JP2002184270A - Device with key button - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device having a key button eliminating the need of separately providing a determining key by making a multifunction key have a determining function after selection, in a device having the multifunction key such as a portable phone. SOLUTION: A set of a first push piece 3d working as a selecting function at the time of pushing down a key button and a second push piece 3h working as a determining function at pressing down of the key button while putting a rib 31 in a space with the outside of the first push piece is disposed in the radial direction extending from the center of a back surface of the multifunction key toward an outer periphery. A contact 3d at a tip end portion of the first push piece and a contact 4d of a circuit substrate 4 opposite to the contact at the tip end portion of the first push piece are abutted to be energized, and the rib 31 is bent by pushing down the key button. The contact at a tip end portion of the second push piece 3h and a contact 4h of a circuit substrate opposite to the contact at the tip end portion of the second push piece are abutted to be energized, so that both functions of selecting and determining can be performed by pushing down a single key button.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device with key buttons, and more particularly to a device with key buttons suitable for use with devices having multi-function keys, such as portable information terminals and mobile phones.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a portable telephone, a PHS (Personal Handy Phone System) terminal, a portable information terminal and the like, a decision key is arranged separately from a multi-function key (multi-directional selection key).

In the case where a key for confirming the number of key buttons is provided, it is necessary to increase the number of key buttons, to make the operation difficult, and to secure a sufficient operation surface area of the apparatus. Due to the trend toward smaller and lighter mobile phone housings, the available input operation unit is limited in area.
The increase in the number of key buttons makes further miniaturization difficult.

When a decision key is arranged separately from the multi-function key, it is necessary to move a finger in a series of operations from selection to decision, which hinders quick operation.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function key for a device having a multi-function key, such as a portable telephone or a portable information terminal, after the selection. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a device with key buttons that does not require a separate determination key.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, which provides means for solving the above-mentioned problems, has a second function which acts as a selection function when a key button on the front surface of a key is pressed in a radial direction from the center of the back surface of the key to the outer periphery. A first pusher and a second pusher that acts as a confirming function when the key button is pressed with a rib interposed between the first pusher and a rib are disposed, and selection is made by pressing one key button. The function of confirming after the selection is performed.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described. According to the embodiment of the present invention, a first pusher that acts as a selection function (first input operation function) when a user presses a key button on a key surface in a radial direction from the center of the key back surface to the outer periphery. (See, for example, 3d in FIG. 3 and 3d in FIG. 4). When the key button is pressed with a rib (for example, 3l in FIG. 3 and 3l in FIG. 4) interposed therebetween on the radial outer side of the first pusher. A second pusher acting as a function (second input operation function) (for example, 3h in FIG. 3 and 3h in FIG. 4)
And performs both selection and confirmation functions by pressing a single key button.

According to the present invention, unlike a device in which a decision key is arranged separately from a multi-function key, the number of key buttons is not increased, the operation is not difficult, and the operation surface area of the device is small. Even in the case where it cannot be sufficiently secured, the determination function after selection can be configured.
In addition, a series of operations can be performed quickly without moving a finger from selection to determination.

In the embodiment of the present invention, preferably, a member (3 in FIG. 4) constituting the multi-function key is a projection which becomes a fulcrum (3b in FIG. 3 and 3b in FIG. 4) at the center on the back surface of the key. A first pusher (3d in FIG. 4) and a second pusher (3 in FIG. 4).
h) protrudes from the back surface in a columnar shape, and the rib (3l in FIG. 4) extends in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction between the first first presser and the second presser. And has a flat shape (see 3l in FIG. 3).

In the embodiment of the present invention, preferably, when the key button of the multi-function key is pressed, first, a contact point (3d in FIG. 4) at the tip of the first pusher.
And the contact (4d in FIG. 4) of the circuit board (4) facing the contact at the tip of the first pusher and energize and "select" the information processing device (CPU of a mobile phone, etc.) And the rib (31 in FIG. 4) bends by pressing the key button, and the contact at the tip of the second pusher (3h in FIG. 4)
The contact at the tip of the second pusher and the contact (4h in FIG. 4) on the opposing circuit board are brought into contact with each other and energized, and "determined" is input to the information processing device (CPU of a mobile phone or the like).

