JP2000270062A - Portable telephone set - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operability of a portable telephone set by protecting key switches from malfunction by closing a key switch cover and making it possible to view key switches illuminating corresponding to the operation of the portable telephone set even when the key switch cover is closed. SOLUTION: This telephone set is equipped with the key switches 5 which illuminate corresponding to the operation of the telephone set main body and the key switch cover 6 which is made closable and openable, covers at least some of the key switches 5 when closed, and is formed of transparent resin so that the covered key switches 5 can be viewed, so the key switches 5 can be protected from malfunction by closing the key switch cover 6 and even when the cover is closed, the key switches 6 illuminating corresponding to the operation state of the portable telephone set main body 1 can be viewed, thereby improving the operability.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable telephone having improved operability by increasing the visibility of key switches.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a conventional portable telephone disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-30166.
101, a mobile phone main body, 102, a power switch, 103, a battery box, 104, a display unit for displaying the operation and operation state of the device, 105, a key switch for operation, and 106, a display unit 104 and a key switch 105. This is a foldable key switch cover that can be opened and closed, and is rotatably attached to the mobile phone main body 101 and the hinge 107. An antenna 108 is attached to the mobile phone main body 101 so as to be extendable and contractible.
Is a microphone for voice input provided near the hinge portion 107 of the mobile phone main body 101, 110 is a speaker for outputting voice from the other party, and 111 is provided on the key switch cover 106 so as to correspond to the display unit 104. It is a transparent panel window.

Next, the operation will be described. First, when making a call, the key switch cover 106 is opened, the power is turned on by the power switch 102, and the display unit 104 is in a standby state in which the level of the electric field strength at which radio waves with the radio base station can be wirelessly communicated is maintained. After confirming this, the user presses the dial key of the key switch 105 and dials in, or calls a telephone number which already stores a telephone number of several digits, and makes a call. Alternatively, the key switch cover 10
6 is closed, the antenna 108 is extended as necessary, the power is turned on by the power switch 102, and the electric field between the transparent panel window 111 and the radio base station displayed on the display unit 104 is used for radio communication. After confirming that the apparatus is in the standby state in which the strength level is maintained, the key switch cover 106 is opened, and the dial key of the key switch 105 is pressed to perform dial input.

A caller's voice is input from a microphone 109, converted into a radio wave, and transmitted via an antenna 108. On the other hand, the voice from the other party receives a radio wave via the antenna 108 and is converted into a voice signal.
Sound is output from 0.

When a user receives an incoming call from outside, the key switch cover 106 is opened, the power is turned on by the power switch 102, and the display unit 104 is used to check the electric field strength of radio waves with the radio base station. The situation is confirmed, and a standby state in which the level of the electric field strength at which wireless communication is possible is maintained. After the ringer sound of the incoming call sounds, the telephone goes off-hook by the key switch 105, connects the line, and starts talking with the caller. Alternatively, with the key switch cover 106 closed, the antenna 108 is extended as necessary, and the power is turned on by the power switch 102, and the electric wave from the transparent panel window 111 to the wireless base station displayed on the display unit 104 is transmitted. Confirm that the apparatus is in a standby state in which the level of the electric field strength capable of wireless communication is maintained. Then, after the ringer sound of the incoming call sounds, the key switch cover 106 is opened, the key switch 105 goes off-hook, the line is connected, and the telephone call with the caller is started.

[0006]

Since the conventional portable telephone is configured as described above, the display on the display unit 104 can be confirmed from the transparent panel window 111 when making or receiving a call, but the key switch cover 106 The key switch 105 is entirely covered by the key switch 105.
There was a problem that the various displays could not be seen and the operability was not good. A prior art in which a cover member is formed of a transparent material in order to enhance the visibility of the display unit is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-276957, but the operability is improved by increasing the visibility of the key switch. No means for causing this is disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to provide a portable telephone capable of improving the operability by improving the visibility of a key switch.

[0008]

A portable telephone according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of key switches for various operations that emit light in accordance with the operation state of the portable telephone body, and is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the portable telephone body. A key switch cover formed of a transparent material so as to cover at least a part of the key switch in a closed state and to allow the covered key switch to be visually recognized.

In the portable telephone according to the present invention, the key switch cover has a light emitting material dispersed therein.

[0010] In the portable telephone according to the present invention, the key switch cover has a trademark character or a pattern formed in a sheet shape with a light-emitting material disposed inside or on the back surface.

[0011] In the portable telephone according to the present invention, the key switch cover is provided with a pattern or a character for operation explanation formed in a sheet shape with a light emitting material inside or on the back surface.

