JP4864090B2 - Multifunction key assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A multifunction key assembly for inputting data to an electronic device. The multifunction key assembly has two switches operated by a single key cap. The key cap can be displaced vertically into three major active positions and horizontally into four minor active positions, giving rise to twelve distinct output data signals for inputting to the electronic device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a multifunction key assembly for an electronic device.

  There is a great demand for miniaturization of electronic devices in general and especially for mobile phones. On the other hand, there is an increasing demand for electronic devices that have even more features. These demands always lead to a reduction in the size of the display area, ie the display screen or the visible area. The main reason for this is the need to maintain a conventional keypad matrix arrangement for data entry. Although the size and spacing of the buttons forming a conventional keypad matrix array are constantly being reduced as a result of miniaturization, their reduction is limited. In addition, for small buttons or buttons that are closely spaced, accidentally press an unintended button adjacent to the intended button, or even press two adjacent buttons simultaneously to provide incorrect input data There is a high possibility of doing. Furthermore, since the buttons are pressed one by one for each input data, the speed of operation is limited.

  A multifunction key assembly for an electronic device is disclosed (eg, US Pat. The multi-function key assembly includes a button member having a contoured top surface that defines nine key areas, which in one preferred embodiment includes keys 1 to 9 on a conventional telephone keypad. Constructed in a consistent manner, the central key area represents the 5 keys of the telephone keypad and each surrounding key area represents the remaining keys. However, unlike conventional keypads, there are no zero, asterisk, and number sign keys. A zero key can be represented by an auxiliary button. Alternatively, each key area can serve multiple functions. For example, a 5 key area can act as a conventional zero key when double-clicked. This option has been proposed, but its implementation is not described. In any case, the number zero cannot be entered by the basic mode of operation, and therefore the zero that must be entered each time prevents the smooth flow of data entry.

US Pat. No. 6,441,753

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-function key assembly for entering data into an electronic device and an improved method for entering data into an electronic device.

  This object is achieved by the subject-matter according to the respective appended claims.

  According to the present invention, preferably a multi-function key assembly is provided, which multi-function key assembly is two main switches, all first electrically connected to one another, namely a first main switch, a second main switch, and Four sub-switches and a single keycap mechanically coupled to the two main switches, the single keycap selecting any one of the four first sub-switches Two main switches can be activated selectively, separately or simultaneously with any one of the first sub-switches, thereby a total of 12 possible different outputs A signal can be output from the multifunction key assembly, and four different output signals are generated when the first main switch is activated with any one of the four first sub-switches. Four different output signals are obtained when the second main switch is actuated with any one of the four first sub-switches, and four further different output signals are , Obtained when the first and second main switches are operated simultaneously with any one of the four first sub-switches.

  The multifunction key assembly can be located outside, inside, or partially inside the electronic device, and the output signal can be used when entering data into the electronic device. In general, the output signal is an electronic signal, which can be converted to another type of signal.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the keycap can be actuated by moving from a non-main activity position to a main activity position, the keycap being non-main activity by depressing at least part of it vertically. From the position to the main active position, in the non-main active position both main switches are electrically off, and in the main active position at least one main switch is electrically on; There are a total of three main active positions, the first main active position corresponds to one main switch being electrically on, and the second main active position is the other main switch being electrically connected. Corresponding to the on state, the third main active position corresponds to the two main switches being electrically on simultaneously.

  It will be appreciated that depressing at least a portion of the keycap defines a direction referred to herein as the vertical direction.

  Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the keycap can be moved horizontally to any one of the four secondary activity positions in two mutually orthogonal directions.

  Usually, the two orthogonal directions are called north-south and east-west, and the four sub-activity positions are clockwise, north, east, south, and west. The two orthogonal directions are on the same plane and are orthogonal to the vertical direction in which at least a part of the keycap is pressed.

  According to yet another preferred embodiment, for each combination of a given key activity position of a keycap and a specific main activity position, a different specific output signal of the 12 possible different output signals. Are output by the multifunction key assembly.

  According to yet another preferred embodiment, each of the four first sub-switches includes a sub-base and a sub-stem extending therefrom, each of the main switches includes a main base and a main stem extending therefrom, and the keycap includes: Coupled to the main stem of each main switch.

