WO2001013392A1 - Cellular telephone navigation control - Google Patents

Cellular telephone navigation control Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001013392A1
WO2001013392A1 PCT/EP2000/007688 EP0007688W WO0113392A1 WO 2001013392 A1 WO2001013392 A1 WO 2001013392A1 EP 0007688 W EP0007688 W EP 0007688W WO 0113392 A1 WO0113392 A1 WO 0113392A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control
button
accordance
switch
switches
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2000/007688
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Bruno Vittori
Carlo Soravia
Original Assignee
Telit Mobile Terminals S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Telit Mobile Terminals S.P.A. filed Critical Telit Mobile Terminals S.P.A.
Priority to AU62810/00A priority Critical patent/AU6281000A/en
Publication of WO2001013392A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001013392A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0338—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/04—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick
    • H01H25/041—Operating part movable angularly in more than one plane, e.g. joystick having a generally flat operating member depressible at different locations to operate different controls
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2221/00—Actuators
    • H01H2221/008—Actuators other then push button
    • H01H2221/012—Joy stick type
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H25/00—Switches with compound movement of handle or other operating part
    • H01H25/008—Operating part movable both angularly and rectilinearly, the rectilinear movement being perpendicular to the axis of angular movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
    • H04M1/724—User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cellular telephone navigation control.
  • controls termed 'navigator keys' having the form of a large button generally round in shape and tiltable in four directions arranged in a cross are known. Tilting of the button in each of the four provided directions closes a corresponding electrical contact.
  • the button therefore provides a four-way key, i.e. having four electrical contacts that can be operated alternatively by appropriate tilting of the button. This operation is easy to perform with a single finger.
  • the term 'navigator key' is derived from the fact that this type of control is often used for 'navigation', i.e. moving within selection menus available in the cellular telephone. Although operation with a single finger was found very advantageous, known navigator keys still require use of at least one other key, e.g. to confirm the choice made in the menus using the navigator key.
  • the general purpose of the present invention is to remedy the above mentioned shortcomings by making available a navigator key with increased convenience.
  • a cellular telephone control of the navigator key type comprising a button tiltable in the four directions essentially arranged in a cross for alternative operation of one of four switches characterized in that it comprises a fifth switch operated by downward pressure of the button.
  • FIG 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a cellular telephone equipped with a control provided in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG 2 shows a diagrammatic plan view of a part of the control of FIG 1
  • FIG 3 shows a cross-section view of the control along plane of cut III-III of FIG 2.
  • FIG 1 shows diagrammatically a cellular telephone indicated as a whole by reference number 10 equipped with a control 11 of the navigator key type.
  • the control 11 comprises a button 12 which is tiltable in the four directions arranged essentially in a cross to operate alternatively one of four switches. In FIG 1 the four directions are indicated by arrows along the edge of the button.
  • the control 11 comprises a fifth switch which can be operated by pressing the button downward.
