U.S. patent application number 10/745565 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-15 for telephone terminal device.
This patent application is currently assigned to MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Harada, Hiroshi, Kawano, Kazumi.
Application Number | 20040137966 10/745565 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 17201542 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040137966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kawano, Kazumi ; et
al. |
July 15, 2004 |
Telephone terminal device
Abstract
The exit light from the illuminating part illuminates each key
button as a spot light. Hence, leak of light to the surrounding is
prevented. As a result, the visual recognition is extremely
improved, and easy-to-read type data can be displayed. A telephone
terminal device includes a circuit board, and a plurality of key
buttons disposed at the upper side of the circuit board. The
circuit board has a through-hole, and the through-hole is
positioned immediately beneath at least one key button of the
plurality of key buttons, and each key button is illuminated by the
light passing the through-hole.
Inventors: |
Kawano, Kazumi; (Fukuoka,
JP) ; Harada, Hiroshi; (Fukuoka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
McDermott, Will & Emery
600 13th Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20005-3096
US
|
Assignee: |
MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO.,
LTD.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
17201542 |
Appl. No.: |
10/745565 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10745565 |
Dec 29, 2003 |
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09641900 |
Aug 18, 2000 |
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6674854 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/575.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 2219/064 20130101;
H01H 2213/01 20130101; H01H 2219/039 20130101; H01H 2231/022
20130101; H04M 1/22 20130101; H01H 2219/014 20130101; H01H 13/702
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/575.1 |
International
Class: |
H04M 001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 3, 1999 |
JP |
11-250012 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A telephone terminal device comprising: a circuit board, and a
plurality of key buttons disposed at the upper side of said circuit
board, wherein said circuit board has a through-hole, said
through-hole is positioned at an underneath direction of at least
one key button of said plurality of key buttons, and each key
button is illuminated by said light passing by way of said
through-hole.
2. The telephone terminal device of claim 1, wherein said circuit
board has a plurality of through-holes, each one of said plurality
of through-holes is positioned immediately beneath each key button
of said plurality of key buttons, and said each key button is
illuminated by said light passing by way of each through-hole.
3. The telephone terminal device of claim 1, wherein said plurality
of key buttons have at least one type selected from the group
consisting of numeral, character, symbol, and graphic pattern.
4. The telephone terminal device of claim 1, wherein as each key
button is pushed sequentially, said each key button itself is
illuminated sequentially by said light.
5. The telephone terminal device of claim 1, further comprising a
display unit, wherein said each key button of said plurality of key
buttons has a displayed type, and as said each key button is pushed
sequentially, said each key button itself is illuminated
sequentially by said light, and is put out after a predetermined
time, and said type displayed in said illuminated key button is
displayed in said display unit, and plural types corresponding to
the types displayed in said sequentially pushed key buttons are
displayed in said display unit.
6. The telephone terminal device of claim 1, wherein said each key
button is light transmissive, and said each key button is
illuminated by the light passing said through-hole and permeating
said key button.
7. The telephone terminal device of claim 1, further comprising an
illuminating part, wherein said illuminating part emits said
light.
8. The telephone terminal device of claim 7, wherein the sectional
area of said through-hole is wider than the projection area of said
illuminating part.
9. The telephone terminal device of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of illuminating parts, wherein each illuminating part of
said plurality of illuminating parts emits said light, said
through-hole has a plurality of through-holes, each illuminating
part of said plurality of illuminating parts is disposed at the
lower side of said circuit board, and said each key button is
illuminated by said light passing each through-hole of said
plurality of through-holes.
10. The telephone terminal device of claim 9, wherein the sectional
area of said each through-hole is wider than the projection area of
each illuminating part.
11. The telephone terminal device of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of illuminating parts, wherein each illuminating part of
said plurality of illuminating parts emits said light, said circuit
board has a contact circuit disposed immediately beneath each key
button, said through-hole has a plurality of through-holes, at
least two through-holes of said plurality of through-holes are
formed at both sides of said contact circuit, each illuminating
part of said plurality of illuminating parts is disposed at the
lower side of one through-hole of said two through-holes, and said
each key button is illuminated by said light passing each
through-hole of said plurality of through-holes.
12. A telephone terminal device comprising: a circuit board
responsible for function control, said circuit board having a
plurality of through-holes, an operation button main body having a
plurality of key buttons, each key button of said plurality of key
buttons being light transmissive, said each key button displaying
at least one type selected from the group consisting of numeral,
character, symbol, and graphic pattern, and an illuminating part,
wherein each through-hole of said plurality of through-holes is
positioned at an underneath direction of each key button of said
plurality of key buttons, said illuminating part is disposed at a
position for illuminating each key button of said plurality of key
buttons by way of said each through-hole, and said each key button
is illuminated by the light passing said each through-hole and
permeating said key button.
13. The telephone terminal device of claim 12, wherein as said each
key button is pushed sequentially, said each key button itself is
illuminated sequentially by said light.
14. The telephone terminal device of claim 12, further comprising a
display unit, wherein as said each key button is pushed, said each
key button itself is illuminated by said light, and is put out in a
predetermined time, said type displayed in said illuminated key
button is displayed in said display unit, and plural types
corresponding to the types displayed in said sequentially pushed
key buttons are displayed in said display unit.
15. The telephone terminal device of claim 12, wherein said
operation button main body is made of an elastic material.
16. The telephone terminal device of claim 12, wherein the
sectional area of said each through-hole is wider than the
projection area of each illuminating part.
17. A telephone terminal device comprising: a plurality of key
buttons, and a type displayed in each key button of said plurality
of key buttons, wherein said type has at least one selected from
the group consisting of numeral, character, symbol, and graphic
pattern, and as said plurality of key buttons are selectively lit
up, the information displayed by said type is expressed.
