KR20070099768A - Character and number fast tap keys array for mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

A fast tap character and numeral key array structure for a mobile communication terminal is provided to prevent a malfunction of the key due to an LCD panel by efficiently arranging numeral, character, and symbol keys within a narrow key panel. A fast tap character and numeral key array structure for a mobile communication terminal includes a plurality of key sets(10), a key frame, a key dome(30), and a supporting structure(20). The plurality of key sets(10) consists of three division keys which are divided to have the same height and an interval. The key sets(10) are installed within a lattice of the key frame. The plurality of key sets are arranged on a total key frame. The key dome(30) is arranged to be corresponding to a lower end of the division key, and has a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal which are far away each other. The key dome(30) contacts or detach the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal. The supporting structure(20) is changed to push the key dome(30) by an outer force and supports the key set(10).

Description

Character and Number Fast Tap Keys Array For Mobile Phone}

1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a key panel in which a conventional letter and number key is provided in one panel.

FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the key panel of FIG. 1A.

Figure 2a is a plan view schematically illustrating a structure of a key array for a terminal of the prior art.

2B is a perspective view illustrating a single key of the terminal of FIG. 2A.

2C is a side view of FIG. 2B.

3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a separated key array structure and a key dome substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3B is a plan view illustrating a tall frame of the present invention.

3C is a plan view illustrating a key array structure according to an exemplary embodiment in which the key array structure of FIG. 3A and the key frame of FIG. 3B are combined.

4A is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the split key and key dome partially shown in the A-A direction of FIG. 3C.

4B is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the split key and key dome partially shown in the B-B direction of FIG. 3C.

FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the placement of a split key and key dome partially shown in the A-A direction of FIG. 3C of another embodiment with actuators. FIG.

FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the placement of the split key and key dome partially shown in the B-B direction of FIG. 3C of another embodiment with actuators. FIG.

6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a key array structure of another embodiment having an actuator and an auxiliary support.

FIG. 6B is an exemplary side cross-sectional view of the key array structure with the actuator and auxiliary support illustrated in C-C of the key array structure of FIG. 6A.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings>

One ; Tall panel

2 ; Main body

3; First key 4; 2nd key

5,50; Board

6,30; Ki dom

7; Multi Key

8a, 8b, 8c; Contact

9; spring

10; Key set

10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f; Split key

11; Guitar key set

12; Guitar height

20; Support structure

25; Actuator

26; Secondary support

30; Ki dom

40; Tall frame

45,46; grid

50; Board

The present invention relates to a fast tap character and numeric key array structure for a mobile communication terminal, and more particularly, to a fast tap character and numeric key array for a mobile communication terminal which eliminates height differences or steps of letters and numeric keys. It's about structure.

The term "mobile communication terminal" of a conventional concept refers to an electronic device that a user can carry out wireless communication with a counterpart while carrying.

These mobile communication terminals have been on the trend toward miniaturization, slimness, grip, and light weight in consideration of portability, and are moving toward a multi-mediaization direction that can pursue various functions. In particular, the next generation mobile communication terminal will be used for miniaturization, light weight, multifunction, and multipurpose, and is being modified to adapt to various multimedia environments and the Internet environment. In addition, mobile communication terminals are an electronic device commonly used anywhere in the world, men and women, and are being recognized as a necessity to carry around at all times.

Recently, its functions have also been expanded to become multifunctional to implement various multimedia, web surfing, games, and the like. Accordingly, the frequency of use of the operation keys becomes more frequent, and the shape and type thereof are on the increase.

As the frequency of use of keys increases, the necessity of a key structure for providing fast tap characters and numeric keys, which can input characters and the like, is emerging. This is a key array structure that overcomes the hassle of the current method of pressing a specific key several times for character entry.

1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a key panel in which a conventional letter and number key is provided in one panel. FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the key panel of FIG. 1A.

U.S. Patent No. 6911608 discloses a space between an arrangement space of an array of first keys 3 to simultaneously implement letter keys and numeric keys on one key panel 1, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. An array of two keys 4 is provided. In order to distinguish between the narrowed keys 3, 4, the second key 4 provided between them protrudes further by the height h than the first key 3. In addition, the key pad substrate 5 on which the key dome 6 is disposed has a complicated matrix structure connected to each other by electrical traces, and thus signal processing is performed by a complicated algorithm.

