LCD module and a combination switch using the same

• US 20020118319A1
• Filed: 02/19/2002
• Published: 08/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Original Assignee: NEC Corporation
• Inventors: Iwanaga, Hiroshi, Ootsuta, Kazuo
• Granted Patent: US 6,853,432 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 349/59
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1333 Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methodsG02F1/135, G02F1/136 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133302 Rigid substrates, e.g. inorganic substrates
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133308 Support structures for LCD panels, e.g. frames or bezels
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133368 Cells having two substrates with different characteristics, e.g. different thickness or material
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2201/503 Arrangements improving the resistance to shock
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0238 Programmable keyboards key guide holders G06F3/0224
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 13/14 Operating parts, e.g. push-button
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 15/10 Operating parts
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/01 Liquid crystal
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2219/037 using organic materials, e.g. organic LED
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 23/14 Tumblers
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 9/181 using a programmable display, e.g. LED or LCD
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0266 for a display module assembly

Abstract

An LCD module is associated with a pair of switches, one of which is depressed by pressing the LCD module to swivel in a seesaw operation. The LCD module has a front panel having a larger thickness than and thus capable of protecting the LC layer and the rear panel against a reasonable external load for pressing the front panel for switching. The LCD module is suited for use in a portable terminal having a smaller space for switches and LCD module.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal display (LCD) module comprising a transparent front panel, a rear panel and a liquid crystal (LC) layer sandwiched between said transparent front panel and said rear panel, said transparent front panel having a central area opposing areas of said LC layer and said rear panel and a peripheral area extending from said central area, said transparent front panel acting as an overcoat for protecting said LC layer and said rear panel against a reasonable external force.

2. The LCD module as defined in claim 1, wherein said peripheral area has a plurality of holes for receiving screws.

3. The LCD module as defined in claim 1, wherein said peripheral area includes a pair of flange portions extending from said central area.

4. The LCD module as defined in claim 1, wherein said central area has a thickness larger than a thickness of said peripheral area, whereby a step is formed in a vicinity of a boundary between said central area and said peripheral area.

5. The LCD module as defined in claim 1, wherein said transparent front panel comprises a first portion having a thickness substantially equal to a thickness of said rear panel, and an second portion covering said first portion.

6. A combination switch structure comprising:

a liquid crystal (LCD) module including a transparent front panel, a rear panel and a liquid crystal (LC) layer sandwiched between said transparent front panel and said rear panel, said transparent front panel having a central area opposing areas of said LC layer and said rear panel and a peripheral area extending from said central area; and

a switch member operated by a movement of said peripheral area when said transparent front panel is applied with an external force.

7. The combination switch structure as defined in claim 6, further comprising at least one elastic member for urging said LCD module, wherein said switch member is pressed by pressing said transparent front panel against said elastic member.

8. The combination switch structure as defined in claim 7, wherein said at least one elastic member includes a pair of springs, and said LCD module swivels around a swivel axis when said transparent panel is pressed.

9. The combination switch structure as defined in claim 6, further comprising a guide member fixed with respect to a casing for guiding said LCD module along a surface of said casing, wherein said switch member is operated by a slide movement of said peripheral area.