JPH11329149A - Portable electronic device structure - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] In a portable electronic device having a key top switch, the shape of the electronic device can be made thin and light by forming a key base portion forming a key top with a thin and light sheet having a uniform thickness. Provided is a structure of a portable electronic device. SOLUTION: The key top is composed of a button portion 11a, a key sheet 11b, and an elastic material 11c as a dust-proof and drip-proof wall. Inside the housing cover 1, a click plate 12, a click plate fixing sheet 13, printed circuit boards 14, 15, an LED lamp
16 are provided. An elastic material 11c is provided as a dust-proof and drip-proof wall to prevent dust 18 and water drops 19 from entering. The dust-proof and drip-proof wall 11c surrounds the end surfaces of the button portion 11a, the LED lamp 16, and the key sheet 11b, thereby preventing dust 18 and water droplets 19 from entering the inside of the housing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the structure of a portable terminal having a key-top switch provided on a main body of an electronic apparatus, which operates by pressing, for example, a portable telephone, a cordless telephone, a handy game machine, and more particularly to a key top. The structure of the unit is made thinner, and based on this structure, the weight and cost of the electronic device are reduced.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 11, a key top of a portable electronic device having a conventional key top switch has a key base portion 51 made of an elastomer material and a button portion 52 made of a resin material or an elastomer material. Each part is formed integrally or welded to form an integral part.

The key top functions as a functional component of the portable electronic device, and serves not only as a part of the switch component but also for preventing dust and water droplets from entering the inside of the electronic device. Dust and water droplets enter the internal electronic circuit, which may cause oxidation or malfunction of the internal electric component 53, and play a very important role.

In consideration of the serviceability of the portable electronic device, the keytop must be easy to attach and easy to replace when the component is damaged due to use.

[0005] Furthermore, portable electronic devices have been increasingly miniaturized and reduced in price to meet the needs of consumers, and thinner and lighter weights have to be aimed at. Key tops must also be considered.

In consideration of the above points, the conventional key top structure will be described in several groups. As a conventional example of the first group, first, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-168920 discloses that a groove is provided in a part of a key base portion as a method of preventing water droplets entering from around the key top from entering the inside of the housing. The ribs are taken out of the housing and fitted and pressed to prevent water droplets from entering the inside of the housing.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-298386 is similar, and FIG. 11 shows the same. However, in this example, a groove is not provided on the key base side but a rib 54 from the housing cover 60 is attached to the key base portion. 51
By pressing against the inside, water droplets are prevented from entering the inside of the housing.

Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-65828 discloses an example in which a rib is provided from a key base portion and pressed against the inside of the housing to prevent water droplets from entering the inside of the housing.

Further, as shown in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 6-28952, a drip-proof sheet is disposed below the key sheet portion to press the key sheet portion against the housing to prevent water droplets and dust from entering the circuit portion. A method of doing so has also been proposed.

[0010] In general, the prior art examples of these first groups are:
The use of the elastic force of the elastomer material constituting the key base prevents water droplets and dust from entering the internal circuit.

Next, a conventional example of the second group is disclosed in
As shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-68747, the key base is completely pressed against the housing and the holder holding the key base, so that water droplets and dust cannot enter the housing. This structure adheres to the key base portion by the elastic force of a thin film having a non-uniform thickness, thereby preventing intrusion of water droplets and dust.

A conventional example of the third group is disclosed in JP-A-7-3145.
By forming the key sheet portion integrally with the housing as shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 80, it is possible to prevent water droplets and dust from entering the housing.

[0013]

However, considering the miniaturization and thinning of portable electronic equipment, in the above-mentioned conventional examples of the first and second groups, the key sheet portion is formed by molding a mold such as an elastomer. It has the drawback that a certain thickness is required in order to form a metal mold because it is made of a material formed by molding. Further, in the conventional example of the third group, since the key top portion is formed integrally with the housing body, it is not necessary to provide a key sheet portion and the thickness can be reduced, but when the button portion is replaced due to damage due to use, etc. It is necessary to replace the whole housing, and there is a disadvantage that serviceability is reduced.

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, a key base portion for forming a key top is made of a thin and light sheet having a uniform thickness, so that a device can be made thinner and lighter. It is an object of the present invention to provide a structure of a portable electronic device.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a key top structure of a portable electronic device according to the present invention comprises a key base portion of a key top formed of a thin resin film sheet having a uniform thickness. The configuration is such that the thickness of the portable electronic device can be reduced. Further, the resin film sheet is processed to prevent dust and water droplets from entering.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a structure of a portable telephone which is one of portable electronic devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. Case cover 1, key top switch 2, case case 3, liquid crystal display 4, transmitter 5,
It comprises a receiver 6 and an antenna 7. FIG. 1 shows a structure of a mobile phone common to all embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional structure of the portable electronic device according to the first embodiment, and shows a cross section of a key top of an AA portion shown in FIG. The key top is composed of a button portion 11a, a key sheet 11b, and an elastic material 11c as a dust and drip-proof wall.

