephone keypad in particular, should withstand typical forces experienced in normal usage, such as compression forces, bending forces or delamination forces, such as may be experienced in a user's pocket or bag or during other use.
  • the mobile telephone keypad should have a construction which permits a broad range of colours to be printed upon the key-top layer, and permits selection from a wide variety of key-top designs.
  • the telephone construction should also provide a key-top layer which is resistant to discolouration, print delamination, and the abrasion to which it is subjected during use.
  • An electroluminescent lamp is essentially a capacitor having a dielectric layer between two or three conductive electrodes, at least one of which is transparent.
  • the dielectric layer can include a phosphor powder, or there can be a separate layer of phosphor powder adjacent the dielectric layer.
  • AC alternating current
  • an inverter is used as a power source.
  • An inverter is a direct current to alternate current (DC- AC) converter which typically generates around 60-115 V alternating current (AC) at 50-1000 Hertz.
  • a modern (post 1990) electroluminescent lamp typically includes a transparent substrate of polyester or polycarbonate material having a thickness of about 7.0 mils (0.178 mm.).
  • a transparent front electrode of indium tin oxide or indium oxide is vacuum deposited onto the substrate to a certain thickness.
  • a phosphor layer is screen printed over the front electrode and a dielectric layer is screen printed over the phosphor layer.
  • a rear electrode is screen printed over the dielectric layer. It is also possible to deposit the layers by roll coating.
  • the inks used for screen printing or roll coating include a binder, a solvent, and a filler, wherein the filler determines the nature of the printed layer.
  • a typical solvent is dimethylacetamide (DMAC).
  • the binder is typically a ftuoropolymer such as polyvinylidene fluoride/hexafluoropropylene (PVDF/HFP), polyester, vinyl, epoxy or Kynar 9301, a proprietary terpolymer sold by Atofina.
  • a phosphor layer is typically screen printed from a slurry containing a solvent, a binder, and zinc sulphide particles.
  • Phosphors are powders made of materials such as zinc sulphide which are designed to phosphoresce at characteristic wave lengths
  • the color can be defined during the manufacturing of the phosphor, or can be achieved by blending phosphors of different colors to achieve the composite color.
  • the particle size of the phosphor powder is selected to provide the highest efficiency of light emission.
  • a dielectric layer is typically screen printed from a slurry containing a solvent, a binder, and particles of titania (TiO 2 ) or barium titanate (BaTiO 3 ).
  • a rear electrode is typically screen printed from a slurry containing a solvent, a binder, and conductive particles such as silver or carbon. Because the solvent and binder for each layer are chemically the same or similar, there is chemical compatibility and good adhesion between adjoining layers.
  • FIGs 6a and 6b illustrate such a two-part keypad assembly 600, with Figure 6a being a perspective view of the key top element 610, comprising a web adapted to provide a desirable tactile feel.
  • the switch layer element 620 of the two-part keypad assembly is shown in Figure 6b.
  • a further or alternative element may be provided in such assemblies in the form of a layer of metal domes to provide a desired tactile response to depression of each key.
  • Such two-part or multiple-part keypad assemblies generally have a thickness of no less than 1.8 mm.
  • the EL lamp panel is one of several such keypad component modules which may be used in constructing a multiple module keypad.
  • a panel constructed in accordance with the preceding techniques is relatively stiff even though it is typically only seven mils thick, making it difficult to mold into a three dimensional surface, for example.
  • Layer thickness and stiffness are not directly related. The material from which the layer is made affects stiffness. Typically, electroluminescent lamps are made from the materials mentioned above, which produces an undesirable stiffness. Simply reducing thickness does not provide the desired flexibility.
  • the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a single module keypad, the method comprising: forming a plunger layer from a transparent substrate material, having plunger bosses protruding from a top side of the plunger layer; providing a transparent front electrode layer upon a bottom side of the transparent substrate opposite the top side; forming a light-emitting layer upon the transparent front electrode layer; forming a dielectric layer upon the light-emitting layer; and forming a rear conductor upon the dielectric layer.
  • the present invention provides a single module keypad, the keypad comprising: a plunger layer formed from a transparent substrate material and having plunger bosses protruding from a top side of the plunger layer; a transparent front electrode layer upon a bottom side of the transparent substrate opposite the top side; a light-emitting layer upon the transparent front electrode; a dielectric layer upon the light-emitting layer, and a rear conductor upon the dielectric layer.
  • the keypad comprises a single module keypad, and further includes an electroluminescent lamp layer.
  • Such embodiments of the invention may thus eliminate the need for a multiple- module keypad in a mobile telephone, and may permit a keypad of reduced thickness to be provided, while nevertheless providing for EL lighting of the keypad.