In the portable telephone according to the present invention, the light-emitting materials provided on the key switch cover emit light corresponding to different light-emitting frequencies of the key switch.

The portable telephone according to the present invention comprises a key switch cover formed so that a predetermined key switch provided on the portable telephone body can be pressed when the key switch cover is closed with respect to the portable telephone body. The light emitting material is formed as an indication for explaining the function of the key switch of the key switch cover.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 1 FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mobile phone according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of a key switch. In FIGS. 1 and 2, 1 is a mobile phone main body, 2 is a power switch, 3 is a battery box, 4
Is a display unit for displaying the operation and operation state of the apparatus, and 5 is a key switch for various operations. The keys of the key switch 5 are illuminated by light-emitting means (not shown) from the inside of the mobile phone main body 1, for example, when the power is turned on, when a call is made, or when a call is received, all keys or specific keys are lit. It is formed so as to be controllable by a control circuit (not shown) built in the mobile phone body 1.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a key switch cover made of a transparent resin (transparent material) which is provided rotatably with respect to the mobile phone main body 1 by a hinge portion 7 and covers the key switch 5.
The key switch cover 6 does not cover all keys of the key switch 5, but is arranged so as not to cover some specific keys (for example, "call", "end call", and "recording / playback" keys). Has been established. In this way, even if the key switch cover 6 is closed, the specific key is always
The key switch 5 formed so as to be exposed on the surface of the key switch 5 and covered with the key switch cover 6 is formed so as to be seen through the transparent key switch cover 6.

An antenna 8 is attached to the mobile phone main body 1 so as to be extendable and contractible, and 9 is a hinge 7 of the mobile phone main body 1.
A microphone 10 for voice input provided in the vicinity is a speaker for outputting voice from a communication partner.

Next, the operation will be described. When the portable telephone body 1 is carried, the operation key switch cover 6 is closed and the key switch 5 is covered to prevent the key switch 5 from being carelessly pressed and malfunctioning. Carry it in a state where it is stored in 1. When a user makes a call, the key switch cover 6 is opened, the power is turned on by the power switch 2, and the display unit indicates that the radio wave with the radio base station is in a standby state in which the level of the electric field strength capable of wireless communication is maintained. 4, or after confirming that a predetermined key switch 5 is in a light emitting state indicating that communication is possible, press the dial key of the key switch 5 to dial, or store a telephone number of several digits or the like. Call the current phone number and make a call.

On the other hand, since the key switch cover 6 is transparent, even if the key switch cover 6 is closed, it can be confirmed whether or not the key switch 5 is in a light emitting state indicating that communication is possible. That is, when a call is made with the key switch cover 6 closed, the antenna 8 is extended as necessary, the power is turned on by the power switch 2, and the electric field strength at which radio waves with the radio base station can be wirelessly communicated. Is confirmed on the display unit 4, or the key switch 5 is confirmed through the key switch cover 6 to be in the light emitting state indicating that the telephone is available for communication. Then, the key switch cover 6 is opened, and the dial key of the key switch 5 is pressed to dial.

The voice of the caller is input from the microphone 9, converted into a radio wave, and transmitted via the antenna 8. The voice from the other party is received as a radio wave via the antenna 8, converted into a voice signal, and output from the speaker 10.

When the user receives an incoming call from outside, the key switch cover 6 is opened and the power switch 2 is opened.
To turn on the power. Then, the state of the electric field strength of the radio wave with the wireless base station is checked based on the display on the display unit 4 and the light emission state of the key switch 5, and a standby state is maintained in which the level of the electric field strength capable of wireless communication is maintained. When the ringer sound of the incoming call sounds and the key switch 5 emits light indicating the incoming call, the key switch 5 goes off-hook to connect the line and start talking with the caller.

On the other hand, when the key switch cover 6 is in a closed state, the power is turned on by the power switch 2, the antenna 8 is extended as necessary, and the electric field strength at which radio waves with the radio base station can be communicated wirelessly. Is confirmed by the display on the display unit 4 or by the light emitting state of the key switch 5 seen through the key switch cover 6. A ringer sounds for the incoming call,
When the key switch 5 emits light to indicate an incoming call, the key switch 5 goes off-hook to connect the line and start talking with the caller.

When it is not desired to output a ringer sound for an incoming call, such as during a meeting, reception, or crowding, the ringer sound is set to "OFF", and confirmation is made only by the light emission signal of the key switch 5, or After confirming the incoming call by using the mobile phone 1 together with a vibrating device (not shown) built in the mobile phone main body 1, the line is connected by hooking off with the key switch 5, and the call is started with the caller.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the key switch 5 can be protected from malfunction by closing the transparent resin key switch cover 6, and
Even when the key switch cover 6 is closed, the light emitting key switch 5 can be visually recognized in accordance with the operation state of the mobile phone, so that the effect of improving the operability of the mobile phone can be obtained.

