KR20040025747A - Electronic terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic terminal, in particular a communication terminal, which comprises a keypad 514 having a plurality of keys 522, 524 consisting of operating surfaces 534, 536. At least two keys 522, 524 are positioned directly adjacent to each other, the guide elements 593, 594 are assigned to adjacent keys 522, 524 laterally away from the operating surface 534, 536, and designated to guide the placement of the keys. Between the passive and active positions, triggered using pressure on operating surfaces 534 and 536.

Description

Electronic terminal {ELECTRONIC TERMINAL}

For example, in a mobile radiotelephone, an electronic terminal having a rod-shaped portion in a housing between keys is known from the prior art. This rod-shaped housing portion is used to guide the key, which can be moved from the passive position to the active position by pressing the key, to prevent inclination, or to make inadequate contacts made to electrical contacts assigned to the associated key. It is used to guide the keys to prevent them. The importance of increasing miniaturization and increasing external shape of electronic terminals in the sale of such terminals means that the development takes place in such a way that the rod-shaped housing portions are removed between the individual keys so that the keys are arranged directly adjacent to each other. do. However, in this case, there is a problem that the operation of one key must be able to move independently of each other in order to have no influence on the operation state of another adjacent key in each case. On the other hand, when the electronic terminal is designed with keys directly adjacent to each other, and when these keys are pressed, the keys can operate mechanically with respect to each other, thereby limiting each other or affecting each other's movement, This results in undesirable behavior of the terminal and undesirable mechanical stress on the keys. Subsequently-damage to the key-especially with the key body attached to the rubber mat-is caused by the individual key body coming from the rubber mat, by the movement of the tip being held under by the movement of the adjacent key and returning to the passive position outside the active position. The result can be obtained by the key body being moved.

The present invention relates to an electronic terminal, in particular a communication terminal, characterized in that a plurality of keys consisting of operating surfaces, in which case at least two keys are arranged directly adjacent to each other.

1 is an overall schematic diagram of a mobile wireless terminal having a keypad in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1 as a first embodiment;

3 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the view indicated in FIG.

4 is a view according to FIG. 2 of a second embodiment of the invention;

5 is a view according to FIG. 2 of a third embodiment of the invention;

6 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment.

7 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment.

8 is an enlarged sectional view according to FIG. 7 of a sixth embodiment;

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electronic terminal of the type described at the beginning of the specification, wherein the movement of the individual key is guided in a predetermined manner.

This object is achieved by an electronic terminal, in particular a communication system terminal having a keypad characterized by a number of keys designed with one operating surface, in which case at least two keys are placed directly adjacent to each other and adjacent to each other. The key arranged in this way is a guide means which is set aside from the operating surface to guide the applied key press by pressing the operating surface in a manner specified between the passive position and the active position.

By arranging the guiding means laterally away from the operating surface of the associated key, it is possible on the one hand to achieve a specified key movement between the passive position and the active position and to prevent undesirable tilting or undesirable displacement of the associated key. . On the other hand, by providing the guide means on the side of the key away from the operating surface, the guided key movement of the individual keys means that some gaps between adjacent keys can be made relatively small, as well as the overall keypad. But it is possible to achieve a good look of the individual keys. In addition, the external shape of the key pad is also not adversely affected by the guide means, because it is arranged laterally away from the operating surface of the individual key which is not visible to the user. In total, this produces a keypad with individual keys that are guided in a defined manner, thereby ensuring reliable operation of the individual keys, in particular establishing a contact with an electrical contact reliably, and in addition, between the associated keys By saving the rod-shaped housing part of the, it gives a beautiful appearance with the option of further miniaturization of the electronic terminal.

Further developing the invention, the preparation step can be configured with the key preloaded by the spring means in a passive position. In this case, for example, the preparation step can be configured to be adjusted on a mat made of a silicone material, in particular in which the key is elastically deformable. When the key is pressed, the key can be pressed onto the mat so that the mat can be deformed in position. For this purpose, the mat can be configured to have the required strain point, for example to have a reduced wall strength. Aside from the associated key, the mat can be implemented to have a particular protrusion, which can interact with a switching foil located below the protrusion to establish a connection.

