JP2008300122A - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device capable of preferably lighting and supporting an operation key. <P>SOLUTION: A cell phone 1 includes: a coupling housing 7 where an opening 7c is formed; a plurality of switches 63B and 63C facing the opening 7c; a keytop 71BC exposed from the opening 7c; a rib 73c protruding from the keytop 71BC toward the inside of the housing and located between the plurality of switches 63B and 63C; a seesaw key 25 capable of selectively pushing down the plurality of switches 63B and 63C by swinging the keytop 71BC pivoted on the rib 73c; and an LED 65BC disposed in the coupling housing 7 and lighting the seesaw key 25, wherein a notched portion 75 is formed on the rib 73c inside the housing and at least part of the LED 65BC is inserted into the notched portion 75. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device such as a mobile phone, a digital camera, a PDA, a notebook computer, and a game machine.

  An electronic device having an operation key called a so-called seesaw key is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The seesaw key is capable of selectively pressing a plurality of switches by being swung with respect to the fulcrum. For example, one seesaw key is provided for two switches arranged on a circuit board, and is provided so as to be swingable with the position between the two switches as a fulcrum. The user can selectively press one of the two switches by pressing a portion of the seesaw key that is on one side with respect to the fulcrum. The member constituting the fulcrum is constituted by, for example, a rib that protrudes from the seesaw key and contacts the circuit board between the two switches. In the present application, a so-called multi-directional key that can swing with respect to a fulcrum in multiple directions such as four directions is also included in the seesaw key.

  An electronic device having a light emitting element that illuminates an operation key from the inside of the housing is also known. The light emitting element is disposed on the circuit board together with the plurality of switches. As described above, in the seesaw key, since the rib is in contact with the circuit board, the light emitting element is provided at a position separated from the rib. In general, since the rib is provided in the approximate center of the seesaw key, the light emitting element cannot illuminate the center of the seesaw key with priority.

In Patent Document 1, in order to reduce the number of components, a light emitting element provided between a plurality of switches for illuminating a multidirectional key constitutes a fulcrum of the multidirectional key. The light emitting element is arranged at the approximate center of the multidirectional key.
JP 2004-192955 A

  However, when only the light emitting element is used as a fulcrum as in Patent Document 1, the effect of the patent document 1 is not clearly described. Although the center of the key) can be intensively illuminated, various problems arise regarding the support of the operation key. For example, electronic devices are configured by laminating various members and components such as members constituting a housing, circuit boards, and display devices. For this reason, in the electronic device, tolerances of the respective members and parts are accumulated in the stacking direction. As a result, the tolerance of the dimension of the space in which the seesaw key is to be disposed between the light emitting element and the housing increases. On the other hand, the feeling when the seesaw key is pressed changes greatly due to a subtle change in the seesaw key stroke, the urging force against the pressing of the seesaw key, and the like. Therefore, when the light emitting element is used as a fulcrum, the feeling when the seesaw key is pressed varies greatly and it is difficult to obtain a desired feeling. In addition, for example, the seesaw key is always in contact with the light emitting element, and all the force for pressing the seesaw key is applied to the light emitting element, so that the back surface of the seesaw key is easily damaged.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of suitably illuminating and supporting operation keys.

  The electronic device according to the present invention includes a housing in which an opening is formed, a plurality of switches facing the opening, an exposed portion exposed from the opening, and protruding from the exposed portion toward the inside of the housing. An operation key capable of selectively depressing the plurality of switches by swinging the exposed portion with the protrusion serving as a fulcrum. A light emitting element that illuminates the operation key, and the protrusion has a recess formed inside the housing, and at least a part of the light emitting element is inserted into the recess.

  Preferably, the plurality of switches are constituted by two switches, the protrusion is a rib extending so as to separate the two switches, and the recess is formed on the inside of the casing of the rib. It is a notch.

  Preferably, the exposed portion and the protruding portion are translucent, and when the operation key is not pressed, a clearance is formed between the operation key and the light emitting element in the pressing direction of the operation key. ing.

  Preferably, the protrusion is configured such that the operation key can come into contact with the light emitting element when the operation key is pressed.

  Suitably, the said protrusion part is formed of the light-diffusion member.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device capable of suitably illuminating and supporting operation keys.

  1A and 1B are views showing the appearance of a mobile phone 1 as an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. FIG.