  According to a first preferred embodiment, the keycap has a centrally arranged rod extending from its lower surface and passing between the four first subswitches, in a given of four subactive positions. The secondary active position is such that the rod moves the secondary stem of a given primary secondary switch of the four primary secondary switches toward its secondary base until its electrical state changes from an off state to an on state. Obtained by actuating a given first secondary switch.

  According to another preferred embodiment, the multifunction key assembly further comprises a first guide member having two through guide grooves, the guide grooves forming a cruciform opening perpendicular to each other and through which the rod passes. The first guide member is disposed between the key cap and the four first sub switches.

  According to a second preferred embodiment, the multifunction key assembly further comprises four second sub-switches electrically connected to each other and to all other switches, the main stem of the first main switch being Passing between the four first sub-switches, the main stem of the second main switch passes between the four second sub-switches, and the keycap (28) is in two orthogonal directions (L1, L2 , H1, H2) can be moved horizontally to any one of the four secondary activity positions, and the given secondary activity location of the four secondary activity locations is the first primary activity location. The main stem of the switch pushes the sub-stem of a given first sub-switch of the four first sub-switches towards its sub-base until its electrical state changes from off to on; This activates a given first secondary switch And the main stem of the second main switch has the electrical state of the given second sub-switch of the four second sub-switches toward its sub-base. Is pushed until it changes from an off state to an on state, thereby actuating a given second sub-switch.

  According to yet another preferred embodiment, the multi-function key assembly further comprises exactly two guide members, each guide member having two through guide grooves perpendicular to each other and forming a cruciform opening, The main stem of the first main switch passes through the cruciform opening of the first guide member, and the main stem of the second main switch passes through the cruciform opening of the second guide member. The member is disposed between the key cap and the four first sub switches, and the second guide member is disposed between the key cap and the four second sub switches.

  There are preferably just two main switches electrically connected to each other.

  According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for providing one of twelve different output signals, which method preferably comprises (a) just two main switches and two main switches electrically Providing a multi-function key assembly comprising just four first subswitches connected and electrically connected to each other and a single keycap mechanically coupled to the two main switches; (b) ) Moving the keycap from a non-main active position to a main active position by depressing at least a portion thereof vertically, wherein both main switches are electrically off And in the active position, at least one main switch is electrically on, and the method further comprises: (c) the keycap in two mutually orthogonal directions; Moving in a direction from one of the four sub-active positions to the sub-active position by moving to one of the four sub-active positions, wherein the four first sub-switches All are electrically off, and in the sub-active position, one of the first sub-switches is electrically on, thereby providing twelve different output signals.

  The order in which the steps of the method are performed need not follow the order given above. For example, step (c) can be performed before step (b) if desired.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of (d) providing just four second sub-switches electrically connected to the two main switches and four first sub-switches, One of the second sub-switches is electrically on.

  According to the present invention, a mobile phone is further provided, the mobile phone comprising a casing having a plurality of surfaces, a display screen, and a multi-function key assembly, the multi-function key assembly comprising two main switches, A single key comprising four first sub-switches electrically connected to the two main switches and electrically connected to each other, and a single keycap mechanically coupled to the two main switches. The cap can selectively activate any one of the four first sub-switches and can selectively activate the two main switches with any one of the first sub-switches, separately or simultaneously. A total of 12 possible different output signals can be output from the multifunction key assembly.

  Optionally, a display screen is placed on the front face of the casing and a keycap is placed on the side face of the casing.

  The present invention provides the following preferred advantages over the prior art. 1. Facilitates miniaturization of common electronic devices, and especially mobile phones. 2. Allows the use of larger display screens. 3. Multi-function keys are operated by a single keycap. 4). The single keycap can be operated with the thumb of one hand of the operator. 5. A single keycap is easy to operate. Twelve different output signals can be obtained by moving the keycap horizontally in two orthogonal directions (north-south, east-west) in combination with pressing the keycap in its three different areas.

  Other advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and appended claims.

  For a better understanding of the present invention and how it can be practiced, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings.