According to a possible implementation of the guide means, the preparatory step is to hold the key at a certain minimum distance to at least one of the adjacent keys when at least one of the keys is moved from the passive position to the active position on the adjacent side of at least nine adjacent keys. At least one spacing protrusion may be configured. In this embodiment according to the invention, two adjacent keys are always held at a certain distance away from each other as well as via at least one spacing protrusion during the movement of one of the keys from the passive position to the active position. In other words, by means of a guide of one of the keys, it is achieved that the key positions itself via at least one spacing protrusion with the other key concerned.

In addition to or alternatively to the embodiment of the guide means described previously, it may further be provided that the guide means are characterized by protrusions, which are essentially in the housing of the terminal belonging to the corresponding guide face away from the operating face of the key. Is stopped and positioned. For example, the guide protrusion can be implemented on the mat mentioned above. However, the guide protrusion may also be implemented in the housing of the terminal or in a carrier fixed to the housing. In such a case, it is possible to implement a small guide protrusion or in the form of a door according to the geometry of the key, so that each key is at least partially guided in its contour. Depending on the guide face on the key, the preparation step may be configured to be implemented separately at the bottom of the associated key or that the side of the key is used as the guide face.

As a further alternative to the embodiment of the guide means, the preparation step may be configured for a key on which the guide means are mounted on a plurality of elastically deformable spring arms and in each case one of the spring arms.

It is also possible for the guide means to feature a plurality of guide pins arranged linearly in the guide opening, the guide opening being embodied on the housing of the terminal or on a carrier fixed to the housing, the key being on an assigned portion of the guide pin. It is possible to be arranged. The embodiment ensures a safe guide of the key in the movement between the passive position and the active position and ensures a sufficient long life of the keypad. In order to achieve a simple assembly of the individual keys in the terminal and to implement the option for alternative individual keys, for example after damage or wear, the preparation step is a spring arm in which the key is assigned in each case according to the invention. Or latching with the guide pin.

Latching may be achieved by pinning of the cone in correspondence to the cutting portion (friction latching) of the cone with defined stops, or by latching (snap-in latching) the ball head to the corresponding position cutting portion.

In a further form of embodiment of the guide means, the preparation step may be configured for a guide comprising a guide leg on the side of the key away from the operating surface, which operating surface is on the housing of the terminal or on a carrier fixed into the housing. Guided to the corresponding cutting part implemented. For example, it is possible to provide two, three or four guide legs on the key, which ensures a guide without declination of movement between the active and passive positions. In order to ensure the fixed position of the fixed key in the passive position, in particular in the case as mentioned above when the key is preloaded in the passive position, the preparatory step is according to the invention to limit the movement of the guide leg in the corresponding guide. It may be configured for at least one guide leg for a key designed with a stop for it. The preparatory step may be configured for at least one guide leg positioned to latch the guide leg at the stop and the guide. In this way the key can be latched with a stop in the guide when the first is installed, which is then preloaded under the effect of the spring means such that the stop is in contact with the guide. When the key is pressed, the at least one guide leg then moves from the guide to the guide where the stop is released. If large mechanical stresses cause the key to loose, because at least one guide leg with a stop is sticking out of the guide, or if the key is released from the guide to replace the key, the key or at least one guide leg and stop The new key with which it is introduced is introduced back into the guide and latched. This makes it easier to replace individual keys, for example for maintenance purposes.

In order to describe the individual keys, the preparation step is configured for guide means and / or spring means, if necessary, made of light-conducting material. The exact element is the component in the keyed contact made of the light-conducting material.

The invention is described below using the embodiments given in the accompanying drawings.

In Fig. 1, the mobile radio terminal according to the present invention is generally indicated by the number 10. This includes not only the display 16 but also the housing 12 in which the keypad 14 is integrated. In addition, an antenna 18 is implemented in the housing 12. The keypad 14 is composed of a plurality of keys, each placed directly adjacent to each other, with the three keys shown by way of example being indicated by the numbers 20, 22 and 24. The keys are narrow and divided from each other in a slight gap, and there is no rod-shaped housing portion between adjacent keys.