  The mobile phone 1 is configured as a mobile phone having a so-called biaxial hinge. For example, the mobile phone 1 is connected to the first casing 3, the second casing 5, the first casing 3 and the first casing 3 so as to be rotatable about the first rotation axis RA, and the second casing 5 and the second casing 5. And a connecting casing 7 rotatably connected around the rotation axis RA2. The first housing 3, the second housing 5, and the connection housing 7 constitute a housing of the entire mobile phone 1. The first rotation axis RA1 and the second rotation axis RA2 extend in directions orthogonal to each other.

  In the following, the state in which the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are overlapped with each other is in the closed state, and the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are relatively rotated around the first rotation axis RA1 from the closed state. A state of being separated from each other (the state of FIG. 1) is called an open state. In addition, the state when the relative position of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 around the second rotation axis RA2 is the position shown in FIG. A state in which the housing 5 is relatively rotated by 180 ° around the second rotation axis RA2 is referred to as a back state.

  The cellular phone 1 is in an open state and a front state, an open state and a back state, a closed state and a closed state by the relative rotation of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 about the first rotation axis RA1 and the second rotation axis RA2. It can be used in four states: front, closed and back. The connection housing 7 is rotatable with respect to the first housing 3 together with the second housing 5 around the first rotation axis RA1, and is a facing surface portion 7a on the side facing the first housing 3 in the closed state (see FIG. 1 (a)) and a back surface portion 7b (FIG. 1 (b)) on the back surface side.

  The first housing 3 includes, for example, a sound collection hole 9 (FIG. 1A) of a microphone 95 for communication (see FIG. 7), a main operation unit 11 (FIG. 1A) that receives user operations, An imaging unit 13 (FIG. 1B) that performs imaging is provided.

  In the second housing 5, for example, a sound emitting hole 15 (FIG. 1A) of a speaker 99 for calling (see FIG. 7), a main display portion 17 (FIG. 1) that displays an image including graphics and characters. (A)) and a sub-display unit 19 (FIG. 1B) are provided.

  The connection housing 7 includes, for example, a sound emission hole 21 (FIG. 1A) of a speaker 55 (see FIG. 3) for notifying an incoming call and the like, and a sub operation unit 23 (FIG. 1B) receiving a user operation. )) Is provided. The sub operation unit 23 has a seesaw key 25.

  The seesaw key 25 is exposed to the outside of the connection housing 7 from an opening 7 c formed in the back surface portion 7 b of the connection housing 7. Accordingly, the seesaw key 25 is exposed to the outside of the housing in both the open state and the closed state. For example, the sub operation unit 23 receives an operation for controlling the operation of the main display unit 17 in the closed state and the back state (closed state and the main display unit 17 is exposed to the outside).

  FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the mobile phone 1. In FIG. 2, each member and part are shown in the positional relationship in the closed state and the front state. In FIG. 2, some members and parts such as a battery arranged in the first housing 3 are omitted as appropriate.

  In the first housing 3 (the portion shown on the lower side in FIG. 2), from the second housing 5 side (the upper side in FIG. 2, the side facing the second housing 5 in the closed state), A front case 27, a key assembly 29, a board assembly 31, a rear case 33, and a battery lid 35 (FIG. 1B) are stacked. The first housing 3 includes a front case 27, a rear case 33, and a battery lid 35. The key assembly 29 includes a key top constituting the main operation unit 11 and a rubber sheet to which the key top is fixed. The board assembly 31 includes a circuit board provided with a plurality of switches pressed via the key assembly 29, a shield case for shielding an electronic circuit such as a high frequency circuit, a circuit board provided with an electronic circuit such as a high frequency circuit, and the like. It is configured by stacking.

  In the second housing 5 (the portion shown on the upper side and the right side in FIG. 2), the first housing 3 side (the lower side, the closed state and the front side in FIG. 2) A front case 37, a display assembly 39, and a rear case 41 are stacked from the opposite side. The second housing 5 includes a front case 37 and a rear case 41. On the surface of the front case 37 and the surface of the rear case 41, a translucent panel (not shown in FIG. 2) constituting the windows of the main display unit 17 and the sub display unit 19 is arranged. The display assembly 39 constitutes a display device constituting the display part of the main display part 17, a shield case for reinforcing the shield and casing of the electronic circuit, a circuit board provided with electronic circuits such as an image processing circuit, and the sub display part 19. Display devices and the like that are stacked are configured.