In the first embodiment, a portable telephone has been described as an example. However, a small electronic device having a key switch for various operations and a key switch cover for covering the key switch, for example, other portable information. The present invention can be applied to a terminal, a pocket computer, a remote control device of a television device, and the like, and similar effects can be expected.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the key switch cover, and FIG. FIG. In the following description, members that are the same as or correspond to those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted as appropriate. 3 and 4, reference numeral 6a denotes a light emitting material that emits light in response to light emission of the key switch 5, and for example, a fluorescent material or a light storage material can be used. The key switch cover 6 is formed by dispersing and kneading the light emitting material 6a in a transparent resin material.

Next, the operation will be described. As shown by an arrow in FIG. 5, when a predetermined key switch 5 emits light in accordance with the operation state of the mobile phone, the light emission is received by receiving the light emission.
The key switch cover 6 into which a is mixed emits light. By visually recognizing the light emitting state, the user can easily understand the contents to be operated, and the operability is improved. Other basic operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the key switch cover 6 itself emits light in accordance with the operation state of the portable telephone, so that the effect of further improving the operability can be obtained.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the key switch cover. In FIGS. The light-emitting material is formed inside the key switch cover 6 made of a transparent resin. As the light emitting material 6b, for example, a fluorescent material or a light storage material can be used. The light emitting material 6b may be provided not on the inside of the key switch cover 6 but on the back surface. As a means for providing the light emitting material 6b inside or on the back surface of the key switch cover 6, for example, sandwiching, bonding, printing, two-color molding, or the like can be adopted.

Next, the operation will be described. When a predetermined key switch 5 emits light, the light emission is received and the light emitting material 6b is received.
The key letters and designs formed by the key switch cover 6
Emits light. The user can easily recognize the trademark by visually recognizing the light emission state, and the product image is improved. Other basic operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the key switch cover 6 is provided with the light emitting material 6b that emits light when the key switch 5 emits light, so that the trademark that emits light can be easily grasped. And the effect of improving the product image can be obtained.

In the third embodiment, the description has been made assuming that the trademark characters and designs formed of the light emitting material 6b are provided on the key switch cover 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be
Similar effects can be expected.

Embodiment 4 FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the key switch cover. In FIGS. Or a luminescent material in which characters (for example, patterns or characters relating to “calling”, “end call”, “recording / playback”) are formed into a sheet,
This is provided inside the key switch cover 6 made of a transparent resin. As the light emitting material 6c, for example, a fluorescent material or a light storage material can be used. The light emitting material 6c may be provided not on the inside of the key switch cover 6 but on the back surface. As a means for providing the light-emitting material 6c inside or on the back surface of the key switch cover 6, for example, sandwiching, bonding, printing, two-color molding, or the like can be adopted.

Next, the operation will be described. When a predetermined key switch 5 emits light according to the operation state of the mobile phone,
In response to the light emission, patterns or characters for explaining various operations formed by the light emitting material 6c emit light in the key switch cover 6. By visually recognizing the light emitting state, the user can easily understand the contents to be operated, and the operability is improved. Other basic operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the key switch cover 6 is provided with the light emitting material 6c which emits light when the key switch 5 emits light. Since it is possible to easily grasp, the effect that the operability can be further improved is obtained.

Embodiment 5 FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the key switch cover. In FIGS. 10 and 11, 6d, 6e, and 6f indicate different light emission. A luminous material that emits light corresponding to each color (frequency) and is formed into a sheet shape with patterns or characters for explaining various operations (for example, patterns or characters relating to “calling”, “end call”, and “recording / reproducing”). And provided inside the key switch cover 6 made of a transparent resin. These luminescent materials 6d, 6
For e and 6f, for example, a fluorescent material or a light storage material capable of emitting light corresponding to different emission colors (frequency) can be used. Note that the light emitting materials 6d, 6e, 6f may be provided on the back surface instead of inside the key switch cover 6. As means for providing the light emitting materials 6d, 6e, 6f inside or on the back surface of the key switch cover 6, for example, sandwiching, bonding, printing, two-color molding, or the like can be adopted.