  • the present invention provides for the keypad to take a moulded shape defined by the plunger substrate, with the EL lamp layers conforming to whatever shape may be desirable.
  • Such embodiments of the invention thus provide for a single module EL plunger which may be molded to a desired shape.
  • the light-emitting layer, the dielectric layer and the rear conductor may each be formed by screen printing or roll coating.
  • the keypad module may further comprise a second dielectric layer formed upon the rear conductor, and a second rear conductor formed upon the second dielectric layer, so as to provide a three layer EL lamp. Such embodiments may provide for improved yield and device reliability.
  • the plunger surface may comprise a UV cured layer presenting a desired tactile feel or function of the keypad module.
  • the transparent base substrate may comprise a polyester film or a polycarbonate film, preferably a heat stabilised print treated polymer.
  • the transparent front electrode layer may comprise an indium tin oxide layer screen printed upon the transparent base substrate.
  • the transparent front electrode layer may comprise a conducting polymer layer coated upon the transparent base substrate.
  • the transparent front electrode layer may comprise conductive translucent ink applied to the transparent base substrate.
  • a non-transparent conductive bus bar or mesh may be formed upon the transparent front electrode layer to improve current supply to the front electrode.
  • a pattern of silver bus bars or meshes may be formed upon the transparent front electrode layer.
  • the keypad module may further comprise one of and preferably comprises both of a key top layer formed with the desired artwork or user interface; and a switch layer comprising a plurality of switches.
  • the key top layer, the plunger EL lamp layers, the switch layer and the plunger sheet are preferably laminated together to form a single module.
  • the keypad module may further comprise a strengthening layer formed of a substantially rigid electrically conductive material. Such embodiments of the present invention provide for an electrical grounding function to be served by the strengthening layer.
  • the strengthening layer is a mesh.
  • the strengthening layer is preferably formed of metal.
  • Still further embodiments preferably comprise a flexible printed circuit layer, adapted to pass signals from the switches to a mobile telephone processor, and adapted to pass power from a mobile telephone power supply to the EL lamp layer.
  • the switches of the switch layer comprise dome switches.
  • the switches When force is applied to and released from the switches, the switches preferably provide a tactile response for user perception of switch action.
  • the keypad has a thickness of less than 1.65mm.
  • the keypad may be for a mobile phone.
  • the keypad may be adapted for another type of device, such as a personal digital assistant or the like.
  • the present invention provides an electrical device having a keypad in accordance with an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 is a front left perspective view, illustrating a single module keypad assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a partial exploded side view of the i-ELP keypad module stack
  • FIGS 3a, 3b and 3c are photographs of an actual keypad assembly comprising the combination of layers illustrated in Figures 2;
  • Figure 4a is the side view of the i-ELP, while Figs. 4b and 4c are partial side views, respectively, of a formed keypad assembly in. accordance with the present invention
  • Figures 5 a and 5b illustrate a configuration of a three layer and two layer electroluminescent lamp in mold plunger
  • Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a prior art two part keypad assembly.
  • An embodiment of the invention will now be described having the purpose to minimize the mass, volume and size of the keypad device, so that the structure is lighter, smaller and thinner than existing keypads, while nevertheless providing an electroluminescent lamp in-mold keypad.
  • Providing such a thinner keypad is important in improving the tactile feel of the keypad, and in improving light transmission from the EL layer through the key top layer to the user.
  • the present embodiment further provides a single module keypad and thus reduces the number of steps in the assembly process compared to assembly of multiple-module keypads.
  • the present embodiment provides a thin, flexible and light weight keypad having plunger illumination which can be tailored for complex plunger design for a variety of tactile feel on different applications, especially in cellular phone.
  • electroluminescent (EL) in-mold plunger (i-ELP) For example, reduced power consumption, lower heat generation in operation, permitting use of a cost effective screen printing process, and minimizing the thickness of the keypad produced.
  • Fig. Ia is the front left perspective view, illustrating a single-module keypad assembly 10 for a mobile telephone, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the assembly 10 comprises a UV cured i-ELP keypad module, the key top layer 11 is UV cured acrylic resin formed on the surface of layer 12; PC sheet.
  • Next is a second surface printing layer 13 for aesthetic and abrasion resistance purposes.
  • the key top Layer 11 can have a metallic appearance (as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 3c) and/or can be provided with any of a wide range of colors.
  • the metallic appearance of the key top layer in the embodiment of Fig. 3c is created by a method which avoids the use of a conventional electro-plating process which can be harmful to the environment.
