Abstract:
An extendible keypad module and a mobile terminal having the same are provided. The keypad module includes a plurality of key supports for mounting keys; a guide unit for housing the plurality of key supports; a driver for moving to the inside and the outside of the guide unit at one side of the guide unit; and a link for connecting the driver and the plurality of key supports, wherein gaps between the plurality of key supports are changed by movement of the driver. Thereby, when using a mobile terminal, gaps between keys can be widened and thus the keys can be more conveniently input. Further, by adjusting locations of coupling protrusions formed in a link, gaps between the keys can be adjusted.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to an application entitled “EXTENDIBLE KEYPAD MODULE AND MOBILE TERMINAL HAVING THE SAME” filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jun. 12, 2008 and assigned Serial No. 10-2008-0054947, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a keypad module and a mobile terminal having the same, and more particularly, to a keypad module and a mobile terminal having the same that can change gaps between keys mounted in the keypad module. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    In general, a mobile terminal is an electronic device with which a user can freely communicate almost regardless of time and location. The mobile terminal has developed to perform functions such as Internet connection and digital broadcasting reception as well as a communication function. Further, functions such as document writing and a game player have typically been added to the mobile terminal. When the user uses such other functions of the mobile terminal, the number of key inputs increases. 
         [0006]    The mobile terminal has a small size for convenience of carrying. As the size of the mobile terminal is decreased, the size of keys provided in the mobile terminal decreases accordingly, and gaps between the keys also decrease. Accordingly, the user experiences inconvenience when trying to input keys provided in the mobile terminal. However, if such inconvenience is solved by increasing the size of the keys or by widening gaps between the keys, the size of the mobile terminal inevitably increases. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Therefore, a mobile terminal in which gaps between the keys become narrow when the mobile terminal is not used and become wide when the mobile terminal is used is needed. Further, if gaps between the keys are irregular, the user experiences an inconvenience in inputting keys and thus there is a need to move the keys while uniformly sustaining gaps between the keys. 
         [0008]    The present invention has been made in view of at least the above problems, and provides a keypad module and a mobile terminal having the same that can extend gaps between keys. 
         [0009]    The present invention further provides a keypad module and a mobile terminal having the same that can uniformly sustain gaps between keys provided in the keypad module when widening gaps between the keys. 
         [0010]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a keypad module includes a plurality of key supports for mounting keys; a guide unit for housing the plurality of key supports; a driver for moving to the inside and the outside of the guide unit at one side of the guide unit; and a link for connecting the driver and the plurality of key supports, wherein gaps between the plurality of key supports are changed by movement of the driver. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a keypad module includes a plurality of key supports for mounting keys; a guide unit for housing the plurality of key supports; a first driver for moving to the inside and the outside of the guide unit at a first side of the guide unit; a second driver for moving to the inside and the outside of the guide unit at a second side of the guide unit opposite to the first side; a first link for connecting the first driver and at least one of the plurality of key supports; and a second link for connecting the second driver and the key supports not connected with the first link, wherein gaps between the plurality of key supports are changed by movement of the first driver and the second driver. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a keypad module includes a plurality of key supports for housing keys, each key support having a coupling hole; a guide unit for housing the plurality of key supports; a guide panel fixed to the guide unit and having moving holes at opposite ends; a first link having one end connected to the moving hole formed at one end of the guide panel and connected to a coupling hole of at least one of the plurality of key supports through a coupling protrusion formed on the first link; and a second link having one end connected to the moving hole formed at the end of the guide panel opposite to the end connected to the first link, and the other end connected to the first link, and connected to a coupling hole of the key supports not connected with the first link through a coupling protrusion formed on the second link, wherein the plurality of key supports move on the guide panel. 
