JP2007157340A - Terminal device and key board - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To compensate fall of strength of a device case in case of employing a structure of a narrow pitch key. <P>SOLUTION: A support plate 32 is arranged between a key setting sheet 22 and a circuit board 27, and fixed to a front case 12. The support plate 32 has insertion holes 32a which allow each of switch pressing protrusions 21 to move freely to each of corresponded dome switches 28, and is formed in a larger size than that of an opening 23. Consequently, the fall of strength of the front case 12 can be compensated because a portion corresponding to the opening 23 is compensated entirely by the support plate 32, even if strength of the front case 12 itself falls because of forming the large opening 23 continued without a partition frame by removing a case of the front case 12 between key tops 20, in order to employ the narrow pitch key structure arranging a plurality of the key tops 20 in the narrow pitch. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile phone including an operation unit having a plurality of pushbutton switches, various terminal devices such as a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), and a keyboard provided in the terminal device, and particularly, without a partition rail formed in a device casing. The present invention relates to a terminal device including an operation unit having a narrow pitch key structure that exposes a plurality of key tops from an opening, and a keyboard included in the terminal device.

  In recent years, in terminal devices such as mobile phones and PDAs, a plurality of key tops in which key intervals are arranged very narrowly from an opening without a partition rail formed in a device casing are provided from the viewpoint of downsizing and design of an operation unit. There is a configuration including an operation unit having a pitch key structure that is exposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). The plurality of key tops has a key unit configuration arranged so as to be adjacent to each other with a narrow pitch on a flexible key arrangement sheet such as silicon rubber, and is disposed in an opening of the device casing. Here, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the key arrangement sheet is reinforced by using a hard member in combination with a part of the key arrangement sheet so as to increase the rigidity of the entire key unit and prevent distortion of the key unit. Yes.

JP 2004-296259 A JP 2004-319396 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-178639

  However, in the case of the narrow pitch key structure, unlike the normal pitch key structure having a key window frame for each key top, the device casing is formed with a large continuous opening without a partition bar by removing the casing portion between the key tops. Therefore, there is a problem that the strength of the housing itself is lowered. In this regard, as shown in Patent Documents 2 and 3, even if the rigidity of the entire key unit disposed in the opening of the device casing is increased, the strength reduction of the casing cannot be compensated. In the case of Patent Documents 2 and 3, the structure of the key unit is complicated. On the other hand, in a device such as a mobile phone that is required to be small and thin, it is not an appropriate countermeasure to increase the thickness of the casing in order to prevent a decrease in strength.

  Also, in the case of a narrow pitch key structure, the key pitch is narrowed by removing the casing between the key tops, so if the device is the same size, the size of the key top itself will increase and the end of the key will be pressed In some cases, the key switch may not be pressed normally, resulting in malfunction of the switch operation. This will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a conventional narrow pitch key structure, FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state when the end of the key top is pressed, and FIG. FIG. 7B is a partially enlarged view showing the relationship between the pusher before pressing the key top and the dome switch, and FIG. 7-2 is a partially enlarged view showing the relationship between the pusher and the dome switch when the key top center is pressed. 7-3 is a partially enlarged view showing the relationship between the pusher and the dome switch when the key top end is pressed.

  FIG. 6A is a plan view in which the key tops 103 arranged so as to be adjacent to each other with a narrow pitch on the silicon rubber 102 are exposed in an opening 101 without a partition rail formed in the front case 100, In the rubber 102, a structure is shown in which a pusher 104 formed at a position corresponding to the center on the lower end side of the key top 103 is opposed to a dome switch 106 arranged on a circuit board 105. The key top 103 located at the end has a retaining flange portion 103a that enters the front case 100 at the opening 101 portion.