  • the control is advantageously mounted on a printed circuit junction block 13 which can support other parts of the internal circuitry of the telephone. As may be seen in FIG 2 where the control is removed from the cover and with the external button removed the fifth switch 14 is arranged in the center of the cross formed by the other four switches 15.
  • FIG 3 shows the advantageous structure of the control 11.
  • the button 12 has a central pin 17 resting on the central switch 14.
  • the switch 14 provides the hinging support for tilting of the button in the four directions of operation of the peripheral switches 15.
  • the key has its upper surface 16 concave to facilitate operation with a single finger.
  • Operation of the control as a navigator key is essentially like that of the know type with the operating button hinged on the central switch.
  • the profile of the central pin 17 which rests on the central switch has to be rounded so that it allows rotation on the surface of the switch.
  • the key 16 has a peripheral support crown 18 connected to the central body by means of an elastically flexible membrane 19.
  • This membrane must have a length such as to allow the key to complete its entire travel in the peripheral part.
  • the button 12 is provided in a single piece of silicon rubber or plastic of suitable pliability and possibly having a plastic cap (not shown) .
  • the button is shown round but it can naturally have different shapes suited to operation of the underlying switches.
  • the button could be provided in the shape of a cross as shown in broken lines at 12a in FIG 2.
  • each switch 14, 15 comprises a domed elastic member 20a, 20b on which a corresponding operating projection 17, 21 arranged beneath the button (advantageously in one piece therewith) pushes when operated.
  • the operating projection of the central switch is the same tilting pin 17.
  • At least the four peripheral switches have their domed elastic members provided in a same sheet 22 of suitable plastic material, e.g. polyester, fastened to the surface of the junction block 13 in which are made appropriate electrical contact tracks.
  • suitable plastic material e.g. polyester
  • this shaped plastic sheet is known as 'polydome'.
  • the domed switches are known and not described in further detail. It was found that the operating force of the fifth switch should be advantageously at least one and a half times and, in particular, at least twice the operating force of each of the other four switches . This ensures reliable operation of the side switches without accidental operation of the central switch. In addition travel of the button 12 for operation of the fifth switch should be less than the operating travel of each of the other four switches. This prevents movement of the button for operation of the central switch from operating the side switches mistakenly. In the device shown in FIG 3 the second condition is equivalent to the fact that the distance a + b is greater than c.
  • the sheet 22 has a hole 23 and the domed elastic member 20b of the fifth switch is made separately and arranged to project toward the respective projection 17 beneath the button through the opening 23 in the plastic sheet. This way it is possible to provide the dome 20b with less pliability. For example it is practical to make the domed elastic member 20b of the fifth switch of metal.
  • a tape with both sides adhesive 24 is arranged between the sheet 22 and the support surface 13 between the sheet 22 and the support surface 13 there is arranged a tape with both sides adhesive 24.
  • This layer of tape with both sides adhesive can be a sheet with both sides adhesive appropriately windowed.
  • the control in accordance with the present invention can be used for navigation in menus by tilting the button to operate the peripheral switches. Confirmation of selection or other functions can be controlled by pressing the control inward without tilting it. With a single control it is thus possible to obtain all the functions necessary for a menu selection system such as that of modern cellular telephones .
  • the peripheral switches could also be provided with metal elastic domes as for the central switch.