         [0013]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal includes a keypad module including a plurality of key supports for mounting keys, a guide unit for housing the plurality of key supports, a driver for moving to the inside and the outside of the guide unit at one side of the guide  1 o unit, and a link for connecting the driver and the plurality of key supports; a fixed case for mounting the guide unit; and a moving case movably coupled to the fixed case for enclosing the outside of the driver, wherein gaps between the plurality of key supports are changed by movement of the moving case. 
         [0014]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a mobile terminal includes a keypad module including a plurality of key supports for mounting keys, a guide unit for housing the plurality of key supports, a first driver for moving to the inside and the outside of the guide unit at a first side of the guide unit, a second driver for moving to the inside and the outside of the guide unit at a second side of the guide unit opposite to the first side, a first link for connecting the first driver and at least one of the plurality of key supports, and a second link for connecting the second driver and the key supports not connected with the first link; a fixed case for mounting the guide unit; and a first moving case and a second moving case movably coupled to the fixed case for enclosing the outside of the first driver and the second driver, respectively, wherein gaps between the plurality of key supports are changed by movement of the first moving case and the second moving case. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  are perspective views illustrating a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating keys, a flexible PCB, and a key support of the mobile terminal of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  are perspective views illustrating links for coupling to the key support of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  are plan views illustrating a keypad module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  are plan views illustrating a keypad module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  are plan views illustrating a keypad module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a guide panel of a keypad module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  are plan views illustrating a keypad module having the guide panel of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The views in the drawings are schematic views only, and are not intended to be to scale or correctly proportioned. Detailed descriptions of well-known functions and structures incorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention. 
         [0025]    Diagrams (a) and (b) of  FIG. 1  are perspective views illustrating a mobile terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a mobile terminal  100  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a folder type mobile terminal, however a mobile terminal according to the present invention is not limited to a folder type. The mobile terminal  100  includes a folder unit  200  and a main body  300 . The folder unit  200  includes a display unit  210 . The main body  300  includes a fixed case  310 , a moving case  320 , and keys  410 . The keys  410  are mounted in the fixed case  310 . The moving case  320  is movably coupled to the fixed case  310 . In the present embodiment, two moving cases  320  are coupled to opposite side surfaces of the fixed case  310 , however one moving case or three moving cases may be coupled to the fixed case  310 . 
         [0027]    When using the mobile terminal  100 , by opening the folder unit  200 , the display unit  210  is exposed to the outside. The fixed case  310  and the moving case  320  are coupled to each other, as shown in diagram (a) of  FIG. 1 . A user can manipulate the mobile terminal  100  by inputting the keys  410 . However, in this state, because gaps between the keys  410  are narrow, the user experiences inconvenience in inputting the keys  410 . 
         [0028]    In order for the user to conveniently input the keys  410 , the user moves the moving case  320  in a direction away from the fixed case  310 , as shown in diagram (b) of  FIG. 1 . By moving the moving case  320  in this way, the gaps between the keys  410  are widened. Therefore, the user can conveniently input the keys  410 . 
         [0029]    In the present embodiment, the mobile terminal  100  may include Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)  480  positioned at a lower part of the keys  410 . As the moving case  320  moves, the gaps between the keys  410  are widened, and the LEDs  480  can illuminate to the outside through the gaps. Therefore, the keys  410  can be easily input at a dark location, and the mobile terminal  100  has an improved design. 
         [0030]    When use of the mobile terminal  100  is terminated, the user moves the moving case  320  in a direction towards the fixed case  310  to couple thereto. By moving the moving case  320  in this way, gaps between the keys  410  are narrowed. Thereafter, by closing the folder unit  200 , the size of the mobile terminal  100  is reduced. 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the keys  410 , a flexible PCB, and a key support of the mobile terminal  100  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the keys  410  and a flexible PCB  430  are mounted in a key support  420 . The keys  410  may be integrally formed in a predetermined quantity. In the present embodiment, four keys are formed in one integral piece, however a different quantity of keys may be formed in one integral piece. Numerals or characters are printed on an upper surface of the keys  410 . The flexible PCB  430  is mounted between the keys  410  and the key support  420 . In the present embodiment, the flexible PCB  430  is individually formed to correspond to each key support  420 , however one flexible PCB  430  may be used for an entire keypad module formed of a plurality of key supports  420 . 