  Here, before pressing the key top 103, the pusher 104 and the dome switch 106 are in a contact state as shown in FIG. When the center of the key top 103 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 7-2, the pusher 104 can firmly push the dome switch 106 to the back, so that the dome switch 106 can be pushed down normally. However, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the end of the key top 103 is pressed, the key top 103 is pushed down with the flange 103a portion as a fulcrum. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7C, the pusher 104 can be pushed only to about half of the dome switch 106 and may not be pushed normally until the dome switch 106 is turned on. In the case of Patent Documents 2 and 3, although improved by improving the overall rigidity of the key unit, if the end of the key top is pressed, the key top or the pusher may be inclined obliquely. In some cases, the key switch cannot be pressed normally.

  Furthermore, in this type of electronic portable device, in order to enable key operation even in a dark place, the LED tops are scattered on the circuit board on which the dome switches are arranged, avoiding the dome switch locations, and the key tops are arranged. Many of them have an illuminated key structure. However, in the case of the narrow pitch key structure, there is no housing portion between adjacent key tops, so light from the LED leaks directly from the gap between the key tops to the outside of the device via a translucent silicone rubber. This may cause unevenness in the key top illumination state in the operation unit, thereby deteriorating the appearance of the portable device.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and can compensate for a reduction in the strength of the equipment casing when the narrow pitch key structure is adopted, and further, the key end is pressed. Even in such a case, an object is to provide a terminal device and a keyboard that can prevent erroneous operation or prevent light leakage between keys from a light emitting element for key illumination.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the terminal device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a key with a narrow pitch so that a plurality of key tops are exposed from an opening without a partition rail formed in the device casing. A terminal device having an array of operation units, the terminal device having a plurality of key switches arranged corresponding to the arrangement of switch pressing protrusions provided on the lower end side for each key top, and arranged in the device casing. The key switch board and the switch pressing projections have insertion holes that are movable with respect to the corresponding key switches, and are formed to be larger than the opening, and between the key array sheet and the key switch board. And a reinforcing plate fixed to the device casing.

  The terminal device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the terminal device according to the first aspect, wherein each of the insertion holes is formed in a hole shape and a size matching a cross-sectional shape and a size of the switch pressing protrusion. The protrusion is movably fitted.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the terminal device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the key top and the key arrangement sheet are made of a light-transmitting material, and the key switch board is provided between a plurality of key switches. And a light-emitting element for key illumination mounted in a scattered manner.

  The terminal device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, the opening is individually formed for each of the plurality of grouped key tops.

  A keyboard according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a keyboard in which keys are arranged at a narrow pitch so as to expose a plurality of key tops from an opening without a partition rail formed in a device housing, wherein the plurality of key tops are narrow. A key arrangement sheet having flexibility arranged so as to be adjacent to each other at a pitch, and a key arrangement sheet formed continuously on a part of the device casing so as to extend between a plurality of the key tops having a narrow pitch. An opening for exposing the plurality of key tops to the outside of the device casing; and a plurality of key switches arranged in correspondence with an arrangement of switch pressing protrusions provided on the lower end side for each key top. A key switch board disposed in the device housing, and each switch pressing projection is formed larger than the opening with an insertion hole movable with respect to each corresponding key switch; Serial disposed between the key array sheet and the key switch substrate, characterized by comprising a reinforcing plate fixed to the equipment cabinet.

  According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, since the reinforcing plate is provided between the key arrangement sheet and the key switch board and is fixed to the device housing, the device housing is used in order to adopt the narrow pitch key structure. Even if the strength of the device casing itself is reduced by removing the casing between the key tops in the body and forming a continuous large opening without partition bars, the portion corresponding to the opening is reinforced entirely by the reinforcing plate As a result, it is possible to compensate for a decrease in strength of the device casing.

