1356627 九、發明說明： . 【發明所屬之技術領域】 本發明係關於一種用於電子裝置之多功能按鍵組合體。 、· 【先前技術】 v 大體而言，存在對電子裝置微型化之巨大需求，尤其是 對蜂巢式電話之旦大需求。另一方面，存在對包括愈來愈 多特徵之電子裝置的曰漸增長之需求。該等需求總是導致 顯示區域之減少，即顯示幕之尺寸或可視區域之尺寸減 ® 少。其主要原因是必須維持用於輸入資料之習知鍵盤矩陣 排列。雖然形成習知鍵盤矩陣排列之按紐的尺寸及間隔由 於微型化而待續減少，但其減少仍受到限制。此外，在小 按紐或緊岔間隔之按趣的情況下，存在意外按壓與所欲按 壓之按鈕相鄰但非所欲按壓之按鈕，或者甚至同時按壓兩 個相鄰按奴，從而提供錯誤輸入資料的高度可能性。此 外，因為為每一輸入資料而逐一地按壓按鈕，所以操作速 度受限。 第6,441，75 3號美國專利揭示了一種用於電子裝置之多功 能按鍵組合體。該多功能按鍵組合體具有一按鈕部件，該 " 按鈕部件具有一界定九個按鍵區域之上部輪廓表面，在一 '* 特疋實把例^，該專按鍵區域係以與習知電話鍵盤之一至 九按鍵一致的方式來排列：中央按鍵區域代表電話鍵盤之 五個按鍵且每一周邊按鍵區域代表剩餘按鍵。然而，不同 於習知鍵盤矩陣的是：沒有零字鍵、星號鍵及#字鍵 (pound sign key)。一輔助按鈕可代表零字鍵。另一選擇 100718.doc 1356627 為’每一按鍵區域可有多個功能》舉例而言，五個按鍵區 域在被雙擊時便可作為習知零字鍵來操作。此選擇得以暗 示，但未對其實施例進行描述。無論情形如何，數位零均 不能經由主模式操作來鍵入，且因此每當必須輸入零時， 都將破壞資料輸入之順暢流程。 本發明之一目的在於：提供用於輸入資料至電子裝置的 經改良之多功能按鍵組合體及用於輸入資料至電子裝置的 經改良之方法。 本目的由根據個別專利申請範圍之標的物來實現。 【發明内容】 根據本發明’較佳提供一種多功能按鍵組合體，其包 含： 彼此電連接之兩個開關，每一開關均能夠在通電狀態下 產生正好四個不同之輸出信號； 一輕接至該等兩個開關之單一按鍵蓋，該單一按鍵蓋能 夠選擇性地分別啟動或同時啟動該等兩個開關，藉此可自 該多功能按鍵組合體輸出總計十二個可能之不同輸出信 號.當分別啟動該等兩個開關中之一者時，可獲得八個不 同輸出信號；而當同時啟動該等兩個開關時，可獲得四個 不同輪出信號。 該多功能按鍵組合可位於電子裝置外部、内部或部分地 位於電子裝置中，且輸出信號可用作輸入至電子裝置之資 料。通常，輸出信號將為可轉換成其他類型信號之電信 號0 100718.doc 八根據一較佳實施例，藉由垂直按壓按鍵蓋之至少一部 分’按鍵蓋可自非作用中位置移動至作用中位置，其中在 非作用中位置中，兩個開關均處於斷電狀態，且其中在作 用中位置中，兩開關中之至少一者處於通電狀態，存在總 計三個作时位置：第—作用中位置，其對應於該等開: 中之一者處於通電狀態；第二作用中位置，其對應於該等 開關令之另一者處於通電狀態；第三作用中位置，其對應 於兩開關同時處於通電狀態。 應瞭解：按壓按鍵蓋之至少一部分界定了一方向，在此 將其稱為垂直方向。 進一步根據本發明之較佳實施例，按鍵蓋可在兩相互正 交方向上水平移動至四個接觸位置。通常，相互正交之兩 個方向被稱為南北及東西且四個接觸位置係在順時針方向 上的北、東、南及西。相互正交之兩個方向共面且與垂直 方向正交，在該垂直方向上按壓按鍵蓋之至少一部分。 更進一步根據一較佳實施例’對於一給定接觸位置與按 鍵蓋之-特定作用中位置的每一組合，該多功能按鍵組合 體輸出十二個可能的不同輸出信號之一特定不同輪出作 號。 ° 根據一第一較佳實施例，每一開關包含單一導電桿，按 鍵蓋係耗接至每一開關之導電桿。 根據另一較佳實施例，每一開關進一步包含一不導電的 導引部件’料引部件具有相互正交形成十字形孔徑之兩 個貫穿（throughgoing)之導引凹槽。 100718.doc 1356627 通常’兩導引凹槽之每一端均具備電接點。因為存在相 正交形成十字形孔徑之兩個導引凹槽，所以將有四個端部 且因此有四個電接點。當該等開關中之至少一者的一部分 與給定電接點電鄰接時，可獲得給定接觸位置。 根據一較佳實施例，每一開關之導電桿穿過相關導引部 件之凹槽且與四個電接點中之一者電鄰接的該等開關中2 至乂 者的°卩分係該等開關中至少一者的導電桿。 根據一第二較佳實施例，按鍵蓋耦接至一位於中央的單 _ 一導電桿。 根據一較佳實施例，單一導電桿穿過單一不導電導引部 件中之單一十字形孔徑，該孔徑包含彼此正交的兩個貫穿 之導引凹槽，電接點位於每一導引凹槽之每一端，存在總 計四個電接點，其中在導電桿與給定電接點電鄰接時獲得 給定接觸位置。， 宜存在正好兩個彼此連接之開關。 Φ 根據本發明亦提供了一種提供十二個不同輸出信號中之 一者的方法’其宜包含以下步驟： (a) 提供一多功能按鍵組合體，其包含彼此電連接且耦接 至單一按鍵蓋之兩個開關； (b) 藉由按壓按鍵蓋之至少一部分來將按鍵蓋自非作用 中位置垂直移動至作用中位置，其令在非作用中位置中， 兩個開關均處於斷電狀態，且其中在作用中位置中，該等 開關中之至少一者處於通電狀態；及 (c) 在相互正交之兩個方向中之一者中，將按鍵蓋水平移 100718.doc 1356627 動至四個接觸位置中之一者’藉此提供十二 號中之一者。 j出k 執行該方法之步驟的次序不必根據以上給定之次序。 例而言，若需要，可在步驟⑷之前執行步驟（b)。 舉 根據本發明，進一步提供一蜂巢式電話，其包含 一外殼’其具有複數個表面； 一顯示幕；及 一多功能按鍵組合體，其包含： 彼此電連接之兩個開關，當處於通電狀態時，每一開 均可輸出正好四個不同的輸出信號； 汗 -叙接至該等兩個開關之單—按鍵蓋，該單—按鍵蓋& 夠選擇性地分別啟動或同時啟動該等兩個開關H = 自該多功能按鍵組合體輸出總計至少十二個可能之不同輸 出信號：當分別啟動該等兩個開關中之一者時，獲得八個 不同輸出信號；而當同時啟動該等兩個開關時，獲得四個 不同輸出信號。 必要時’顯示幕位於外殼之前部表面上，且按鍵蓋位於 外殼之側部表面上。 本發月k供下列優於習知技術的較佳優點： 其大體而言有助於電子裳置之微型化，且尤其有利於蜂 巢式電話之微型化。 其使得能夠使用更大之顯示幕。 藉由單一按鍵蓋來操作多功能按鍵。 藉由操作者一隻手之大拇指來操作單一按鍵蓋。 1007l8.doc 1356627 早一按鍵蓋易於操作。藉由在兩相互正交之方向（南 東）上jc平移動按鍵蓋，結合在其三個不同區域處 按壓按鍵蓋’可獲得十二個不同輸出信號。 自下列圖式、描述及專利中請範圍，熟習此項技術者易 於瞭解本發明之其他優點。 【實施方式】 參看圖1 ’其展不一根據本發明之典型電子裝置2〇。如 圖1中所說明之此種電子裝置2G的非約束性實例為蜂巢式 電話。電子t置20包含-外殼22、該外殼22之前部表面25 上的-顯示幕24、-根據本發明之多功能按鍵組合體26， 該多功能按鍵組合體26具有一按鍵蓋28、一揚聲器％、一 耳機32、一麥克風34及一辅助按鍵％。引人注目的是：沒 有用於輸人資料至f子裝置2G之習知鍵盤。此外，本發明 之多功能按鍵組合體26比習知鍵盤小得多且因此可以使按 鍵蓋28位於電子裝置2G之外殼22的側部表面37上之方式定 位於電子裝置2G内，從而（如圖i所示）為顯示幕娜放了前 部表面25之絕大部分空間。 多功能按鍵組合體26可作為電子裝置2〇之整體部分倂入 電子裝置20t，或可作為單獨模組來製造並視需要自電子 裝置20便利地插入或移除。在圖2中展示了呈模組形式之 多功能按鍵組合體26 ^僅為便於說明，將描述呈模組形式 之多功能按鍵組合體26。此對多功能按鍵組合體26之描述 沒有限制作用，而僅用來限制對多功能按鍵組合體％特徵 之描述，藉此排除對電子裝置20之與本發明無關之特徵的 100718.doc •11- 1356627 描述。1356627 IX. Description of the Invention: 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-function key combination for an electronic device. [Previous technology] v In general, there is a huge demand for miniaturization of electronic devices, especially for the demand for cellular phones. On the other hand, there is a growing demand for electronic devices that include an increasing number of features. These requirements always result in a reduction in the display area, ie the size of the display screen or the size of the visible area is reduced by less. The main reason for this is that the conventional keyboard matrix arrangement for inputting data must be maintained. Although the size and spacing of the buttons forming the conventional keyboard matrix arrangement are reduced due to miniaturization, the reduction is still limited. In addition, in the case of a small button or a close interval, there is an accidental pressing of a button adjacent to the button to be pressed but not desired, or even pressing two adjacent slaves at the same time, thereby providing an error. The high probability of entering data. In addition, since the buttons are pressed one by one for each input material, the operation speed is limited. U.S. Patent No. 6,441,75, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein incorporated by reference. The multi-function button assembly has a button member, and the button member has a contour surface defining an upper portion of the nine button regions, and the special button area is coupled with a conventional telephone keyboard. One to nine buttons are arranged in a consistent manner: the central button area represents the five buttons of the telephone keypad and each peripheral button area represents the remaining buttons. However, unlike the conventional keyboard matrix, there are no zero-key, asterisk, and pound sign keys. An auxiliary button can represent a zero-key button. Another option, 100718.doc 1356627, can have multiple functions per button area. For example, five button areas can be operated as conventional zero-keys when double-clicked. This choice is implicit, but its embodiment is not described. Regardless of the situation, the digit zero cannot be typed via the main mode operation, and therefore every time a zero must be entered, the smooth flow of data entry is broken. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-function key combination for inputting data to an electronic device and an improved method for inputting data to an electronic device. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the scope of the individual patent application. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a multi-function key combination is preferably provided, comprising: two switches electrically connected to each other, each switch capable of generating exactly four different output signals in a power-on state; To a single button cover of the two switches, the single button cover can selectively activate or simultaneously activate the two switches, thereby outputting a total of twelve possible different output signals from the multi-function button assembly When each of the two switches is activated, eight different output signals are available; and when the two switches are simultaneously activated, four different round-trip signals are available. The multi-function key combination can be located externally, internally, or partially in the electronic device, and the output signal can be used as input to the electronic device. Typically, the output signal will be an electrical signal that can be converted to other types of signals. 0100718.doc According to a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the button cover can be moved from the inactive position to the active position by vertically pressing the button cover. In the inactive position, both switches are in a power-off state, and wherein in the active position, at least one of the two switches is in an energized state, and there are a total of three time positions: the first active position Corresponding to one of the open: one of being in an energized state; the second active position corresponding to the other of the switches being energized; and the third active position corresponding to both switches being simultaneously Power on state. It should be understood that pressing at least a portion of the button cover defines a direction, which is referred to herein as a vertical direction. Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the button cover is horizontally movable in two mutually orthogonal directions to four contact positions. Usually, the two directions orthogonal to each other are called north-south and east and the four contact positions are in the north, east, south, and west in the clockwise direction. The two directions orthogonal to each other are coplanar and orthogonal to the vertical direction, and at least a portion of the button cover is pressed in the vertical direction. Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment 'for each combination of a given contact position and a particular active position of the button cover, the multi-function button combination outputs one of twelve possible different output signals for a particular different round trip. Make a number. According to a first preferred embodiment, each switch includes a single conductive rod that is wicked to the conductive rod of each switch. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, each switch further includes a non-conducting guide member. The index member has two throughgoing guide grooves that are orthogonal to each other to form a cross-shaped aperture. 100718.doc 1356627 Usually each end of the two guiding grooves is provided with electrical contacts. Since there are two guiding grooves that form a cross-shaped aperture orthogonally, there will be four ends and thus four electrical contacts. A given contact location is obtained when a portion of at least one of the switches is electrically adjacent to a given electrical contact. According to a preferred embodiment, the conductive rod of each switch passes through the recess of the associated guiding member and is electrically adjacent to one of the four electrical contacts. A conductive rod of at least one of the switches. According to a second preferred embodiment, the button cover is coupled to a centrally located single conductive rod. According to a preferred embodiment, a single conductive rod passes through a single cross-shaped aperture in a single non-conductive guiding member, the aperture comprising two through guiding grooves orthogonal to each other, the electrical contacts being located in each guiding recess At each end of the slot, there are a total of four electrical