Composite switch and portable device with same

A composite switch comprises: a first switch that operates by applying a first load to a first key; and a second switch that operates by applying a second load to a second key disposed on the first key.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is the National Phase of PCT/JP2009/058359, filed Apr. 28, 2009, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2008-117431 filed Apr. 28, 2008 and No. 2008-179384 filed Jul. 9, 2008, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a composite switch and a portable device with same. More particularly, the invention relates to a composite switch with enhanced input operability and a portable device with same.

BACKGROUND

The main functions of a conventional cellular phone have been a telephone call function and an address registration function. Since operations required in using these functions are nothing but input of numbers and simple characters, only a numeric key called “ten key” has been necessary as an input key in the conventional cellular phone.

However, since a mail function, menu function, internet function, etc., have been added to a recent cellular phone, input operation required in using these function has become diverse and complex. Therefore, not only the ten key but also a cross key or menu key has become necessary in the cellular phone.

A “jog” has appeared as a direction key of the cross key. The “jog” makes it possible to input a predetermined direction quickly in order to reduce input time. Moreover, an analog pointer that makes it possible to input any direction smoothly and quickly has appeared as a center key of the cross key in order to simplify an input operation and reduce input time.

Recently, since not only a complex mail function, menu function and internet function but also a game function, camera function, music play function, television function, etc. have been added to a cellular phone, there is a need to further simplify input operation and reduce input time.

FIG. 1illustrates, as an example, a front view of a conventional cellular phone. Referring toFIG. 1, the cellular phone comprises a housing A111and a housing B112. The housing A111comprises keys114. The housing B112comprises a display screen.

Referring toFIG. 2, a cross key115, ten key116and menu key117are provided as the keys114. Referring to (a) ofFIG. 2, in this cellular phone, the cross key115is arranged in the upper side of the key plane of the housing A111(plane on which keys are arranged). Referring to (b) ofFIG. 2, in this cellular phone, the ten key116is arranged in the lower side of the cross key115on the key plane of the housing A111. Referring to (c) ofFIG. 2, the menu key117is arranged just outside the cross key115on the key plane of the housing A111.

Referring to (a) ofFIG. 3, in the conventional cellular phone, the cross key115comprises a circular type center key118and a direction key119. The center key118is not only an analog pointer118but also a confirm key121. The direction key119comprises an “up” key112, “down” key123, “left” key124, and “right” key125.

(a) ofFIG. 4is a cross-sectional view of the cross key114of the conventional cellular phone (A-A cross-sectional view of the structure shown in (a) ofFIG. 3). Referring to (a) ofFIG. 4, the cross key115comprises a center key118, direction key119, permanent magnet147, Hall device148, elastomer149, projections150and151, hoard A152, and board B153.

The permanent magnet147is disposed within the center key118. The Hall device148is disposed on the board A152and detects a position by the permanent magnet147. The elastomer149connects elastically the center key118and the direction key119and plays the role of preventing dust and water. The projection on the elastomer149projects inside the housing A111. The metal dome151is disposed on the board B153and performs a contact operation when deformed by the projection150.

(b) ofFIG. 4is a cross-sectional view of the ten key116and menu key117of the conventional cellular phone (C-C cross-sectional view of the structure shown in (c) ofFIG. 3). The elastomer149connects elastically the ten key116and menu key117and plays the role of preventing dust and water. The projection150on the elastomer149projects inside the housing A111. The metal dome151is disposed on the board B153and performs a contact operation when deformed by the projection150. It is to be noted that the elastomer149in (a) ofFIG. 4and the elastomer in (b) ofFIG. 4are connected to each other.

Referring to (a) ofFIG. 5, in the conventional cellular phone, a pointer154displayed on the display screen113of the housing B112is controlled by the analog pointer120of the center key118. Referring to (b) ofFIG. 5, when the analog pointer120of the center key118is moved toward the upper left diagonal direction, the pointer154in the display screen113moves toward the upper left diagonal direction. Referring to (c) ofFIG. 5, in the conventional cellular phone, when the “confirm” key of the center key118is entered, selection of an item on the display screen113is confirmed.

When the center key118is used as the analog pointer and moved to an arbitrary position, the pointer154on the display screen113of the housing B112is moved to an arbitrary position through detection of the relative position between the permanent magnet147inside the center key118and the Hall device148.

When the center key118is used as the “confirm” key121and the metal dome151is deformed to perform a contact operation through pushing down of the center key118, selection of an item on the display screen113of the housing B112is confirmed. Moreover, when the direction key119is pushed down and the metal dome151is deformed to perform a contact operation, a direction is selected on the display screen113of the housing B112.

When the ten key116is pushed down (depressed) and the metal dome151is deformed to perform a contact operation, a number or character is input on the display screen113of the housing B112. Moreover, when the menu key117is used, the menu key117is pushed down and the metal dome151is deformed to perform a contact operation and selection of a function on the display screen113of the housing B112.

SUMMARY

It should be noted that the content disclosed in Patent Document 1 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The following analysis is given by the inventor. There are following problems in the conventional key structure.