In an embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the opposing circuit board (4) and the circuit board (4) are set in a state where the key button of the multi-function key is not pressed.
The distance of the gap between the contact and the first pusher is larger in the order of the tip of the rib, the tip of the first pusher, and the tip of the second pusher (see FIG. 4).

In the embodiment of the present invention, preferably, a set of the first pusher and the second pusher is concentric with the center of the back surface of the multi-function key (inner concentric circle, outer concentric circle). Above, a plurality of sets (four sets) are arranged at predetermined angles (90 degrees in the case of four directions).

According to the present invention, there is provided a sheet (14) which is disposed on a circuit board, and has a convex contact having a gap provided on a back surface of the contact of the circuit board with a back surface separated from the circuit board.
When the key button of the multi-function key is pressed, the tip (13d in FIG. 8) of the first pusher immediately below the key button is connected to the convex contact (FIG. 8) corresponding to the first pusher. 14d), the convex contact is brought into contact with the contact (15d in FIG. 8) of the circuit board corresponding to the convex contact (14d in FIG. 8), and electricity is supplied. (13l in FIG. 8) bends, and the tip of the second pusher (13h in FIG. 8) presses a convex contact (14h in FIG. 8) corresponding to the second pusher to form a convex shape. The contacts of the circuit board correspond to the contacts of the convex shape (1 in FIG. 8).
5h) and may be configured to be energized.

[0014]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
The configuration of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the multi-function key is selected in four directions (key buttons are pressed left, right, up, and down) will be described as an example.
Of course, the invention is not limited to four-way selection.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a device with key buttons in an assembled state according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A multi-function key 3a is provided on the operation surface of the front case. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the key button device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, a front case 2, a rubber key sheet 3, a circuit board 4, and a rear cover 5 are sequentially stacked and assembled.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the back surface of the multi-function key 3a. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section (AA line in FIG. 1) of a mounting portion of the multi-function key 3a.

Behind the multi-function key 3a, a fulcrum 3b is provided at the center, and 90
Every four times (corresponding to four key buttons on the key surface), four contact points (contact points at the tip of the first pusher) 3c, 3d, 3e, and 3f that act as selection functions when pressed down, Further, at every 90 degrees (corresponding to the key buttons in the four directions on the key surface) on the circumference of the concentric circle on the radially outer side, four contact points (which correspond to the key buttons in the four directions on the key surface) which act as a confirming function when pressed are formed. Contacts) 3g, 3h, 3i, 3j are provided, and ribs 3k, 3k, 3j are provided between the inner contact and the outer contact.
1, 3m and 3n are provided (in the example of FIG. 3, the planar shape of the rib is a rectangular shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the radial direction).

Further, the contacts 3c to 3c
The contacts 4c to 4j are arranged at positions opposite to j.
The contact 3c and the contacts 3g, 3d and 3h, 3e and 3i, and 3f and 3j are respectively arranged on the same straight line in the radial direction.

The distance between the contact points 3g to 3j and the contact points 4g to 4j and the height of the ribs 3k to 3n are changed during the selection operation.
It is adjusted so that g-3j and the contacts 4g-4j do not easily contact. Each part (presser, contact, rib) of the multi-function key 3a is formed by processing a rubber key sheet 3, and the contact is made of a conductive material provided on the front end surface of the cylindrical presser. .

The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 4, when the user presses the right side of the multi-function key button 3a, the contact 3d immediately below the key button on the right side of the multi-function key button 3a becomes the contact 4
d, it is energized, and the CP of the mobile phone 1 is turned on.
The selection is input to U, and the operator is notified by the display unit 6 or voice or the like that the selection operation is being performed. The distance (distance) between the inner contact 3d and the contact 4d is smaller than the distance (distance) between the outer contact 3h and the contact 4h. When the contact 3d contacts the contact 4d, the contact 3h And the contact 4h are separated.

The user continues this operation, and when a desired item is notified, by further pressing the right side of the key button 3a, the rib 3l immediately below is bent, and the contact 3h
And the contact 4h on the circuit board are brought into contact and energized, and the finalizing operation is completed.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a pusher which functions as a selection function when a key button is pressed on the inner periphery in the radial direction is provided on the back side of the multi-function key. By arranging a pusher that functions as a confirmation function when pressed, both selection and confirmation functions can be configured within a single key button.