  According to the invention of claim 2, each insertion hole of the reinforcing plate is formed in a hole shape and size that matches the cross-sectional shape and size of the switch pressing projection, and each switch pressing projection is movably fitted. Each insertion hole of the reinforcing plate serves as a guide for the displacement operation of the switch pressing projection toward the key switch when the key top is pressed, and the key switch can be normally pressed by the switch pressing projection even when the end of the key top is pressed. And the malfunction can be prevented.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, light leaks out of the device from the gap between the key tops even when a structure for illuminating the key is provided with the light emitting elements for key illumination scattered on the key switch substrate. Can be shielded from light by the reinforcing plate, and there is an effect that it is possible to prevent unevenness in the key top illumination state in the operation portion.

  According to the invention of claim 4, since the opening of the device casing is individually formed for each of the plurality of grouped key tops, the key adjacent to the operation unit can be used in adopting the narrow pitch key structure. The housing portion can be left as a partition bar between the top rows as much as possible, and it is possible to suppress the reduction in the strength of the housing and make it easy to arrange the key top rows.

  Exemplary embodiments of a terminal device according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  The present embodiment shows an application example to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone as a terminal device. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of the mobile phone of this embodiment. The mobile phone 1 includes a transmitting side housing 3 and a receiving side housing 4 that are foldably connected by a hinge portion 2. The transmitter-side housing 3 functions as a keyboard having a transmitter section 5 incorporating a microphone or the like, and various operation keys having a pushbutton switch structure such as a multi-function key 6, a mode key 7, and a dial number key 8. The reception side housing 4 includes an operation unit 9 and includes a reception unit 10 including a speaker and the like, a liquid crystal display unit 11, and the like. In addition, the palm-sized rectangular flat transmission side housing 3 is divided into two parts: a front case 12 as a device housing located on the operation unit 9 side, and a rear case 13 located on the back side as an outer surface. It has a structure and is formed by combining the front case 12 and the rear case 13 so as to be integrated.