  Attention is directed to FIG. 1, which shows an exemplary electronic device 20 according to the present invention. A non-limiting example of such an electronic device 20 shown in FIG. 1 is a mobile phone. The electronic device 20 includes a casing 22, a display screen 24 on the front surface 25 of the casing 22, a multi-function key assembly 26 according to the present invention having a key cap 28, a speaker 30, an earphone 32, a microphone 34, and an auxiliary key 36. A conventional keypad for entering data into the electronic device 20 is clearly lacking. Furthermore, the multifunction key assembly 26 of the present invention is significantly smaller than a conventional keypad, and thus the electronic device 20 in such a way that the keycap 28 is disposed on the side 37 of the casing 22 of the electronic device 20. 1 so that most of the space on the front surface 25 is freed for the display screen 24, as shown in FIG.

  The multi-function key assembly 26 can be incorporated as an integral part of the electronic device 20 or can be manufactured as a separate module, conveniently inserted into and removed from the device as needed. FIG. 2 shows a multifunction key assembly 26 in the form of a module. For convenience of explanation, the multi-function key assembly 26 in the form of a module will be described. This does not have a limiting effect on the description of the multi-function key assembly 26, but merely restricts the description of the members of the multi-function key assembly 26, and thus the electronic device 20 not relevant to the present invention. Members are excluded from the description. The multi-function key assembly 26 in the form of a module has a housing 38 in which all members except the key cap 28 of the multi-function key assembly 26 are disposed. If the multifunction key assembly 26 is incorporated as an integral part thereof in the electronic device 20 rather than as a separate module, the housing 38 of the multifunction key assembly 26 can be part of the casing 22 of the electronic device 20. Will be understood.

  Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the multi-function key assembly 26 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes two main switches 40, respectively referred to as first and second main switches 40 ′, 40 ″, respectively. Four first sub-switches 42 ′, called first, second, third and fourth first sub-switches 42′a, 42′b, 42′C, 42′d, and a first guide member 44 ". Both the main switch 40 and the first sub switch 42 ′ are electrical switches and can be push button switches. Each main switch 40 has a main stem 46 extending from the main base 48, and each first sub switch 42 ′ has a sub stem 50 extending from the sub base 52. The main stem 46 of each main switch 40 has a longitudinal axis A that defines the longitudinal direction of the main switch 40. Two conductive main leads 54 extend from the main base 48 of each main switch 40. Similarly, two conductive sub leads 56 extend from the sub base 52 of each first sub switch 40.

  The keycap 28 has an elongated generally oval or oval shape having an upper surface 58 and a lower surface 60 on opposite sides and having a major dimension D that defines a longitudinal axis L of the keycap 28. Two push knobs 62 (62 ′, 62 ″) protrude from the upper surface 58 of the key cap 28 at both ends of the key cap 28, that is, at the outermost side of the major dimension D of the key cap 28. Further, 2 Two opposing elongated protrusions 64 project from the upper surface 58 and extend adjacent to the long edge 66 of the keycap 28 on either side of the longitudinal axis L. Each main stem 46 distal to the main base 48. Are held in corresponding bores (not shown) in the lower surface 60 of the keycap 28, thereby mechanically coupling the keycap 28 to the main switch 40.

  The first guide member 44 ′ has two through guide grooves 68 and 70 that are orthogonal to each other and form a cross-shaped opening 72. One guide groove 68 is aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the keycap 28 and is referred to herein as a longitudinal guide groove. The other guide groove 70 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L of the key cap 28 and is referred to herein as a lateral guide groove. The key cap 28 has a centrally disposed rod 74 from its lower surface 60 that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the main stem 46 and substantially perpendicular to the secondary stem 50. The first guide member 44 ′ is disposed between the first sub switch 42 ′ and the key cap 28, and the rod 74 of the key cap 28 includes the cross-shaped opening 72 of the first guide member 44 ′ and four It penetrates between all the 1st subswitches 42 '.

  Attention is now directed to FIGS. The multifunction key assembly 26 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes two main switches 40 (40 ′, 40 ″), four first sub switches 42 ′ (42′a, 42′b, 42′c, 42'd) four similar or identical second secondary switches 42 "(42" a, 42 "b, 42" c, 42 "d) and first and second guide members 44 ', 44" Unlike the first embodiment, according to the second embodiment, the key cap 28 does not have a rod, and the first guide member 44 ′ includes the first sub switch 42 ′, the key cap 28, and the like. The main stem 46 of the first main switch 40 'passes between all four first sub-switches 42' and through the cross-shaped opening 72 of the first guide member 44 '. In addition, the second guide member 44 ″ includes a second sub switch 42 ″ and a key. The main stem 46 of the second main switch 40 "passes between all four second sub-switches 42" and through the cross-shaped opening 72 of the second guide member 44 ". To do. As with the first embodiment, the end of each main stem 46 distal to the main base 48 is retained in a corresponding bore (not shown) in the lower surface 60 of the key cap 28, thereby causing the key cap 28. Are mechanically connected to the main switches 40 ′, 40 ″.