A first problem is that it is difficult to perform an input operation and it takes a long time for an input operation. (a) ofFIG. 6illustrates an input operation of the “5” key of the ten key116. (b) ofFIG. 6illustrates an input operation of the “confirm” key121of the center key118. In a case of inputting, for example, a character for an e-mail etc., after a character is selected by the ten key116arranged in the lower side of the center key118, on a surface of the housing A111, the thumb is moved to the “confirm” key121of the center key118in order to confirm selection of the character. In this case, since it is necessary to move the thumb between the “5” key135and the “confirm” key121, whose distance is L0, it is difficult to perform an input operation and it takes a long time for an input operation.

A second problem is that it is difficult to slide the analog pointer120of the center key118. (a) ofFIG. 7illustrates a slide operation of the center key118. When using the analog pointer120of the center key118as shown in (b) ofFIG. 7, if the skin of the thumb is dry in winter for example, the friction between the thumb and the analog pointer120becomes small. When the friction between the center key118and the thumb performing a slide operation of the center key118becomes smaller in a case where the touching area between the center key118and the tip of the thumb is small, the thumb slips on the center key118. Therefore, there is a case where a slide operation of the center key118is troublesome.

A third problem is that it is difficult to enter a key located at an end. Referring to (a) ofFIG. 8, in a case where an input operation is performed with a forefinger hanging at a corner of the housing A111, the thumb does not reach a key at an end sufficiently and it is difficult to enter the key. (b) of Referring toFIG. 8, in a case where an input operation is performed with a forefinger supporting the back of the housing A111, the thumb does not reach a key at an end sufficiently and it is difficult to enter the key.

The following key structure comes to our minds as a key structure that solves these problems.FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating an example of a simple solution. It is to be noted that (a) ofFIG. 9illustrates a conventional cellular phone.

(b) ofFIG. 9illustrates a cellular phone in which layout and direction of a cross key115, ten key116and menu key117are changed. The cross key115is placed at the center of an upper plane of the housing A111, and the menu key117is placed just outside the cross key115. The key area (area where keys are arranged) of the cellular phone in (b) ofFIG. 9is smaller by (A1+A2) than that of the cellular phone in (a) ofFIG. 9.

(c) ofFIG. 9illustrates a cellular phone in which ten key116is miniaturized and layout of a cross key115, ten key116and menu key117is changed. The key area of the cellular phone in (c) ofFIG. 9is smaller by (A1+A2+A3+A4) than that of the cellular phone in (a) ofFIG. 9.

According to the cellular phones in (b) and (c) ofFIG. 9, the key area is narrowed, pushing a key at an end becomes easier, and input operation time is reduced by shortening the movement distance of the thumb between the cross key115and ten key116. However, according to these cellular phones, operability of the slide operation of the center key118is not improved.

A fourth problem is that, if a long slide (slide over a long distance) of the analog pointer120is performed with pushing the “confirm” key of the center key118, the “confirm” key121is released.FIG. 27illustrates a long slide operation while pushing the center key118. If the long slide of the analog pointer120is performed with pushing the “confirm” key of the center key118, the projection150slides off the metal dome151and the “confirm” key121is released.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to reduce the key area (the area of a region where keys are arranged) of a composite switch comprising a plurality of switches to reduce the load of a key operation.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite switch comprising: a first switch that operates by applying a first load to a first key; and a second switch that operates by applying a second load to a second key disposed on the first key.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a composite switch comprising: a first switch that includes a first key pressed down by a first load; and a second switch that includes a second key pressed down by a second load, wherein a keytop of the second key is disposed on a keytop of the first key.

In a composite switch in a first mode, the first key may be elastically connected to a housing through an elastic member, movable in parallel and perpendicular directions to one of planes of the housing, on which the first key is disposed, and rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the plane; and the second key may be elastically connected to the first key through an elastic member and movable in a perpendicular direction to a pushing surface of the first key.

A composite switch in a second mode may comprise: a plurality of first flexible members each performs a contact operation in the first switch by changing its shape under the first load applied to the first key; and a plurality of second flexible members each performs a contact operation in the second switch by changing its shape under the second load applied to the second key.

In a composite switch in a third mode, the plurality of first flexible members may be disposed on a first board; and the plurality of second flexible members may be disposed on a second board that is parallel to the first board.

In a composite switch in a fourth mode, the second load may be less than the first load.

In a composite switch in a fifth mode, a projection for deforming one of the plurality of first flexible members, which one is located at a center of the plurality of the first flexible members, may have a longer height in the direction of the deformation than a projection for deforming the other flexible member located at a position other than the center.

In a composite switch in a sixth mode, the plurality of first flexible members may be dome-shaped; and one of the plurality of the first flexible members, which is located at a center of the plurality of the first flexible members, may be higher than the other.

In a composite switch in a seventh mode, the first key may include an analog pointer and a confirm key; and confirmation using the confirm key may be performed through deformation of one of the plurality of the first flexible members, which one is located at a center of the plurality of the first flexible members.

In a composite switch in a eighth mode, the first key may include a direction key; and selection of a direction using the direction key may be performed through deformation of one of the plurality of the first flexible members other than one located at a center of the plurality of the first flexible members.

In a composite switch in a ninth mode, the second key may include a ten key (numeric key).

In a composite switch in a tenth mode, the ten key may be located at a center of the first key; and the direction key may be arranged about the ten key.

A composite switch in a eleventh mode may further comprise a third key that is connected to the first key through an elastic member and located around the first key, wherein the third key may include a menu key; and selection of a menu using the menu key may be performed through deformation of one of the plurality of the first flexible members other than one located at a center of the plurality of the first flexible members.