  • the key top layer 11 can have different types of surface textures such as spin line, brush hair line and/or a three dimensional surface finish.
  • An optional strengthening layer 15 can be laminated with layer 14 by a printed adhesive for added hardness and reinforcement to the key top.
  • a spacer with double sided adhesive layer 16 is used, in places without the protruding plunger, and the presence of the spacer helps to hold together the upper key top module which consist of the key top layers with the lower assemblies which consist of the inverted plunger module, metal dome and the printed circuit board.
  • the inverted plunger module consist of a plunger top layer 17 that is a UV cured urethane that is molded on a PET film layer 18 that act as a carrier, the plunger height can be designed for the various key-pressure force needed, it being important to prevent or minimise any double activation or any mis-keying from the metal dome layer 21.
  • Printed on the second surface of the carrier film layer 18 is the electroluminescent lamp layer 19.
  • the electroluminescent lamp layer 19 consists of a sandwich structure containing an appropriate substrate, a rear electrode, an insulating layer, the phosphor layer, a transparent or translucent front electrode and a protective layer on in-mold keypad.
  • the lamp may be terminated by a silver conductor, and crimped connectors (or other means) to allow connection to the power source. Care must be taken in providing a connection with good integrity.
  • Conductive adhesive layer 22 contacts with the copper pad layer 23 to provide electrical energy, and can act to ground electro-static discharge from the layer 24.
  • a printed adhesive layer 20 bonds the lamp layer 19 and the metal dome layer 21 together.
  • Assembly 10 further comprises an inverted plunger module.
  • the inverted plunger module has a plurality of bosses 17 protruding from the plunger sheet layer 18, each boss 17 positioned against a contact of the printed circuit board layer 24.
  • the position of each boss 17 also corresponds to a key position of the key top layer 11. Depression of a key of the key top layer 11 causes a boss 17 of the plunger sheet layer 18 to bear upon a dome of dome layer 21, as shown in Fig. 4b.
  • the dome of layer 18 provides a desired tactile response when a key is pressed, and acts as a contact to provide an electrical input to the printed circuit of layer 24.
  • the spacer layer 16 a double side adhesive is placed on top of the plunger web layer 26 to bond together the inverted plunger and the key top module above it.
  • the printed circuit board layer 24 has a plurality of such stationary contacts with corresponding movable contacts of the dome switch layer 21.
  • Each of the key tops of the key top layer 11 are printed with numeral and/or character display to indicate where a user should apply pressure for given commands, that pressure being transmitted through the assembly 10 to the printed circuit of layer 24.
  • FIG. 2 is a partial exploded side view of the keypad assembly module stack 10.
  • Key top layer 11 is formed of molded liquid UV urethane with PC or PET film layer 12, to provide an aesthetic look.
  • Layer 13 is printed behind the PC or PET film layer 12.
  • the printed adhesive layer 14 is used to bond together the optional PET or PC film layer 15 with the color or aesthetic layer 13.
  • Layer 16 is a spacer that is a double sided adhesive provided by 3M.
  • Plunger layer 17 is formed of molded liquid UV urethane with PC or PET film layer 18, and transfers applied pressure from the key top to the metal dome of each contact.
  • Printed on the second surface of Layer 18 is the EL lamp layer 19, this layer provides the light source to illuminate the keypad module.
  • Layer 20 is the adhesive for bonding the plunger layer to the dome layer, provided by industry available substance supplied by 3M.
  • Metal dome layer 21 is an industry available part supplied by Fujikura Dome or other dome suppliers, and serves to provide a tactile feeling when a user applies and releases force to the keypad assembly 10, while also acting as a circuitry switch with printed circuit board layer 24.
  • the flexible printed circuit board is a customized part with the purpose of transmitting electrical signals to the main board of the telephone, providing electrical power to the EL printed plunger layer 19, and providing for electrostatic grounding.
  • Layer 22 is provided by industry available substance supplied by Adhesive Research, and bridges the power supply from the flexible printed circuit board 24 to the lighting layer 19. This layer is electrically conductive and has adhesion force and it has the purpose of bonding the copper pad layer 23 with the EL lamp layer 19.
  • adhesive layer 25 is provided by industry available substance supplied by 3M, and bonds the entire assembly 10 to a mobile telephone housing.
  • Figures 3a, 3b 3c and 3d are photographs of an actual keypad assembly comprising the combination of layers illustrated in Figure 2, Fig 3c in particular illustrates the thin profile of the assembly, having a total stack thickness of less than 1.5 mm.
  • the single module keypad of the present invention enables a keypad to be constructed having integrated mechanical and electronic layers and a thickness of as little as 1.2 mm.
  • the present invention provides an electroluminescent lamp keypad assembly comprising a single module, which integrates different layers of mechanical and electronic components together as a total keypad solution that substantially differs from the conventional keypad.