In this structure, as described above, due to the height difference between the character keys or the numeric keys, in the case of the folding mobile communication terminal or the sliding type mobile communication terminal, the LCD panel (not shown) includes a main body unit provided with a key pad ( When covered toward 2), pressure on the protruding key, in particular the first key 3, may cause the key to malfunction. In addition, according to the key array structure (array), the key pad substrate 5 has a complicated matrix structure, the manufacturing process is complicated, there is a problem that the production cost increases with it.

Figure 2a is a plan view schematically illustrating a structure of a key array for a terminal of the prior art. 2B is a perspective view illustrating a single key of the terminal of FIG. 2A. 2C is a side view of FIG. 2B.

In addition, Korean Laid-Open Patent No. 1993-0006768 (U.S. Patent Application No. 753,828) includes a multi-key which can be used as a key for various terminals such as a telephone, a cash register, a computer keyboard, and the like as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. 7) An array has been proposed. In the case of such an array, as shown in Figs. 2A, 2B, and 2C, multiple numbers, letters 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, etc. are formed in one multi-key 7, accordingly. A plurality of contacts 8a, 8b, 8c are arranged, and the contacts are turned on and off by the spring 9, so that the desired letters and numbers can be input in multiple ways. However, in the case of such a multi-key 7, the contact surface of the key pressed by the user is very narrow, and it is not easy to operate the character correctly, and it is also difficult to apply in a small space.

The present invention has been invented to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, when closing the LCD panel toward the main body having a keypad due to the step of the letter, number keys as described above, the LCD panel and the protruding key is It is an object of the present invention to provide a key array structure that not only solves a problem of contact and malfunction, but also places letters, numbers, and symbol keys all within a space of a narrow keypad.

An object of the present invention is to provide a fast tap character, numeric key array structure for a mobile communication terminal,

A key set consisting of split keys having the same height and divided into three with a gap is provided in the grid of the key frame, and the key sets are arranged in plural and arranged throughout the key frame.

A key dome having a positive electrode and a negative electrode terminal disposed separately to correspond to a lower end of the split key, and having a positive and negative terminal spaced therein;

A support structure deformed to receive key domination by an external force and adapted to support the key set; A fast tap character and numeric key for a mobile communication terminal comprising a is achieved by providing an array structure.

Preferably, one number is placed in the partitioning key of the keyset and a combination of letters or symbols is arranged in another partitioning key in the keyset.

Preferably, an actuator is provided in the support structure disposed below the split key toward the key dome.

Preferably, the actuator may be disposed toward the key dome through the support structure in a structure integrated with the same material as the split key.

Preferably, an auxiliary support for guiding the actuator to be in constant contact with a predetermined portion of the key dome is provided in the support structure at a position corresponding to a gap between the splitting keys, when an external force is applied to the splitting key. The auxiliary support may abut the key dome so that the actuator is accurately positioned on top of the key dome.

Hereinafter, a fast tap character and numeric key array structure for a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a separated key array structure and a key dome substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3B is a plan view illustrating a tall frame of the present invention. 3C is a plan view illustrating a key array structure according to an exemplary embodiment in which the key array structure of FIG. 3A and the key frame of FIG. 3B are combined.

4A is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the split key and key dome partially shown in the A-A direction of FIG. 3C. 4B is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the split key and key dome partially shown in the B-B direction of FIG. 3C.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a fast tap key array structure according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a key set 10, a key frame 40, a support structure 20, a key dome 30, and a substrate. Is done. The key frame 40 includes a plurality of other key sets 11 in addition to the ten key sets 10 in which the numbers 0 to 9 are allocated to the grids 45 and 46, respectively. The other key 12 may be provided below the key panel.

The key sets 10 inserted into the gratings 45 and 46 are divided into partitioning keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e and 10f and placed in the gratings 45 and 46, as shown in FIG. 3C. Will be. The partition keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f are divided into three, as shown in Figs. 3a and 3c, and the partition keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f are It is spaced apart by a predetermined gap t.

The splitting keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f are made of the same height without steps, as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B. The partition keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f are spaced apart from each other with a predetermined gap t, and as shown in FIGS. 3c, 4a, and 4b, within the gratings 45 and 46. The upper edge c facing the split keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f may be rounded or arranged in a straight line.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the key set 10 has a structure in which split keys 10a and 10d in the form of "△" or "▽" can be arranged in the key set 10. Apart from " Δ " or " " in the key set 10, parallelogram-shaped split keys 10b, 10c, 10e and 10f are disposed in the key set 10. As shown in FIG.