Abstract

A cellular telephone control of the navigator key type comprises a button (12) tiltable in four directions essentially arranged in a cross for alternative operation of one of four switches (15). The control comprises a fifth switch (14) operated by downward pressure of the button. Advantageously the fifth switch (14) also provides a hinging surface for tilting of the button (12) in the four directions.

Description

"Cellular telephone navigation control"
The present invention relates to a cellular telephone navigation control. In cellular telephone technology, controls termed 'navigator keys' having the form of a large button generally round in shape and tiltable in four directions arranged in a cross are known. Tilting of the button in each of the four provided directions closes a corresponding electrical contact. The button therefore provides a four-way key, i.e. having four electrical contacts that can be operated alternatively by appropriate tilting of the button. This operation is easy to perform with a single finger. The term 'navigator key' is derived from the fact that this type of control is often used for 'navigation', i.e. moving within selection menus available in the cellular telephone. Although operation with a single finger was found very advantageous, known navigator keys still require use of at least one other key, e.g. to confirm the choice made in the menus using the navigator key.
This involves the necessity for the user to move the finger continually from the navigator key to another key, thus complicating use of the equipment and reducing the immediacy of the operation. The general purpose of the present invention is to remedy the above mentioned shortcomings by making available a navigator key with increased convenience. In view of this purpose it was sought to provide in accordance with the present invention a cellular telephone control of the navigator key type comprising a button tiltable in the four directions essentially arranged in a cross for alternative operation of one of four switches characterized in that it comprises a fifth switch operated by downward pressure of the button.
To clarify the explanation of the innovative principles of the present invention and its advantages compared with the prior art there is described below with the aid of the annexed drawings a possible embodiment thereof by way of non limiting example applying said principles. In the drawings :
- FIG 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a cellular telephone equipped with a control provided in accordance with the present invention, - FIG 2 shows a diagrammatic plan view of a part of the control of FIG 1 , and
- FIG 3 shows a cross-section view of the control along plane of cut III-III of FIG 2.
With reference to the figures, FIG 1 shows diagrammatically a cellular telephone indicated as a whole by reference number 10 equipped with a control 11 of the navigator key type. The control 11 comprises a button 12 which is tiltable in the four directions arranged essentially in a cross to operate alternatively one of four switches. In FIG 1 the four directions are indicated by arrows along the edge of the button. In accordance with the present invention, in addition to this the control 11 comprises a fifth switch which can be operated by pressing the button downward. The control is advantageously mounted on a printed circuit junction block 13 which can support other parts of the internal circuitry of the telephone. As may be seen in FIG 2 where the control is removed from the cover and with the external button removed the fifth switch 14 is arranged in the center of the cross formed by the other four switches 15.
FIG 3 shows the advantageous structure of the control 11. As may be seen in this FIG the button 12 has a central pin 17 resting on the central switch 14. This way the switch 14 provides the hinging support for tilting of the button in the four directions of operation of the peripheral switches 15. The key has its upper surface 16 concave to facilitate operation with a single finger. Operation of the control as a navigator key is essentially like that of the know type with the operating button hinged on the central switch. For this purpose the profile of the central pin 17 which rests on the central switch has to be rounded so that it allows rotation on the surface of the switch.
To ensure stability of the control in the unoperated position the key 16 has a peripheral support crown 18 connected to the central body by means of an elastically flexible membrane 19. This membrane must have a length such as to allow the key to complete its entire travel in the peripheral part.
Advantageously the button 12 is provided in a single piece of silicon rubber or plastic of suitable pliability and possibly having a plastic cap (not shown) . In the FIGS the button is shown round but it can naturally have different shapes suited to operation of the underlying switches. For example the button could be provided in the shape of a cross as shown in broken lines at 12a in FIG 2. Advantageously each switch 14, 15 comprises a domed elastic member 20a, 20b on which a corresponding operating projection 17, 21 arranged beneath the button (advantageously in one piece therewith) pushes when operated. The operating projection of the central switch is the same tilting pin 17.
Again in accordance with the preferred embodiment at least the four peripheral switches have their domed elastic members provided in a same sheet 22 of suitable plastic material, e.g. polyester, fastened to the surface of the junction block 13 in which are made appropriate electrical contact tracks. In technology this shaped plastic sheet is known as 'polydome'.
The domed switches are known and not described in further detail. It was found that the operating force of the fifth switch should be advantageously at least one and a half times and, in particular, at least twice the operating force of each of the other four switches . This ensures reliable operation of the side switches without accidental operation of the central switch. In addition travel of the button 12 for operation of the fifth switch should be less than the operating travel of each of the other four switches. This prevents movement of the button for operation of the central switch from operating the side switches mistakenly. In the device shown in FIG 3 the second condition is equivalent to the fact that the distance a + b is greater than c.
To obtain a differentiated operating force the following structure was found advantageous .
Opposite the central switch 14 the sheet 22 has a hole 23 and the domed elastic member 20b of the fifth switch is made separately and arranged to project toward the respective projection 17 beneath the button through the opening 23 in the plastic sheet. This way it is possible to provide the dome 20b with less pliability. For example it is practical to make the domed elastic member 20b of the fifth switch of metal.
To hold the sheet 22 in place, between the sheet 22 and the support surface 13 there is arranged a tape with both sides adhesive 24. This layer of tape with both sides adhesive can be a sheet with both sides adhesive appropriately windowed.
It is now clear that the predetermined purposes have been achieved. The control in accordance with the present invention can be used for navigation in menus by tilting the button to operate the peripheral switches. Confirmation of selection or other functions can be controlled by pressing the control inward without tilting it. With a single control it is thus possible to obtain all the functions necessary for a menu selection system such as that of modern cellular telephones . Naturally the above description of an embodiment applying the innovative principles of the present invention is given by way of non-limiting example of said principles within the scope of the exclusive right claimed here. For example the peripheral switches could also be provided with metal elastic domes as for the central switch.