contacts where a given contact location is obtained when the conductive rod is electrically adjacent to a given electrical contact. , there should be exactly two switches connected to each other. Φ According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of providing one of twelve different output signals, which preferably comprises the following steps: (a) providing a multi-function key combination comprising electrically coupled to each other and coupled to a single button Two switches of the cover; (b) by pressing at least a portion of the button cover to vertically move the button cover from the inactive position to the active position, wherein in the inactive position, both switches are in a power-off state And wherein in the active position, at least one of the switches is energized; and (c) in one of two directions orthogonal to each other, moving the button cover horizontally by 100718.doc 1356627 to One of the four contact locations 'by providing one of the twelve. The order in which the steps of the method are performed is not necessarily in accordance with the order given above. For example, if necessary, step (b) can be performed before step (4). According to the present invention, there is further provided a cellular phone comprising a housing having a plurality of surfaces; a display screen; and a multi-function button assembly comprising: two switches electrically connected to each other when energized Each opening can output exactly four different output signals; Khan - is connected to the single-key cover of the two switches, and the single-key cover & selectively activates or simultaneously activates the same Two switches H = a total of at least twelve possible different output signals from the multi-function key combination output: when one of the two switches is activated respectively, eight different output signals are obtained; and when the same is initiated simultaneously When two switches are used, four different output signals are obtained. When necessary, the display screen is located on the front surface of the casing, and the button cover is located on the side surface of the casing. The present month provides the following advantages over the prior art: it generally contributes to the miniaturization of electronic placement and is particularly advantageous for miniaturization of cellular phones. It enables the use of larger display screens. The multi-function button is operated by a single button cover. The single button cover is operated by the operator's thumb of one hand. 1007l8.doc 1356627 The early one button cover is easy to operate. Twelve different output signals are obtained by pressing the key cover in the two mutually orthogonal directions (south east) and pressing the button cover ' at three different areas. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the other advantages of the present invention from the following figures, descriptions, and patents. [Embodiment] Referring to Fig. 1 ', a typical electronic device 2 according to the present invention is shown. A non-binding example of such an electronic device 2G as illustrated in Figure 1 is a cellular telephone. The electronic t-set 20 includes a housing 22, a display screen 24 on the front surface 25 of the housing 22, a multi-function button assembly 26 according to the present invention, the multi-function button assembly 26 having a button cover 28 and a speaker %, one earphone 32, one microphone 34 and one auxiliary button %. What is striking is that there is no conventional keyboard for inputting data to the F-device 2G. Moreover, the multi-function key combination 26 of the present invention is much smaller than the conventional keyboard and thus can be positioned within the electronic device 2G in such a manner that the key cover 28 is positioned on the side surface 37 of the outer casing 22 of the electronic device 2G, such as Figure i) shows most of the space on the front surface 25 for the display. The multi-function key combination 26 can be inserted into the electronic device 20t as an integral part of the electronic device 2, or can be manufactured as a separate module and conveniently inserted or removed from the electronic device 20 as needed. The multi-function key combination 26 in the form of a module is shown in Fig. 2. For convenience of explanation, the multi-function key assembly 26 in the form of a module will be described. This description of the multi-function key combination 26 is not limiting, but is merely used to limit the description of the % feature of the multi-function key combination, thereby excluding the features of the electronic device 20 that are not relevant to the present invention. - 1356627 Description.