In each key set 10 ten digits from 0 to 9 are placed in the partitioning keys 10a and 10d in each corresponding key set 10. Preferably, numbers are arranged in the partitioning keys 10a and 10d of "Δ" or "▽". Character keys or symbols are preferably arranged on the parallelogram partitioning keys 10b, 10c, 10e, and 10f. The form of the partitioning keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f is not limited to the form according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The partitioning keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f are arranged in the grids 45 and 46 of the key frame 40 to form a key set 10 and supported by the support structure 20. . In addition, corresponding key domes 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f are disposed below the corresponding partition keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f, and the key dome 30 is shown in FIG. As shown, the shape may be oval or rectangular.

The substrate 50 in which the key domes are disposed of the present invention is preferably implemented in a voltage resistance manner, and the key domes 30a, 30b, 30c, corresponding to the split keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f, 30d, 30e, 30f).

The support structure 20 supports the split keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f, and key domes 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, and 30f may be disposed directly below the corresponding structures. have. That is, external force is applied to the split keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f to deform the key dome 30 while the support structure 20 is deformed, so that the key dome 30 is in contact with the input signal. Will generate

FIG. 5A is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the placement of the split key and key dome partially shown in the A-A direction of FIG. 3C of another embodiment with actuators. FIG. FIG. 5B is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the placement of the split key and key dome partially shown in the B-B direction of FIG. 3C of another embodiment with actuators. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the support structures 20 interposed between the split keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e and 10f and the key dome 30 are key dome 30a, 30b and 30c. Actuator 25 may be arranged facing 30d, 30e, 30f, which consists of a structure attached to support structure 20 or the splitting keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f. It can be made integral with the structure to penetrate the support structure (20). As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the corner C of the split key may be formed in a round shape.

6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a key array structure of another embodiment having an actuator and an auxiliary support. FIG. 6B is an exemplary side cross-sectional view of the key array structure with the actuator and auxiliary support illustrated in C-C of the key array structure of FIG. 6A. For reference, FIG. 6B exemplarily illustrates a cross section of a key set corresponding to an upper portion for explanation.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the gap t of the split keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f is located on the bottom surface of the support structure 20 facing the key dome 30. Auxiliary support 26, which is a predetermined mechanism, may be provided or formed at the corresponding part.

The auxiliary support 26 is a predetermined region between the key dome (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f) even when no external force is applied to the split key (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) Corresponding heights forming a space between the partitioning keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f and corresponding key domes 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f, same as g). In addition, an auxiliary support 26 having a height greater than the height g is provided in a predetermined area between the key domes 30 only when an external force is applied to the split keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f. It may be made of a structure that can contact.

One side of the split key 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f is guided by the grid 45, 46 of the key frame 40, and the other side is split key 10a by the auxiliary support 26. 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f) is guided up and down. Accordingly, the adjacent partition keys 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, and 10f can be prevented from being pressed incorrectly.

By providing an array structure of fast-tap alphanumeric keys for the mobile communication terminal of the present invention, when the LCD panel is closed toward the main body provided with the keypad, the malfunction of the keys by the LCD panel can be prevented, You can efficiently place numeric, character, and symbol keys in the key panel.

Although the present invention has been exemplified as an embodiment of the present invention based on the accompanying drawings for convenience, it is obvious that various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

Claims (5)

In the fast tap character, numeric key array structure for a mobile communication terminal, A key set consisting of split keys having the same height and divided into three with a gap is provided in the grid of the key frame, and the key sets are arranged in plural and arranged throughout the key frame. A key dome having a positive electrode and a negative electrode terminal disposed separately to correspond to a lower end of the split key, and having a positive and negative terminal spaced therein; A support structure deformed to receive key domination by an external force and adapted to support the key set; Fast tab character, numeric key array structure for a mobile communication terminal comprising a. The method of claim 1, And one number is arranged in a partition key of the key set and a letter or symbol is arranged in combination with another partition key in the key set. The method according to claim 1 or 2, An actuator is provided in a support structure disposed below the split key to face a key dome, and the fast tap character and numeric key array structure for a mobile communication terminal is provided. The method of claim 3, wherein The actuator is a fast tap character, numeric key array structure for a mobile communication terminal, characterized in that the key is formed toward the key dome through the support structure in an integrated structure of the same material as the partition key. The method of claim 4, wherein An auxiliary support for guiding the actuator to be in constant contact with a portion of the key dome is provided in the support structure at a position corresponding to the gap between the split keys, When the external force is applied to the split key, the auxiliary support portion is in contact with the key dome so that the actuator is accurately placed on the top of the key dome fast tab character, numeric key array structure for a mobile communication terminal.

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