A click plate 12 is provided inside the housing cover 1.
Click plate fixing sheet 13, Printed circuit boards 14, 15, LED
A lamp 16 is provided.

The key button portion 11a is formed of a resin material or an elastomer material, and is welded or bonded to the key sheet 11b.

Dust 18 and water droplets 19 enter the housing from the gap around the button 11a. Inside the housing, there are a number of internal electrical components 17 that make up the electronic equipment, and if the intruded dust 18 or water droplets 19 adhere to the terminals, etc., it will cause oxidation or malfunction, preventing the intrusion of the dust 18 or water droplets 19 Therefore, an elastic material 11c is provided as a dust-proof and drip-proof wall.

The dustproof and drip-proof wall 11c is made of a sponge or an elastomer material having elasticity by using a key sheet 11b made of an adhesive material or a hardening material.
Or attached to the inner surface of the housing cover 1. A similar effect can be obtained by using a foam material instead of a sponge.

The dustproof and drip-proof wall 11c includes a button portion 11a and an LED.
By surrounding the end surfaces of the lamp 16 and the key sheet 11b, the structure is such that dust 18 and water droplets 19 do not enter the inside of the housing.

Furthermore, a housing taper 20 is provided around the housing hole around the button hole provided in the housing cover 1 so that the intrusion dust 18 and water droplet 19 can easily escape from the inside of the housing. .

It is also effective to apply a water-repellent treatment (not shown) to the surface of the component in order to make it difficult for the dust 18 and the water droplet 19 to stay inside the housing. It is also effective to use a material having a water-repellent effect such as a silicon sheet as the material of the key sheet 11b to be used.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional structure of a portable electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a hemispherical or string-like projection 11d is provided on a key sheet 11b. It is used as a dust-proof and drip-proof wall by being pressed against the inner surface of the housing.

The end surface of the key sheet 11b is formed to be bent into a step-like or 状 -shaped projection 11e, and is used as a dust-proof and drip-proof wall at the end surface of the key sheet 11b by being pressed against the inner surface of the housing. It is.

(Third Embodiment) In the structure of a third embodiment of the present invention, a key sheet of a key top portion is formed by stacking two resin film sheets having different hardnesses on the key top surface side. Is the upper part of the key base (upper key sheet), and one side is the lower part of the key base (lower key sheet).

A sheet of a flexible material is arranged on the upper part of the key base, and a hard resinous film sheet is arranged on the lower part of the key base and adhered to each other.

A plurality of hemispherical or string-shaped projections 11d are provided on the upper key sheet and pressed against the inner surface of the housing as shown in FIG.
Is similar to the second embodiment shown in FIG.
A gas (not shown) is sealed in the inside of 11d and the hemispherical projection is made to have an elastic force, so that it can have a further function as a dust-proof and drip-proof wall.

Further, a hard sheet having a hemispherical or string-like projection formed by press working or the like is arranged on the upper part of the key base, and a resinous film sheet for holding the lower part is arranged and adhered to each other. By bringing this part into pressure contact with the inside of the housing, it can function as a dustproof and waterproof wall.

If the click plate fixing sheet 13 is used as the lower key sheet, the cost and the thickness can be further reduced.

(Fourth Embodiment) The structure of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is such that a light diffusing agent or a light reflecting agent (not shown) is applied and attached to the click plate fixing sheet 13 of the third embodiment. Alternatively, it is a printed configuration. Then, L
Light from the ED lamp 16 can be guided to the button section 11a from the surface of the key sheet 11b.

Further, the housing cover 1 in contact with the key sheet
Applying or sticking or printing a light reflecting agent on the inner surface also has an effect of similarly guiding light from the LED lamp 16 to the button portion 11a.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 4 shows a sectional structure of a portable electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which a hemispherical or string-like projection 11d is provided on a key sheet 11b. The pressure contact with the inner surface of the housing is similar to that of the second embodiment shown in FIG.
By completely covering the ED lamp 16, the metal terminal of the LED lamp 16 is not exposed, so that the external static electricity 21 can be prevented from being charged.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional structure of a portable electronic device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is formed in a bow shape with a button portion 11a made of an elastomer material. The projections 11f of the key sheet are joined, an upper electrode 11g for a switch is provided on the side facing the projections 11f of the arcuate key sheet, and a lower electrode 22 is provided on the printed board 14 as a pair.
Providing the bow-shaped projections 11f provided on the key sheet has an effect that the click fixing plate 12 can also be used.