  In the connection housing 7 (upper side of the paper surface and left side of the paper surface), from the first housing 3 side (lower side of the paper surface of FIG. 2, the closed state and the side facing the first housing 3 in the front state), A front case 43 constituting the facing surface portion 7a, an internal assembly 45 provided with a switch operated by the seesaw key 25, the seesaw key 25, and a rear case 47 constituting the back surface portion 7b are laminated. The connection housing 7 includes a front case 43 and a rear case 47.

  The first housing 3 and the connection housing 7 are connected by a first hinge 49 and a second hinge 51 that are inserted through the first housing 3 and the connection housing 7 in the direction of the first rotation axis RA1. The connection case 7 and the second case 5 are connected by a third hinge 53 inserted through the connection case 7 and the second case 5 in the direction of the second rotation axis RA2.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the internal assembly 45 along the assembly process. 3 is the back surface portion 7b side (upper side of the paper surface of FIG. 2), and the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. 3 is the opposing surface portion 7a side (the lower side of the paper surface of FIG. 2). The upper left side is the third hinge 53 side (the upper right side in FIG. 2).

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the internal assembly 45 includes a notification speaker 55, a notification vibrator 56 (not shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C), and these. And a holder 57 for holding.

  The holder 57 is made of, for example, resin. The holder 57 includes a first holding portion 57a that holds the vibrator 56, and a second holding portion 57b that is provided on both sides of the holder 57 and holds the speaker 55.

  In the first holding part 57a, the back surface part 7b side (upper side of the paper surface in FIG. 3A) and the side opposite to the third hinge 53 side (lower right side of the paper surface in FIG. 3A) are opened. A space is formed. A part of the accommodation space on the side of the facing surface portion 7a (the lower side in FIG. 3A) is open. The vibrator 56 has a motor 56a and a weight 56c provided on the output shaft 56b of the motor 56a. The motor 56a is fitted in the accommodation space such that the output shaft 56b extends toward the facing surface portion 7a and protrudes from the opening portion on the facing surface portion 7a side of the housing space.

  The second holding portion 57b is formed with a concave portion that is concave on the back surface portion 7b side (the upper side in FIG. 3A). An opening is formed at the bottom of the recess. The speaker 55 is configured, for example, in a generally disc shape, and has a sound emitting surface on one surface (the lower side in the drawing of FIG. 3A) and a terminal 55a on the other surface. The speaker 55 is fitted into the concave portion with the sound emitting surface directed toward the bottom of the concave portion of the second holding portion 57b.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the internal assembly 45 has a pressing member 59 for holding the speaker 55 and the vibrator 56 with the holder 57. The pressing member 59 is made of sheet metal, for example. The pressing member 59 is in contact with the speaker 55, the vibrator 56, and the back surface portion 7 b side of the holder 57 (upper side in the drawing of FIG. 3B) and is fixed to the holder 57. The pressing member 59 and the holder 57 are fixed by, for example, engaging an engaging portion provided on one side with the other.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the internal assembly 45 has an FPC (flexible printed wiring board) 61 placed on the surface of the holding member 59 on the back surface 7b side (the upper side in the drawing of FIG. 3). Yes. The FPC 61 is fixed to the pressing member 59 by an appropriate fixing member such as an engaging portion or a double-sided tape. Note that the FPC 61 is electrically connected to the circuit board of the first casing 3 and / or the second casing 5 through an appropriate signal line or the like.

  For example, a plurality of switches 63A to 63D (hereinafter referred to as A to D) operated by the seesaw key 25 may be omitted on the surface of the FPC 61 on the back surface portion 7b side (the upper side in FIG. 3C). ), LEDs 65A, 65BC, 65D (hereinafter, A, BC, D may be omitted) for illuminating the seesaw key 25, signal lines extending from the circuit board of the first housing 3 or the second housing 5 are connected. A connector 67 is provided. On the surface of the FPC 61 on the facing surface portion 7a side (the lower side in FIG. 3C), a terminal portion (not shown) that contacts the terminal 55a of the speaker 55 and a terminal portion (not shown) that contacts the terminal 56d of the motor 56a. Is provided.

  The switch 63 is configured by a press switch that is turned on when pressed and turned off when released. For example, the switch 63 is constituted by a dome switch having a fixed contact and a movable contact formed by a dome-shaped leaf spring placed on the fixed contact, although not particularly shown. For example, a plurality of switches 63 (four are exemplified in the present embodiment) are provided and arranged in a line.