In a composite switch in a twelfth mode, the plurality of the first flexible members and/or the plurality of the second flexible members may be a metal dome.

In a composite switch in a thirteenth mode, one of the plurality of the first flexible members, which one is located at a center of the plurality of the first flexible members, may be a metal dome attached with a projection on its top.

In a composite switch in a fourteenth mode, the metal dome attached with a projection may be disposed on a third board that faces the first board, directing the projection toward the first board.

A composite switch in a fifteenth mode may further comprise a stopper that prevents the first key from being pressed down the second key is pressed down to perform a contact operation in the second switch.

In composite switch in a sixteenth mode, the stopper may be disposed on the bottom of the second key and may touch the first board if the second key is pressed down to perform a contact operation in the second switch.

In a composite switch in a seventeenth mode, the stopper may be disposed on the first board and may touch the second key if the second key is pressed down to perform a contact operation in the second switch.

An electronic device in an eighteenth mode may comprise the above composite switch.

The present invention provides the following advantage, but not restricted thereto. According to a key assembly of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the key area of a composite switch comprising a plurality of switches and reduce the load of a key operation. Since the second key for the second switch is disposed on the first key for the first switch in the present invention, it is possible to reduce the key area. Furthermore, reduction of the key area reduces the load of a key operation. By setting the load for a switch operation of the first key at a value different from that for a switch operation of the second key, these keys can be distinguished.

Explanations of symbols are given in the following description.

PREFERRED MODES

First Exemplary Embodiment

A composite switch (or switch assembly) according to a first exemplary embodiment is described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 16illustrates a cross-sectional view of the composite switch according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 16, the composite switch comprises a first switch and a second switch. The first switch operates by applying a first load to a first key (center key18inFIG. 16for example). The second switch operates by applying a second load to a second key (ten key16inFIG. 16for example) disposed on the first key.

The first key (center key18inFIG. 16for example) may be elastically connected to a housing (housing A11inFIG. 16for example) through an elastic member (elastomer A63inFIG. 16for example), movable in parallel and perpendicular directions to one of planes of the housing, on which the first key is disposed, and rotatable about an axis extending parallel to the plane. Moreover, the second key (ten key16inFIG. 16for example) may be elastically connected to the first key through an elastic member and movable in a perpendicular direction to a pushing surface of surface planes of the first key.

The composite switch may comprise one or more first flexible members (metal dome array A59inFIG. 16for example) and one or more second flexible members (metal dome array B60inFIG. 16for example). Each of the first flexible members performs a contact operation by changing its shape under the first load applied to the first key. Each of the second flexible members performs a contact operation by changing its shape under the second load applied to the second key.

The first flexible members are preferably disposed on a first board (board A52inFIG. 16for example). The second flexible member are preferably disposed on a second board (board B53inFIG. 16for example) that is parallel to the first board.

The second load may be also less than the first load.

A projection (central projection67inFIG. 16for example) for deforming one of the first flexible assembly, which is located at a center of the first flexible assembly, is preferably longer in the direction of the deformation than a projection (peripheral projection68inFIG. 16for example) for deforming the other. In this way, when a contact operation is performed by deforming the flexible assembly at a center, it is possible to prevent the flexible members located other than the center from deformation.

It is preferable that the first flexible members are preferably dome-shaped and one of the first flexible members (central metal dome65inFIG. 16for example), which one is located at a center of the flexible members, is higher than the other (peripheral metal dome66inFIG. 16for example). In this way, when a contact operation is performed by deforming the flexible assembly at a center, it is possible to prevent the flexible members located other than the center from deformation.

The first key may include an analog pointer and a confirm key, and confirmation using the confirm key may be performed though deformation of one (central metal dome65inFIG. 16for example) of the first flexible members, which one is located at a center of the first flexible members.

The first key may include a direction key (direction key19in (b) ofFIG. 10for example), and selection of direction may be performed through deformation of one (peripheral metal dome66inFIG. 16for example) of the flexible members other than ones located at a center of the first flexible members.

The second key may comprise a numeric key called in Japan as “ten key” (ten key16in (b) ofFIG. 10for example).

The ten key (ten key16in (b) ofFIG. 10for example) may be located at a center of the first key (center key18in (b) ofFIG. 10for example), and the direction key (direction key19in (b) ofFIG. 10for example) may be arranged around the ten key. In this way, in a case where an operation of the direction key follows an operation of the ten key (or in the opposite case), movement distance of a finger can be made shorter than that in the conventional cellular phone (FIG. 3for example).

The first flexible members and/or second flexible members may be metal domes (metal dome array A59, metal dome array B60inFIG. 16for example).

Referring toFIG. 29, one of the first flexible members, which is located at a center of the first flexible members, may be a metal dome attached with a projection on its top (metal dome with a projection69inFIG. 29for example).

Moreover, the metal dome attached with a projection (a metal dome with a projection69inFIG. 29for example) may be disposed on a third board (board C70inFIG. 29for example) that faces the first board, directing the projection toward the first board (board A52inFIG. 29for example).

Second Exemplary Embodiment

A composite switch according to a second exemplary embodiment is described with reference to the drawing.FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating the composite switch according to the second exemplary embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 10, a center key18of a cross key15is both an analog pointer20and a “confirm” key21. A direction key19of the cross key15and ten key16are arranged inside the center key18. The “confirm” key21of the cross key15and a “5” key of the ten key16are located at an equivalent position on a plane (“key plane”) of the housing A11, on which keys are arranged and arranged to form a step in the direction of the thickness of the housing A11(perpendicular direction of to the key plane).