18. The telephone terminal device of claim 17, further comprising a
circuit board disposed at the lower side of said plurality of key
buttons, wherein said circuit board has a through-hole formed
immediately beneath each key button, and said each key button is
illuminated by way of said through-hole.
19. A telephone terminal device comprising: a plurality of key
buttons, and an illuminating part, wherein each key button of said
plurality of key buttons displays at least one type selected from
the group consisting of numeral, character, symbol, and graphic
pattern, said each key button being pushed is illuminated by a
light emitted from said illuminating part, and all said pushed key
buttons are selectively illuminated and displayed in said plurality
of key buttons.
20. The telephone terminal device of claim 19, further comprising a
circuit board disposed at the lower side of said plurality of key
buttons, wherein said circuit board has a plurality of
through-holes, each through-hole of said plurality of through-holes
is positioned immediately beneath each key button, and said each
key button is illuminated by the light emitted from said
illuminating part by way of said each through-hole.
21. The telephone terminal device of claim 19, wherein said
illuminating part has a plurality of illuminating parts, and said
each key button is illuminated by the light emitted from each
illuminating part of said plurality of illuminating parts.
22. The telephone terminal device of claim 19, further comprising a
display unit, wherein said type displayed in each pushed key button
is displayed in said display unit.
23. The telephone terminal device of claim 19, wherein said plural
key buttons are arranged in three rows and five lines or more.
24. A telephone terminal device comprising: a circuit board
responsible for function control, an operation button main body
having a plurality of key buttons, each key button of said
plurality of key buttons being light transmissive, said each key
button displaying at least one type selected from the group
consisting of numeral, character, symbol, and graphic pattern, and
an illuminating part, wherein said illuminating part is disposed in
said circuit board, each key button of said plurality of key
buttons displays at least one type selected from the group
consisting of numeral, character, symbol, and graphic pattern, said
each key button being pushed is illuminated by a light from said
illuminating part, and all said pushed key buttons are selectively
illuminated and displayed in said plurality of key buttons.
25. The telephone terminal device of claim 24, wherein said circuit
board has a plurality of through-holes, said illuminating part is
disposed at a position for illuminating each key button by way of
each through-hole of said plurality of through-holes, said each
through-hole is positioned immediately beneath said each key
button, and said each key button is illuminated by the light
emitted from said illuminating part by way of each
through-hole.
26. The telephone terminal device of claim 24, wherein said circuit
board has a plurality of through-holes, said illuminating part has
a plurality of illuminating parts, each illuminating part of said
plurality of illuminating parts is disposed at a position for
illuminating said each key button by way of each through-hole of
said plurality of through-holes, said each through-hole is
positioned immediately beneath said each key button, and said each
key button is illuminated by the light emitted from said
illuminating part by way of said each through-hole.
27. The telephone terminal device of claim 24, wherein said
operation button main body is made of an elastic material.
28. The telephone terminal device of claim 24, wherein said
illuminating part has a plurality of illuminating parts, and the
sectional area of said each through-hole is wider than the
projection area of each illuminating part of said plurality of
illuminating parts.
29. The telephone terminal device of claim 24, wherein said
plurality of key buttons are arranged in three row and five lines
or more.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a telephone terminal device
such as cellular phone.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Recently, the telephone terminal device such as cellular
phone is provided with a liquid crystal device as standard
equipment for the enhancement of convenience. The telephone number
and other numerical data are displayed in the liquid crystal
device. For reduction of size of the telephone terminal device
itself, operation buttons are made of rubber or other elastic
material which can be reduced in thickness and can give a click
reaction feel. As display means of numerical data, the operation
buttons are illuminated.
[0003] The structure of a cellular phone as an example of
conventional telephone terminal device is explained by referring to
FIG. 12 to FIG. 16.
[0004] FIG. 12 is an assembly sectional view of a conventional
cellular phone, and the cellular phone comprises a back casing 1, a
circuit board 2, a rubber button main body 3, key buttons 4, a
liquid crystal device 5, a liquid crystal device cable 6, and a
front casing 7. The circuit board 2 is responsible for the function
of the cellular phone. The rubber button main body 3 composes an
operation button section of the cellular phone. The key buttons 4
are actually pushed by the user. The key buttons 4 are light
transmissive. Light transmissive means that transmissivity is not 0
(zero), including transparent and translucent. The liquid crystal
device 5 conducts with the circuit board 2 through the liquid
crystal device cable 6. The front casing 7 has button holes 8, and
a liquid crystal device hole 9. The key button 4 is fitted into the
button hole 8. The liquid crystal device hole 9 is provided so as
to coincide with the screen of the liquid crystal device 5, so that
the liquid crystal device 5 is seen from outside through the liquid
crystal device hole 9.
[0005] FIG. 13 (a) is a view of the rubber button main body 3 of
the conventional cellular phone as seen from the side of the key
buttons 4. FIG. 13 (b) is a view of the rubber button main body 3
in FIG. 13 (a) as seen from the opposite side. In FIG. 13 (b), the
rubber button main body 3 has contact points 10 and air vents 11.
The contact points 10 are made of conductive material. When the
user pushes the key buttons 4, air is pushed out, and flows into
the air vents 11.
[0006] FIG. 14 is a view of the circuit board 2 of the conventional
cellular phone as seen from the contact surface side of the circuit
board 2 and rubber button main body 3. Contact circuits 12 are
disposed at the same pitches at the contact points 10 of the rubber
button main body 3, and are opened. Illuminating parts 13 such as
LEDs are disposed in the circuit board 2.
[0007] FIG. 15 is a sectional magnified view of a key button 4 in a
state of the rubber button main body 3 of the conventional cellular
phone mounted on the circuit board 2. The illuminating part 13 is
disposed between the circuit board 2 and the key button 4. A space
14 is formed around the contact point 10, and the air vent 11 has a
height 15. The height 15 and the sectional area of the air vent 11
are adjusted so that the air staying in the space 14 may flows in
smoothly.