         [0033]    A coupling hole  421  is formed in the key support  420 . The size of the coupling hole  421  is set according to a location of the key support  420 . Protrusions  422  for preventing the keys  410  and the flexible PCB  430  from being separated are formed at both ends of the key support  420 . 
         [0034]    Diagrams (a) and (b) of  FIG. 3  are perspective views illustrating links for coupling to the key support  420  of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0035]    Referring to diagrams (a) and (b) of  FIG. 3 , a first link  440  and a second link  450  have first coupling protrusions  441  and second coupling protrusions  451 , respectively. The quantity of the first and second coupling protrusions  441  and  451  is set according to the quantity of the key supports  420  to be connected to the first link  440  and second link  450 . When the first link  440  and the second link  450  move, the first and second coupling protrusions  441  and  451  move within the coupling hole  421  formed in the corresponding key support  420 . As the first and second coupling protrusions  441  and  451  move, the key supports  420  move. 
         [0036]    Referring to diagram (c) of  FIG. 3 , an end protrusion  442  is formed in the end portion of the first link  440 , and an end hole  452  is formed in the end portion of the second link  450 . The first link  440  and the second link  450  are connected to each other by inserting the end protrusion  442  of the first link  440  into the end hole  452  of the second link  450 . 
         [0037]    Diagrams (a) and (b) of  FIG. 4  are plan views illustrating a keypad module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0038]    Referring to diagram (a) of  FIG. 4 , a keypad module  400 , according to another embodiment of the present invention, includes the key support  420 , a guide unit  460 , a first driver  470   a , a second driver  470   b , the first link  440 , and the second link  450 . A plurality of the keys  410  (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) are mounted in the key support  420  (e.g. a-d). The guide unit  460  houses a plurality of the key supports  420 . The guide unit  460  includes a guide rail  461 . The key supports  420  are housed in the guide unit  460  through the guide rail  461 . The guide rail  461  extends to the outside of the guide unit  460  and retracts to the inside thereof according to movement of the plurality of key supports  420 . 
         [0039]    The first driver  470   a  moves to the inside and the outside of the guide unit  460  at one side of the guide unit  460 , that is the first driver  470   a  slides into and out of the guide unit  460 . The second driver  470   b  moves to the inside and the outside of the guide unit  460  at the opposite side of the guide unit to that at which the first driver  470   a  moves. The first driver  470   a  and the second driver  470   b  are coupled to the moving case  320  of the mobile terminal  100 . Therefore, as the moving case  320  moves, the first driver  470   a  and the second driver  470   b  move. 
         [0040]    In the present embodiment, an even number of the key supports  420  are housed in the guide unit  460 . A link groove  423  is formed between two key supports  420   a  and  420   b  positioned at the center of the guide unit  460 . The first link  440  and the second link  450  are connected within the link groove  423 . The coupling hole  421  is formed in each key support  420 . The further the coupling hole  421  is positioned from the first driver  470   a  and the second driver  470   b , the greater is the length of the coupling hole  421 . That is, the length of the coupling holes  421  formed in the key supports positioned closer to the center of the guide unit  460  (for example,  420   a  and  420   b ) is greater than that of the coupling holes  421  formed in the key supports positioned closer to an edge of the guide unit  460  (for example,  420   c  and  420   d ). 