By setting a push load for the metal dome of the “5” key (load at which the metal dome buckles) at a value less than a push load for the metal dome for the “confirm” key21, one can push either of these keys. The switch structure is not limited to the metal dome. Other switch structure such as a conductive rubber dome may be employed. A contact scheme of the key may be a capacitive scheme (capacitive sensor for example) or a piezoelectric scheme (pressure sensitive conductive rubber sheet for example).

Since the center of the cross key15and the center of the ten key16are located at an equivalent position, it is possible to shorten the movement distance of a finger between the ten key16and “confirm” key21and to perform a rapid input operation of a character for an e-mail etc. Moreover, since the size of the center key18can be made larger compared with that of the conventional center key, it is possible to perform a slide operation with the entire thick of a thumb. Therefore, even when the skin of the thumb is dry, the friction between the center key18and the thumb is maintained and it is possible to perform a slide operation of the center key18successfully. Moreover, the narrowed key area makes it easier to reach a key located at an end.

First Example

A composite switch according a first example and a cellular phone with the composite switch are described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 10 to 17are drawings illustrating a structure of a composite switch according to a first example and a cellular phone with the composite switch.

(a) ofFIG. 10is an outer perspective view of the cellular phone according to the present example. A cross key15is located at a upper side of the center of the housing A11. A ten key16is located within a circular type center key18of the cross key15. The center of the cross key15and the center of the ten key16are located at an equivalent position on the key arrangement surface of the housing A11.

A menu key17is located just outside the cross key15on the key arrangement surface of the housing A11. The cross key15comprises a large sized center key18that includes the ten key16.

The center key18comprises an analog pointer20, “confirm” key21, direction key19, and ten key16.

The menu key17comprises a “mail” key, “interne” key, “menu1” key and “menu2” key. Referring toFIG. 12, the key structure comprises a top key sheet55, second key sheet56, board B53, intermediate base57and board A52one on top of another in this order.

The top key sheet55comprises: a center key18; a direction key19arranged at an edge of the center key18; an elastomer A63that connects elastically the center key18and the menu key17and plays the role of preventing dust and water; and a projection50that projects from the elastomer A63toward the inside of the housing A11.

The second key sheet56comprises: a ten key16; an elastomer B64that connects elastically the ten key16and plays the role of preventing dust and water; and a projection50that projects from the elastomer B64toward the inside of the housing A11.

On the board53, metal domes are arranged that perform a contact operation when deformed by the projection50. These metal domes compose a metal dome array B60((c) ofFIG. 10).

The intermediate base57comprises: a permanent magnet47, a central projection67that projects from the center of the intermediate base57toward the inside of the housing A11; peripheral projections68that project from the peripheral region of the intermediate base57toward the inside of the housing A11.

The board A52comprises: a central metal dome65that performs a contact operation when deformed by the central projection67; peripheral metal domes66that performs a contact operation when deformed by the peripheral projections68; and a Hall device48that makes it possible to detect a position by the permanent magnet47. The central metal dome65and the peripheral metal domes compose a metal dome array A59((c) ofFIG. 10).

It is to be noted that the top key sheet55and the board A52are fixed to a boss A61of the housing A11with a screw. Since the top key sheet55, along with the board A52, is fixed to the boss A61of the housing A11with a screw, the center key18and the housing A11are connected elastically through the elastomer A63. Therefore, the elastomer A63plays the role of preventing dust and water intrusion between the center key18and the housing A11.

It is preferable that the center key18can slide in any direction parallel to the key arrangement surface of the housing A11, move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the key arrangement surface and rotate about an axis extending parallel to the key arrangement surface.

The second key sheet56, board B53and intermediate base57are fixed to a boss B62of the top key sheet55with a screw. The second key sheet56, along with the board B53and intermediate base57, is fixed to the boss B62of the top key sheet55with a screw, the center key18and ten key16are connected elastically through the elastomer B64. Therefore, the elastomer B64plays the role of preventing dust and water intrusion between the center key18and ten key16.

The ten key16move up and down in a direction perpendicular to the key plane of the center key18.

The center of the metal dome array B60arranged inside the center key18and the center of the metal dome array A59arranged under the center key18are located at an equivalent position in the key arrangement surface of the housing A11. The metal dome array B60and metal dome array A59are arranged to form a step in the direction of the thickness of the housing A11.

A push load for the metal dome B arranged inside the center key18is preferably smaller than a push load for the metal dome A arranged under the center key18.

The central one within the projections for deforming a metal dome A arranged under the center key18is preferably shorter in the direction of the deformation than the peripheral projections.

Moreover, the central one within the metal domes A arranged under the center key18is preferably higher in the direction of the deformation than the peripheral metal domes.

An operation of the composite switch (or key assembly) according to the present invention when a key is operated is described with reference toFIGS. 12, and14to16.

(b) ofFIG. 12is an exploded cross sectional view of the cellular phone according to the present example. (a) ofFIG. 14is a front view of the cellular phone according to the present example. (a) ofFIG. 16is a cross sectional view of the center key18of the cellular phone according to the present example.