  The LEDs 65 are provided between the switches 63, for example. In this embodiment, the LED 65 is provided between each of the four switches 63, and the case where a total of three LEDs 65 are provided is illustrated.

  The pressing member 59 does not completely block the opening portion of the first holding portion 57a on the back surface portion 7b side, and the first holding portion 57a is on the third hinge 53 side (the upper left side in FIG. 3C). A gap SK is formed between this portion and the pressing member 59. On the third hinge 53 side of the FPC 61, an extending portion 61b extending from an area where a plurality of switches 63 and the like are disposed is formed. The extension portion 61b is bent toward the facing surface portion 7a (the lower side in the drawing of FIG. 3C) and inserted into the gap SK, and the portion of the first holding portion 57a on the third hinge 53 side and the vibrator 56 It arrange | positions between the motors 56a. The motor 56a is connected to the FPC 61 by a terminal 56d provided on the third hinge 53 side coming into contact with a terminal portion (not shown) provided in the extending portion 61b.

  FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a method for attaching the seesaw key 25.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the seesaw key 25 is attached to the inner surface of the rear case 47 so as to be exposed from the opening 7c. Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the rear case 47 is fixed to the front case 43, so that the seesaw key 25 is disposed at a position that covers the plurality of switches 63.

  FIG. 5A is a top view of the seesaw key 25 (view from the outside of the housing). FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the seesaw key 25 (viewed from the inside of the housing). FIG.5 (c) is sectional drawing of the Vc-Vc line | wire of Fig.5 (a). FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Vd-Vd in FIG. 5A and 5B and the left side of FIG. 5D are the third hinge 53 side (the upper right side of FIG. 2 and the upper left side of FIG. 3). It is. 5B to 5D, the LED 65, the FPC 61, and the like are also shown together with the seesaw key 25 in order to facilitate understanding of the present embodiment.

  The seesaw key 25 corresponds to the plurality of (four) switches 63A to 63D, and has the same number of pressing portions 69A to 69D as the plurality of switches 63A to 63D (FIGS. 5A and 5C). ~ D may be omitted.) The plurality of pressing portions 69A to 69D are arranged in a line along the sequence of the plurality of switches 63A to 63D so that the plurality of pressing portions 69A to 69D are positioned on the plurality of switches 63A to 63D, respectively. The pressing portions 69A to 69D are generally fitted in the opening 7c of the connection housing 7, and are exposed to the outside of the housing from the opening 7c. The user can selectively turn on the plurality of switches 63 by selectively pressing one of the plurality of pressing units 69.

  The seesaw key 25 includes a plurality of key tops 71A, 71BC, 71D (FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (c). A, BC, D may be omitted hereinafter) and a plurality of key tops 71. And a key sheet 73 to be fixed.

  The key top 71A constitutes a pressing part 69A, the key top 71BC constitutes pressing parts 69B and 69C, and the key top 71D constitutes a pressing part 69D. That is, the key tops 71 </ b> A and 71 </ b> D each constitute one pressing part 69, and the key top 71 </ b> BC constitutes two pressing parts 69.

  Of the seesaw key 25, the part where the key top 71BC is arranged is a part configured as a so-called seesaw key. That is, the key top 71BC can swing around the pressing portions 69B and 69C, and the pressing portions 69B and 69C are selectively pressed. However, the seesaw key 25 may be configured so as to be capable of so-called double-pressing, in which both of the pressing parts 69B and 69C (or the center) are pressed to turn on both the switches 63B and 63D.

  On the other hand, the key tops 71A and 71D are not configured as so-called seesaw keys. That is, the pressing portions 69A and 69D can be pressed independently of the other pressing portions 69 (regardless of whether or not the other pressing portions 69 are pressed).

  The key top 71 is formed, for example, by printing figures and characters on the surface of a translucent resin. The key top 71 is, for example, formed in a long shape as a whole with the arrangement direction of the plurality of pressing portions 69 as the longitudinal direction.

  The key top 71 protrudes outward on the inner side and outer periphery of the pressing portion 69 in addition to the portion constituting the pressing portion 69, and engages with the edge portion of the opening 7c from the inner side of the casing. It has a flange portion 71b for preventing 71 from falling off. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, since the key top 71 is prevented from falling off by the key sheet 73, the flange portion 71b may be omitted.