  The dial number keys 8 for 5 rows and 3 columns are, for example, a combination of a call key, a clear key, a call end key, a numeric keypad 1 to 9, 0, an * key, and a # key. Compound functions such as a kana input key and an alphabet input key are assigned. Here, in this embodiment, for example, a narrow pitch key structure is employed for the dial number keys 8 for these 5 rows and 3 columns.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration on the key arrangement sheet. Each dial number key 8 is made of a light-transmitting hard resin, has a key top 20 on which a decoration such as letters and symbols is printed by printing and the like, and is formed in a rectangular solid shape at the top. A switch pressing projection 21 is provided at the center of the side. These key tops 20 are arranged on one key arrangement sheet 22 having flexibility such as silicon rubber so that the key tops 20 which are grouped horizontally and adjacent to each other are adjacent to each other with a narrow pitch. The vertically arranged key tops 20 between the groups are arranged so as to have a normal pitch. Further, the key top 20 is integrated with the key arrangement sheet 22 by adhering the bottom surface side through which the switch pressing protrusion 21 portion is passed, onto the key arrangement sheet 22.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of the transmission-side housing 3 before attachment of various operation keys. The front case 12 of the transmission side housing 3 can be operated by pressing the top of the key tops 20 for 5 rows and 3 columns arranged on the key arrangement sheet 22 outside the front case 12 at the operation unit 9. There are five rows of openings 23 for the purpose. In other words, the openings 23 are individually provided in units of three key tops 20 arranged side by side on the key arrangement sheet 22, and have a partition bar extending between the three key tops 20 side by side. It is formed in a continuous horizontally long rectangular shape. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the structure in which the partition rails 24 are provided between the openings 23 in the longitudinal direction between the groups. Further, the multifunction key 6 and the mode key 7 side have key window frames 25 that are individually partitioned.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the circuit board in the rear case 13 of the transmission side housing 3. The rear case 13 includes a circuit board 27 supported by the internal frame body 26 and the like. The circuit board 27 is mounted with various circuit components and functions as a key switch board. The switch pressing protrusions of the multi-function key 6, the mode key 7, and the dial number key 8 are provided on the front side of the front case 12. A key sheet 29 on which dome switches 28 as a plurality of key switches are arranged corresponding to the arrangement of 21 is mounted. Note that the dome switch 28 may be directly mounted on the circuit board 27 without using the key sheet 29. In addition, the circuit board 27 includes LEDs 30 as light emitting elements for key illumination, which are mounted by being interspersed between the plurality of dome switches 28 as appropriate. The number of these LEDs 30 is smaller than the number of dome switches 28. The key sheet 29 includes a hole 31 through which the LED 30 passes in correspondence with the position of the LED 30.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a narrow pitch key structure in one opening 23 portion in the transmission side housing 3. The front case 12 of the present embodiment is formed in a shape that is slightly larger than the opening 23, and is disposed inside the opening 23 between the key arrangement sheet 22 and the key sheet 29 and bonded to the front case 12. 5 reinforcement plates 32 fixed by, for example, are provided (see the broken line in FIG. 3). These reinforcing plates 32 are made of, for example, the same material as that of the front case 12, and are provided with insertion holes 32 a through which the switch pressing projections 21 are movably penetrated to the corresponding dome switches 28. The through hole 32a is formed in a hole shape and size that match the cross-sectional shape and size of the narrow switch pressing protrusion 21. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the reinforcing plate 32 is in a normal state where the lower end of the switch pressing projection 21 is in contact with the upper end of the dome switch 28, and at least the stroke length when the key top 20 is pressed against the key arrangement sheet 22. The front case 12 is fixed with a gap 33. The key top 20 located at the end with respect to the opening 23 shared by the plurality of key tops 20 has a flange portion 20a for retaining which can be engaged with the opening step portion 23a of the front case 12 on the end side. Is provided.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 32 formed larger than the opening 23 is disposed between the key arrangement sheet 22 and the key sheet 29 (circuit board 27) and fixed to the front case 12. Therefore, even if the strength of the front case 12 itself is lowered by removing the case portion between the key tops 20 in the front case 12 to form a large opening 23 without a partition rail in order to adopt a narrow pitch key structure. The portion corresponding to the opening 23 is entirely reinforced by the reinforcing plate 32, and the strength reduction of the front case 12 can be compensated. Further, by using the reinforcing plate 32, the key arrangement sheet 22 does not require a special device for improving rigidity, and can be kept in a simple structure using a single silicon rubber or the like.

  Further, in this embodiment, each insertion hole 32a of the reinforcing plate 32 is formed in a hole shape and size that matches the cross-sectional shape and size of the small switch pressing protrusion 21, and each switch pressing protrusion 21 is movably fitted. Therefore, each insertion hole 32a guides the displacement operation of the switch pressing protrusion 21 toward the dome switch 28 when the key top 20 is pressed, and the switch pressing protrusion 21 is inserted even when the end of the key top 20 is pressed. The dome switch 28 can be normally pushed down by performing a displacement operation so as to go straight in accordance with the hole 32a, thereby preventing a malfunction.

  Further, in this embodiment, the LED 30 for key illumination is scattered on the circuit board 27, and the LED 30 is turned on to utilize the translucency of the switch pressing projection 21, the key top 20, and the key arrangement sheet 22 portion. There is a possibility that light from the LED 30 disposed between the dome switches 28 leaks out of the device through the gap between the key tops 20 when the key portion in the operation unit 9 is illuminated and the narrow pitch key structure is used together. Since the reinforcing plate 32 is disposed on the lower surface side of the key arrangement sheet 22, the light from the gap between the key tops 20 can be blocked by the reinforcing plate 32, and the key top illumination state in the operation unit 9 is uneven. Does not occur.