[0008] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing display states of numerical
data in the conventional cellular phone.
[0009] The structure of such conventional cellular phone, motion of
the operation buttons, and display of numerical data are explained
by referring to FIG. 12 to FIG. 16.
[0010] First, the rubber button main body 3 is fitted to the front
casing 7 so that the key buttons 4 may be fitted into the button
holes 8 in the front casing 7. The liquid crystal device 5 is
connected to the circuit board 2 through the liquid crystal display
device cable 6. Such circuit board 2 is fitted to the front casing
7 so that the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal device 5
may coincide with the liquid crystal device hole 9. At this time,
when the key button 4 is pushed, each contact circuit 12 in the
circuit board 2 is disposed at a position contacting with the
contact point 10. Then the back casing 1 is coupled with the front
casing 7.
[0011] In the cellular phone thus constructed, an example of
procedure of operation of sending a call is explained.
[0012] The user first enters the partner's telephone number by
pressing the key buttons 4. At this time, the air staying in the
space 14 around the contact point 10 flows into the air vent 11 of
the height 15. Therefore, the contact point 10 is pushed to contact
with the contact circuit 12 on the circuit board 2. Accordingly,
the contact circuit 12 which has been an open circuit now becomes a
closed circuit by way of the contact point 10, and the circuit
board 2 recognizes that the key button 4 has been pushed. As a
result, the numerical data of the pushed key button 4 is displayed
in the liquid crystal device 5.
[0013] Thus, after input operation of the telephone number, the
user manipulates the key button 4. By the manipulation of the key
button 4, the illuminating part 13 immediately beneath the key
button 4 showing the numeral of the numerical data entered in the
first place lights up. Then the illuminating part 13 goes out in a
specific time. Similarly, the illuminating part 13 immediately
beneath the key button 4 showing the numeral of the numerical data
entered next lights up, and goes out in a specific time. In this
way, each motion is repeated sequentially by the number of numerals
of the numerical data being entered. In the illuminated key button
4, the light passes and the surface of the key button 4 becomes
bright.
[0014] This state is shown in FIG. 16. However, the partner's
telephone number may be displayed or not displayed in the liquid
crystal device 5.
[0015] Then the user recognizes the numerals of the illuminated key
buttons 4, and confirms the numerals of the partner's telephone
number. The user pushes the send button, and the calling operation
is done.
[0016] An example of procedure of operation of receiving a call is
explained.
[0017] When called, by the caller's number notice function, the
caller's telephone number is displayed in the liquid crystal device
5 as numerical data. Simultaneously when called, the user
manipulates the key button 4, and the illuminating part 13
immediately beneath the key button 4 showing the first numeral of
the numerical data lights up, and goes out in a specific time. Then
the above calling operation is repeated. Such motion is repeated
sequentially one by one by the number of numerals of the numerical
data displayed in the liquid crystal device 5. Thus, the surface of
each key button 4 becomes bright.
[0018] This state is same as in the calling operation, and is shown
in FIG. 16.
[0019] The partner's telephone number may be displayed or not
displayed in the liquid crystal device 5.
[0020] The user recognizes the numerals of the illuminated key
buttons 4, and confirms the caller's telephone number, and knows
who is calling before receiving the call. The user pushes the
receive button, and the receiving operation is done.
[0021] However, such cellular phone or telephone terminal device
involves the following problems.
[0022] The cellular phone or telephone terminal device aims at
thickness in 1 mm unit, weight in 1 g unit and volume in 1 cc unit
in order to satisfy the market demand for wearable device and seek
the ultimate convenience. Therefore, downsizing of the casing of
the telephone terminal device is promoted, and the liquid crystal
device is further reduced in size.
[0023] In such situation, the type size of numerical data displayed
in the screen of the liquid crystal device is becoming smaller.
Besides, as the number of digits of cellular telephone number is
increased, the type size of the numerical data must be further
reduced in order to display the numerical data fully on the liquid
crystal screen.
[0024] As one of means for these purposes, as mentioned in the
prior art, each key button showing the numeral of the numerical
data may be illuminated one by one sequentially.
[0025] In the conventional telephone terminal device, however,
illuminating parts are disposed between the circuit board and key
buttons, and the illuminating parts are disposed at positions
protruding from the circuit board to the key buttons. In the
conventional illuminating means of such composition, the exit light
from the illuminating part is not converged, but spreads and enters
the key button. Accordingly, the exit light from the illuminating
part positioned at the manipulated key button enters also the
adjacent key button. That is, leak of light to the adjacent button
increases. It is hence difficult to discriminate the illuminated
key button and non-illuminated adjacent key button. Or the
illuminated key button and the non-illuminated adjacent key button
are confusing.
[0026] In this state, when the user attempts to recognize the
numerical data displayed on the liquid crystal screen, or the
illuminated key button, the user is difficult to identify the
numerical data or key button. Also, the telephone terminal device
is not easy to use.
[0027] It is hence an object of the invention to present a
telephone terminal device capable of easily recognizing the
numerical data and illuminated key buttons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] A telephone terminal device of the invention comprises:
[0029] a circuit board, and
[0030] a plurality of key buttons disposed at the upper side of the
circuit board,
[0031] in which the circuit board has a through-hole, the
through-hole is positioned at an underneath direction of at least
one key button of the plurality of key buttons, and each key button
is illuminated by the light passing by way of the through-hole.
[0032] In this structure, the exit light from the illuminating part
illuminates each key button as a spot light. It hence prevents leak
of light to the surrounding. As a result, numerical data display
excellent in visual recognition and easy to read is realized.