  Further, a groove 71c for visually dividing the pressing portions 69B and 69C is formed on the surface of the key top 71BC on the outside of the housing. The groove portion 71c extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the pressing portions 69B and 69C are arranged at the same position as the fulcrum of the key top 71BC. The groove 71c may be omitted. Further, instead of the groove portion, the pressing portions 69B and 69C may be visually partitioned by a figure expressed by printing or the like.

  The key sheet 73 is formed of an elastic member such as silicon rubber, for example. The key sheet 73 is constituted by a light diffusing member formed by mixing a light diffusing substance such as milky white pigment into a light-transmitting material (silicon rubber or the like) serving as a base, for example. Yes.

  The key sheet 73 includes a sheet portion 73a that covers the plurality of switches 63, an outer peripheral support portion 73b (FIGS. 5B and 5C) that supports the sheet portion 73a on the outer periphery of the sheet portion 73a, and a key top 71BC. Ribs 73c (FIGS. 5B and 5D) that constitute the fulcrum of swinging, and a plurality of pushers 73d that contact the plurality of switches 63 (FIGS. 5B and 5C) And a plurality of engaged portions 73e (FIGS. 5A and 5B) that are engaged with the connection housing 7. These are formed integrally, for example.

  The sheet portion 73a is formed in a sheet shape having a substantially uniform thickness. The seat portion 73a has a size that covers all of the plurality of switches 63. The plurality of key tops 71 are fixed to the surface of the sheet portion 73a on the outside of the housing by a fixing member such as an adhesive.

  The outer periphery support part 73b is configured by a protrusion that protrudes from the sheet part 73a toward the FPC 61 and extends along the outer periphery of the sheet part 73a. The outer periphery support part 73b is provided, for example, by forming the outer periphery of the sheet part 73a thick. An edge portion of the outer peripheral support portion 73 b on the FPC 61 side is in contact with the FPC 61.

  The rib 73c is formed so as to protrude from the sheet portion 73a to the FPC 61 side. The rib 73c is configured, for example, by forming a part of the sheet portion 73a thick. In addition, the protrusion amount of the rib 73c is slightly smaller than the protrusion amount of the outer periphery support part 73b, as shown in FIG.5 (d). However, the protruding amount of the rib 73c may be equal to the protruding amount of the outer peripheral support portion 73b.

  The rib 73c extends so as to partition the pressing portion 69B side and the pressing portion 69C side. Specifically, the rib 73c extends between the pressing portions 69B and 69C in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the pressing portions 69B and 69C. Therefore, when the seesaw key 25 is placed on the FPC 61, the rib 73c extends so as to separate the switches 63B and 63C.

  A notch 75 for securing an arrangement space for the LED 65BC is formed at the edge (top) of the rib 73c on the FPC 61 side. The depth of the notch 75 from the top to the sheet part 73a is, for example, equal to the protruding amount of the rib 73c from the sheet part 73a. The rib 73c includes the first component rib 73f and the second component rib. It is separated into 73g. In the present application, a recess reaching from the top to the root is also included in the cutout. In addition, the depth of the notch 75 may be smaller than the protruding amount of the rib 73c.

  The notch 75 is, for example, in the length direction of the rib 73c (the direction orthogonal to the direction in which the pressing portions 69B and 69C are arranged) opposite to the third hinge 53 from the center position (the paper surface of FIG. 5B). The first component rib 73f is formed longer than the second component rib 73g.

  In FIG. 5D, for ease of illustration, the entire rib 73 c is described so as to be able to contact the FPC 61, but actually, the rib 73 c is also supported by a member other than the FPC 61. Specifically, it is as follows. As shown in FIG. 3C, the extension part 61b of the FPC 61 is bent toward the inside of the housing. The base of the extending portion 61b is located between the switches 63B and 63C, and the FPC 61 does not have a region that can support the first component rib 73f of the rib 73c between the switches 63B and 63C. On the other hand, the portion of the first holding portion 57a of the holder 57 on the third hinge 53 side (the upper left side in FIG. 3) is located between the switches 63B and 63C. Therefore, the first component rib 73f is in contact with the first holding portion 57a and supported by the first holding portion 57a. Note that the mobile phone 1 may be configured such that the entire rib 73c is supported by the FPC 61.

