Abstract:
A keypad assembly is provided. The keypad assembly includes a case frame, unit key blocks, and a main board. The case frame defines an outer surface. The unit key blocks are inserted into the case frame, arranged to be exposed from the case frame, and disposed at positions that are freely changeable. The main board is located under the unit key blocks, performs an event corresponding to a signal generated for the respective key blocks when the unit key blocks are pressed.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Apr. 7, 2010 and assigned Ser. No. 10-2010-0031701, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a keypad assembly of a mobile terminal More particularly, the present invention relates to a keypad assembly where a key arrangement can be freely rearranged. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Currently, a mobile terminal has become a necessity of modern society and functions to transfer information that changes fast. The mobile terminal provides additional functions, is lightweight and has a slim profile. 
         [0006]    Although the mobile terminal is lightweight and has a slim profile, the mobile terminal may not meet a user&#39;s various desires. More particularly, a mobile terminal with a key arrangement that is not suitable for personal use is inconvenient. For example, a conventional mobile terminal with a key arrangement that is advantageous for a right-handed user may be an inconvenience to a left-handed user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Aspects of the present invention are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a keypad assembly configured to meet a user&#39;s various diversified desires using one mobile terminal. 
         [0008]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a keypad assembly in which keys can be freely rearranged. 
         [0009]    Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a keypad assembly for generating the same key event even when keys are rearranged. 
         [0010]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a keypad assembly is provided. The keypad assemble includes a case frame for defining an outer surface, unit key blocks inserted into the case frame, arranged to be exposed from the case frame, and disposed at positions that are freely changeable, and a main board, located under the unit key blocks, for generating signals discriminated for respective key blocks when the unit key blocks are pressed, and for performing an event corresponding to a generated signal. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a keypad assembly is provided. The keypad assembly includes a case frame for defining an outer surface, unit key blocks inserted into the case frame, arranged to be exposed from the case frame, and disposed at positions that are freely changeable, each unit key block for causing different electrical contact points when pressed, and a main board for making a relevant open circuit a closed circuit using the electrical contact points caused by a corresponding unit key blocks to perform a corresponding event. 
         [0012]    In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, a keypad assembly is provided. The keypad assembly includes a case frame for defining an outer surface, unit key blocks inserted into the case frame, arranged to be exposed from the case frame, and disposed at positions that are freely changeable, each unit key block for outputting a different signal when pressed, and a main board for performing corresponding events according to signals output from the unit key blocks. 
         [0013]    Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a view illustrating key arrangement in a mobile terminal to which a keypad assembly is applied according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a separated keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a unit key block of a keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a coupled keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a separated keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a unit key block of a keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a separated keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a unit key block of a keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numerals are used to depict the same or similar elements, and structures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness. 
         [0025]    The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0026]    It is to be understood that the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces. 
         [0027]    By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. 
         [0028]      FIGS. 1 through 8 , discussed below, and the various exemplary embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way that would limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged communications system. The terms used to describe various embodiments are exemplary. It should be understood that these are provided to merely aid the understanding of the description, and that their use and definitions in no way limit the scope of the invention. Terms first, second, and the like are used to differentiate between objects having the same terminology and are in no way intended to represent a chronological order, unless where explicitly stated otherwise. A set is defined as a non-empty set including at least one element. 
         [0029]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a technology relating to a keypad assembly, more particularly, to a keypad assembly in which keys may be freely rearranged. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a view illustrating key arrangement in a mobile terminal to which a keypad assembly is applied according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a display unit  2  is installed on a relevant position of a body of the terminal  1 . The display unit  2  serves as a data output unit. The display unit  2  outputs data corresponding to manipulation of a keypad assembly  10  which will be described later, and displays various state information of the terminal  1 . However, the display unit  2  is not limited thereto but when it is applied as a touch screen, it can also be used as a data input unit. 
         [0032]    A speaker unit  3  for outputting a counterpart user&#39;s voice is installed on the upper portion of the display unit  2 . A camera assembly  4  for capturing an object may be additionally installed on one side of the speaker unit  3 . Furthermore, a microphone  5  for inputting voice is installed on the lower portion of the keypad assembly  10 . 
         [0033]    The keypad assembly  10  includes a plurality of numerical key blocks, control key blocks, and the like. The plurality of key blocks is inserted inside a case frame defining an outer surface of the mobile terminal  1 . More particularly, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the key blocks may be selectively rearranged. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a separated keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the keypad assembly  200  includes a plurality of unit key blocks  210 , a case frame  220  defining the outer surface and inserting the unit key blocks  210  therein, and a main board  230  for detecting a pressed relevant unit key block to perform a relevant operation. 