         [0041]    The key support  420   c  contacting with the first driver  470   a  is fixed to the first driver  470   a  by the corresponding first coupling protrusion  441  formed in the first link  440 . The key support  420   d  contacting with the second driver  470   b  is fixed to the second driver  470   b  by the corresponding second coupling protrusion  451  formed in the second link  450 . In the present embodiment, by forming the coupling holes  421  formed in the key support  420   c  contacting with the first driver  470   a  and in the key support  420   d  contacting with the second driver  470   b  to have the same size as the coupling protrusion  441  and  451  formed in the first link  440  and in the second link  450 , the key support  420   c  and the key support  420   d  are fixed to the first link  440  and the second link  450 , respectively. The key support  420   c  and the key support  420   d  may be connected to the first link  440  and the second link  450 , respectively, using other methods. 
         [0042]    The first and second coupling protrusions  441  and  451  formed in the first link  440  and the second link  450 , respectively, can move within the coupling holes  421  formed in the key supports  420 . By moving the first link  440  and the second link  450 , the first and second coupling protrusions  441  and  451  move within the coupling holes  421 , and the key supports  420  are moved by the movement of the first and second coupling protrusions  441  and  451 . 
         [0043]    In order to widen gaps between the keys  410 , the user moves the first driver  470   a  and the second driver  470   b  in a direction away from the guide unit  460  (in the present embodiment, an arrow direction shown in diagram (b) of  FIG. 4 . The coupling holes  421  of the key supports  420  are formed in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the first driver  470   a  and the second driver  470   b  (in the present embodiment, a length direction of the key support  420 ), however the present invention is not limited to the direction in which the coupling holes are formed. Therefore, as the first driver  470   a  and the second driver  470   b  move, the first link  440  and the second link  450  move in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the first driver  470   a  and the second driver  470   b . As the first link  440  and the second link  450  move, gaps between the key supports  420  are widened. The gaps between the key supports  420  are widened by extension of the guide rail  461 . 
         [0044]    The gaps between the key supports  420  are determined by the gaps between the first coupling protrusions  441  and the gaps between the second coupling protrusions  451 . Therefore, by uniformly forming the gaps between the first coupling protrusions  441  and the gaps between the second coupling protrusions  451 , the gaps between all of the key supports  420  become uniform. 
         [0045]    After the user terminates use of the key pad, by moving the first driver  470   a  and the second driver  470   b  in a direction towards the guide unit  460 , the gaps between the key supports  420  are narrowed. 
         [0046]    Diagrams (a) and (b) of  FIG. 5  are plan views illustrating a keypad module according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0047]    Referring to diagram (a) of  FIG. 5 , according to this embodiment of the present invention, an odd number of key supports  520  are housed in a guide unit  560  of a keypad module  500 . A first link  540  and second link  550  are connected within a coupling hole  521   a  formed in a key support  520   a  positioned at the center of the guide unit  560 . The key support  520   a  positioned at the center is fixed to the guide unit  560 . 
         [0048]    In order to widen gaps between the keys  410 , the user moves a first driver  570   a  and a second driver  570   b  in a direction away from the guide unit  560 , as shown in diagram (b) of  FIG. 5 , similarly to the operation of the keypad module  400  shown in diagram (b) of  FIG. 4 . However, as shown in diagram (b) of  FIG. 5 , the key support  520   a  positioned at the center does not move. Other operations of the keypad module  500  are similar to operations of the keypad module  400  shown in  FIG. 4  and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted. 
         [0049]    Diagrams (a) and (b) of  FIG. 6  are plan views illustrating a keypad module according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0050]    Referring to diagrams (a) and (b) of  FIG. 6 , according to this embodiment  5  of the present invention, a keypad module  600  includes a driver  670  positioned at a side surface thereof. A key support  620   a  positioned at a side surface of the keypad module  600  opposite to the side surface at which the driver  670  is positioned is fixed to a guide unit  660 . A link  640  has one end rotatably connected to the key support  620   a  and the other end slidably connected to the driver  670 . Coupling protrusions  641  are formed in the link  640 , and a plurality of key supports  620  are coupled to the link  640  through the coupling protrusions  641 . 
         [0051]    As the driver  670  moves, the link  640  moves. As the link  640  moves, the coupling protrusions  641  move within the coupling holes  621  formed in the key supports  620 , and the key supports  620  are moved accordingly. 