參照圖3至圖6,根據本發明之第一實施例，除按鍵蓋a 之外’多功能按鍵組合體26亦包含：一罩殼38、兩個開關 40及兩個不導電之導電部件42。每__规含—導電桿 44 ’該導電桿44具有界定開關4。之縱向方向的縱向轴: A; 一可移動之導引柱46’ ^電桿44之—端保持於該導^ 柱中；-固定導引柱48’可移動之導引柱牝可在其中縱向 移動。兩個導電引線52自固定導引柱48之下端50突起。應 瞭解，若多功能按鍵組合體26不是單獨模組，而是作為電 子裝置2G之整體部分倂人電子裝置2()，則多功能按鍵组合 體26之罩殼38將為電子裝置2〇之外殼22的一部分。3 to 6, in addition to the button cover a, the multi-function button assembly 26 also includes a casing 38, two switches 40, and two non-conductive conductive members 42 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. . Each of the conductive rods 44' has a defining switch 4. The longitudinal axis of the longitudinal direction: A; a movable guide post 46' ^ the end of the pole 44 is held in the guide post; - the guide post 48' of the movable guide post 48' is movable Move vertically. Two conductive leads 52 project from the lower end 50 of the fixed guide post 48. It should be understood that if the multi-function button assembly 26 is not a separate module but as an integral part of the electronic device 2G, the cover 38 of the multi-function button assembly 26 will be the electronic device 2 A portion of the outer casing 22.
每一開關40及相關導引部件42位於罩殼38中之腔室54 中，其具有一與固定導引柱48之下端5〇鄰接的下部臺階 56，藉此支撐開關40抵住按鍵蓋28施加於導電桿44之縱向 力。按鍵蓋28具有相對之上部表面58及下部表面6〇，且具 有一通常狹長之卵形或橢圓形形狀，該形狀具有界定按鍵 蓋28之縱向軸線l的長尺寸（i〇ng dimensi〇n)D。兩個按紐 62在按鍵蓋28之端部’即在按鍵蓋28之長度尺寸d的末端 處’自按鍵蓋28之上部表面58突起。此外，兩個相對之狹 長突出物64自上部表面58突起，在縱向軸線l的相對側上 與按鍵蓋28之長邊緣66相鄰延伸。每一導電桿44之遠離可 移動之導引柱46的端部保持於穿過圓柱形突起部分之孔 68中，突起部分70自位於相對按鈕62正下方之按鍵蓋28之 下部表面60突起’藉此將按鍵蓋28機械連接至開關40。 100718.doc -12· 1356627 每一導引部件42均具有彼此正交形成十字形孔徑之兩個 貫穿的導引凹槽72、74 ^導引部件42由上部臺階75支撐於 腔室54中，且具有一位於罩殼38中之凹進部分76中的小突 起部分42’，以便固定導引凹槽72、74之方位。每一開關 之導電桿44穿過相關導引部件42之導引凹槽72、74 ,使得 導引部件42位於可移動之導引柱46與按鍵蓋28之間。每一 導電桿44之遠離可移動之導引柱46的端部突起超出罩殼38 之頂部表面77，且按鍵蓋28之下部表面6〇與該頂部表面π 相鄰且相對。通常，頂部表面77為多功能按鍵組合體模組 之罩殼38的外部表面。然而，若多功能按鍵組合體26倂入 電子裝置20作為電子裝置2〇之整體部分，則頂部表面將為 電子裝置20之外殼22之外部表面的一部分。 每一導引部件42之該等導心槽72中之—者與按鍵蓋28 之縱向軸線對準，且以下將稱為縱向導引凹槽。每一導引 4件42之導引凹槽74中之另—者與按鍵蓋28之縱向轴線正 交’且以下將稱為橫向導引凹槽。電接點78、80、82、84 _72及橫向_74之端部。因此，總計與每一 導引4件42之導引凹槽相關的有四個電接點、⑼、μ、 84。如圖7中所示，該等電接 电接點將被標記為第一電接點 78、第二電接點8〇、第三 —電接點82、第四電接點84。 如以下將更詳細描述者，括 按鍵盒28可藉由對其施加外力 在各個方向上移動。通常， .,=^ 鞛由刼作者用以下動作來施加 外力至按鍵蓋28 :將大拇指置 於按鍵盍28之上部表面58上 或按紐62令之一者上；且技 者藉由在開關4〇之縱向方向上 100718.doc -13. 1356627 施加力來按壓按鍵蓋28並將其「垂直」移動，或者藉由在 與開關40.之縱向方向正交的方向上施加力來將其「水平」 移動。此外，可同時施加垂直力及水平力。導電桿44宜有 彈性以容許按鍵蓋28之充分水平位移。 若未對按鍵蓋28施加垂直力，則按鍵蓋28處於非作用中 狀態。若未對按鍵蓋28施加任何外力，則按鍵蓋28處於其 靜止位置。 由於導電桿44侷限於在導引凹槽72、74中移動，因此對 應於導電桿44在縱向導引凹槽72及橫向導引凹槽74中之移 動，按鍵蓋28之水平位移分別侷限於縱向移動及橫向移 動。換言之，按鍵蓋28可在相互正交之兩個方向上水平移 動。Each switch 40 and associated guide member 42 is located in a chamber 54 in the housing 38 having a lower step 56 abutting the lower end 5〇 of the fixed guide post 48, thereby supporting the switch 40 against the button cover 28 The longitudinal force applied to the conductive rod 44. The button cover 28 has a relatively upper surface 58 and a lower surface 6〇 and has a generally elongated oval or elliptical shape having a long dimension (i〇ng dimensi〇n) defining the longitudinal axis l of the button cover 28. D. Two buttons 62 project from the upper end surface 58 of the button cover 28 at the end of the button cover 28, i.e., at the end of the length dimension d of the button cover 28. In addition, two opposing elongate projections 64 project from the upper surface 58 and extend adjacent the long edge 66 of the button cover 28 on the opposite side of the longitudinal axis l. The end of each of the conductive rods 44 remote from the movable guide post 46 is retained in the aperture 68 through the cylindrical projection portion, the projection portion 70 projecting from the lower surface 60 of the button cover 28 directly below the button 62' Thereby the button cover 28 is mechanically connected to the switch 40. 100718.doc -12· 1356627 Each guiding member 42 has two through guiding grooves 72, 74 which are orthogonal to each other to form a cross-shaped aperture. The guiding member 42 is supported by the upper step 75 in the chamber 54, There is also a small raised portion 42' located in the recessed portion 76 in the casing 38 to secure the orientation of the guiding grooves 72, 74. The conductive rods 44 of each switch pass through the guide grooves 72, 74 of the associated guide member 42, such that the guide member 42 is positioned between the movable guide post 46 and the button cover 28. The end of each of the conductive rods 44 remote from the movable guide post 46 projects beyond the top surface 77 of the casing 38, and the lower surface 6 of the button cover 28 is adjacent and opposite the top surface π. Typically, the top surface 77 is the outer surface of the casing 38 of the multi-function key combination module. However, if the multi-function key combination 26 is inserted into the electronic device 20 as an integral part of the electronic device 2, the top surface will be part of the outer surface of the outer casing 22 of the electronic device 20. The one of the guide slots 72 of each guide member 42 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the button cover 28 and will hereinafter be referred to as a longitudinal guide groove. The other of the guide grooves 74 of each of the guide members 42 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the button cover 28 and will hereinafter be referred to as a lateral guide groove. The ends of the electrical contacts 78, 80, 82, 84 _72 and lateral _74. Therefore, there are a total of four electrical contacts, (9), μ, 84 associated with the guiding grooves of each of the guiding members 42. As shown in Figure 7, the electrical contacts will be labeled as a first electrical contact 78, a second electrical contact 8, a third electrical contact 82, and a fourth electrical contact 84. As will be described in more detail below, the key box 28 can be moved in various directions by applying an external force thereto. Usually, . . . = ^ 鞛 by the author to apply an external force to the button cover 28: placing the thumb on the upper surface 58 of the button 盍 28 or pressing one of the buttons 62; and the technician In the longitudinal direction of the switch 4〇, 100718.doc -13. 