Unlike the conventional configuration in which the enter key is arranged separately from the multi-function key, the operability is improved without increasing the number of key buttons, and even when the operation surface area of the apparatus cannot be sufficiently secured. , A determination function after selection can be configured, and a series of operations can be quickly performed without moving a finger in selection to determination.

The configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example the case where the multi-function key is selected in four directions. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the device with key buttons in the assembled state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the key button device 11.

As shown in FIG. 6, the front case 1
2, rubber key sheet 13, metal dome sheet 14,
The circuit board 15 and the rear cover 16 are stacked in this order and assembled.

FIG. 7 shows a multi-function key 13a.
FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a cross section of the mounting portion of the multifunction key 3a (a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. 6).

On the back side of the multi-function key 13a, a fulcrum 13b is provided at the center, and a presser 13 for pressing a metal dome contact which generates a selection function when pressed is provided on the outer circumference thereof.
c, 13d, 13e, and 13f, and pressers 13g, 13h, and 13 that generate a confirmation function when pressed on the outer circumference.
i, 13j are provided in the same number as the contacts for generating the selection function,
Ribs 13k, 13l, 13 between the inner and outer contact points
m and 13n are provided, and contacts (metal dome contacts) 14c to 14j are disposed on the metal dome sheet 14 immediately below the metal dome sheet 14 at positions facing the contacts 15c to 15j on the circuit board. The metal dome contacts 14c to 14j cover the contacts 15c to 1j so as to cover the contacts 15c to 15j on the circuit board.
5j and a convex shape having a gap, and when the tip is pressed by a pusher, the convex shape becomes a flat shape, and contacts the corresponding contacts 15c to 15j to conduct electricity. Each of the metal dome contacts 14c to 14j is connected to a power source or the like in a predetermined pattern, and the pushers 13c, 13d, 13e,
No contact is provided for 3f, 13g, 13h, 13i, and 13j.

The distance between 13g to 13j and 14g to 14j and the height of the ribs 13k to 13n are changed during the selection operation.
13j and 14g to 14j are adjusted so as not to easily come into contact with each other.

The operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 8, when the right side of the key button 13a is depressed, the pusher 13d presses the metal dome contact 14d with the 13b as a fulcrum and contacts the contact 15d on the circuit board 4 to energize and perform the selection operation. Is notified to the operator by the display unit 6 or voice. By continuing this operation and pressing it further when the desired item is notified, the rib 13l bends, the pusher 13h presses the metal dome contact 14h, contacts the contact 15h on the circuit board, and conducts electricity to determine the operation. Is completed.

In each of the above embodiments, the portable telephone is
Although the example in which the device with key buttons according to the present invention is applied has been described, the present invention, in addition to a portable information terminal, a computer,
Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to an input device of any information processing device such as an input device such as a game machine.

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention,
A first pusher that acts as a selection function when a key button is pressed, and a second pusher that acts as a decision function when the key button is pushed with a rib interposed outside the first pusher; By adopting a configuration that performs both selection and confirmation functions by pressing one key button, unlike devices that place confirmation keys separately from multi-function keys, operation is simplified without increasing the number of key buttons, and This has the effect that the increase in the operation surface area can be suppressed and reduced, and the size can be reduced.

According to the present invention, even when a sufficiently large operation surface area cannot be ensured, a decision function after selection can be realized, and a finger is not moved from selection to decision. There is an advantage that a series of operations can be performed quickly and operability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a device with key buttons according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device with key buttons according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a back surface of the multi-function key according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section of a mounted state of the multi-function key according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an overview of a device with key buttons according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the device with key buttons according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a back surface of a multi-function key according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a cross section of a mounted state of a multi-function key according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Device with key button 2 Front case 3 Rubber key sheet 3a Multi-function key 3b Fulcrum 3c-3f Contact generating selection function 3g-3j Contact generating fixed function 3k-3n Rib 4 Circuit board 4c-4f Selection function Contacts to be generated 4g to 4j Contacts to determine function 5 Rear cover 6 Display unit 11 Key button device 12 Front case 13 Rubber key sheet assembly 13a Multi-function key 13b Fulcrum 13c to 13f Pusher to generate selection function 13g to 13j Determination Pusher for generating functions 13k to 13n Rib 14 Metal dome sheet 14c to 14j Metal dome contact 15 Circuit board 15c to 15j Contact 16 Rear cover 17 Display unit

