AU745794B2

AU745794B2 - Mounting structure for an electronic apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU745794B2
Application number: AU15483/99A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Fumihito Imai
Original assignee: NEC Corp
Current assignee: NEC Corp
Priority date: 1998-02-06
Filing date: 1999-02-05
Publication date: 2002-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-05
Also published as: GB2337857A; CN1179532C; CN1230839A; GB2337857B; AU1548399A; GB9902526D0; JP3134989B2; JPH11225192A

Description

S F Ref: 452203

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

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Name and Address of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: NEC Corporation 7-1, Shiba Minato-ku Tokyo

JAPAN

Fumihito Imal Spruson Ferguson, Patent Attorneys Level 33 St Martins Tower, 31 Market Street Sydney, New South Wales, 2000, Australia Mounting Structure for an Electronic Apparatus The following statement is a full description of this Invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5845 MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR AN ELECTRONIC APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a mounting structure for a handy phone or similar electronic apparatus.

A handy phone, for example, includes a receiver, a display, a transmitter and other var ious electronic parts mounted on a circuit board. Such electronic parts are, in many cases, set in respective holders and then mounted to the circuit board together with the holders. Stationary contacts are arranged on the top of the circuit board. It is a common practice to mount on the top of the circuit 10 board a key sheet including movable contacts corresponding one-to-one to the stationary contacts. The movable contacts each is movable into and out of contact with associated one of the stationary contact, go serving as a key switch for selectively establishing or interrupting electrical connection.

The problem with the above conventional structure is that it is necessary to set each of the various electronic parts in the respective holder and then mount such holders to the circuit board one by one. This kind of assembly is time- and labor-consuming because the handy phone includes a number of parts and because the key sheet must be mounted to the circuit board with its movable contact 2 accurately aligned with the stationary contacts.

Technologies relating to the present invention are disclosed in, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 4-235443.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mounting structure for an electronic apparatus capable of reducing the number of holders and promoting efficiency assembly.

In accordance with the present invention, a structure for 10 mounting a plurality of electronic parts for constituting an electronic apparatus to a circuit board via respective holders includes a plurality of stationary contacts arranged on the circuit board. A key sheet is mounted on the circuit board and includes movable contacts each being movable into and out of contact with 15 respective one of the stationary contacts. A holder includes a key sheet portion constituting the key sheet and a plurality of holder portions each constituting particular one of the holders.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting structure embodying the present invention and applied to a handy phone by way of example; FIG. 2 is a section along line X-X of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a circuit board shown in FIGS.

1 and 2; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the handy phone in an assembled condition; and FIG. 5 is a section along line Y-Y of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, amounting structure for S10 an electronic apparatus embodying the present invention is shown and app I i ed to a handy phone by way of examp I e. As shown, the handy phone, generally 100, includes a circuit board 2. A receiver or speaker 3, a display 4 and a transmitter or microphone 5 are electrically connected to the circuit board 2 via a holder 1. The receiver 3, 15 display 4andtransmitter 5 are electronic parts included inthe handy phone 100.

The holder 1 is formed of an elastic material transparent for light and made up of a key sheet portion 1A, a first holder portion 1B, a second holder portion 1C, and a third holder portion 1D. Key tops 11a are arranged in the key sheet portion 1A in three parallel arrays extending in the lengthwise direction of the circuit board 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, each key top 11a has a projection 11b on its bottom or back and a movable contact 11c fitted on the projection 11b. The key top 11a is flared downward, forminga skirt portion 11d.

A light-conductive plate 22, which will be described later 4 specif i cally, is mounted on the top of the circuit board 2. The key sheet portion 1A is positioned on the top of the light-conductive plate 22. A stationary contact 21 is positioned on the circuit board 2. The light-conductive plate 22 is formed with a hole 22a, so that the movable contact 11c can contact the stationary contact 21 via the hole 22a when the key top 11a is pushed down by the operator. When the operator releases the key top 11a, it is restored to its original position due to the elasticity of the skirt portion 11d. In this sense, the movable contact 11c of the key top 11a constitute a key 10 switch in cooperation with the stationary contact 21.

The key sheet portion 1A includes numeral keys for inputting numerals through a ca Il originat i on key, an off-hook key and 'an on-hook key as well as other conventional keys.

Referringagainto FIG. 1, the first holder portion 1B includes 15 a first recess 13a and two first openings 13b formed in the bottom of the first recess 13a. The recess 13a receives the lower portion of the receiver 3 having a flat cylindrical configuration. Two first conductors 3a extend downward from the bottom of the receiver 3 and are connected to the circuit board 2 via the two openings 13b, respectively.