1356627 applies a force to press the button cover 28 and move it "vertically", or by applying a force in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the switch 40. "Horizontal" movement. In addition, vertical and horizontal forces can be applied simultaneously. The conductive rods 44 are preferably resilient to allow for adequate horizontal displacement of the button cover 28. If a vertical force is not applied to the key cover 28, the key cover 28 is in an inactive state. If no external force is applied to the button cover 28, the button cover 28 is in its rest position. Since the conductive rod 44 is limited to move in the guiding grooves 72, 74, the horizontal displacement of the button cover 28 is limited to the movement of the conductive rod 44 in the longitudinal guiding groove 72 and the lateral guiding groove 74, respectively. Longitudinal movement and lateral movement. In other words, the button cover 28 can be horizontally moved in two directions orthogonal to each other.
提供兩個支撐銷86。雖然並非絕對必要，在按鍵蓋以經 移動且移除外力後，支撐銷86輔助按鍵蓋28回到其靜止位 置（圖8及圖9A”支撐銷86於一端具有圓錐形突起部分μ 且於另一端具有平坦表面9〇。支撐銷86位於罩殼38中之空 腔92中’且藉由位於支擇銷86下方之空腔中的螺旋彈普 94所彈壓，並與平坦表面9〇相接觸。圓錐形突起部分μ收 納於按鍵蓋28之下部表面6G中的圓錐形凹心中。 當經由按壓按鍵蓋28來將其垂直移料，其自其靜止位 置或自非作用中位置（圖9A)移動至作用中位置。存在恰好 個作用中位置。藉由垂直移動按鍵蓋以之第一端(即藉 =壓第-按緣）來獲得第—作用中位置（圖9B)，以便 *直移動耦接至第一按鈕62，之導電桿44，藉此將第一開 l〇〇718.do, •14- 1356627 關40之電狀態自斷電狀態（不導電）改變為通電狀態（導 電）。藉由垂直移動按鍵蓋28之第二端（即藉由按壓第二按 鈕62 )來獲得第二作用中位置（圖9C)，以便僅垂直移動耦 接至第二按鈕62"之導電桿44，藉此將第二開關4〇"之電狀 I自斷電狀態改變為通電狀態。藉由將垂直移動整個按鍵 蓋28(即，藉由在一位於兩個按钮62之間的位置處按壓按 鍵蓋28之上部表面58)來獲得第三作用中位置（圖9D)，以 便垂直移動兩個導電桿44，藉此將兩個開關62之電狀態自 斷電狀態改變為通電狀態。 在藉由垂直按壓按鍵蓋28將其移動至給定作用中位置 後，藉由移動按鍵蓋28至特定接觸位置來獲得輸出信號。 此係藉由將按鍵蓋2 8保持在給定作用中位置並將其縱向水 平移動抑或橫向水平移動’直至導電桿44(即開關4〇之一 部分）與導引凹槽72、74之四個電接點78、80、82、84中 之一者形成電接觸來達成。為給定作用中位置與給定接觸 位置的每一組合獲得不同之輸出信號。狹長突出物64用來 防止操作者的大拇指在水平移動按鍵蓋28及在操作者的大 拇指位於兩個按鈕62之間的位置時發生滑動。 由於存在三個作用中位置（圖9B、圖9C及圖9D)及四個接 觸位置（對應於第一電接點78、第二電接點80、第三電接 點82及第四電接點84)，因此可獲得總計十二個不同輸出 信號。作為非約束性實例，吾人可以選擇該等十二個不同 輸出信號來代表10個數位1、2、3、4、5、6、7、8、9、〇 以及功能「清除（clear)」及「退格（back space)」。使用作 100718.doc -15· 1356627 ，、接觸位置之哪些特定組合 出是可選擇的問題。作為非約束 代表該等十二個輸 中位置，B)與第一接觸位 貫：，可使用第-作用 位置及第四接觸位置一起來分別獲得界t置、第三接觸 於數字卜2、3及4的四個㈣n 組輸出之用 置(圖9C)與第-接觸位置、第二:觸位置用第第中位 及第四接觸位置-起來分別獲 第二接觸位置 宝疋第一組輸出之用於數 子5 6、7、8的四個輸出信號；且可使 、 圖9C)斑笛拉第—作用.中位置 (圖9〇與第一接觸位置、第二接觸位 第四接觸位置-起來分別獲 接觸位置及 又讦界疋第二組輸出之用於數位 9、0以及兩功能「清除」*「退格」的四個輸出信號。 現參照圖H)，其展示兩個開關4()之電佈線及其各自導引 部件42的-可能之配置的說明性視圖，該配置將使得多功 能按鍵組合體26能夠提供上述輸出信號。若干導電桿44共 電並與每-開關40的該等導電引線52中之一者一起接地。 且兩個導引部件42中之一者的第一電接點78、帛三電接點 80、第三電接點82及第四電接點^各自與兩個導引部件42 中之另一者的第一電接點78、第二電接點8〇、第三電接點 82及第四電接點84共電。為說明之目的，第一接觸位置、 第二接觸位置、第三接觸位置及第四接觸位置分別用（j)、 (II)、（III)及（IV)來表示，且第一作用中位置及第二作用中 位置分別用（IXb)及（IXc)來表示。使用此符號，根據以上 所舉實例，來自第一組輸出的用於數位1之輸出信號係由 組合（IXb) + (1)(即，按壓第一按鈕62,使得第一開關40'處 100718.doc •16- 1356627 於如圖9B所示之通電狀態且按鍵蓋28在第一接觸位置）以 符號來給出。相似地，來自第二組輸出的用於數位5之輸 出信號係由組合（IXc) +⑴（即，按壓第二按鈕62，·使得第 二開關40"處於如圖9C所示之通電狀態且按鍵蓋28在第一 接觸位置）以符號來給出。為自第三組輸出信號獲得一輪 出信號，兩個開關40都必須處於通電狀態，即：如圖91)所 示，兩個按鈕62都必須受到按壓。舉例而言，用於數位9 之輸出信號係由組合（IXb) + (IXc) +⑴以符號來給出。 為輸出其他信號（諸如字母表中之字母），可在以上述方 式將按鍵蓋28移動之前將其「雙擊（d〇uble_ciicke)」^或者 可致動一或多個輔助按鍵36。因此，可自多功能按鍵組合 體26輸出諸如數位、字母、符號、函數等之大量資訊。 根據上述第一實施例，兩開關4〇中之每一者均具有一導 電桿44及一相關導引部件42。自上述第一實施例已明瞭， 需要導電桿44及導引部件42來獲得四個接觸位置。 參照圖11，根據第二實施例之多功能按鍵組合體126， 僅需要一導電桿144及一相關導引部件142，該單一導電桿 144及該早一導引部件142均接合至兩個開關140(140，、 140")。導電桿144與每一開關140之引線152中之一者一起 電接地。如第一實施例一樣，導引部件142不導電且具有 一包含彼此正交之兩個貫穿之導引凹槽172、174的十字形 孔徑，而電接點（178、180、182、184)位於每一導引凹槽 172、174之每一端。因此，存在總計四個電接點（丨78、 180、182、184)。導電桿（144)穿過該十字形孔徑，且在導 100718.doc •17· 1356627 電桿（144)與—給^電接點（178、18G、182、184)電鄰接時 獲得一給定接觸位置β 參·..、圖12至圖14，按鍵蓋128耦接至一定位於按鍵蓋128 中央之單導電桿144的-端。如第-實施例中之情形， 按鍵蓋128具有一對按鈕162，、162··。導電桿之另一端 固定至一可由（例如）橡膠製成之可撓性固持部件198。固持 部件198位於一基礎部件1〇〇中，該基礎部件又位於罩殼 138中。導引部件142於其上侧中具有兩個橫向凹槽 1〇2，自一滑動部件11〇之下側1〇8突起的兩個橫向軌丨〇6以 滑動方式收納於其中。滑動部件11〇在其上側U4中具有一 縱向凹槽112，自按鍵蓋128之下部表面16〇突起的一縱向 軌116以滑動方式收納於其中。每一開關14〇(14〇,、ΐ4〇") 包含一上部組件14〇u及一下部組件140L，以使得每一開 關在上部元件140U與下部元件140L之間存在間隙時處於 斷電狀態（不導電）且在上部元件丨4〇u與下部元件丨4〇L彼此 接觸時處於通電狀態（導電）。 藉由對按鍵蓋128施加與對第一實施例所描述之操作相 同的一組操作自第二實施例之多功能按鍵組合體126獲得 十二個不同輸出信號。舉例而言，藉由按壓第一按鈕 162'(見圖9B之按鈕62’），以使得第一開關14〇，之上部元件 140U與下部元件140L形成接觸，藉此導致第一開關14〇，處 於通電狀態’且滑動按鍵蓋至第一接觸位置（使得導電桿 144與第一電接點178相接觸），來獲得用於數位1之輸出信 號。如第一實施例一樣，此係由組合（ixb) + (”以符號來 100718.doc -18· 1356627 給出°相似地’如對第—實施例之描述-樣來獲得其他十 一個不同輸出信號。 雖然已在-定特殊性程度上描述了本發明，但應瞭解， 在不脫離如以下所申請之本發明的範嘴之前提下，可做出 各種變化及改變。特定言之，已參照蜂巢式電話來描述本 發明°然而應瞭解’本發明亦適用於其他類似的電子裝 置。 