  The key cap 28 can be moved in various directions by applying an external force thereto. In general, the operator places a thumb on the top surface 60 of the keycap 28 or one of the push knobs 62 ', 62 ", and then depresses the keycap 28 and turns the main switch 40', 40" Applying force to the keycap 28 by moving the keycap 28 "perpendicularly" by applying force to the keycap 28 in the longitudinal direction, or in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main switch 40 ', 40 " Thus, an external force is applied to the key cap 28 by moving the key cap 28 “horizontally”. Furthermore, both vertical and horizontal forces can be applied simultaneously. The main stem 46 is preferably elastic so as to allow sufficient horizontal movement of the keycap 28.

  Next, attention is further directed to FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIGS. 10A to 10D. If normal force is not applied to the keycap 28, the keycap 28 is said to be in a non-main active state (FIG. 10A). If no external force is applied to the keycap 28, the keycap 28 is not moved horizontally (FIGS. 7-9) and vertically (FIG. 10A) and is said to be in its rest position. The rod 74 is fixed to the key cap 28, and when the key cap 28 is removed, the rod 74 is not in the housing, so the rod 74 is positioned where the key cap 28 is not removed. This is indicated by a broken line in FIG. In the first embodiment, the rod 74 is forced to move horizontally within the guide grooves 68, 70 (FIG. 8), whereas in the second embodiment, the main stem 46 is moved to the guide grooves 68, 70 (FIG. 9) Forced to move horizontally within. Accordingly, the horizontal movement of the key cap 28 is the rod 74 (first embodiment) or the main stem 46 in the longitudinal and lateral guide grooves 68, 70 and in the longitudinal and lateral directions L1, L2, and H1, H2, respectively. Corresponding to the motion of (second embodiment), the longitudinal and lateral motions are forced. That is, the keycap 28 can be moved horizontally in two mutually orthogonal directions to four horizontal movement directions L1, L2, H1, and H2.

  When the keycap 28 is moved vertically by depressing it, it is moved from its rest or non-main activity position (FIG. 10A) to the “main activity position”. Strictly speaking, there are three main activity positions. The first main active position (FIG. 10B) is obtained by moving the first end of the keycap 28 vertically, ie depressing the first push knob 62 ′, and thus the first main active position. When the switch 40 'is moved toward the main base 48, only its main stem 46 is moved vertically, thereby changing the electrical state of the first main switch 40' from the off (non-conductive) state to the on ( To a conductive state. The second main active position (FIG. 10C) is obtained by moving the second end of the keycap 28 vertically, ie depressing the second push knob 62 ″, and therefore the second main active position. When the switch 40 "is moved toward the main base 48, only its main stem 46 is moved vertically, thereby changing the electrical state of the second main switch 40" from the off state to the on state. A third main active position (FIG. 10D) is achieved by moving the entire keycap 28 vertically, ie the top surface 60 of the keycap 28 at a position between the two push knobs 62 ′, 62 ″. Obtained by pressing, so that both main stems 46 are moved vertically, thereby changing both main switches 40 ', 40 "from the off state to the on state. To. That is, "major active position" of the key cap 28, at least one of the main switch 40 ', 40 ", it is defined as an on-state.

  After the keycap 28 is moved to a given primary activity position by pressing it vertically, an output signal can be obtained by moving the keycap 28 to a specific “secondary activity position”. . In the present specification, the “secondary active position” refers to the secondary switches 42 ′ (42′a, 42′b, 42′c, 42′d), 42 ″ (42 ″ a, 42 ″ b, 42 ″ c, 42 "D), defined as at least one on (conductive) state, which moves the keycap 28 vertically or horizontally in the horizontal direction, thereby the secondary stem of a particular secondary switch 42 ', 42" This is accomplished by applying a force to 50 and moving the secondary switch 42 ', 42 "toward its secondary base 52 until its electrical state changes from an off (non-conductive) state to an on (conductive) state. In the first embodiment, the rod 74 of the keycap 28 applies a force to the sub-stem 50 of the particular first sub-switch 42 '. In the second embodiment, the stem of the first main switch 40'. 46 is a specific first secondary switch 42 ' Sub stem 50 to a force, the second main switch 40 "stem 46 of a particular second-minor switches 42" applies a force to the sub-system 50 of the.