(b) ofFIG. 14illustrate a case in which a “5” key35of the ten key16is pushed. Note that it is assumed that a key at the center of the ten key116is the “5” key in (b) ofFIG. 14.

Referring to (b) ofFIG. 12and (b) ofFIG. 16, if the “5” key35of the ten key16is pushed down in order to use the “5” key35of the ten key16, a metal dome on the board B53is deformed by the projection50on the second key sheet56to perform a contact operation. In this way, on a display screen13of the housing B12, a number or character corresponding to the “5” key35is input.

Referring to (a) ofFIG. 11, since the second key sheet56, along with the board B53and intermediate base57, is fixed to the boss B62of the top key sheet55with a screw, the center key18and ten key16are connected elastically thorough the elastomer B64. Therefore, the ten key16moves in a direction perpendicular to the center key18.

Moreover, it is possible to push the “5” key35of the ten key16with the tip of a thumb or the thumb nail.

Since a push load for a metal dome on the board B53is less than a push load for a metal dome on the board A52, it is possible to push down the metal dome on the board B53without pushing down the metal dome on the board A52if the push load is small.

The board B53may be a flexible board comprising a polyimide. The U-shaped flexible board is connected electrically to the board A52thorough a long hole58for a flexible board to path through.

(c) ofFIG. 14is a drawing illustrating a case in which a “confirm” key21of the center key18is pushed. The center key18in (c) ofFIG. 14is the “confirm” key21.

Referring to (b) ofFIG. 12and (c) ofFIG. 16, when the “confirm” key21is used, the center key18is pushed down and the central metal dome65on the board A52is deformed by the central projection67on the intermediate base57to perform a contact operation and confirm selection of an item on the display screen13of the housing B12.

Since the top key sheet55, along with the board A52, is fixed to the boss A61of the housing A11with a screw, the center key18and the housing A11are connected elastically through the elastomer A63. Therefore, the center key18moves in a perpendicular direction to the housing A11.

It is possible to push the “confirm” key21of the center key18with the thick of a thumb. Since a push load is applied to the entire frame of the ten key16on the center key18when pushed by the thick of a thumb, the “5” key35of the ten key16is not pushed down.

Referring to (c) ofFIG. 16, although peripheral projections located in the peripheral part of the projections50on the intermediate base57(peripheral projections68) and metal domes located in the peripheral part of the metal domes on the board A (peripheral metal domes66) contact each other, the peripheral metal domes66are not deformed because the central projection67is longer than the peripheral projections68.

(d) ofFIG. 16illustrates a case in which a direction key19of the center key18is pushed. In this case, the center key18in (d) ofFIG. 16correspond to a direction key19.

When the direction key19is used, the direction key19is pushed down and a peripheral metal dome66on the board A52is deformed by a peripheral projection68on the intermediate base57to perform a contact operation and selection of a direction on the display screen13of the housing B12.

Since the top key sheet55, along with the board A52, is connected to the boss A61of the housing A11with a screw, the center key18and the housing A11are connected elastically through the elastomer A63. Therefore, the center key18rotates about a horizontal axis of the housing A11(axis parallel to a plane of the housing A11, on which keys are arranged).

It is possible to push the direction key19of the center key18by the thick of a thumb. Since a push load is applied to the entire frame of the ten key16on the center key18when pushed by the thick of a thumb, the ten key16are not pushed down. Moreover, when the direction key19is operated, a contact point between the central projection67on the intermediate base57and the central metal dome65on the board A52serves as a fulcrum for the center key18. Since the center key18rotated around the contact point as the fulcrum, the central metal dome65is not deformed.

(b) ofFIG. 15illustrates a slide operation of the center key18. In this case, the center key18in (b) ofFIG. 15corresponds to an analog pointer20.

When using the center key18as the analog pointer20, if the center key18is slid to an arbitrary position on a plane of the housing A11, the pointer54on the display screen13of the housing B12is moved to an arbitrary position through detection of the relative position between a permanent magnet47inside the center key18and a Hall device48.

Since the top key sheet55, along with the board A52, is fixed to the boss A61of the housing A11with a screw, the center key18and the housing A11are connected elastically thorough the elastomer A63. Therefore, it is possible to slide the center key18in an arbitrary direction parallel to the housing A11. The top key sheet55does not move relatively to the housing A11. Moreover, since the central projection67on the intermediate base57and the central metal dome56on the board A52contacts each other, the center key18is not pushed down inside the housing A11. Therefore, it is possible to perform a smooth slide operation.

An operation of the menu key17located at an end of the cellular phone is described. (c) ofFIG. 15illustrates a case in which a key located at an end is pushed. The key located at an end in (c) ofFIG. 15is a menu key17.

When the menu key17is used, the menu key17is pushed down and a metal dome on the board A52is pushed down by a projection on the top key sheet55to perform a contact operation and selection of a function on the display screen13of the housing B12.

Meritorious effects of the composite switch according to the present example are described in the following.

(b) and (c) ofFIG. 14are drawings illustrating how input operation time is reduced in a cellular phone with a composite switch according to the present example. Referring to (b) and (c) ofFIG. 14, ten key16are located within a center key18. Moreover, the center of a cross key15and the center of the ten key16are located at an equivalent position on a plane of the housing A11.

Therefore, when a character for an e-mail etc. is input, the movement distance (displacement) of the thumb between the ten key16and the “confirm” key21is shortened to realize a rapid input operation.