【圖式簡單說明】 圖1係根據本發明之具有多功能按鍵組合體的典型蜂巢 式電話之透視圖； 圖2係根據本發明之多功能按鍵組合體模組的透視圖； 圖3係圖2中之多功能按鍵組合體模組的部分分解圖； 圖4係圖2中之多功能按鍵組合體模組的全部分解圖； 圖5係圖2中之多功能按鍵組合體模組的部分截面仰視透 視圖； 圖6係圖2中之多功能按鍵組合體模組的部分截面俯視透 視圖； 圖7係按鍵蓋在非作用中位置中之圖2中之多功能按鍵組 合體模組的俯視圓； 圖8係按鍵蓋在非作用中位置中之圖2中之多功能按鍵組 合體模組的俯視圖； 圖9Α係按鍵蓋在非作用中位置中之圖2中之多功能按鍵 組合體模組的側視圖； 圖9Β係按鍵蓋在第一作用令位置中之圖2中之多功能按 1007l8.doc •19· 1356627 鍵組合體模組的側視圖； 圖9C係按鍵蓋在第二作用 鍵組合體模組的側視圖； 圖9D係按鍵蓋在第三作用 鍵組合體模纟且的側視圖； 中位置中的圖2中之多功能按 中位置中的圖2中之多功能按 圖1〇係根據第一實施例的多功能按鍵組合體之電佈線的 一可能之配置的說明性視圖；Two support pins 86 are provided. Although not absolutely necessary, after the button cover is moved and the external force is removed, the support pin 86 assists the button cover 28 to return to its rest position (Figs. 8 and 9A). The support pin 86 has a conical protrusion portion μ at one end and One end has a flat surface 9A. The support pin 86 is located in the cavity 92 in the casing 38 and is biased by a helical spring 94 located in the cavity below the support pin 86 and in contact with the flat surface 9〇 The conical projection portion μ is received in a conical concave core in the lower surface 6G of the button cover 28. When the button cover 28 is pressed to vertically feed it, it is from its rest position or from the inactive position (Fig. 9A). Move to the active position. There is exactly one active position. By moving the button cover vertically, the first end (ie, the pressure-pressing edge) is used to obtain the first active position (Fig. 9B), so that *straight shift Coupling to the first button 62, the conductive rod 44, thereby changing the electrical state of the first opening 〇〇 718.do, • 14-1356627 40 from the power-off state (non-conducting) to the energizing state (conducting) By moving the second end of the button cover 28 vertically (ie by pressing a second button 62) to obtain a second active position (Fig. 9C) to vertically move only the conductive rod 44 coupled to the second button 62", thereby electrically disconnecting the second switch 4" The electrical state is changed to the energized state. The third active position is obtained by vertically moving the entire button cover 28 (i.e., by pressing the upper surface 58 of the button cover 28 at a position between the two buttons 62) ( Figure 9D), in order to vertically move the two conductive rods 44, thereby changing the electrical state of the two switches 62 from the power-off state to the energized state. After moving the key cover 28 to the given active position by vertically pressing it The output signal is obtained by moving the button cover 28 to a specific contact position. This is achieved by holding the button cover 28 in a given active position and moving it horizontally horizontally or horizontally horizontally until the conductive rod 44 (ie, the switch) One of the 4 turns) is made in electrical contact with one of the four electrical contacts 78, 80, 82, 84 of the guiding grooves 72, 74. For each given position and a given contact position Combine to obtain different output signals. The object 64 is used to prevent the operator's thumb from sliding when the button cover 28 is moved horizontally and when the operator's thumb is positioned between the two buttons 62. Since there are three active positions (Fig. 9B, Fig. 9C and FIG. 9D) and four contact positions (corresponding to the first electrical contact 78, the second electrical contact 80, the third electrical contact 82, and the fourth electrical contact 84), so that a total of twelve different output signals can be obtained. As a non-binding example, we can select these twelve different output signals to represent 10 digits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and functions "clear" And "back space". The use of 100718.doc -15· 1356627, which specific combinations of contact locations is an optional problem. As the unconstrained representative of the twelve in-transit positions, B) and the first contact position: the first-acting position and the fourth contact position may be used together to obtain the boundary t and the third contact respectively. The four (four) n sets of output of 3 and 4 (Fig. 9C) and the first contact position, the second: the touch position with the first middle position and the fourth contact position - respectively, get the second contact position, the first group Outputs four output signals for the numbers 5 6 , 7 , 8 ; and can make, Figure 9C) the position of the flute - action. (Fig. 9 〇 with the first contact position, the second contact position fourth The contact position-up is the four output signals for the contact position and the second group output for the digits 9, 0 and the two functions "clear" * "backspace" respectively. Referring now to Figure H), it shows two An illustrative view of the electrical wiring of switches 4() and the possible configurations of their respective guiding members 42 that will enable the multi-function key combination 26 to provide the above described output signals. A plurality of conductive rods 44 are electrically coupled and grounded with one of the electrically conductive leads 52 of each switch 40. And the first electrical contact 78, the