The second holder portion 10 includes a second recess 14a for receiving the flat display 4 having an elongate configuration as viewed in a top plan view. A second opening 14b is formed in the bottom of the recess 14a. A second conductor 4a extends downward from one of opposite longer sides of the display 4 and is connected to the circuit board 2 via the opening 14b. The display 4 is often implemented by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

The third holder 1D includes a third recess 15a for receiving the lower portion of the flat transmitter 5 having a cylindrical configuration slightly smaller than the receiver 3. Two third openings 15b are formed in the bottom of the recess 15a. Two third conductors 5a extend downward from the bottom of the transmitter and are connected to the circuit board 2 via the two openings respectively.

The first holder portion 1B, second holder portion 1C, key sheet portion 1A and third holder portion 1D having the above eooooa configurations are linearly arranged in this order in the lengthwise direction of the circuit board 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the circuit board 2 has first stationary 15 contacts 23, a second stationary contact 24 and third stationary 000.00 contacts 25 arranged on its top. The first stationary contacts 23 are electrica l y connected to the f i rst conductors 3a of the receiver 3. The second stationary contact 24 is e I ectr i ca I ly connected to the second conductor 4a of the display 4. The third stationary contacts 25 are electrically connected to the third conductors 5a of the transmitter The stationary contacts 21 (see FIG. 2 also) are arranged on the top of the circuit board 2 in one-to-one correspondence to the movable contacts 11c (see FIG. 2 also) of the key sheet portion 1A.

Each movable contact 11c is electrically connected to the circuit board 2 via the respective stationary contact 21 when pushed down, as stated earlier.

The flat light-conductive plate 22 mentioned previously is elongate, as seen in a top plan view, and mounted on the top of the circuit board 2. The light-conductive plate 22 extends over the back of the display 4 and that of the key sheet portion 1A. The plate 22 is formed with the openings 22a, one of which is shown in FIG. 2, for allowing the movable contacts 11c to contact the associated stationary contacts 21, as stated earlier.

10 A strip-like first light source 24a is positioned on the top of the light-conductive plate 22 for lighting a display portion 4b included in the display 4b (see FIG. The first light source 24a extends along the other longer side of the display 4 opposite to the second conductor 4a. Second light sources 21a each is positioned in 15 the vicinity of one of the key tops 11a for lighting the associated key top 11a. Light issuing from the first light source 24a is guided to the display portion 4b via the light-conductive plate 22 and second holder portion 10 accommodating the display 4. Light issuing from any one of the second light sources 21a is guided to the associated key top 11a via the light-conductive plate 22 and key sheet portion 1A.

The handy phone 100 is assembled by the following procedure.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the holder 1 is laid on the circuit board 2 shown in FIG. 3. At this instant, the holder 1 is positioned such that the movable contacts 11c of the key tops 11a are respectively positioned above the stationary contacts 21, and such that the first iopenings 13b, second opening 14b and third openings 15b respectively align with the first stationary contacts 23, second stationary contact 2, and third stationary contacts Subsequently, the first conductors 3a of the receiver 3, the second conductor 4a of the display 4 and the third conductors 5a of the transmitter 5 are inserted into the first openings 13b, second opening 14b, and third openings 15b, respectively. Then, the conductors 3a, 4a and 5a are electrical ly connected to the associated stationary contacts 23, 24 and 25, respectively.

After the above electrical connection, the receiver 3, display 4 and transmitter 5 are set in the first holder portion 1B, second •holder portion 10 and third holder portion 1D, respectively. FIG.

4 shows the resulting assembly of the handy phone 100.

15 Referr ing again to FIG. 2, when the operator of the handy phone *o '100 pushes down any one of the key tops 11a, the movable contact 11c positioned on the projection 11b of the key top 11a is brought into contact with the stationary contact positioned below the movable contact 11c. When the operator releases the above key top 11a, the key top 11a returns to its original position due to the elasticity of the skirt portion 11d, re I easing the movable contact 11c from the stationary contact 21.

How the display 4b and key tops 1la are lighted is as fol lows.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the first light source 24a mounted on the circuit board 2 issues light, the light is propagated through the S8 li ght-conduct i ve plate 22 and second holder ic to the d i splay port i on 4b of the display 4. Because the light is transmitted through the display portion 4b, the display portion 4b appears bright. When any one of the second light sources 21a a I so mounted on the circuit board 2 issues light, the light is propagated through the light-conductive plate 22 and key sheet portion 1A to the associated key top 11a, lighting the key top 11a.

As stated above, in the i llustrative embodiment, the key sheet portion 1A to be mounted on the substrate and the first to third holder 10 portions 1B-1D for accommodating the receiver 3, display 4 and transmitter 5 are implemented as a single holder 1. This significantly reduces the number of parts of the handy phone 100 and therefore promotes efficient assembly.

In the above embodiment, the holder 1 is formed of a single 15 material, an elastic material transparent for light.