  The pusher 73d shown in FIG. 5 is configured by a protrusion that protrudes from the sheet portion 73a to the FPC 61 side. The pusher 73d is configured, for example, by forming a part of the sheet portion 73a thick. The plurality of pushers 73d are provided in the same number as the plurality of switches 63A to 63D in correspondence with the plurality (four) of switches 63A to 63D, and abut the substantially center of the plurality of switches 63, respectively.

  The engaged portion 73e is configured by forming a hole penetrating in the pressing direction of the seesaw key 25 in a protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral support portion 73b to the outer peripheral side. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the seesaw key 25 is fixed to the rear case 47, an engaging portion 47 e formed by a protrusion that is provided on the rear case 47 and protrudes toward the front case 43. Is press-fitted into the hole of the engaged portion 73e. When the front case 43 and the rear case 47 are fixed, the engaged portion 73e is sandwiched between the front case 43 and the rear case 47. As a result, the seesaw key 25 is prevented from falling off the connection housing 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, when the seesaw key 25 is placed on the FPC 61, the plurality of LEDs 65 are arranged on the inside of the housing of the key top 71 and the sheet portion 73a. It will be. Specifically, the plurality of LEDs 65 are disposed between the plurality of pushers 73d, and the one LED 65 is disposed at approximately the center of the two pushers 73d.

  As for LED65BC, as shown in FIG.5 (b)-FIG.5 (c), at least one part is inserted in the notch part 75. FIG. For example, the LED 65BC has a rectangular shape that is long in one direction, and is disposed in the notch 75 with the longitudinal direction being the direction in which the rib 73c extends. Further, the width (length in the short direction) of the LED 65BC is smaller than the width of the rib. That is, in this embodiment, the case where LED65BC whole is inserted in the notch part 75 is illustrated.

  A clearance Cl is formed between the LED 65BC and the seesaw key 25 when the seesaw key 25 is not pressed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the clearance Cl is formed in the pressing direction of the seesaw key 25 (the vertical direction in FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D). . Moreover, the clearance Cl is formed in the extending direction of the rib 73c, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5D, for example.

  In the seesaw key 25 having the above-described configuration, when one of the pressing part 69B and the pressing part 69C is pressed, the rib 73c comes into contact with the FPC 61, and the key top 71BC can swing around the rib 73c as a fulcrum. When the one of the pressing part 69B and the pressing part 69C is further pressed and the key top 71BC swings and tilts with the rib 73c as a fulcrum, the pusher 73d corresponding to the one of the pressing part 69B and the pressing part 69C The switch 63 (63B or 63C) corresponding to the pusher 73d is pressed, and the switch 63 is turned on.

  Between the time when the key top 71BC starts swinging and the time when the pusher 73d turns on the switch 63, the rib 73c is buckled by the force of pressing the key top 71BC. The LED 65BC contacts the sheet portion 73a and supports the seesaw key 25. That is, LED65BC comprises the fulcrum of the seesaw key 25 with the rib 73c.

  FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 6B is a top view (seen from the outside of the housing) schematically showing the pressing portion 69.

  The pressing portion 69 includes a main body 69a made of a translucent resin, and a pattern forming layer 69b (FIG. 6A) formed on the surface of the main body 69a on the inside of the housing. .

  The main body 69a is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example. A corner portion formed by a surface of the main body 69a on the outside of the housing and a surface intersecting the surface (a surface along the pressing direction) is chamfered, and the main body 69a has a chamfered surface 69c. Yes. The chamfered surface 69c may be a flat surface or a curved surface, but FIG. 6 illustrates a case where it is formed by a curved surface.

  The pattern forming layer 69b includes, for example, a pigment and can transmit or reflect light of a specific color. Further, the pattern forming layer 69b is configured to include a metal layer and can block light of all colors. The pattern formation layer 69b is formed so that the figure 69d (FIG. 6B) is exposed by the transmitted light from the LED 65 and / or the reflected light from the outside of the housing. For example, the pattern forming layer 69b is provided only within the area of the figure 69d, or provided only outside the area of the figure 69d, or has a different color or translucency within or outside the area of the figure 69d. By providing the layer, the figure 69d is exposed.

  The figure 69d is formed so as to overlap the chamfered surface 69c in the pressing direction. Therefore, as shown by the arrow y1 in FIG. 6A, the transmitted light or reflected light from the figure 69d is bent at the chamfered surface 69c. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the figure 69d is visually recognized by the user as a figure 69d '. In other words, an elaborate pattern can be expressed by the chamfered surface 69c for the purpose of improving the feeling when the user presses the button.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the signal processing system of the mobile phone 1.