third electrical contact 80, the third electrical contact 82, and the fourth electrical contact of one of the two guiding members 42 and the other of the two guiding members 42 The first electrical contact 78, the second electrical contact 8〇, the third electrical contact 82, and the fourth electrical contact 84 of one are electrically connected. For illustrative purposes, the first contact position, the second contact position, the third contact position, and the fourth contact position are represented by (j), (II), (III), and (IV), respectively, and the first active position And the second active position is represented by (IXb) and (IXc), respectively. Using this notation, according to the above example, the output signal for digit 1 from the first set of outputs is combined (IXb) + (1) (ie, the first button 62 is pressed such that the first switch 40' is at 100718 .doc • 16-1356627 is given a symbol in the energized state as shown in Figure 9B and the button cover 28 is in the first contact position. Similarly, the output signal for digit 5 from the second set of outputs is combined (IXc) + (1) (ie, pressing the second button 62, causing the second switch 40 " to be in the powered state as shown in Figure 9C and The button cover 28 is given in the first contact position by a symbol. To obtain an output signal from the third set of output signals, both switches 40 must be energized, i.e., as shown in Figure 91, both buttons 62 must be pressed. For example, the output signal for digital 9 is given by the combination of (IXb) + (IXc) + (1). To output other signals (such as letters in the alphabet), the button cover 28 can be "double clicked" or the one or more auxiliary buttons 36 can be actuated before moving the button cover 28 in the manner described above. Therefore, a large amount of information such as digits, letters, symbols, functions, and the like can be output from the multi-function key combination 26. According to the first embodiment described above, each of the two switches 4A has a conductive rod 44 and an associated guiding member 42. It has been apparent from the first embodiment described above that the conductive rod 44 and the guide member 42 are required to obtain four contact positions. Referring to FIG. 11, the multi-function button assembly 126 according to the second embodiment requires only one conductive rod 144 and an associated guiding member 142. The single conductive rod 144 and the early guiding member 142 are both coupled to the two switches. 140 (140, 140 "). The conductive rod 144 is electrically grounded with one of the leads 152 of each switch 140. As in the first embodiment, the guiding member 142 is non-conductive and has a cross-shaped aperture including two guiding grooves 172, 174 that are orthogonal to each other, and electrical contacts (178, 180, 182, 184). Located at each end of each of the guiding grooves 172, 174. Therefore, there are a total of four electrical contacts (丨78, 180, 182, 184). A conductive rod (144) passes through the cross-shaped aperture and is given a reference when the poles (144) of the conductors are electrically adjacent to the electrical contacts (178, 18G, 182, 184). The contact position β ··.., FIGS. 12 to 14 , the button cover 128 is coupled to the end of the single conductive rod 144 which is located at the center of the button cover 128 . As in the case of the first embodiment, the button cover 128 has a pair of buttons 162, 162. The other end of the conductive rod is fixed to a flexible holding member 198 which can be made of, for example, rubber. The holding member 198 is located in a base member 1 又 which is in turn located in the casing 138. The guide member 142 has two lateral grooves 1〇2 in its upper side, and two lateral rails 6 projecting from the lower side 1〇8 of the sliding member 11 are slidably received therein. The sliding member 11 has a longitudinal groove 112 in its upper side U4, and a longitudinal rail 116 projecting from the lower surface 16 of the button cover 128 is slidably received therein. Each switch 14A (14〇, ΐ4〇") includes an upper assembly 14〇u and a lower assembly 140L such that each switch is in a power-off state when there is a gap between the upper member 140U and the lower member 140L. (non-conducting) and in an energized state (conducting) when the upper element 丨4〇u and the lower element 丨4〇L are in contact with each other. Twelve different output signals are obtained from the multi-function key combination 126 of the second embodiment by applying the same set of operations to the key cover 128 as described for the first embodiment. For example, by pressing the first button 162' (see button 62' of FIG. 9B) such that the first switch 14A, the upper member 140U is brought into contact with the lower member 140L, thereby causing the first switch 14A, The power-on state 'and the sliding button cover to the first contact position (so that the conductive rod 144 is in contact with the first electrical contact 178) is used to obtain an output signal for the digit 1. As in the first embodiment, this is obtained by combining (ixb) + ("given by symbol 100718.doc -18·1356627 ° similarly" as described in the first embodiment to obtain the other eleven different The present invention has been described in terms of a particular degree of detail, and it is to be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth below. The present invention has been described with reference to a cellular telephone. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other similar electronic devices. [Simplified Schematic] FIG. 1 is a typical cellular telephone having a multi-function key combination according to the present invention. 2 is a perspective view of a multi-function button assembly module according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the multi-function button assembly module of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the multi-function button assembly module of FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the multi-function button assembly module of FIG. Figure 7 is The top cover of the multi-function key combination module of FIG. 2 in the inactive position; FIG. 8 is a top view of the multi-function key combination module of FIG. 2 in the inactive position of the button cover; Figure 9 is a side view of the multi-function button assembly module of Figure 2 in the inactive position; Figure 9 is the multi-function button of Figure 2 in the first action position of the button cover 1007l8.doc a side view of the 19·1356627 key combination module; FIG. 9C is a side view of the second cover key assembly of the key cover; FIG. 9D is a side view of the key cover of the third active key combination; Illustrated in FIG. 2 of the multi-function centering position in the middle position, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a possible configuration of the electric wiring of the multi-function key combination according to the first embodiment;
圖11係根據第二實施例的多功能按鍵組合體之電佈線的 一可能之配置的說明性視圖； 圖12係根據第二實施例的多功能按鍵組合體模組之截面 俯視圖； 圖13係圖12中之多功能按鍵組合體模組的俯視分解圖； 及 圖14係圖12中之多功能按鍵組合體模組的仰視分解圖。 【主要元件符號說明】 20 電子裝置/蜂巢式電話 22 外殼 24 顯示幕 25 外殼22之前部表面 26 多功能按鍵組合體 28 按鍵蓋 30 揚聲器 32 耳機 34 麥克風 100718.doc -20- 1356627 36 輔助按鍵 37 外殼22之側部表面 38 罩殼 40' 第一開關 40" 第二開關 42 導引部件 42' 小突起部分 46 可移動之導引柱 48 固定導引柱 50 固定導引柱48之下端 52 導電引線 54 腔室 58 按鍵蓋28之上部表面 60 按鍵蓋28之下部表面 62' 第一按鈕 62" 第二按鈕 64 狹長突出物 66 長邊緣 68 孔 70 圓柱形突起部分 72 導引凹槽 74 導引凹槽 75 上部臺階 76 凹進部分 -21 * 100718.doc 1356627 77 罩殼38之頂部表面 78 第一電接點 80 第二電接點 82 第三電接點 84 第四電接點 86 支樓銷 88 圓錐形突起部分 90 平坦表面 92 空腔 94 螺旋彈簧 96 圓錐形凹口 100 基礎部件 102 橫向凹槽 104 導引部件142之上側 106 橫向軌 108 滑動部件110之下側 110 滑動部件 112 縱向凹槽 114 滑動部件110之上側 116 縱向軌 126 多功能按鍵組合體 128 按鍵蓋 138 罩殼 140 開關 ·22· 100718.doc 1356627 140U 第一開關140'之上部元件 140L 第一開關140’之下部元件 140’ 第一開關 140" 開關 142 導引部件 144 導電桿 152 引線 160 按鍵蓋128之下部表面 162’ 按鈕 162" 按鈕 172 導引凹槽 174 導引凹槽 178 電接點 180 電接點 182 電接點 184 電接點Figure 11 is an explanatory view showing a possible configuration of the electric wiring of the multi-function key combination according to the second embodiment; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional plan view of the multi-function key assembly module according to the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a top exploded view of the multi-function button assembly module; and FIG. 14 is a bottom exploded view of the multi-function button assembly module of FIG. [Main component symbol description] 20 Electronic device / cellular phone 22 Housing 24 Display screen 25 Front surface of housing 22 26 Multi-function key combination 28 Key cover 30 Speaker 32 Headphone 34 Microphone 100718.doc -20- 1356627 36 Auxiliary button 37 Side surface 38 of the outer casing 22 housing 40' first switch 40" second switch 42 guiding member 42' small protruding portion 46 movable guiding post 48 fixed guiding post 50 fixed guiding post 48 lower end 52 conductive Lead 54 Chamber 58 Key Cover 28 Upper Surface 60 Key Cover 28 Lower Surface 62' First Button 62" Second Button 64 Elliptical Tab 66 Long Edge 68 Hole 70 Cylindrical Projection 72 Guide Groove 74 Guide Groove 75 Upper step 76 Recessed portion-21 * 100718.doc 1356627 77 Top surface 78 of casing 38 First electrical contact 80 Second electrical contact 82 Third electrical contact 84 Fourth electrical contact 86 Branch Pin 88 conical projection 90 flat surface 92 cavity 94 coil spring 96 conical recess 100 base member 102 transverse groove 104 guide member 142 Side 106 transverse rail 108 sliding member 110 lower side 110 sliding member 112 longitudinal groove 114 sliding member 110 upper side 116 longitudinal rail 126 multi-function button assembly 128 button cover 138 housing 140 switch · 22 · 100718.doc 1356627 140U A switch 140' upper element 140L first switch 140' lower element 140' first switch 140" switch 142 guide member 144 conductive rod 152 lead 160 button cover 128 lower surface 162' button 162" button 172 guide recess Slot 174 Guide groove 178 Electrical contact 180 Electrical contact 182 Electrical contact 184 Electrical contact
198 可撓性固持部件 100718.doc -23-198 Flexible holding parts 100718.doc -23-