         [0036]    The unit key blocks  210  are indexed and discriminated. In addition, the unit key blocks  210  are detachable from the case frame  220  and the main board  230 . Furthermore, the unit key blocks  210  may be detached from the case frame  220  and the main board  230  and rearranged in a place of a different unit key block. 
         [0037]    The case frame  220  includes a plurality of through holes  221  for inserting the unit key blocks  210  therein. 
         [0038]    The main board  230  includes a switch unit  232  for fixing the unit key blocks  210 , and the switch unit  232  may generate a signal when a relevant unit key block is pressed. 
         [0039]    More particularly, the keypad assembly  200  generates the same event as the event before rearrangement even when the relevant unit key block is rearranged and pressed. For example, a unit key block that has been used for an event for moving a cursor to the left direction is used for the same event even when it is rearranged and changes its position. The construction thereof is described below in more detail. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a unit key block of a keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the unit key blocks  210  are discriminated by a protrusion  212  arranged differently. The switch unit  232  may fix the unit key blocks  210  by receiving the protrusion  212 . The switch unit  232  may include a switch means for generating a signal when pressed. The switch means may be one of a dome switch, a pressure sensor, and the like. The switch means is arranged to correspond to protrusions of all unit key blocks. For example, as illustrated, the switch means are arranged in four regions to correspond to four protrusions. When the protrusion  212  of the unit key block  210  presses the switch means of the switch unit  232 , a signal is generated. Therefore, the switch unit  232  may generate signals from at least one means. The main board  230  may detect signals generated from the switch unit  232  to determine a unit key block having a relevant index (or protrusion), and may generate an event matching with the determined key block. In addition, the switch unit  232  may further include a return unit for automatically returning to an original position when the protrusion  212  of the unit key block  210  is pressed and released. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating a coupled keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the key blocks  210  may include a chin  213  for facilitating detachment from the case frame  220 . For example, a user may insert a nail to the chin  213  to grip the unit key block. 
         [0044]    The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are the same in that the keypad assembly generates the same event as the event before rearrangement, even when a relevant key block is rearranged and pressed. Therefore, description thereof is omitted. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a separated keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the keypad assembly  300  includes a plurality of unit key blocks  310 , a case frame  320  defining an outer surface and inserting the unit key blocks  310  therein, and a main board  330  for performing a relevant operation when relevant unit key blocks  310  are pressed. 
         [0047]    The unit key blocks  310  are indexed and discriminated. In addition, the unit key blocks  310  are detachable from the case frame  320  and the main board  330 . Furthermore, the unit key blocks  310  may be detached from the case frame  320  and the main board  330  and rearranged in a place of a different unit key block. 
         [0048]    The unit key blocks  310  include a switch means for electrically connecting two insulated circuits when pressed. The unit key blocks  310  include a plurality of pins ( 314  illustrated in  FIG. 6 ) in common on a lower portion. The pins  314  have an insulated circuit. Here, a switch means of any one unit key block is configured to connect a pair of different pins with a switch means of a different unit key block. Therefore, each unit key block  310  is discriminated by electrically connecting a pair of pins differently. 
         [0049]    The case frame  320  includes a plurality of through holes  321  for inserting the unit key blocks  310  therein. 
         [0050]    The main board  330  includes unit connectors  332  for binding the unit key blocks  310 . The unit connector  332  has pin holes  334  for binding the pins ( 314  illustrated in  FIG. 6 ) of the unit key block  310  in a socket. The pin holes  334  of any one pair is an open circuit until an electrical contact occurs at a switch means of the unit key block  310 . That is, the pin holes  334  of any one pair make a designated closed circuit by allowing a current to flow through the switch means of the unit key block  310 . The main board  330  has different open circuits (or closed circuits) discriminated for each unit block  310 . Therefore, when a specific open circuit changes to a closed circuit, the main board  330  detects the changed closed circuit and controls to perform a preset event according to the relevant unit key block  310 . That is, even when any one unit key block  310  is rearranged, the unit key block always maintains the designated open circuit (or closed circuit), thereby performing the same event. 
         [0051]    In addition, the keypad assembly  300  may include a fixing means for coupling the connector  332  with the key block  310 . The fixing means is easily detachable and may be one of screw coupling, snap fit coupling, and the like. As illustrated, the key block  310  and the connector  332  may couple through snap fit coupling. Accordingly, the key block  310  has a snap protrusion ( 315  illustrated in  FIG. 6 ), and the connector  332  has a recess  335  corresponding to the snap protrusion  315 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a unit key block of a keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the unit key block  310  includes a plurality of pins  314  protruding to correspond to the pin holes  334  of the connector  332  (illustrated in  FIG. 5 ). In addition, the unit key block  310  includes a housing  316  for receiving the switch means  317  and other elements, and a cover  311  for covering the housing  316 . 