  • the assembly can maintain a slim profile of reduced thickness, as well as assisting in ease of manufacture, reducing the amount of humane resources involved. Further, the assembly may be formed into different geometries that can suit the various hand phone designs.
  • Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a three layer electroluminescent lamp keypad, and the principles of construction of this keypad may be applied to produce an embodiment of the present invention having a three layer electroluminescent lamp upon the plunger layer. Three layer electroluminescent lamps are preferred for optimum yield and reliability.
  • This embodiment of invention in which an UV cured layer of plunger layer
  • UV cured layer 501 acts as a protective layer to provide protection from moisture and electrical isolation for safety reasons.
  • the layer beneath in-mold plunger acts as transparent base substrate,
  • the polyester film layer 502, printed with indium tin oxide (ITO) or coating with a conducting polymer layer 503, can be used as the front electrode.
  • ITO indium tin oxide
  • a screen printed conducting translucent ink can be used on a clear base substrate.
  • the build sequence printed on beneath is simply phosphor layer 504, and then three layer electroluminescent lamps, or alternatively two layer electroluminescent lamps.
  • PET heat stabilized, print treated polyester
  • ITO indium tin oxide
  • a bus bar is printed to ensure maximum current to the coating.
  • a light-emitting phosphor layer 504 is printed down on polyester (PET) firm layer 502. This should be printed directly onto the printed indium tin oxide (ITO) layer 503 side of the polyester. To obtain uniform illumination, it is essential that sufficient phosphor ink be deposited at this step. The amount of phosphor ink required is around
  • a printed thickness in the range 30-40 gm (dry) should be achieved, which represents coverage of approximately 100 mg 2 / g of wet phosphor ink.
  • Phosphors can be divided into two types of choices, encapsulated phosphor and unencapsulated phosphor.
  • Encapsulated phosphors have each microscopic phosphor particle surrounded by a glass-like protector. This acts as moisture barrier to the phosphor, providing reasonable protection from moisture. Hence, encapsulation offers additional protection during manufacturing and lamination.
  • layer 504 is printed, it is followed by a dielectric insulating layer 505 of barium titanate.
  • a dielectric insulating layer 505 of barium titanate Printing through a 62T (wires/ cm) polyester screen is suggested as a starting point. This should give a film thickness of approximately 10 Tm (dry). Three separate dried layers are preferred as illustrated in Figs 5a and 5b, to prevent shorting and total thickness of around 25 gm should be maintained. This represents a total laydown of 20 mg / cm 2 . If voids are observed due to large underlying phosphor, double-wet passes or extra layers may be necessary.
  • the conductive layer 506, comprising an electrically active ink layer can be an electrophoretic material, and comprises, for example, bi-chromal particles having opposite electrical charges, suspended in a medium or encapsulated in a microsphere containing a medium that allows the particles to migrate.
  • the particles having electrically charged surfaces, migrate when a voltage differential is applied to them.
  • Selectively applying a voltage differential at various points on the layer causes the particles at those points to migrate toward opposite electrodes, and being bi-chromal, show a different color at that point.
  • the voltage differential is experienced between the conductive layer 506, rear conductive layer 508 and transparent conductor layer 503.
  • the transparent conductor layer can be a layer of, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO).
  • a dielectric layer 507 in Fig 5a is printed down onto conductive layer 506.
  • Layer 508 is a rear conductive layer of silver or conductive carbon ink, which serves as the second electrode, and is then printed onto dielectric layer.
  • the lamp is completed with a final layer of rear insulator layer 509. The remainder of the keypad module stack illustrated in Figure 2 may then be constructed.
  • Figure 5b shows a configuration of a two layer electroluminescent lamp in-mold keypad, and the principles of construction of this keypad may be applied to produce an embodiment of the present invention having a two layer electroluminescent lamp upon the plunger layer.
  • Two layer electroluminescent lamps give a brighter lamp but may reduce the yield and reliability, it is also proven that it produces more electromagnetic noise than the three layer lamps.
  • First layer 501 is initially UV cured of in-mold plunger with the desired plunger height and location on the polyester (PET) film
  • Indium tin oxide (ITO) layer 503 is printed down onto the polyester (PET) film layer 502, and phosphor layer 504 is printed down onto indium tin oxide (ITO) layer 503, whereupon, dielectric layer 505 is printed down onto layer 504.
  • Rear conductive layer 508 is printed down onto layer 505, and finally a rear insulator layer 509 is printed down on rear conductive layer.
  • the present embodiment of the invention enables elimination of usage of PET film (with minimum thickness 0.025mm) and EL adhesive (with minimum thickness 0.05 mm).
  • the present invention not only provides for a single module keypad assembly but further permits thinner EL keypad modules to be constructed.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Electroluminescent Light Sources (AREA)