The following description is to look at various embodiments of the keypad 14. FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a keypad 14 according to the invention in cross section through line II-II through a mobile radio terminal 10 according to the invention. 2 shows a cross section through the keys 20, 22, 24. Each of these comprises plastic plates 26, 28, 30 having smooth, wear resistant surfaces 32, 34, 36 appearing around them. The plastic plates 26, 28, 30 are bonded to the silicone mat 38. Between the corresponding adhesive surfaces 40, 42, 44 are erased portions 46, 48 embodied in the silicone mat 38, each of which may be distorted. The side of the silicone mat 38 away from the plastic plates 26, 28, 30 lies on the carrier plate 50. There are a variety of contacts (not shown) on the carrier plate 50, in which the contacts are resiliently deformable and electrically conductive domes 52, 54, 56 in each case. There are pressure protrusions 58, 60, 62 with respect to the top of the dome 52, 54, 56 shown in FIG. 2.

When the key is pressed by the force F1, for example, the key 20, the silicone mat 38 deforms in the area under the plastic plate 26 and presses the pressure area 52 on the dome 52. In that case, the latter deforms and there is pressure on top of the carrier plate 50. When this happens, the two electrical contacts located on top of the carrier plate 50 are short circuited. When the key 20 is released, this means that when the force F1 is reduced, the silicone mat 20 is elastically returned to its original form so that the key 20 is returned to the starting position shown in FIG. do.

During the movement of the key 20 under the effect of the force F1, the key is guided to prevent tilting in the keypad and to ensure reliable deformation of the dome 52 to establish contact on the carrier plate 50. It is necessary. This guide is achieved by a suitable embodiment of the adjacent faces 64, 60 of the adjacent plastic plates 26, 28 or 28, 30. In this cross section-as shown in the cross section of the diagram according to FIG. 3-when viewed from above, the guide protrusion 68 is arranged on the plastic plates 28, 30, in particular, in the same way as it exhibits a toothed shape. It is implemented on adjacent faces 64, 66 at intervals. The guide protrusions 68 are embodied on faces 64 and 66 so as to be complementary to one another in order to be connected to one another in an alternating arrangement. This means that the plastic plates 26, 28, 30 are guided and positioned with each other.

4 shows a second embodiment of a keypad according to the present invention. The same reference symbol is used as in Fig. 3, but the number "1" is prefixed.

Instead of being guided by the guide protrusion 68, the plastic plates 126, 128 and 130 are guided by the guide protrusions 170 and 172 during the movement of the key, which guide protrusions 164 and 166 at the conical edge cross section. Interact with parts implemented in. Guide protrusions 170, 172 are implemented in the form of a grating along key contours on silicon mat 138 such that individual keys 120, 122, 124 are fully guided during key movement.

Figure 5 shows a third embodiment according to the invention, which uses the same reference symbols as those used in Figures 1-4, but with the number "2" prefixed.

In this embodiment, the guide ribs 274, 276 are implemented on the bottom face, i.e. the plastic plates 226, 228, 230 away from the associated operating surfaces 232, 234, 236, the guide ribs being the entire part of the corresponding carrier plate 250. Interact with pin 278. When the plastic plates 226, 228, 230 are moved downward in FIG. 5, adjacent surfaces of the guide ribs 274, 276 slide toward the corresponding surfaces of the guide pin 278 and guide the movement of the key. Preferably, the portion of the guide pin 278 extends along the contour of the associated keys 220, 222, 224 only and passes through the silicone mat 238 in this region. This positions the silicone mat 238 relative to the plastic plate 250.

The embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5 functions in the same way as making the contact via the dome as in the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and in order to avoid repetition, here the No further explanation is given.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment, in which case the reference symbol is again used as the same or similar component as used in FIGS. 1 to 5, but with the number “3” prefixed.