  Further, in this embodiment, the opening 23 of the front case 12 is individually formed for each of the plurality of grouped key tops 20. Therefore, in adopting the narrow pitch key structure, the adjacent key tops in the operation unit 9 are used. It is possible to leave the case portion between the rows as partition rails 24 as much as possible, to suppress a reduction in case strength and to adjust the key tops 20 on the key arrangement sheet 22 to each opening 23 in units of groups. Easy to arrange. The same applies to the side of the reinforcing plate 32. With respect to the plurality of openings 23, the reinforcing plate 32 is individually provided for each opening 23, so that one reinforcing plate common to all the key tops 20 is used. In addition, the reinforcing plate 32 can be easily attached and fixed to the front case 12.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of key tops 20 are grouped side by side as the same group, and a narrow pitch key structure is formed in units of groups. However, the presence or absence of grouping and the grouping method are not questioned. The vertically arranged items may be grouped as the same group, or all the key tops 20 may be arranged adjacent to each other at a narrow pitch in the vertical and horizontal directions without being grouped. Correspondingly, the opening formed in the front case 12 is also formed by forming a plurality of vertically-long rectangular openings in units of vertically arranged groups, or as a single rectangular opening including all the key tops. It may be.

  Further, although the present embodiment has been described as an application example to the mobile phone 1, even a terminal device such as a PDA or a notebook personal computer is similarly applied as long as it adopts a narrow pitch key structure in the operation unit. be able to.

(Appendix 1) A terminal device including an operation unit in which keys are arranged at a narrow pitch so as to expose a plurality of key tops from an opening without a partition rail formed in a device housing,
A flexible key arrangement sheet in which a plurality of the key tops are arranged adjacent to each other at a narrow pitch; and
A part of the device casing is continuously formed to extend between the plurality of key tops having a narrow pitch, and the plurality of key tops on the key arrangement sheet are exposed to the outside of the device casing at the operation unit. An opening,
A flexible key arrangement sheet in which a plurality of key tops are arranged adjacent to each other at a narrow pitch; and
An opening that is continuously formed in a part of the device casing so as to extend between the plurality of key tops having a narrow pitch, and exposes the plurality of key tops on the key arrangement sheet to the outside of the device casing in the operation unit. When,
A key switch board having a plurality of key switches arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of switch pressing projections provided on the lower end side for each key top, and arranged in the device casing;
The switch pressing protrusions have insertion holes that are movable with respect to the corresponding key switches, are formed larger than the openings, and are arranged between the key array sheet and the key switch substrate to form the device. A reinforcing plate fixed to the housing;
A terminal device comprising:

(Additional remark 2) Each said insertion hole is formed in the hole shape and size which correspond to the cross-sectional shape and size of the said switch press protrusion, and each said switch press protrusion is movably fitted to appendix 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The terminal device described.

(Supplementary Note 3) The key top and the key arrangement sheet are made of a translucent material,
The terminal device according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein the key switch board includes light emitting elements for key illumination mounted in a manner interspersed between a plurality of key switches.

(Supplementary Note 4) The terminal device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the opening is individually formed for each of the plurality of grouped key tops.

(Additional remark 5) The said reinforcement board is formed corresponding to the opening shape of each said opening, and is provided separately for every opening, The terminal device of Additional remark 4 characterized by the above-mentioned.

(Additional remark 6) The said reinforcement board has the clearance gap for the stroke at the time of the said keytop operation with respect to the said key arrangement | sequence sheet | seat, and is being fixed to the said apparatus housing | casing of the additional remarks 1-5 characterized by the above-mentioned The terminal device as described in any one.

(Supplementary note 7) The terminal device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 6, wherein each key top has a key top bottom surface attached to the key arrangement sheet by adhesion.

(Supplementary note 8) The terminal device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 7, wherein the key arrangement sheet is made of silicon rubber.