         [0054]    As described above, each pin  314  has an insulated circuit. The switch means  317  of each unit key blocks  310  is configured to connect a different pair of circuits. Here, the switch means of the unit key block  310  electrically connects only one designated pair of pins. Therefore, the rest of pins and circuits connected thereto may be removed. However, they may be used as another fixing means formed by the pins  314  fitted in the pin holes  334  together with the above-described fixing means. 
         [0055]    The switch means  317  may be one of a dome switch, a membrane switch, and the like that causes an electrical contact by being pressed. Therefore, the cover  311  of the unit key block  310  that is directly pressed may be formed of a flexible film. 
         [0056]    In addition, the unit key block  310  may include a chin  312  for facilitating detachment from the connector  332 . For example, a user may insert a nail to the chin  312  to grip the unit key block. 
         [0057]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a separated keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the keypad assembly  400  includes a plurality of unit key blocks  410  for generating a signal when pressed, a case frame  420  defining outer surface and inserting the unit key blocks  410  therein, and a main board  430  for receiving a signal from the unit key blocks  410  to perform a relevant operation. 
         [0059]    The unit key blocks  410  are indexed and discriminated. In addition, the unit key blocks  410  are detachable from the case frame  420  and the main board  430 . Furthermore, the unit key blocks  410  may be detached from the case frame  420  and the main board  430  and rearranged in a place of a different unit key block. 
         [0060]    The unit key blocks  410  include a switch means ( 417  illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) for electrically connecting two insulated circuits when pressed, and an input signal unit ( 418  illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) for generating a relevant input signal when the two circuits are connected. When the two circuits are connected by the switch means  417 , the input signal unit  418  may be driven by power of itself or the main board  430 . For example, the input signal unit  418  may have a battery for driving. Alternatively, the input signal unit  418  may charge driving power of itself using a solar heat collector plate. Accordingly, the cover  411  of the unit key block may be utilized as the solar heat collector plate. 
         [0061]    In addition, the unit key block  410  has pins ( 414  illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) for transferring a signal generated from the input signal unit  418  to the main board  430 . That is, each input signal unit of the unit key block  410  outputs a different signal. 
         [0062]    The case frame  420  includes a plurality of through holes  421  for inserting the unit key blocks  410  therein. 
         [0063]    The main board  430  includes connectors  432  for binding the unit key blocks  410  and receiving a signal generated from the unit key blocks  410 . The connector  432  has pin holes  434  corresponding to a pin ( 414  illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) of the unit key block  410 . The pin holes  434  of each connector  433  are connected to a preset circuit of the main board  430 . The main board  430  receives a signal generated from a relevant unit key block  410  through the pin holes  434  of a relevant connector  432 . Thereafter, the main board  430  generates a relevant event according to a received signal. That is, each unit key block  410  outputs a different signal, and even when a relevant unit key block is rearranged, the relevant unit key block always provides the same signal to the main board, so that the same event may be generated. 
         [0064]    Furthermore, the keypad assembly  400  may include a fixing means for connecting the connector  432  with the unit key block  410 . The fixing means is easily detachable and may be one of a screw coupling, a snap fit coupling, and the like. As illustrated, the unit key block  410  and the connector  432  may couple through a snap fit coupling. The unit key block  410  has a snap protrusion ( 415  illustrated in  FIG. 8 ), and the connector  432  has a recess  435  corresponding to the snap protrusion  415 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view and a partial cross-sectional view of a unit key block of a keypad assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the key block  410  includes pins  414  protruding downward. In addition, the key block  410  includes a switch means  417 , the input signal unit  418 , a housing  416  for receiving other elements, and a cover  411  for covering the housing  416 . 
         [0067]    The switch means  417  may be one of a dome switch, a membrane switch, and the like that causes an electrical contact by being pressed. Accordingly, the cover  411  of the unit key block  410  that is directly pressed may be formed of a flexible film. 
         [0068]    In addition, the unit key block  410  may include a chin  412  for facilitating detachment from the connector  432 . For example, a user may insert a nail to the chin  412  to grip the unit key block. 
         [0069]    In describing  FIGS. 2 to 8 , the unit key block is configured to be fixed to a relevant main board and to operate. However, it is not limited thereto and the unit key block according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be fixed to a case frame forming an appearance. More particularly, the unit key block has the return unit for returning after being pressed. Therefore, the return unit may cooperate with the unit key block in the case frame. 
         [0070]    Consequently, the keypad assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention allows a key of the keypad to be rearranged and a proper key arrangement suitable for a user&#39;s tendency may be applied, so that use convenience of a mobile terminal increases. 
         [0071]    While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.