  Different output signals are obtained for each combination of a given primary activity position and a particular secondary activity position. The elongated protrusion 64 serves to prevent the operator's thumb from slipping when the keycap 28 is moved horizontally or when the operator's thumb is in a position between the two push knobs 62. Three main active positions (FIGS. 10B, 10C, and 10D) corresponding to the four horizontal movement directions L1, L2, H1, H2 of the keycap, followed by the operation of a specific secondary switch 42 ′, 42 ″ As well as four sub-active positions, a total of 12 different output signals can be obtained: four horizontal movement directions L1, L2, H1, H2 of the keycap 28, followed by a specific sub-switch 42 ' , 42 "define the first, second, third and fourth secondary activity positions of the keycap 28.

  As a non-limiting example, 10 numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, and 12 to represent the functions of “erase” and “backspace” Different output signals can be selected. Which particular combination of primary and secondary activity positions is used to represent these 12 outputs can be selected. As a non-limiting example, the four output signals for the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 that define the first set of outputs are the first main activity position (FIG. 10B) and the first, second, respectively. , And the third and fourth side activity positions. Also, the four output signals for the numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8 that define the second set of outputs are the second main activity position (FIG. 10C) and the first, second, third, 4 side activity positions. Also, the two numbers 9, 0 defining the third set of outputs and the four output signals for the two functions “Erase” and “Backspace” are respectively the third main activity position (FIG. 10C) and , First, second, third, and fourth secondary activity positions.

  Reference is now made to FIG. FIG. 11 shows an illustration of one possible configuration for electrical wiring of the multifunction key assembly 26 according to the first embodiment that allows the multifunction key assembly 26 to provide the output signals described above. . The two main switches 40 ′, 40 ″ and the four first sub switches 42 ′ (42′a, 42′b, 42′c, 42′d) are electrically connected to each other, and each main switch 40 ′, One conductive main lead 54 of 40 ″ and one conductive sub lead 56 of each first sub-switch 42 ′ are electrically common, and the other of each main switch 40 ′, 40 ″. The conductive main lead 54 and the other conductive sub lead 56 of each first sub switch 42 'are electrically common and grounded.

  For illustration purposes, the output signals for the first, second, third, and fourth secondary activity positions are denoted by (I), (II), (III), and (IV), respectively, The output signals for the first and second main active positions are indicated by (IXb) and (IXc), respectively. Using this notation according to the example given above, the output signal for the number 1 from the first set of outputs is given symbolically by the combination (IXb) + (I), ie the first The push knob 62 'is depressed, so that the first main switch 40' is turned on as shown in FIG. 10B, and the key cap 28 is in the first sub-active position. Similarly, the output signal for the number 5 from the second set of outputs is given symbolically by the combination (IXc) + (I), i.e. the second push knob 62 "is depressed, so that the second The second main switch 40 ″ is turned on as shown in FIG. 10C, and the key cap 28 is in the first sub-active position. In order to obtain an output signal from the third set of output signals, both main switches 40 ′, 40 ″ must be in the on state, ie both push knobs 62 are as shown in FIG. 10D. For example, the output signal for the number 9 is given symbolically by the combination (IXb) + (IXc) + (I).

  To output another signal, such as an alphabetic character, the keycap 28 can be “double-clicked” before being moved in the manner described above. Alternatively, one or more auxiliary keys 36 can be activated. Accordingly, a large amount of information such as numbers, letters, symbols, and functions can be output from the multi-function key assembly 26.