(Supplementary note 9) A keyboard in which keys are arranged at a narrow pitch so as to expose a plurality of key tops from an opening without a partition rail formed in a device housing,
A flexible key arrangement sheet in which a plurality of the key tops are arranged adjacent to each other at a narrow pitch; and
An opening that is continuously formed in a part of the device casing so as to extend between the plurality of key tops having a narrow pitch, and exposes the plurality of key tops on the key arrangement sheet to the outside of the device casing;
A key switch board having a plurality of key switches arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of switch pressing projections provided on the lower end side for each key top, and arranged in the device casing;
The switch pressing protrusions have insertion holes that are movable with respect to the corresponding key switches, are formed larger than the openings, and are arranged between the key array sheet and the key switch substrate to form the device. A reinforcing plate fixed to the housing;
A keyboard characterized by comprising.

  As described above, the terminal device according to the present invention includes an operation unit having a narrow pitch key structure that exposes a plurality of key tops arranged adjacent to each other at a narrow pitch from an opening formed continuously in a device casing without a partition rail. In particular, it is suitable for the case of adopting an operation unit structure that incorporates a light emitting element and illuminates a key portion.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone of a present Example. It is a top view which shows the structure on a key arrangement | sequence sheet | seat. It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the transmission side housing | casing before attachment of various operation keys. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the circuit board in the rear case of a transmission side housing | casing. It is sectional drawing which shows the narrow pitch key structure in one opening part in a transmission side housing | casing. It is sectional drawing which shows a part of conventional gap pitch key structure. It is sectional drawing which shows a mode when the end of a keytop is pushed. It is the elements on larger scale which show the relationship between the pusher before key top pressing, and a dome switch. It is the elements on larger scale which show the relationship between the pusher and the dome switch at the time of key top center pressing. It is the elements on larger scale which show the relationship between the pusher at the time of key top edge part pressing down, and a dome switch.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cellular phone 3 Transmission side case 8 Dial number key 9 Operation part 12 Front case 20 Key top 21 Switch pressing protrusion 22 Key arrangement sheet 23 Opening 27 Circuit board 28 Dome switch 29 Key sheet 30 LED
32 Reinforcing plate 32a Insertion hole

Claims (5)

A terminal device including an operation unit in which keys are arranged at a narrow pitch so as to expose a plurality of key tops from an opening without a partition rail formed in a device housing,
A flexible key arrangement sheet in which a plurality of the key tops are arranged adjacent to each other at a narrow pitch; and
A part of the device casing is continuously formed to extend between the plurality of key tops having a narrow pitch, and the plurality of key tops on the key arrangement sheet are exposed to the outside of the device casing at the operation unit. An opening,
A key switch board having a plurality of key switches arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of switch pressing projections provided on the lower end side for each key top, and arranged in the device casing;
The switch pressing protrusions have insertion holes that are movable with respect to the corresponding key switches, are formed larger than the openings, and are arranged between the key array sheet and the key switch substrate to form the device. A reinforcing plate fixed to the housing;
A terminal device comprising:   2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein each insertion hole is formed in a hole shape and size that match a cross-sectional shape and size of the switch pressing protrusion, and the switch pressing protrusion is movably fitted. apparatus. The key top and the key arrangement sheet are made of a translucent material,
3. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the key switch board includes light emitting elements for key illumination mounted in a scattered manner between a plurality of key switches.   The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the opening is individually formed for each of the plurality of grouped key tops. A keyboard in which keys are arranged at a narrow pitch so as to expose a plurality of key tops from an opening without a partition rail formed in a device casing,
A flexible key arrangement sheet in which a plurality of the key tops are arranged adjacent to each other at a narrow pitch; and
An opening that is continuously formed in a part of the device casing so as to extend between the plurality of key tops having a narrow pitch, and exposes the plurality of key tops on the key arrangement sheet to the outside of the device casing;
A key switch board having a plurality of key switches arranged in correspondence with the arrangement of switch pressing projections provided on the lower end side for each key top, and arranged in the device casing;
The switch pressing protrusions have insertion holes that are movable with respect to the corresponding key switches, are formed larger than the openings, and are arranged between the key array sheet and the key switch substrate to form the device. A reinforcing plate fixed to the housing;
A keyboard characterized by comprising.

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