[0033] Other telephone terminal device of the invention
comprises:
[0034] a plurality of key buttons, and illuminating parts,
[0035] in which each key button of the plurality of key buttons
displays at least one type selected from the group consisting of
numeral, character, symbol, and graphic pattern, each key button
being pushed is illuminated by the light emitted from the
illuminating part, and all the pushed key buttons are selectively
illuminated and displayed in the plurality of key buttons.
[0036] In this structure, the user can confirm the information of
the type data or the like expressed by a larger type. Hence,
easy-to-read numerical data can be displayed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] FIG. 1 is an assembly sectional view of a cellular phone in
exemplary embodiment 1 of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 2 (a) is a plan of a rubber button main body used in
the cellular phone of the embodiment as seen from the key button
side, and FIG. 2 (b) is a plan seen from the opposite side.
[0039] FIG. 3 (a) is a plan of a circuit board used in the cellular
phone of the embodiment as seen from the contact surface side with
the rubber button main body, and FIG. 3 (b) is a plan seen from the
opposite side.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a sectional magnified view of one key button of
the rubber button main body used in the cellular phone of the
embodiment, showing one key button in a state fitted to the circuit
board.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a plan showing a numerical data display state of
the cellular phone of the embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 6 is a plan of a circuit board used in a cellular phone
of exemplary embodiment 2 of the invention as seen from the contact
surface side with a rubber button main body.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a sectional magnified view of the rubber button
main body used in the cellular phone of the embodiment, showing one
key button in a state fitted to the circuit board.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a plan showing a numerical data display state of
the cellular phone of the embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 9 (a) is a plan of a rubber button main body used in a
cellular phone of exemplary embodiment 4 of the invention as seen
from the key button side, and FIG. 9 (b) is a plan seen from the
opposite side.
[0046] FIG. 10 (a) is a plan of a circuit board used in the
cellular phone of the embodiment as seen from the contact surface
side of the circuit board with the rubber button main body, and
FIG. 10 (b) is a plan seen from the opposite side.
[0047] FIG. 11 is a sectional magnified view of the rubber button
main body used in the cellular phone of the embodiment, showing one
key button in a state fitted to the circuit board.
[0048] FIG. 12 is an assembly sectional view of a conventional
cellular phone.
[0049] FIG. 13 (a) is a plan of a rubber button main body used in
the conventional cellular phone as seen from the key button side,
and FIG. 13 (b) is a plan seen from the opposite side.
[0050] FIG. 14 is a plan of a circuit board used in the
conventional cellular phone as seen from the contact surface side
of the circuit board with the rubber button main body.
[0051] FIG. 15 is a sectional magnified view of the rubber button
main body used in the conventional cellular phone, showing one key
button in a state fitted to the circuit board.
[0052] FIG. 16 is a plan showing a numerical data display state of
the conventional cellular phone.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0053] 21 Back casing
[0054] 22, 40, 53 Circuit board
[0055] 23, 50 Rubber button main body
[0056] 24, 51 Key button
[0057] 25 Liquid crystal device
[0058] 26 Liquid crystal device cable
[0059] 27 Front casing
[0060] 28 Button hole
[0061] 29 Liquid crystal device hole
[0062] 30, 52 Contact point
[0063] 31 Air vent
[0064] 32, 41, 54 Contact circuit
[0065] 33, 55 Through-hole
[0066] 34, 42, 56 Illuminating part
[0067] 35, 57 Space around contact point
[0068] 36 Height of air vent
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0069] A telephone terminal device in an embodiment of the
invention comprises a circuit board, a plurality of key buttons,
and illuminating parts. The circuit board has through-holes formed
at positions immediately beneath the key buttons. Each of the
through-holes is formed at position an underneath direction of at
least one key button of the plurality of key buttons. An
illuminating part is mounted at a position for illuminating the key
button through this through-hole. When displaying numeric data in
this telephone terminal device, the illuminating part immediately
beneath the key button displaying the numeral of this numerical
data lights up, and this key button is illuminated.
[0070] In this structure, the exit light from the illuminating part
illuminates each key button by a spot light. Hence, leak of light
to the surrounding is prevented. As a result, the visual
recognition is extremely improved, and easy-to-read numerical data
can be displayed.
[0071] The telephone terminal device in an embodiment of the
invention is a telephone terminal device for displaying a telephone
number by sequentially illuminating a plurality of key buttons
displaying numerals. The key buttons are illuminated by way of the
through-holes in the circuit board immediately beneath the key
buttons. In this structure, the exit light from the illuminating
part illuminates each key button by a spot light. Hence, leak of
light to the surrounding is prevented. As a result, the visual
recognition is extremely improved, and easy-to-read numerical data
can be displayed. Moreover, it is easy to recognize the numerals of
the illuminated key buttons. Therefore, the numerical data of the
telephone number can be confirmed securely.
[0072] The telephone terminal device in other embodiment of the
invention comprises a circuit board responsible for function
control, and an operation button main body having a plurality of
key buttons. At least the key buttons of the operation button main
body are light transmissive. The key buttons display types such as
numeral, character, symbol, and graphic pattern. The circuit board
has through-holes provided at positions immediately beneath the key
buttons. Illuminating parts are disposed at positions for
illuminating the key buttons by way of the through-holes. In this
structure, the exit light from the illuminating part illuminates
each key button by a spot light. Hence, leak of light to the
surrounding is prevented. As a result, the visual recognition is
extremely improved. That is, easy-to-read numerical data can be
displayed.
[0073] Preferably, the key buttons are illuminated sequentially to
display a telephone number. In this structure, it is easy to
recognize the numerals of the illuminated key buttons. Therefore,
the numerical data of the telephone number can be confirmed
securely.
[0074] Preferably, the operation button main body is made of an
elastic material. In this structure, it is possible to form thinly,
and a click reaction is felt when the operation button is
pushed.