(b) ofFIG. 15and (a) ofFIG. 17are drawings illustrating how slide operability of the center key18is enhanced in a cellular phone with a composite switch according to the present example. Referring to (b) ofFIG. 15and (a) ofFIG. 17, since the center key18is sufficiently large, it is possible to perform a slide operation with the thick of a thumb. Therefore, even when the skin of the thumb is dry, the friction between the center key18and the thumb is sufficiently large and it is possible to perform a slide operation of the center key18successfully.

(b) ofFIG. 15and (b) ofFIG. 17are drawings illustrating how slide operability of the center key18is enhanced in a cellular phone with a composite switch according to the present example.

Referring to (b) ofFIG. 15and (b) ofFIG. 17, the center key18in the cellular phone according to the present example is sufficiently large compared with the conventional center key. Therefore, even when the thumb nail is long, the slide operation can be performed not with the thumb nail but with the thick of the thumb and it is possible to perform a slide operation of the center key18successfully.

(b) ofFIG. 15and (b) ofFIG. 17are drawings illustrating how slide operability of the center key is enhanced in a cellular phone with a composite switch according to the present example.

Referring to (b) ofFIG. 15and (b) ofFIG. 17, the center key18in the cellular phone according to the present example is sufficiently large. Therefore, even when the thumb nail is long, the slide operation can be performed with the thick of the thumb without touching the housing A11outside the center key18and it is possible to perform the slide operation successfully.

It is to be noted that a switch operation may be caused by combination of the slide operation shown in (a) ofFIG. 17and the rotation operation shown in (d) ofFIG. 16.

(c) ofFIG. 15is a drawing illustrating how easy it is to push a key located at an end of a cellular phone with a composite switch according to the present example.

Referring to (c) ofFIG. 15, in the cellular phone according to the present invention, the ten key16are arranged inside the center key18of the cross key15and the center of the cross key15and the center of the ten key16are arranged at an equivalent position in a plane of the housing A11. The menu key17is arranged just outside the cross key15on the plane of the housing A11. Therefore, the key area is narrowed as a whole. In this case, it is easy to push the menu key17at an end because the thumb sufficiently reaches the key.

FIG. 13is a drawing illustrating how key area is narrowed in the cellular phone according to the present example.

(a) ofFIG. 13illustrates a conventional cellular phone. (b) ofFIG. 13illustrates a cellular phone in which a ten key16is miniaturized and layout of a cross key15, ten key16and menu key17is changed. (c) ofFIG. 13illustrates a cellular phone according to the present example.

Referring to (c) ofFIG. 13, a ten key16of the cellular phone according to the present example are located within the center key18of the cross key and the center of the cross key15and the center of the ten key16are located at an equivalent position on a plane (plane on which keys are arranged) of the housing A11. The menu key17is arranged just outside the cross key15on the plane of the housing A11.

Therefore, the key area of the cellular phone according to the present example shown in (c) ofFIG. 13is narrower by (A1+A2+A3+A4+A5) than that of the conventional cellular phone. Moreover, the key area of the cellular phone shown in (c) ofFIG. 13is narrower than that in the cellular phone shown in (b) ofFIG. 13.

Effects provided by the composite switch according to the present example and a cellular phone with the same are explained further in the following.

As a first effect, it is possible to reduce the key area. The reason is that the center of the cross key15and the center of the ten key16are located at an equivalent position.

As a second effect, it is possible to accelerate the input operation. The reason is that, when a character for an e-mail etc. is input, the movement distance of a thumb between the ten key16and “confirm” key21is short because the center of the cross key15and the center of the ten key16are located at an equivalent position.

As a third effect, even when the skin of a thumb is dry, it is possible to slide the center key18. The center key18is large enough to perform a slide operation with the thick of the thumb. In this case, even when the skin of the thumb is dry, the friction between the center key18and the thumb is kept high enough.

As a fourth effect, even when the nail of a thumb is long, it is possible to perform a slide operation of the center key18successfully. The reason is that the slide operation can be performed not with the nail of a thumb but with the thick of the thumb because the center key18is large enough.

As a fifth effect, even when the nail of a thumb is long, it is possible to perform a slide operation of the center key18successfully. The reason is that the slide operation can be performed with the thick of the thumb without touching the housing A11outside the center key18because the center key18is large enough.

As a sixth effect, it is easy to push a key at an end of the housing because the finger sufficiently reaches the key. The reason is that the key area is narrowed because the center of the cross key15and the center of the ten key are at an equivalent position.

Second Example

FIGS. 18 to 20are drawings illustrating a structure of a composite switch according to a second example and a cellular phone with the same.

(a) ofFIG. 18and (b) ofFIG. 19are outer perspective views of the cellular phone according to the present example. (b) ofFIG. 18is an outer perspective view of the key structure in the present example. (c) ofFIG. 18and (a) ofFIG. 19are exploded outer perspective views of the key structure in the present example. (a) ofFIG. 20is an A-A cross sectional view of the structure shown in (b) ofFIG. 19. (b) ofFIG. 20is an A-A cross sectional view of the structure shown in (b) ofFIG. 19.

In the composite switch according to the present example, the circular center key18in the first example is replaced with a rectangular center key18. In the composite switch according to the present example, rotation of the second key sheet56is suppressed because the center key18is rectangular.

Third Example

FIGS. 21 to 23are drawings illustrating a composite switch according to a third example and a cellular phone with the same.