6 also shows part of the device housings 3121 and 3122, in which case the two housing components 3121 and 3122 are latched together using a latching connection 379.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, conical pins 380 with stop shoulders 381 are formed on the bottom face of plastic plates 326 and 328 (which are generally described herein for key 320). The plastic portion 382 is located on the carrier plate 350 and fixed into the housing 312. The plastic portion includes a free arm 383 at the end where the rod shaped holder 384 is located. The holder 384 is characterized by the opening of the cone, the conical pin 380 of the plastic plate 326 is introduced to make a tight fit. Adjacent faces may be latched or glued together to increase the stability of the connection between the pin 380 and the holder 384. When the plastic portion is placed on the silicone mat 338, it is embodied as a sealing lip 385 that moves essentially parallel to the edge contour of the plastic plate 326, in the region coming into contact with the bottom face of the plastic plate 326. The sealing lip 385 is embodied in a thin walled cross section and then elastically deforms relatively easily. Due to the elasticity of the sealing lip, a moderate feedback force can be confirmed when the key is pressed. In addition to the plastic portion 382, the plastic plate 326 and also the pin 380 formed on the plate, the light being sent using the LED 386 located on the carrier plate 350, the plastic portion 382 and the pin 380. It is emphasized that it is introduced into and composed of light-conducting material to illuminate.

When the plastic plate 326 and the key 320 are pressed by the free end of the arm 383, the key is guided. Because of the elasticity of the arm 383 and the lip 385, the plastic plate 326 moves to the active position after being tilted and automatically returns to the passive position when released. In the active position of the key 320, meaning when the key is suppressed, the dome 352 is pressed from the plastic plate 326 onto the carrier plate 350 via the cross section of the pin 380 to establish a contact. .

7 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Again the same or similar components are indicated with the same reference symbols as in the previous embodiment but prefixed with the number "4".

The fifth embodiment according to FIG. 7 differs from the embodiment according to FIG. 6 in that the individual keys-here by way of example using the key 424-are guided via cylindrical guide pins rather than guided by arms. In this regard, the positioned opening 487 is embodied in the plastic portion 482 and the pin 488 is guided essentially straight. Guide pins 488 and guide openings 487 are characterized by the removal of corresponding cones, which prevent the guide pins 488 from sliding upwards (FIG. 7), while simultaneously positioning the key. To ensure that In the upper face of the guide pin 488 in FIG. 7, the pin features a spherical area that snaps to the corresponding snap-in cutout 490, in which case the snap-in cutout 490 is made of plastic. It is embodied as an entire part of the bottom surface of the plate 430. The sealing lip 485, which moves essentially parallel in parallel around the contour of the plastic plate, is responsible for the plastic plate 430 in a fixed position in the passive position shown in FIG. 7 and is reliable after tilting to the active position. Responsible for feedback power.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the guide pins 488 as well as the plastic plates 430 conduct the light emitted by the LEDs 486 to the plastic plate 430 in each case and illuminate the plastic plate. Each is made of light conducting material. To establish the contact, an essentially spherical pressure zone 462 is implemented at the bottom of the guide pin 488 where the dome 456 is pressed in the active position.

In addition, in the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the movement of the key is ensured by a defined guide of the pin 488 into the opening 487.

8 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Again the same or similar components are indicated with the same reference symbols as in the previous embodiment but prefixed with the number "5".

In the embodiment according to FIG. 8, an individual key (given description uses the key 524 as an example) is guided directly at the top of the housing 5211, in which case the end moves below the keypad 514. Characterized in that part 590. In housing portion 590, a variety of breakthrough points are provided, namely guide breakthrough points as well as central breakpoint 592. In the free cross section in which the stop protrusion 594 is formed, the guide leg 593 is at the bottom of the plastic plate 530. The guide leg 593 extends through the guide breakthrough point 591, and binds the guide protrusion 594 of the guide leg. In addition, the active fins 595 are formed at the bottom of the plastic plate 530 and extend through the central breakthrough point 592. The active pin 595 is essentially cylindrical in shape and is located in the corresponding cylindrical hole 596 in the free cross section. If desired, it is secured or attached at the end of a large adapter style. The wall strength of the silicone mat 583 is reduced around the cylindrical holder 596 to produce the required strain point. When the operating surface 536 of the key 524 is pressed, the plastic plate 530 in FIG. 8 is inclined downward. This movement is guided by the coupling action of the guide leg 594 and the guide breakthrough point 591. During the movement, the active fins 595 deform the adjacent regions of the silicone mat 538 so that the two contacts arranged on the carrier plate 550 (not shown) are short circuited, thereby causing the dome 556 pressure region to be reduced. (562) Press the free cross section and deform the tip.