[0075] Preferably, the circuit board has a plurality of
through-holes. In this structure, air vents are not needed in the
operation button main body. Therefore, the thickness of the
operation button main body is reduced by the portion of the
thickness corresponding to the height dimension of the air vents.
As a result, the telephone terminal device is reduced in size.
Further, the convenience is enhanced.
[0076] Preferably, the sectional area of through-holes in the
circuit board is more than the projection area of the illuminating
parts. In this structure, air vents are not needed in the operation
button main body. Therefore, the thickness of the operation button
main body is reduced by the portion of the thickness corresponding
to the height dimension of the air vents. As a result, the
telephone terminal device is reduced in size. Further, the
convenience is enhanced.
[0077] Preferably, the plurality of key buttons are illuminated
selectively, and the plurality of key buttons display information
of numerals, characters and symbols. In this structure, the user
can confirm the information of numerical data or the like expressed
by a larger type. As a result, it is much easier to read.
[0078] Preferably, the key buttons are illuminated by way of the
through-holes in the circuit board immediately beneath the key
buttons. In this structure, the exit light from the illuminating
part illuminates each key button by a spot light. Hence, leak of
light to the surrounding is prevented. As a result, the visual
recognition is extremely improved. That is, easy-to-read numerical
data can be displayed.
[0079] The telephone terminal device in a different embodiment of
the invention comprises a circuit board responsible for function
control, and an operation button main body having a plurality of
key buttons. At least the key buttons of the operation button main
body are light transmissive. Numerals, characters, symbols, and
others are displayed in the key buttons. Illuminating parts for
illuminating the key buttons are disposed in the circuit board. As
the plurality of key buttons are illuminated selectively, the
information of numerals, characters, symbols, and others is
displayed in the plurality of key buttons. In this structure, the
user can confirm the information of numerical data or the like
expressed by a larger type. As a result, it is much easier to
read.
[0080] Preferably, the circuit board has through-holes provided at
positions immediately beneath the key buttons. Illuminating parts
are disposed at positions for illuminating the key buttons by way
of the through-holes. In this structure, the exit light from the
illuminating part illuminates each key button by a spot light.
Hence, leak of light to the surrounding is prevented. As a result,
the visual recognition is extremely improved. That is, easy-to-read
numerical data can be displayed.
[0081] Preferably, the operation button main body is made of an
elastic material. In this structure, it is possible to form thinly,
and a click reaction is felt when the operation button is
pushed.
[0082] Preferably, the circuit board has a plurality of
through-holes. In this structure, air vents are not needed in the
operation button main body. Therefore, the thickness of the
operation button main body is reduced by the portion of the
thickness corresponding to the height dimension of the air vents.
As a result, the telephone terminal device is reduced in size.
Further, the convenience is enhanced.
[0083] Preferably, the sectional area of through-holes in the
circuit board is more than the projection area of the illuminating
parts. In this structure, air vents are not needed in the operation
button main body. Therefore, the thickness of the operation button
main body is reduced by the portion of the thickness corresponding
to the height dimension of the air vents. As a result, the
telephone terminal device is reduced in size. Further, the
convenience is enhanced.
[0084] Preferably, the plurality of key buttons are formed in three
rows and five lines or more. In this structure, the information of
numerals, characters, symbols and others can be displayed clearly,
and in particular, numerals 1 to 0, and alphabet can be displayed
in normal forms.
[0085] Telephone terminal devices in exemplary embodiments of the
invention are explained below while referring to FIG. 1 to FIG.
11.
[0086] In these drawings, same parts are identified with same
reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted.
[0087] As the telephone terminal device, examples of cellular phone
are explained.
Exemplary Embodiment 1
[0088] FIG. 1 to FIG. 5 show the structure of the cellular phone,
configuration of operation buttons, and display state of numerical
data according to exemplary embodiment 1 of the invention.
[0089] FIG. 1 is an assembly sectional view of a cellular phone in
exemplary embodiment 1 of the invention. The cellular phone
comprises a back casing 21, a circuit board 22, an operation button
main body 23, key buttons 24, a liquid crystal device 25, a liquid
crystal device cable 26, and a front casing 27. The rubber button
main body as the operation button main body 23 has a plurality of
key buttons 24. The individual key buttons 24 of the plurality of
key buttons show types such as numerals, characters, symbols, and
graphic patterns.
[0090] The circuit board 22 is responsible for the function of
cellular phone. The rubber button main body 23 forms the operation
buttons of the cellular phone. The key buttons 24 are actually
pushed by the user. The key buttons 24 are light transmissive.
Light transmissive means that transmissivity is not 0 (zero),
including transparent and translucent. The liquid crystal device 25
conducts with the circuit board 22 by way of the liquid crystal
device cable 26. The front casing 27 has button holes 28 and a
liquid crystal device hole 29. The key buttons 24 are fitted into
the button holes 28. In order that the liquid crystal device 25 may
be recognized from outside, the liquid crystal device hole 29 is
formed at the mutually coinciding position of the screen of the
liquid crystal device 25 and the liquid crystal device hole 29.
[0091] FIG. 2 (a) is a plan of a rubber button main body 23 of the
cellular phone as seen from the key button 24 side, and FIG. 2 (b)
is a plan seen from the opposite side. In FIG. 2 (b), contact
points 30 are made of conductive material. When the user pushes a
key button 24, the air is pushed out and flows into the air vent
31.