(a) ofFIG. 21and (b) ofFIG. 22are outer perspective views of the cellular phone in the present example. (b) ofFIG. 21is an outer perspective view of the key structure in the present example. (c) ofFIG. 21and (a) ofFIG. 22are exploded outer perspective views of the key structure in the present example. (a) ofFIG. 23is an A-A cross sectional view of the structure shown in the (b) ofFIG. 22. (b) ofFIG. 23is an exploded A-A cross sectional view of the structure shown in (b) ofFIG. 22.

The direction key19, which is arranged within the center key18in the second example, is arranged outside the center key18in the composite switch according to the present example. In the composite switch according to the present example, rotation of the second key sheet56is suppressed because the center key is rectangular as in the second example.

Fourth Example

FIGS. 24 to 26are drawings illustrating a structure of a composite switch according to a fourth example and a cellular phone with the same.

(a) ofFIG. 24and (b) ofFIG. 25are outer perspective views of the cellular phone according to the present example. (b) ofFIG. 24is an outer perspective view of the key structure in the present example. (c) ofFIG. 24and (a) ofFIG. 25are exploded outer perspective views of the key structure in the present example. (a) ofFIG. 26is an A-A cross sectional view of the structure shown in (b) ofFIG. 25. (b) ofFIG. 26is an exploded A-A cross sectional view of the structure shown in (b) ofFIG. 25.

The menu key17, which is arranged outside the center key18in the second example, are arranged within the center key18in the composite switch according to the present example. In the composite switch according to the present example, rotation of the second key sheet56is suppressed because the center key is rectangular as in the second example.

Fifth Example

A composite switch according to a fifth example and a cellular phone with the same are described with reference to the drawings.FIGS. 28 to 31are drawings illustrating a structure of the composite switch according to the fifth example of the present example and the cellular phone with the same. It is to be noted that the cellular phone according to the present example and the cellular phone according to the first example (FIG. 10) are the same in their appearance.

(a) ofFIG. 28is an outer perspective view of the cellular phone according to the present example. (b) ofFIG. 28is an outer perspective view of the key structure of the composite switch according to the present example. (a) ofFIG. 29is an A-A cross sectional view of the structure shown in (a) ofFIG. 28.

The central metal dome65and the central projection67in the composite switch according to the first example ((b) ofFIG. 12and (c) ofFIG. 16) are replaced with a metal dome attached with a projection on its top69and a board C70, which are arranged under the intermediate base57, in the composite switch according to the present example.

(b) ofFIG. 29illustrates a case in which the ten key16in the present example is operated. (c) ofFIG. 29illustrates a case in which a “confirm” key21in the present example is operated. (d) ofFIG. 29illustrates a case in which a direction key19in the present example is operated. (a) ofFIG. 30illustrates a case in which an analog pointer20in the present example is operated. (b) ofFIG. 30illustrates a case in which the “confirm” key21and the analog pointer20in the present example are operated simultaneously.

When using the “confirm” key21in the present example, if the center key18is pushed down, the metal dome attached with a projection69is deformed by the projection of its own to perform a contact operation on the board C70and confirm selection of an item on the display screen13of the housing B12.

When using the analog pointer20, if the center key18is slid to an arbitrary position on a plane of the housing A11while keeping the “confirm” key21pushed, the pointer54on the display screen13of the housing B12is moved to an arbitrary position thorough detection of the relative position between a permanent magnet47inside the center key18and a Hall device48(FIG. 14).

In this case, since the metal dome attached with a projection69, along with the center key18, slides while being deformed, it is possible to slide the selected item on the display screen13of the housing B13to an arbitrary position while keeping the confirmation of the selection. This function corresponds to a drug function (movement while clicking) thorough a mouse on a personal computer.

It is also possible to push the “confirm” key21while sliding the center key18to an arbitrary position by the composite switch according to the present example.

(a) ofFIG. 31illustrate the composite switch according to the present example, in which the metal dome attached with a projection69is arranged on the board A52.

(b) ofFIG. 31illustrates a case in which the “confirm” key21and the analog pointer20are simultaneously operated in the composite switch according to the present example.

In this case, since the metal dome attached with a projection60keeps the deformed state even when the center key18is slid, it is possible to slide a selected item on the display screen13of the housing B12to an arbitrary position while keeping the selection of an item.

It is also possible to push the “confirm” key21while sliding the center key18to an arbitrary position.

It is to be noted that not only the central metal dome65but also the peripheral metal domes66in the composite switch according to the first example ((b) ofFIG. 12) may be replaced with metal domes attached with a projection.

Sixth Example

A composite switch according to a sixth example and a cellular phone with the same are described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 33is a drawing illustrating a structure of the composite switch according to the sixth example and the cellular phone with the same. It is to be noted that the cellular phone according to the present example and the cellular phone according to the first example (FIG. 10) are the same in their appearance.

(a) ofFIG. 32is a perspective view of the cellular phone according to the present example. (b) ofFIG. 32is an outer perspective view of the key structure of the composite switch according to the present example. (c) ofFIG. 32is an A-A cross sectional view of the structure shown in (a) ofFIG. 32. (d) ofFIG. 32is a perspective view of a ten key structure with a stopper.