         [0052]    In order to widen gaps between the keys  410 , the user moves the driver  670  in a direction away from the guide unit  660 , as shown in diagram (b) of  FIG. 6 , whereby the link  640  moves in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the driver  670 . As the link  640  moves, gaps between the key supports  620  are widened. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a guide panel of a keypad module according to another e embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a guide panel  770  has a quadrangular shape, however a shape of the guide panel  770  is not limited thereto. A retention unit  771  is formed at each end of the guide panel  770 . The retention unit  771  prevents a key support from being becoming detached. A moving hole  772  is formed adjacent to each end of the guide panel  770  at one side thereof. A link groove  773  is formed at the center of the guide panel  770 . 
         [0055]    Diagrams (a) and (b) of  FIG. 8  are plan views illustrating a keypad module having the guide panel  770  of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0056]    Referring to diagram (a) of  FIG. 8 , a keypad module  700  includes a key support  720 , guide unit  760 , guide panel  770 , first link  740 , and second link  750 . A plurality of the key supports  720  are housed in the guide unit  760 . The guide panel  770  is fixed to the guide unit  760 . The plurality of key supports  720  move on the guide panel  770 . 
         [0057]    The first link  740  has one end connected to a moving hole  772   a  formed adjacent to one end of the guide panel  770  at one side thereof. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first link  740  is connected to the moving hole  772   a  by forming a moving protrusion in the first link  740  and inserting the moving protrusion into the moving hole  772   a , however the present invention is not limited thereto. The second link  750  has one end connected to a moving hole  772   b  formed adjacent to the opposite end of the guide panel  770  at the same side thereof as the moving hole  772   a . In the present exemplary embodiment, the second link  750  is connected to the moving hole  772   b  by forming a moving protrusion in the second link  750  and inserting the moving protrusion into the moving hole  772   b , however the present invention is not limited thereto. The moving protrusions of the first link  740  and the second link  750  move along the moving holes  772   a  and  772   b . The first link  740  and the second link  750  are connected to each other at one end to move within the link groove  773  of the guide panel  770 . Coupling protrusions are formed in the first link  740  and the second link  750 . Coupling holes  721  of the plurality of key supports  720  are connected to the first link  740  and the second link  750  through the coupling protrusions thereof. 
         [0058]    Key supports  720   a  and  720   b  positioned at the outside of the plurality of key supports  720  are coupled to the ends of the first the link  740  and the second link  750 , respectively. Therefore, when the key supports  720   a  and  720   b  move, the first link  740  and the second link  750  also move. 
         [0059]    In order to widen gaps between the keys, the user moves the key supports  720   a  and  720   b  positioned at both sides in a direction away from the guide unit  760 , as shown in diagram (b) of  FIG. 8 . When the keypad module  700  is applied to the mobile terminal  100 , the key supports  720   a  and  720   b  positioned at the outside of the key supports  720  are connected to the moving case  320  and the user can move the key supports  720   a  and  720   b  by moving the moving case  320 . As the key supports  720   a  and  720   b  move, the first link  740  and the second link  750  move, whereby moving protrusions formed in the first link  740  and the second link  750  move along the moving holes  772   a  and  772   b , respectively. Other operations of the keypad module  700  are similar to operations of the keypad module  400  shown in  FIG. 4  and therefore a detailed description thereof is omitted. 
         [0060]    The mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention may be any portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), navigation device, digital broadcasting receiver, and portable multimedia player (PMP). 
         [0061]    As described above, when using a mobile terminal according to the present invention, gaps between keys provided in the mobile terminal can be widened uniformly. Therefore, a user can conveniently use keys provided in the mobile terminal. 
         [0062]    Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail hereinabove, it should be clearly understood that many variations and modifications of the basic inventive concepts herein described, which may appear to those skilled in the art, will still fall within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.