[0092] FIG. 3 (a) is a plan of a circuit board 22 of the cellular
phone as seen from the contact surface side of the circuit board 22
with the rubber button main body 23, and FIG. 3 (b) is a plan seen
from the opposite side. In FIG. 3 (a), contact circuits 32 are
disposed at same pitches as the contact points 30 in the rubber
button main body 23, and are opened. Through-holes 33 are disposed
adjacently to the contact circuits 32. In FIG. 3 (b), illuminating
parts 34 such as LEDs are disposed. The illuminating parts 34 are
arranged so that the light may be emitted in the direction of side
of the key buttons 24 of the rubber button main body 23 by way of
the through-holes 33. All through-holes are arranged similarly as
shown in FIG. 3 (b).
[0093] FIG. 4 is a sectional magnified view of the rubber button
main body 23 of the cellular phone, showing one key button 24 in a
state fitted to the circuit board 22. A height 36 and the sectional
area of the air vent are adjusted so that the air staying in the
space 35 around the contact point may flow in smoothly.
[0094] FIG. 5 is a plan showing a numerical data display state of
the cellular phone of exemplary embodiment 1.
[0095] The structure of this cellular phone, motion of operation
button, and display state of type data are explained below while
referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5.
[0096] First, the rubber button main body 23 is fitted to the front
casing 27 so that the key buttons 24 of the rubber button main body
23 may be fitted into button holes 28 of the front casing 27. Then,
the liquid crystal device 25 is connected to the circuit board 22
through the liquid crystal device cable 26. The circuit board 22
having such structure is fitted to the front casing 27 so that the
liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal device 25 may coincide
with the liquid crystal device hole 29. At this time, these parts
are set in such configuration that the contact circuits 32 in the
circuit board 22 may contact with the contact points 30 when the
key buttons 24 are pushed. Then the back casing 21 is coupled with
the front casing 27.
[0097] In thus constructed cellular phone, an example of procedure
of operation of sending a call is explained below.
[0098] The user first enters the partner's telephone number by
pressing the key buttons 24. At this time, the air staying in the
space 35 around the contact point 30 flows into the air vent 31 of
the height 36. Therefore, the contact point 30 is pushed to contact
with the contact circuit 32 on the circuit board 22. Accordingly,
the contact circuit 32 which has been an open circuit now becomes a
closed circuit by way of the contact point 30, and the circuit
board 22 recognizes that the key button 24 has been pushed. As a
result, the numerical data of the pushed key button 24 is displayed
in the liquid crystal device.
[0099] Thus, after input operation of the telephone number, when
the user manipulates the key button 24, the illuminating part 34
immediately beneath the key button 24 showing the numeral of the
numeric data entered in the first place lights up, and then goes
out in a specific time. Similarly, the illuminating part 34
immediately beneath the key button 24 showing the numeral of the
numerical data entered next lights up, and goes out in a specific
time. In this way, each motion is repeated sequentially by the
number of numerals of the numerical data being entered.
[0100] At this time, the exit light from the illuminating part 34
is emitted to the key button 24 by way of the through-hole 33.
Therefore, the light enters the key button 24 as a spot light. In
the illuminated key button 24, the light transmits and brightens
the surface of the key button 24. The duration of illuminating each
key button 24 is set to be enough for the user to recognize the
numeral of the illuminated key button 24.
[0101] This state is shown in FIG. 5. However, the partner's
telephone number may be displayed or not displayed in the liquid
crystal device 25. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the key
buttons showing the numerals are lit up and put out repeatedly in
the sequence of 09012345678.
[0102] Then the user recognizes the numerals of the illuminated key
buttons 24. As a result, the numerical data of the partner's
telephone number is confirmed. The user pushes the send button, and
the calling operation is done.
[0103] An example of procedure of operation of receiving a call is
explained.
[0104] When called, by the caller's number notice function, the
caller's telephone number is displayed in the liquid crystal device
25 as numerical data. Simultaneously with display of the numerical
data, the user manipulates the key button 24, and the illuminating
part 34 immediately beneath the key button 24 showing the first
numeral of the numerical data lights up, and goes out in a specific
time. Then by the same operation as in the above operation of
sending a call, such motion is repeated sequentially one by one by
the number of numerals of the numerical data displayed in the
liquid crystal device 25. Thus, the surface of each key button 24
becomes bright. This state is same as in the calling operation, and
the numerical data display state is shown in FIG. 5.
[0105] Same as in the case of sending a call, the duration of
illuminating each key button 24 is set to be enough for the user to
recognize the numeral of the illuminated key button 24. The
partner's telephone number may be displayed or not displayed in the
liquid crystal device 25.
[0106] The user recognizes the numerals of the illuminated key
buttons 24, and confirms the caller's telephone number. Hence it is
known who is calling before receiving the call. The user pushes the
receive button, and the receiving operation is done.
[0107] Thus, in the telephone terminal device of exemplary
embodiment 1, since the exit light from the illuminating part is
emitted by way of the through-hole, the exit light from the
illuminating part illuminates each key button as a spot light.
Accordingly, the light does not leak to the surrounding. As a
result, the numerical data can be displayed with an excellent
visual recognition.
[0108] This exemplary embodiment may be also composed without using
the liquid crystal device.
Exemplary Embodiment 2
[0109] FIG. 6 to FIG. 8 show the structure of the cellular phone,
configuration of operation buttons, and display state of numerical
data according to exemplary embodiment 2 of the invention. In this
exemplary embodiment 2, the structure of the cellular phone and
configuration of operation buttons are same as in exemplary
embodiment 1 explained in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, except that the key
buttons 24 of the rubber button main body 23 are composed of three
rows and five lines.
[0110] FIG. 6 is a plan of a circuit board 40 in exemplary
embodiment 2, as seen from the contact surface side of the circuit
board 40 with the rubber button main body 23. In FIG. 6, contact
circuits 41 are disposed at the same pitch at the contact points 30
of the rubber button main body 23, and these contact circuits 41
are open. Illuminating parts 42 such as LEDs are mounted adjacently
to the contact circuits 41. The illuminating parts 42 are mounted
on the circuit board 40 so that the light may be illuminated in the
direction of the side of the key buttons 24 of the rubber button
main body 23.