Referring to (c) ofFIG. 32, the ten key16in the composite switch according to the first example ((b) ofFIG. 12and (a) ofFIG. 16) is replaced with a ten key with a stopper, which comprises a stopper80that develops from the bottom of the ten key and almost reaches the board A52, and each of the board B53and intermediate base57has a hole, thorough which the stopper80passes.

Referring to (d) ofFIG. 32, in the ten key with a stopper in the composite switch according to the present example, the stopper80with a rectangular cross section is provided integrally with the ten key16under short sides of the rectangular ten key16.

(a) and (b) ofFIG. 33illustrate a case in which a “5” key35of the ten key with a stopper in the present example is operated. (c) and (d) ofFIG. 33illustrate an operation of a “confirm” key21in a case where the ten key is a ten key with a stopper.FIG. 34is a drawing illustrating the condition under which the stopper80operates.

When using the “5” key35in the present example, if the “5” key35is pushed down, the metal dome just under the “5” key35of the metal dome array B60arranged on the board B53is deformed by the projection50just under the “5” key and a contact operation is performed ((a) ofFIG. 33).

If the “5” key35is pushed down further, the center key18begins to be pushed down. However, when the stopper80hits the board A52, the center key ceases to be pushed down further.

Therefore, since the central metal dome65arranged on the board A52is not deformed by the projection67of the intermediate base57, the “confirm” key does not perform a contact operation.

Referring toFIG. 34, the following condition must be satisfied in order to provide the above effect through the stopper80: a stroke (St1) when the stopper80hits the board A52is longer than a stroke (St2) when the metal dome just under the “5” key is clicked (St2<St1); and a stroke (St3) when the central metal dome65just under the “confirm” key21is clicked is longer than a stroke (St1−St2) of the center key18after the metal dome just under the “5” key35is deformed (St1−St2<St3).

The stopper80satisfying this condition prevents the “confirm” key21from being pushed down when the “5” key35is pushed down.

When using the “confirm” key21in the present example, if the “center” key18is pushed down, the central metal dome65arranged on the board A52is deformed by the central projection67on the intermediate base57and a contact operation is performed ((c) ofFIG. 33).

If the “5” key35is pushed down while keeping the “confirm” key21to be pushed down, the stopper80hits the board A52. Therefore, the “5” key35ceases to be pushed down further ((d) ofFIG. 33).

Since the metal dome just under the “5” key of the metal dome array B60arranged on the board B53is not deformed by the projection50just under the “5” key35, the “5” key35does not perform a contact operation.

Referring toFIG. 34, the following condition must be satisfied in order to provide the above effect through the stopper80: a stroke (St1) when the stopper80hits the board A52is longer than a stroke (St3) when the central metal dome65just under the “confirm” key21is clicked (St3<St1); and a stroke (St2) when the metal dome just under the “5” key35is clicked is longer than a stroke (St1−St3) of the center key18after the central metal dome just under the “confirm” key21is deformed (St1−St3<St2).

The stopper80satisfying this condition prevents the “5” key35from being pushed down when the “confirm” key21is pushed down.

The same effect is provided when the stopper80is arranged on the board A52instead of the ten key16and configured to hit the ten key16.

As shown inFIG. 35, the cross section of the stopper80may be an arbitrary shape such as a rectangle, circle, ellipse, triangle, star, shape with an arbitrary free curve etc. Moreover, the stopper80may be arranged at all sides, two facing sides, one side, part of a side, four corners, interior, etc. of the ten key16.

It is not necessary to provide the stopper80to all keys of the ten key16. The stopper80may be provided to part of the ten key16.

The stoppers80may have various heights.

The shape of the ten key16is not limited to a rectangle. The shape may be arbitrary. As an example, the shape of the ten key may be a rectangle, circle, ellipse, triangle, star, shape with an arbitrary free curve etc.

The following various modifications can be made to the above first to sixth examples.

The analog pointer20in the first to sixth examples may be a “jog”. The analog pointer20in the first to sixth examples may be based on optics, strain, or piezoelectricity. The analog pointer in the first to sixth examples may be omitted. The direction key19in the first to sixth example may be a “jog”. The shape of the center key18in the first to sixth examples may be an arbitrary shape such as an ellipse, triangle, star, shape with an arbitrary free curve etc. The contact scheme of the key in the first to sixth examples may be a capacitive scheme (capacitive sensor for example) or a piezoelectric scheme (pressure sensitive conductive rubber sheet for example). The direction key19arranged on the center key18in the first and second examples may have the same key structure (separation of keys, projection from the elastomer B64, floor on which metal domes are arranged) as the ten key16arranged within the center key18. The material of the stopper80in the sixth example may be resin, rubber or metal in order to be formed integrally with the ten key. The stopper80in the sixth example may be provided integrally with the elastomer B64under the elastomer B64instead of being provided under the ten key16.

Although the above description has been made with reference to examples, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these examples.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The composite switch according to the present invention may be applicable to a portable device such as a cellular phone. The composite switch according to the present invention may also be applicable to a portable electronic device such as a portable game device, portable computer, portable music player, etc.

It should be noted that the content disclosed in Patent Document 1 is hereby incorporated by reference.

In the framework of entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims), and based on its basic technological idea, exemplary embodiments or examples of the present invention may be changed and/or adjusted. Also it should be noted that in the framework of the claims of the present invention, any combinations or selections of various elements disclosed herein are possible. That is, needless to say, it is understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made to the present invention based on the disclosure of the present invention including the claims and the technological idea of the present invention.