Claims

1. Cellular telephone control of the navigator key type comprising a button tiltable in the four directions essentially arranged in a cross for alternative operation of one of four switches characterized in that it comprises a fifth switch operated by inward pressure of the button.
2. Control in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that the fifth switch is arranged in the center of the cross formed by the other four switches and also provides hinging support for tilting of the buttons in said four directions.
3. Control in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that the operating force of the fifth switch is at least one and one half times and in particular al least twice the operating force of each of the other four switches.
4. Control in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that the travel of the button for operation of the fifth switch is less than the operating travel of each of the other four switches.
5. Control in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that each switch comprises a domed elastic member on which upon operation it pushes an operating projection arranged beneath said button.
6. Control in accordance with claim 5 characterized in that at least the said four switches have domed elastic members provided in one and the same plastic sheet placed on a surface providing support and electrical contact for the switches .
7. Control in accordance with claim 6 characterized in that the domed elastic member of the fifth switch is arranged to project towards the respective projection beneath the button through an opening in said plastic sheet.
8. Control in accordance with claim 7 characterized in that the domed elastic member of the fifth switch is of metal. -
9. Control in accordance with claim 7 characterized in that between the plastic sheet and the support surface is arranged a both-sides-adhesive layer for mutual fastening between the plastic sheet and the support surface.
10. Control in accordance with claim 7 characterized in that the button is made in the form of a cross with each arm operating one of said four switches.
PCT/EP2000/007688 1999-08-11 2000-08-04 Cellular telephone navigation control WO2001013392A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU62810/00A AU6281000A (en) 1999-08-11 2000-08-04 Cellular telephone navigation control

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI99U000513 1999-08-11
IT1999MI000513U IT246993Y1 (en) 1999-08-11 1999-08-11 NAVIGATION COMMAND FOR MOBILE PHONE

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001013392A1 true WO2001013392A1 (en) 2001-02-22

Family

ID=11382269

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2000/007688 WO2001013392A1 (en) 1999-08-11 2000-08-04 Cellular telephone navigation control

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6281000A (en)
IT (1) IT246993Y1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001013392A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1376326A1 (en) * 2002-06-26 2004-01-02 Polymatech Co., Ltd. Multi-directional input key
US6857800B2 (en) * 2001-04-24 2005-02-22 Inventec Appliances Corp. Method for inputting different characters by multi-directionally pressing a single key more than one time
EP1914964A3 (en) * 2006-10-18 2012-06-13 LG Electronics Inc. Mobile terminal comprising a replaceable keypad cover

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08115641A (en) * 1994-10-14 1996-05-07 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Multi-way operating switch
US5796056A (en) * 1994-01-19 1998-08-18 Nbb Nachrichtentechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Multi-stage switch
EP0917330A2 (en) * 1997-11-17 1999-05-19 Nec Corporation Portable communication apparatus
DE19853438A1 (en) * 1997-11-26 1999-06-17 Hosiden Corp Multi-directional push button switch arrangement
EP1037230A2 (en) * 1999-03-15 2000-09-20 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Multidirectional switch and complex type switch using the same

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5796056A (en) * 1994-01-19 1998-08-18 Nbb Nachrichtentechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg Multi-stage switch
JPH08115641A (en) * 1994-10-14 1996-05-07 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Multi-way operating switch
EP0917330A2 (en) * 1997-11-17 1999-05-19 Nec Corporation Portable communication apparatus
DE19853438A1 (en) * 1997-11-26 1999-06-17 Hosiden Corp Multi-directional push button switch arrangement
EP1037230A2 (en) * 1999-03-15 2000-09-20 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Multidirectional switch and complex type switch using the same

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1996, no. 09 30 September 1996 (1996-09-30) *

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6857800B2 (en) * 2001-04-24 2005-02-22 Inventec Appliances Corp. Method for inputting different characters by multi-directionally pressing a single key more than one time
EP1376326A1 (en) * 2002-06-26 2004-01-02 Polymatech Co., Ltd. Multi-directional input key
US7269439B2 (en) 2002-06-26 2007-09-11 Polymatech Co., Ltd. Slide-type multi-directional input key
EP1914964A3 (en) * 2006-10-18 2012-06-13 LG Electronics Inc. Mobile terminal comprising a replaceable keypad cover

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITMI990513V0 (en) 1999-08-11
ITMI990513U1 (en) 2001-02-11
IT246993Y1 (en) 2002-05-02
AU6281000A (en) 2001-03-13

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