  The cellular phone 1 includes a CPU 85, a memory 86, a communication processing unit 87, an acoustic processing unit 91, and an image processing unit 93. Each of these parts is constituted by an IC provided on a circuit board (not shown) of the first casing 3 and / or the second casing 5, for example.

  The CPU 85 and the memory 86 function as a control unit that performs predetermined calculations based on signals from various units such as the main operation unit 11 and the sub operation unit 23 and executes control of various units such as the image processing unit 93.

  The communication processing unit 87 includes a high frequency circuit. The communication processing unit 87 modulates various data such as acoustic data and image data processed by the CPU 85 and transmits the data via the antenna 89 in order to perform long-distance wireless communication using radio waves. Further, the communication processing unit 87 demodulates the signal received via the antenna 89 and outputs the demodulated signal to the CPU 85.

  The acoustic processing unit 91 converts the acoustic data from the CPU 85 into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal to the speaker 99 for calling and the speaker 55 for notifying incoming calls. The speaker 99 and the speaker 55 convert the electrical signal from the sound processing unit 91 into sound and output the sound. On the other hand, the microphone 95 converts the input sound into an electrical signal and outputs it to the sound processing unit 91. The sound processing unit 91 converts an electrical signal from the microphone 95 into sound data and outputs the sound data to the CPU 85.

  The image processing unit 93 converts the image data from the CPU 85 into an image signal and outputs it to the main display unit 17 and the sub display unit 19. In addition, the imaging signal (image data) output from the imaging unit 13 is converted into image data of a predetermined format and output to the CPU 85.

  According to the above embodiment, the mobile phone 1 includes the connection housing 7 having the opening 7c, the two switches 63B and 63C facing the opening 7c, the key top 71BC exposed from the opening 7c, the key By projecting from the top 71BC to the inside of the housing, extending so as to separate the two switches 63B and 63C, and having a rib 73c supported from the inside of the housing, the key top 71BC swings about the rib 73c as a fulcrum. The seesaw key 25 that can selectively depress the two switches 63B and 63C, and the LED 65BC that is provided in the connection housing 7 and illuminates the seesaw key 25, are provided on the rib 73c on the inner side of the housing. Since the notch 75 is formed at the edge, and the LED 65BC is at least partially inserted into the notch 75, the key top 71BC is connected to the LED 6 Together are suitably illuminated by BC, the key top 71BC are suitably supported by the ribs 73c. For example, at least a part of the load applied to the key top 71BC is supported by the rib 73c and not all of the load is supported by the LED 65BC. Therefore, the LED 65BC is rubbed against the sheet portion 73a below the key top 71BC. It is suppressed that the part 73a is damaged.

  The key top 71BC and the rib 73c are translucent, and when the seesaw key 25 is not pressed, a clearance Cl is formed between the seesaw key 25 and the LED 65 at least in the pressing direction of the seesaw key 25. The LED 65 can illuminate the inside surface of the case of the seesaw key 25 over a wider range, and can suppress a so-called eyeball state in which a part of the seesaw key 25 shines locally.

  Furthermore, since the rib 73c is formed of an elastic member so that the seesaw key 25 can come into contact with the LED 65BC when the seesaw key 25 is pressed, the rib 73c can be buckled in the middle of pressing the key top 71BC. In addition, a suitable feeling can be obtained, and when a strong pressing force is applied, the LED 65 can constitute a fulcrum, and the strength reduction of the rib 73c due to the provision of the notch 75 is compensated.

  Since the rib 73c is formed of a light diffusing member, the light of the LED 65 is actively diffused in the direction perpendicular to the seesaw key 25 (direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the pressing portions 69) via the rib 73c. The seesaw key 25 can be illuminated more uniformly.

  Since the rib 73c is supported by the holder 57, the electronic switch (vibrator 56) by bending the FPC 61 and the FPC 61 can be connected, and a plurality of switches 63, the vibrator 56, and the like in the vicinity of the bent portion can be densely packed. . As a result, the connection housing 7 can be reduced in size relative to the size of the first housing 3, the second housing 5 can be increased in size, and the main display unit 17 and the like can be enlarged.