Next, the operation will be described. When each of the key switches 5 emits light of a different emission color (frequency) in accordance with the operation state of the mobile phone, the light emission is received, and the operation description formed by the light emitting materials 6d, 6e, and 6f corresponding to each operation. In the key switch cover 6, a design or a character for lighting is emitted. By visually recognizing the light emitting state, the user can easily and easily grasp the contents to be operated, and the operability is further improved. Other basic operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the light emitting materials 6d, 6e, and 6f that emit light of different colors (frequency) according to each operation state are provided on the key switch cover 6.
Is provided, the contents to be operated can be finely and easily grasped, and the effect of further improving the operability can be obtained.

Embodiment 6 FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the key switch cover. In FIGS. 12 and 13, reference numeral 12 denotes a transparent resin key switch. The key switch is provided on the key switch cover 6 so as to penetrate the outer surface and the back surface of the cover 6, and is formed so as to be able to press a predetermined key switch 5 facing the key switch cover 6 when the key switch cover 6 is closed. The key switch cover 6 has the functions of the key switch 12,
The light emitting material 6c for displaying the operation explanation and the like is provided by the above-described means.

Next, the operation will be described. When a predetermined key switch 5 emits light according to the operation state of the mobile phone,
Upon receiving the light emission, the light emitting material 6c corresponding to the key switch 12 to be operated emits light in the key switch cover 6. The user recognizes the key switch 5 to be operated by visually recognizing the light emission state, and determines the corresponding key switch 12.
By pressing the key switch 5, the predetermined key switch 5 can be pressed without opening the key switch cover 6, thereby improving operability. Other basic operations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, by providing the key switch 12 and the corresponding light emitting material 6c on the key switch cover 6, the contents to be operated can be easily grasped. If the key switch 12 is pressed, the predetermined key switch 5 can be pressed without opening the key switch cover 6, so that the effect of further improving the operability can be obtained.

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of key switches for various operations that emit light in accordance with the operation state of the mobile phone main body, and a plurality of key switches which are provided to be openable and closable with respect to the mobile phone main body, and are closed. And a key switch cover formed of a transparent material so that the covered key switch can be visually recognized. Can be protected from malfunction, and even when the key switch cover is closed, the key switch that emits light can be visually recognized according to the operation state of the mobile phone, and the operability of the mobile phone can be improved. is there.

According to the present invention, since the key switch cover is formed by dispersing the light emitting material inside, the key switch cover itself emits light in accordance with the operation state of the portable telephone, and the operability is further improved. .

According to the present invention, the key switch cover is formed by arranging the inside of the key switch cover in the form of a sheet of light-emitting material or the design on the back surface, so that the trademark to emit light can be easily grasped. This has the effect of improving the product image.

According to the present invention, the key switch cover is formed by arranging a design or character for operation explanation formed in a sheet of light emitting material on the inside or the back, so that the content to be operated emits light. This can be easily understood,
There is an effect that the operability can be further improved.

According to the present invention, the light-emitting material provided on the key switch cover is configured to emit light corresponding to different light-emitting frequencies of the key switch, so that the contents to be operated can be finely and easily grasped. This has the effect that the operability can be further improved.

According to the present invention, the key switch cover is provided with a key switch formed so as to be able to press a predetermined key switch provided on the portable telephone body when the portable telephone body is closed. Is formed as a display explaining the function of the key switch of the key switch cover, so that the contents to be operated can be easily grasped, and if the key switch of the key switch cover is pressed, the key switch cover is not opened. Since the predetermined key switch can be pressed, there is an effect that the operability can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mobile phone according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of a key switch of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a key switch cover according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the key switch cover emits light due to light emission of the key switch.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a key switch cover according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a key switch cover according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a key switch cover according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a key switch cover of a mobile phone according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a key switch cover according to the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a conventional mobile phone.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Mobile phone body, 5, 12 key switch, 6 key switch cover, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6
f Luminescent material.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of key switches for various operations, which are provided on a main body of a mobile phone and emit light in accordance with an operation state of the main body of the mobile phone. A portable telephone comprising: a key switch cover that covers at least a part of the key switch and is formed of a transparent material so that the covered key switch can be visually recognized. 2. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the key switch cover has a light emitting material dispersed therein. 3. The portable telephone according to claim 1, wherein the key switch cover is provided with a trademark character or a pattern formed in a sheet of light-emitting material on the inside or the back. 4. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the key switch cover is provided with a design or a character for operation explanation formed in a sheet shape with a light emitting material inside or on a back surface. 5. The mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein the light emitting material provided on the key switch cover emits light corresponding to different light emission frequencies of the key switch. 6. The key switch cover includes a key switch formed so as to be able to press a predetermined key switch provided on the mobile phone main body in a state where the key switch cover is closed with respect to the mobile phone main body, and the light emitting material is the key switch. 6. The mobile phone according to claim 4, wherein a display explaining a function of a key switch of the cover is provided.