[0037]

As described above, according to the present invention, the key base portion of the key top is formed of a thin resin film sheet having a uniform thickness, and further processing of the resin film sheet allows penetration of dust and water droplets. Therefore, the electronic device can be made thinner and lighter.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a structure of a mobile phone common to each embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a cross-sectional structure of the portable electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a portable electronic device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a portable electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a portable electronic device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a conventional portable electronic device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 housing cover 2 key top switch 3 housing case 4 liquid crystal display unit 5 transmitting unit 6 receiving unit 7 antenna 11a, 52 button unit 11b key sheet unit 11c elastic material 11d hemisphere or string-like projection 11e ∧-shaped or step-shaped projection 11f Bow 11g Upper electrode 12, 55 Click plate 13, 59 Click plate fixing sheet 14, 15, 57, 58 Printed circuit board 16, 56 LED lamp 17, 53 Internal electric parts 18 Dust 19 Water drop 20 Housing taper 21 Static electricity 22 Lower electrode 54 Rib 60 Case cover 61 Case case

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A portable electronic device having a key switch operated by pressing a top, wherein a key base portion of the key top is formed of a resin film sheet having a uniform thickness. Structure. 2. In a portable electronic device having a key switch that operates by pressing a top, a dust-proof and drip-proof material is stuck on the film sheet as a means for preventing dust and water droplets from entering the inside of the housing. The structure of the portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A sponge having an adhesive material on one side as the dust-proof and drip-proof material, which is attached to the key sheet, or the sponge is attached to the housing. The structure of the portable electronic device according to 1. 4. The dust-proof and drip-proof material is made of a rubber material having an adhesive material on one side, and is attached to the key sheet, or rubber is attached to the housing side. 3. The structure of the portable electronic device according to 2. 5. The mobile phone according to claim 2, wherein the dust-proof and drip-proof material is made of a foaming agent, and the foamed material is filled in the key sheet or the foamed material is filled in the housing. Electronic device structure. 6. The structure of a portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the resin film sheet is subjected to water-repellent treatment. 7. The structure of a portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a water-repellent treatment is performed on a surface facing the resin film sheet inside the housing. 8. The structure of a portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a taper is provided around the key top hole of the housing. 9. A portable electronic device having a key switch operated by pressing a top, wherein a key base portion of the key top is formed by stacking two resin film sheets having different hardness. Electronic device structure. 10. The resin film sheet of a flexible material, wherein the key top surface side is a key base upper part, one side is a key base lower part, and the key base upper part is a flexible resin sheet. And a plurality of hemispherical or string-like projections are provided, and the space between the hemispherical or string-like projections and the hard resinous film sheet arranged below the key base is hermetically filled with a gas such as air. The structure of the portable electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the flexible semi-spherical or string-shaped projections of the sheet have elasticity. 11. A hard sheet having a hemispherical or string-like projection formed by press working or the like on the upper part of the key base, and a resin film sheet of a flexible material for holding the lower part under the key base. The structure of the portable electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the portable electronic device is arranged as: 12. A hemispherical or string-like projection is provided on the key sheet at a place where an LED lamp is arranged, and
The structure of a portable electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the portable electronic device covers an ED lamp. 13. The method according to claim 13, wherein the hemispherical or string-like projections are dustproofed.
13. The portable electronic device according to claim 12, wherein the portable electronic device also functions as a waterproof wall. 14. The dust-proof and drip-proof wall according to claim 9, wherein the entire periphery of the end face of the key base portion is bent in a stepped or ∧ shape and brought into contact with the inner surface of the housing. Of portable electronic devices. 15. The structure of a portable electronic device according to claim 9, wherein a light diffusing agent is mixed into a resin film sheet below the key base. 16. The portable electronic device according to claim 9, wherein a light diffusing agent or a light reflecting agent is applied or printed on a surface of the click plate fixing portion holding the key base portion. Equipment structure. 17. The structure of claim 15, wherein a light reflecting agent is applied or printed on a lower portion of the key base. 18. A housing cover in contact with the key sheet.
10. The structure of the portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a light reflecting agent is applied or deposited on an inner surface. 19. A housing cover in contact with the key sheet.
18. The portable electronic device according to claim 16, wherein a light reflecting agent is applied or deposited on an inner surface. 20. A key base having a key base formed in an arc shape, a conductive portion provided on a lower surface of the key base, and a switch click is provided by an elastic restoring force of the key base having an arc shape. Claim 9, Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
The structure of a portable electronic device according to claim 0 or claim 11. 21. An elastic body is formed on the inner surface of the housing by molding an elastomer material on the inner surface of the plastic resin housing by two-material molding, and this is used as the dust-proof and drip-proof wall. 3. The structure of the portable electronic device according to 2.