  In the above embodiment, the connection housing 7 in which the opening 7c is formed is an example of the housing in which the opening of the present invention is formed, and the seesaw key 25 is an example of the operation key of the present invention. The key top 71BC or the key top 71BC and the sheet portion 73a are an example of an exposed portion of the present invention, and the LED 65 is an example of a light emitting element of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented in various aspects.

  The electronic device is not limited to a mobile terminal device such as a mobile phone. It may be a stationary large electronic device. Further, the mobile terminal device as the electronic device is not limited to the mobile phone. For example, the mobile terminal device may be a digital camera, a PDA, a notebook computer, or a game machine.

  The housing provided with the operation keys and the like is not limited to a connection housing for an electronic device having a biaxial hinge. For example, it may be a housing of an electronic device having only one housing, may be a housing of an electronic device having only two housings, or may be the first housing of the embodiment or It may be a second housing.

  The operation key only needs to be able to selectively depress at least two switches by swinging with the rib as a fulcrum, and may be capable of selectively depressing three or more switches. The operation key may be a so-called multidirectional key.

  The operation keys are not limited to those having a key top and a key sheet. For example, the operation key may be configured only by a key top formed of resin. In this case, for example, the exposed portion and the rib are integrally formed of resin.

  The protruding portion of the operation key is not limited to a rib extending so as to separate the two switches. Moreover, the recessed part formed in a protrusion part is not limited to a notch part. For example, the projecting portion may have a planar shape (a shape viewed in the pressing direction) formed in a circular shape and a concave portion formed in the center thereof. However, when the operation key is selectively pressed only in two directions as in the embodiment (when the operation key is not a multi-directional key), the protruding portion separates the two switches. If the concave portion is formed by the notch portion and the rib is formed by the extending rib, the width of the fulcrum (the length in the direction in which the two pressing portions are arranged) although the fulcrum is constituted by both the LED and the rib. And the swinging is performed smoothly.

  The position of the notch formed in the rib may be arranged at an appropriate position in the longitudinal direction of the rib, and is not limited to a position close to one side from the center of the rib. For example, the notch may be provided at the center in the longitudinal direction of the rib (the center of the operation key). Further, for example, the notch may be provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the rib.

  A clearance may not be formed between the operation key and the light emitting element. Even in this case, at least a part of the load applied to the operation keys is distributed to the ribs, so that the operation keys are prevented from being damaged as compared with the case where the operation keys are supported only by the LEDs.

  The operation keys are not limited to those having translucency. For example, the operation key may have light shielding properties, and the outer periphery of the operation key may be illuminated by a light emitting element in the housing. Even in this case, the light emitting element inserted into the concave portion of the rib can uniformly illuminate the entire outer periphery of the operation key as compared with the light emitting element provided at a position off the rib.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the mobile telephone of embodiment of this invention. The disassembled perspective view of the mobile telephone of FIG. The figure explaining the structure of the internal assembly of the mobile telephone of FIG. The figure explaining the attachment method of the seesaw key of the mobile telephone of FIG. The figure which shows the seesaw key of the mobile telephone of FIG. The figure which shows typically the pressing part of the seesaw key of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the signal processing system of the mobile telephone of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Mobile phone (mobile terminal device), 7 ... Connection housing (housing), 7c ... Opening, 25 ... Seesaw key (operation key), 63 ... Switch, 65 ... LED (light emitting element), 71 ... Key top (Exposed part), 73c ... rib (protruding part), 75 ... notch part (concave part).

Claims (5)

A housing in which an opening is formed;
A plurality of switches facing the opening;
An exposed portion exposed from the opening, and a protruding portion that protrudes from the exposed portion toward the inside of the housing and is positioned between the plurality of switches, and swinging the exposed portion with the protruding portion as a fulcrum. An operation key capable of selectively pressing the plurality of switches;
A light emitting element provided in the housing and illuminating the operation key;
Have
The protrusion is formed with a recess on the inside of the housing,
The electronic device, wherein at least a part of the light emitting element is inserted into the recess. The plurality of switches are composed of two switches,
The protrusion is a rib extending to separate the two switches;
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is a notch formed on the inside of the housing of the rib. The exposed portion and the protruding portion have translucency,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a clearance is formed between the operation key and the light emitting element in a pressing direction of the operation key when the operation key is not pressed. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the protruding portion is configured such that the operation key can come into contact with the light emitting element when the operation key is pressed. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the protruding portion is formed of a light diffusing member.

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