[0111] FIG. 7 is a sectional magnified view of the rubber button
main body 23 of the cellular phone, showing one key button 24 in a
state fitted to the circuit board 40.
[0112] FIG. 8 is a plan showing a numerical data display state of
the cellular phone of exemplary embodiment 2 of the invention.
[0113] In the cellular phone having such structure, the
configuration and motion of operation buttons are same as in
exemplary embodiment 1. Display of numerical data is explained
below, for example, relating to operation of sending a call.
[0114] First, by the same manipulation of the operation buttons as
in exemplary embodiment 1, the user enters the partner's telephone
number by pressing the key buttons 24. By this operation, the
contact circuit 41 which has been an open circuit now becomes a
closed circuit by way of the contact point 30. As a result, the
circuit board 40 recognizes that the key button 24 has been pushed,
and the numerical data of the pushed key button 24 is displayed in
the liquid crystal device 25.
[0115] Thus, after input operation of the telephone number, when
the user manipulates the key button 24, to express the numeral of
the numerical data entered in the first place by using all key
buttons 24, the illuminating part 42 immediately beneath the
corresponding key button 24 lights up, and then goes out in a
specific time. Similarly, to express the numeral of the numerical
data entered next by using all key buttons 24, the illuminating
part 42 immediately beneath the corresponding key button 24 lights
up, and then goes out in a specific time. In this way, each motion
is repeated sequentially by the number of numerals of the numerical
data being entered. Thus, all entered numerical data is displayed.
In the illuminated key button 24, the light penetrates and
brightens the surface of the key button 24. The duration of
expressing one numeral is set to be enough for the user to
recognize the expressed numeral. Thus, among all key buttons 24,
key buttons necessary for expressing the numeral of the numerical
data are selected and lit up. The numerical data is displayed in
this manner. That is, the numerical data is formed by the plural
illuminated key buttons.
[0116] This state is shown in FIG. 8. However, the partner's
telephone number may be displayed or not displayed in the liquid
crystal device 25. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the key buttons
24 necessary for expressing the numeral of the numerical data are
selectively lit up and put out repeatedly in the sequence of
09012345678.
[0117] Then the user recognizes the numerals expressed by using all
key buttons 24 one by one sequentially. As a result, the user
confirms the numerical data of the partner's telephone number, and
pushes the send button. Thus the calling operation is done.
[0118] An example of procedure of operation of receiving a call is
explained.
[0119] When called, by the caller's number notice function, the
caller's telephone number is displayed in the liquid crystal device
25 as numerical data. Simultaneously with display of numerical
data, when the user manipulates the key button 24, to express the
first numeral of the numerical data by using all key buttons 24,
the illuminating part 42 immediately beneath the corresponding key
button 24 lights up, and then goes out in a specific time. Then the
same operation as when sending a call is repeated. The same motion
is repeated by the number of numerals in the numerical data
displayed in the liquid crystal device 25. The surface of each key
button 24 becomes bright. This state is same as when sending a
call, and the display state of numerical data is shown in FIG.
8.
[0120] Same as when sending a call, the duration of expressing one
numeral is set to be enough for the user to recognize the expressed
numeral. The partner's telephone number may be displayed or not
displayed in the liquid crystal device 25.
[0121] The user recognizes the individual numerals expressed by
using all key buttons 24 sequentially, and confirms the caller's
telephone number. Hence the user knows who is calling before
receiving the call. The user pushes the receive button, and the
receiving operation is done.
[0122] Thus, in the telephone terminal device of exemplary
embodiment 2, the numerical data is expressed by using all key
buttons 24. Hence, the numerical data displayed by a larger type
can be confirmed. As a result, the visual recognition is further
enhanced.
[0123] This exemplary embodiment 2 may be also composed without
using the liquid crystal device.
[0124] The data to be expressed by using all key buttons is not
limited to numerical data, but character data and others may be
also expressed similarly.
Exemplary Embodiment 3
[0125] The structure of the cellular phone and configuration of
operation buttons in exemplary embodiment 3 are same as in
exemplary embodiment 1 explained in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4. The key
buttons 24 of the rubber button main body 23 are composed of three
rows and five lines. The display state of numerical data is same as
in FIG. 8 relating to exemplary embodiment 2.
[0126] In the cellular phone having such structure, the
configuration and motion of operation buttons are same as in
exemplary embodiment 1. Display of numerical data is explained
below, for example, relating to operation of sending a call.
[0127] First, by the same manipulation of the operation buttons as
in exemplary embodiment 1, the user enters the partner's telephone
number by pressing the key buttons 24. By this operation, the
numerical data is displayed in the liquid crystal device 25.
[0128] After input operation of the telephone number, when the user
manipulates the key button 24, to express the numeral of the
numerical data entered in the first place by using all key buttons
24, the illuminating part 34 immediately beneath the corresponding
key button 24 lights up, and then goes out in a specific time.
Similarly, to express the numeral of the numeric data entered next
by using all key buttons 24, the illuminating part 34 immediately
beneath the corresponding key button 24 lights up, and then goes
out in a specific time. In this way, each motion is repeated
sequentially by the number of numerals of the numeric data being
entered. Thus, all entered numerical data is displayed.
[0129] The exit light from the illuminating part 34 is emitted to
the key button 24 by way of the through-hole 33. Therefore, the
light enters the key button 24 as a spot light. The light passes
through the illuminated key button 24, and brightens the surface of
the key button 24. The duration of expressing one numeral is set to
be enough for the user to recognize the expressed numeral.
[0130] The display state of numerical data is shown in FIG. 8.
However, the partner's telephone number may be displayed or not
displayed in the liquid crystal device 25.