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A first pusher which acts as a first input operation function when a key button on a front surface of a key is depressed in a radial direction from a center of a back surface of a key to an outer periphery, and a first pusher acting outside the first pusher. A second pusher acting as a second input operation function when the key button is pressed is provided across the rib, and the first input operation and the second input operation can be performed by pressing one key button. A device with key buttons. 2. A first pusher that acts as a selection function when a key button on the front surface of a key is pressed in a radial direction from the center of the back surface of the key to the outer periphery, and a rib sandwiched outside the first pusher. An apparatus with key buttons, wherein a second pusher acting as a determination function when the key button is pressed is provided, and selection and determination are performed by pressing one key button. 3. The key constituting member has a projection serving as a fulcrum at the center of the key back surface, and the first pusher and the second pusher are formed in a columnar shape from the key back surface. The rib is projected, and the rib has a planar shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the radial direction between the first first pusher and the second pusher. The device with key buttons according to claim 1. 4. When the key button is depressed, the contact at the tip of the first pusher and the contact of the circuit board facing the contact first come into contact with each other to energize, and then the key button is depressed. Thereby, the rib is bent, and the contact at the tip of the second pusher and the contact of the circuit board facing the contact at the tip of the second pusher are brought into contact with each other to conduct electricity. The device with a key button according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 5. A gap between the tip of the rib and the surface of the circuit board in a state where the key button is not pressed, between the tip of the first pusher and a corresponding contact point of the circuit board. And the distance between the tip of the first pusher and the contact of the circuit board corresponding to the contact of the circuit board corresponding to the tip of the second pusher. The device with a key button according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interval is smaller than the interval between the key buttons. 6. A sheet having a convex contact provided on a circuit board and having a gap above the contact of the circuit board with a back surface separated from the circuit board on a back surface, and when the key button is pressed, First, the tip of the first pusher directly below the key button presses the convex contact corresponding to the first pusher, and the convex contact corresponds to the convex contact. The rib is bent by contact with the contact of the circuit board, and subsequently the key button is pressed, so that the tip of the second pusher has the convex contact corresponding to the second pusher. 2. The electric power is supplied by pressing the contact of the convex shape to contact the contact of the circuit board corresponding to the contact of the convex shape.
4. The device with key buttons according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 7. A distance between the circuit board and the tip of the rib via the sheet having the convex contact, in a state where the key button is not pressed, a contact of the circuit board and the first pusher. 7. The device with a key button according to claim 6, wherein a distance from a tip of the second pusher and a distance from a contact of the circuit board to a tip of the second pusher are increased in this order. . 8. The multi-function key having key buttons in a plurality of directions, wherein the first pusher and the second pusher are respectively positioned with respect to the center of the back surface of the multi-function key. 8. A method according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of sets are arranged on the inner concentric circle and the outer concentric circle at predetermined angles corresponding to the positions of the respective key buttons on the key surface. A device with a key button according to claim 1. 9. The device with key buttons according to claim 1, wherein a member constituting said key is made of a flexible member. 10. A key button according to claim 6, further comprising a sheet made of a conductive member having said convex contact between said key sheet made of a flexible member and said circuit board. Attached device. 11. An information processing apparatus comprising the device with key buttons according to claim 1. 12. A portable telephone comprising the device with key buttons according to claim 1. 13. An output device that informs the operator that a selection operation is being performed when the key button is pressed,
12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the selection is confirmed when the operator further presses the key button in response to the notification. 14. A display unit and / or a sound output device outputs a notification that a selection operation is being performed when the key button is pressed to notify an operator, and upon receiving the notification, the operator further presses the key button. 13. The mobile phone according to claim 12, wherein the selection is confirmed by strongly pressing the button.