Alternatively, each of the portions 1A-1D may be formed of a particular material so long as the portions 1A-1D can be implemented as a single molding. For example, for the key sheet portion 1A, use may be made of a material elastic enough for the key tops 11a to be pressed and restored and capable of conducting light reached it from the second li ght sources 21a via the li ght-conduct i ve plate 22 to the corresponding key tops 11a. Also, the first and third holder portions 1B and 1D may be formed of materials respectively matching with the acoustic characteristics of the receiver 3 and transmitter 5, thereby enhancing speech quality. Further, for the second holder portion 10, use may be made of a material transparent for light for conducting light issuing from the first light source 24a to the display portion 4b of the display 4.

The above portions 1A-1D molded integrally to constitute the holder 2 and formed of different materials are desirable from the efficient assembly standpoint. In addition, each of the portions 1A-1D can be formed of a particular optimal material matching with its expected function. Of course, the portions 1A-1D may be formed of different materials independently of each other and then molded 10 integrally to complete the holder 2.

While the i llustrative embodiment has concentrated on a handy phone, the present invention is simi larly applicable to various kinds of electronic apparatuses of the type including a circuit board having a plural ityof stationary contacts, a key sheet mounted on the circuit 15 board and having movable contacts movable into and out of contact with the stationary contacts, and a plural ity of electronic parts mounted on the circuit board via the holder.

In summary, in accordance with the present invention, a mounting structure for an electronic apparatus includes a single holder inc I ud i ng a key sheet port i on to be mounted on a c i rcu i t board and a plurality of holder portions for holding electronic parts. The structure therefore reduces the number of parts to be mounted to the circuit board and thereby enhances efficient assembly of the apparatus.

Various modifications will become possible for those ski I led in the art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

S

Claims

1. A structure for mounting a plurality of electronic parts for constituting an electronic apparatus to a circuit board via respective holders, comprising: a plurality of stationary contacts arranged on the circuit board; a key sheet mounted on the circuit board and including movable contacts each being movable into and out of contact with a respective one of said plurality of stationary contacts; and a holder including a key sheet portion constituting said key sheet and a plurality of holder portions each constituting a particular one of the holders.

2. A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said key sheet portion and said plurality of holder portions are formed in a planar arrangement.

3. A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of holder portions each includes a recess for accommodating a respective electronic part.

4. A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the electronic parts comprises either one of a receiver and a transmitter, andwherein one of said plurality of holder portions for accommodating said transmitter or said receiver is formed of a material enhancing an acoustic characteristic of said receiver or said transmitter. A structure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the electronic part comprises a handy phone, wherein the electronic parts include S12 at least a receiver, a display, and a transmitter, wherein said key sheet portion includes numeral keys, a call origination key, an off-hook key, and an on-hook key, and wherein one of said holder portions assigned to said receiver, another one of said holder portions assigned to said display, said key sheet portion and another one of said holder portions assigned to said transmitter are linearly arranged in this order.

6. A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the electronic parts comprises a display, and wherein one of said holders for accommodating said display is formed of a material transparent for light. 0

7. A structure as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronic part comprises a handy phone, wherein the electronic parts include

9. at least a receiver, a display, and a transmitter, wherein said key sheet portion includes numeral keys, a call origination key, an off-hook key, and an on-hook key, and wherein one of said holder portions assigned to said receiver, another one of said holder portions assigned to said display, said key sheet portion and another one of said holder portions assigned to said transmitter are I inear ly arranged in this order. 8. A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said key sheet portion is formed of an elastic material. 9. A structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elastic material is transparent for light. A structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the electronic S13 part comprises a handy phone, wherein the electronic parts include at least a receiver, a display, and a transmitter, wherein said key sheet portion includes numeral keys, a call origination key, an off-hook key, and an on-hook key, and wherein one of said holder portions assigned to said receiver, another one of said holder portions assigned to said display, said key sheet portion and another one of said holder portions assigned to said transmitter are I i near ly arranged in this order.

11. A structure as claimed in claim 9, wherein said holder is formed of a single material transparent for light and elastic, said 09 structure further comprising a first light source for lighting the 0 display via said holder portion assigned to said display and second light sources for lighting said key sheet portion. 00*

12. A structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first I i ght source and said second I ight sources are positioned between the circuit board and said holder.

13. A structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electronic part comprises a handy phone, wherein the electronic parts include at least a receiver, a display, and a transmitter, wherein said key sheet portion includes numeral keys, a call origination key, an off-hook key, and an on-hook key, and wherein one of said holder portions assigned to said receiver, another one of said holder portions assigned to said display, said key sheet portion and another one of said holder portions assigned to said transmitter are I inear ly arranged in this order. i I -14-

14. A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder is formed of a single material. A structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder is formed of a plurality of materials.

16. A structure for mounting a plurality of electronic parts for constituting an electronic apparatus to a circuit board via respective holders substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to DATED this Fifth Day of February 1999 NEC Corporation Patent Attorneys for the Applicant "SPRUSON FERGUSON *0 S C K z. S In:\libpp]01324:JLS