[0131] Then the user recognizes the numerals expressed by using all
key buttons 24 one by one sequentially. As a result, the user
confirms the numerical data of the partner's telephone number, and
pushes the send button. Thus the calling operation is done.
[0132] An example of procedure of operation of receiving a call is
explained.
[0133] When called, by the caller's number notice function, the
caller's telephone number is displayed in the liquid crystal device
25 as numerical data. Simultaneously with display of numerical
data, when the user manipulates the key button 24, to express the
first numeral of the numerical data by using all key buttons 24,
the illuminating part 34 immediately beneath the corresponding key
button 24 lights up, and then goes out in a specific time. Then the
same operation as when sending a call is repeated. The same motion
is repeated by the number of numerals in the numerical data
displayed in the liquid crystal device 25. The surface of each key
button 24 becomes bright. This state is same as shown in FIG.
8.
[0134] Same as when sending a call, the duration of expressing one
numeral is set to be enough for the user to recognize the expressed
numeral. The partner's telephone number may be displayed or not
displayed in the liquid crystal device 25.
[0135] The user recognizes the individual numerals expressed by
using all key buttons 24 sequentially, and confirms the caller's
telephone number. Hence the user knows who is calling before
receiving the call. The user pushes the receive button, and the
receiving operation is done.
[0136] Thus, according to the structure of the telephone terminal
device of exemplary embodiment 3, the exit light from the
illuminating part illuminates each key button as a spot light.
Hence, leak of light to the surrounding is prevented. As a result,
it is further easier to read the display, and the ease of use is
much more enhanced.
[0137] This exemplary embodiment 3 may be also composed without
using the liquid crystal device.
[0138] The data to be expressed by using all key buttons is not
limited to numerical data, but character data and others may be
also expressed similarly.
Exemplary Embodiment 4
[0139] FIG. 9 to FIG. 11 show the structure of the operation
buttons of the cellular phone according to exemplary embodiment 4
of the invention. In this exemplary embodiment 4, the structure of
the cellular phone is same as in exemplary embodiment 1 explained
in FIG. 1. The display state of numerical data is same as in FIG. 5
relating to exemplary embodiment 1, or FIG. 8 relating to exemplary
embodiment 2.
[0140] FIG. 9 (a) is a view of a rubber button main body 50 in
exemplary embodiment 4 of the invention as seen from the key button
51 side, and FIG. 9 (b) is a view seen from the opposite side. In
FIG. 9 (b), contact points 52 are made of conductive material.
[0141] FIG. 10 (a) is a view of a circuit board 53 of the cellular
phone as seen from the contact surface side of the circuit board 53
with the rubber button main body 50, and FIG. 10 (b) is a view seen
from the opposite side. In FIG. 10 (a), contact circuits 54 are
disposed at same pitches as the contact points 52 of the rubber
button main body 50. The contact circuits 54 are open. Two
through-holes 55 each are formed at a position adjacent to each
contact circuit 54. In FIG. 10 (b), illuminating parts 56 are made
of LEDs or the like. The illuminating parts 56 are mounted so that
the light may be emitted in the direction of the side of the key
button 51 of the rubber button may body 50 by way of one
through-hole of the two through-holes 55 provided each at the
position adjacent to each contact circuit 54. As shown in FIG. 10
(b), the configuration is same in all contact circuits 54.
[0142] FIG. 11 is a sectional magnified view of the rubber button
main body 50 of the cellular phone, showing one key button 51 in a
state fitted to the circuit board 53. A space 57 is formed around
the contact point 52.
[0143] In the cellular phone having such structure, the other
configuration is same as in exemplary embodiment 1.
[0144] The motion of the operation buttons is explained below by
referring to an example of procedure of operation of sending a
call.
[0145] The user first enters the partner's telephone number by
pressing the key buttons 51. At this time, the air staying in the
space 57 around the contact point 52 flows into the through-hole 55
at the side where the illuminating part 56 is not mounted.
Therefore, the contact point 52 is pushed to contact with the
contact circuit 54. Accordingly, the contact circuit 54 which has
been an open circuit now becomes a closed circuit by way of the
contact point 52. The circuit board 53 recognizes that the key
button 51 has been pushed, and the numerical data of the pushed key
button 51 is displayed in the liquid crystal device.
[0146] Thus, the input operation of the telephone number is over.
The numerical data display means is same as in exemplary embodiment
1, 2 or 3.
[0147] The operation for receiving a call is same as in exemplary
embodiment 1, 2 or 3.
[0148] Thus, according to the configuration of the operation
buttons of exemplary embodiment 4, air vents are not needed in the
rubber button main body. Therefore, the thickness is reduced by the
portion corresponding to the height dimension for composing the air
vents. That is, the operation button section can be reduced in
thickness. Hence, the cellular phone or telephone terminal device
is reduced in size. As a result, the convenience of cellular phone
is further enhanced.
[0149] The number of through-holes 55 at positions adjacent to
contact circuits 54 may be arbitrary.
[0150] Further, the sectional area of through-holes 55 having
illuminating parts 56 is wider than the projection area of the
illuminating parts 56. For example, to satisfy the condition, one
through-hole 55 may be formed.
[0151] Thus, according to the invention, since the key button is
illuminated by a spot light, the visual recognition of numerical
data is extremely enhanced.
[0152] Moreover, by expressing one numerical data by using all key
buttons, the numerical data expressed by a larger type can be
confirmed. As a result, the numerical data can be displayed more
clearly and visibly.
[0153] The sectional area of one through-hole of plural
through-holes disposed at a position immediately beneath each key
button is wider than the projection area of the illuminating part,
and the operation button section can be formed thinly. As a result,
the telephone terminal device is reduced in size. The convenience
of telephone terminal device is further enhanced.
* * * * *