Abstract

Clavier (10) pour un téléphone mobile ou analogue. Le clavier (10) comprend une couche supérieure de touches avec une conception artistique désirée ; des pistons (501) sur un côté supérieur d'un substrat transparent (502), et une lampe électroluminescente (à 2 couches ou 3 couches) formés directement sur le substrat transparent (502). La lampe EL est fournie en formant une couche d'électrode frontale transparente (503) sur un côté inférieur du substrat transparent (502) à l'opposé du côté supérieur, et en formant une couche électroluminescente (504) sur l'électrode frontale transparente (503). A son tour, une couche diélectrique (505) est formée sur la couche électroluminescente (504), et un conducteur arrière (506) est formé sur la couche diélectrique (505). Le besoin d'un module de lampe EL séparé est ainsi évité, améliorant les options de conception pour les configurations non planaires du clavier (10).
PCT/SG2007/000030 2007-01-31 2007-01-31 Ielp (piston el intelligent) WO2008085130A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/SG2007/000030 WO2008085130A1 (fr) 2007-01-31 2007-01-31 Ielp (piston el intelligent)
TW096104994A TW200832474A (en) 2007-01-31 2007-02-12 "IELP" (intelligent EL plunger)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/SG2007/000030 WO2008085130A1 (fr) 2007-01-31 2007-01-31 Ielp (piston el intelligent)

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008085130A1 true WO2008085130A1 (fr) 2008-07-17

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PCT/SG2007/000030 WO2008085130A1 (fr) 2007-01-31 2007-01-31 Ielp (piston el intelligent)

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Cited By (2)

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DE102008053351B3 (de) * 2008-10-27 2010-08-05 Gigaset Communications Gmbh Bedienfeld für ein Tastaturmodul, Tastaturmodul und Verfahren zu deren Herstellung
US8525058B2 (en) 2010-03-05 2013-09-03 Apple Inc. Snorkel for venting a dome switch

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JPH11167838A (ja) * 1997-12-02 1999-06-22 Porimatec Kk 照光式キースイッチ
EP1513164A2 (fr) * 2003-09-08 2005-03-09 Polymatech Co., Ltd. Composants électronique électroluminescent
WO2006126769A1 (fr) * 2005-05-24 2006-11-30 Hanwool Information Tech. Co., Ltd. Clavier luminescent ultramince

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JPH11167838A (ja) * 1997-12-02 1999-06-22 Porimatec Kk 照光式キースイッチ
EP1513164A2 (fr) * 2003-09-08 2005-03-09 Polymatech Co., Ltd. Composants électronique électroluminescent
WO2006126769A1 (fr) * 2005-05-24 2006-11-30 Hanwool Information Tech. Co., Ltd. Clavier luminescent ultramince

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008053351B3 (de) * 2008-10-27 2010-08-05 Gigaset Communications Gmbh Bedienfeld für ein Tastaturmodul, Tastaturmodul und Verfahren zu deren Herstellung
US8525058B2 (en) 2010-03-05 2013-09-03 Apple Inc. Snorkel for venting a dome switch

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