It is again emphasized that the silicone mat 535 and also the plastic plate 530 as well as the fins 595 formed on the silicone mat are made of light conducting material so that the keys 524-as well as all other keys-can be illuminated.

The present invention has a variety of means that can be realized with a long-life and reliable function keypad, the individual keys are placed directly adjacent to each other, and does not have a rod-shaped housing portion that wastes space between the individual keys. In a way. In particular, the present invention shows in the form of such a keypad, wherein the keypad can be reliably guided in the key, and in the active position of the key, the key is not tilted or moved at an angle, and when the key is pressed, It is obtained under an adjacent key in a passive position, meaning it can be moved out of this key. In addition, the present invention provides for a simple movement in a shape that looks good and saves space, and still guarantees a high functional keypad, wherein the individual plastic plates, i.e. the individual keys, used during operation of the mobile wireless terminal, It presents a variety of options for designing them so that they can be easily replaced after they are old or broken.

Claims (14)

Multiple keys 20, 22, 24 designed with operating surfaces 32, 34, 36, in which case at least two keys 20, 22, 24 are directly adjacent to each other and adjacent to each other. The key being guided away from the operating surfaces 32, 34 and 36 to guide key presses of the operating surfaces 32, 34 and 36 in a specified manner between the passive position and the active position. (68; 164, 166, 170, 172; 274, 276, 278; 380; 487, 488; 593, 594) An electronic terminal, in particular a communication system terminal, having a keypad (14). The method of claim 1, Terminal (20, 22, 24) is preloaded by spring means (38; 383, 385) in a passive position. The method according to claim 1 or 2, The key (20, 22, 24) is characterized in that it is adjusted on an elastically changing material, in particular on a silicone mat (38). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, At least one spacer protrusion 68 is provided at adjacent sides 64, 66 of at least two adjacent keys 22, 24, each during movement of one of the keys 22, 24 from a passive position to an active position. Terminal, characterized in that for holding the key (22,24) at the minimum distance mentioned above from the adjacent key (22,24). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In the housing 12 of the terminal 10 the guide means are essentially fixed guides which are separated from the operating surfaces 34, 36 and which belong to the corresponding guide surfaces 164, 166; 274, 276 of the keys 120, 122, 124; 220, 222, 224. Terminal characterized in that it features a projection (170; 278). The method according to claim 3 and 5, The guide protrusion (170,172) is characterized in that the terminal is implemented on the mat (138). The method of claim 5, The guide protrusion (278) is characterized in that it is implemented on the housing of the terminal (10), or on a carrier (250) fixed to the housing (12). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The guide means are characterized by a plurality of elastically inclined spring arms (383), wherein the keys (320, 322) are respectively adjusted on the assigned portions of the spring arms (383). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The guide means are characterized by a plurality of guide pins 488, which guide pins 488 are provided in a guide opening 487 implemented in the housing 412 or in a carrier 487 fixed in the housing 412. Guided, the key (422,424) being adjusted in each case at the assigned portion of the guide pin (488). The method according to claim 8 or 9, The key (320,322,324; 420,422,424) is latched by the spring arm (383) or the guide pin (488) assigned in each case. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The guide means away from the operating surface 536 is characterized by a guide leg 593 on the key 524, the key 524 is a corresponding guide (in the housing 590 of the terminal 10) 591) or a terminal embodied on a carrier fixed into the housing. The method of claim 11, A terminal 591 corresponding to at least one guide leg 593 per key 524 is ready for a stop 594 to limit the movement of the guide leg 593. . The method of claim 12, A terminal characterized in that at least one of the guide legs 593 is latched with the guide 591 The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Terminal, characterized in that the guide means and / or the spring material, if necessary, are made from a light conducting material.