  Reference is now made to FIG. FIG. 12 shows the multi-function key assembly 26 according to the second embodiment for electrical wiring, which enables the multi-function key assembly 26 to provide the same output signal as obtained for the first embodiment. An illustration of one possible configuration is shown. Two main switches 40 ', 40 ", four first sub-switches 42' (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd), and four second sub-switches 42" (42 "a, 42 "b, 42" c, 42 "d) are electrically connected to each other, one conductive main lead 54 of each main switch 40 ', 40", each first sub-switch 42' and each second One of the sub-switches 42 ″ of the main switch 40 ″ is electrically common, and the other main conductive lead 54 of each of the main switches 40 ′, 40 ″ and each of the first sub-switches 42 ″. 40 and the other conductive sub-lead 56 of each second sub-switch 42 "are electrically common and grounded.

  By applying the same set of operations to the keycap 28 as described for the first embodiment, twelve different output signals are obtained from the multifunction key assembly 26 of the second embodiment. For example, the output signal for the number 1 from the first set of outputs is given symbolically by the combination (IXb) + (I), i.e. the first push knob 62 'is depressed, so that the first The main switch 40 ′ is turned on as shown in FIG. 10B, and the key cap 28 is in the first sub-active position. As described above, the differences between the first and second embodiments are only the following points. In the first embodiment, it is the rod 74 of the keycap 28 that applies a force to the secondary stem 50 of the particular first secondary switch 42 ′ to obtain a specific secondary activity position of the keycap 28. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the stem 46 of the first main switch 40 'exerts a force on the sub stem 50 of the specific first sub switch 42' in order to obtain a specific sub active position of the keycap 28. In addition, the stem 46 of the second main switch 40 "exerts a force on the sub-stem 50 of the particular second sub-switch 42".

  Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In particular, the invention has been described with reference to a mobile phone. However, it should be understood that the present invention can be modified to other similar electronic devices.

1 is a perspective view of a typical mobile phone having a multi-function key assembly according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a top perspective view showing a multifunction key assembly module according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the multifunction key assembly module of FIG. 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a complete exploded view showing the multifunction key assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded top perspective view showing the multifunction key assembly module of FIG. 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a fully exploded view of the multifunction key assembly of FIG. FIG. 3 is a top view showing the multifunction key assembly of FIG. 2 with the keycap in a non-primary active position. The multifunction key of FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention showing (in broken lines) where the keycap main stem is located when the keycap is removed and not removed FIG. 6 is a top view showing the assembly. FIG. 3 is a top view of the multifunction key assembly module of FIG. 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention with the key cap removed. FIG. 3 is a side view of the multifunction key assembly of FIG. 2 with the keycap in a non-main active position. FIG. 3 is a side view of the multifunction key assembly module of FIG. 2 with a keycap in a first primary active position. FIG. 3 is a side view of the multifunction key assembly of FIG. 2 with a keycap in a second primary active position. FIG. 3 is a side view of the multifunction key assembly of FIG. 2 with a keycap in a third primary active position. It is explanatory drawing which shows one possible structure of the electrical wiring of the multifunctional key assembly by 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows one possible structure of the electrical wiring of the multifunctional key assembly by 2nd Embodiment.

Claims (12)

A multi-function key assembly (26) comprising:
Two main switches, which are all electrically connected to each other: a first main switch (40 '), a second main switch (40 "), and four first sub-switches (42'a, 42'b, 42) 'c, 42'd),
A single keycap (28) mechanically coupled to the two main switches (40 ', 40 "), the single keycap (28) comprising the four first sub-switches (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd) can be selectively activated, and the two main switches (40 ', 40 ") can be selectively activated. Can be operated separately or simultaneously with any one of said first sub-switches (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd), so that a total of 12 possibilities Different output signals can be output from the multi-function key assembly (26), and the four different output signals can be generated by the first main switch (40 ') and the four first sub switches (42'). a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd) with any one of The four different output signals obtained when the second main switch (40 ″) is used by the four first sub switches (42′a, 42′b, 42′c, 42′d) And four further different output signals obtained when operated with any one of the first main switch and the second main switch (40 ′, 40 ″) at the same time. Obtained when actuated with any one of one sub-switch (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd) ,
The keycap (28) is actuated by moving it from a non-main active position to a main active position, and the keycap (28) is activated by depressing at least a portion thereof vertically. From the position to the main active position, in the non-main active position both main switches (40 ', 40 ") are electrically off and in the main active position the main switch (40 ', 40 ") is electrically on and there are a total of three main active positions, the first main active position being one of the main switches (40', 40") Is electrically on, and the second main active position corresponds to the other of the main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) being electrically on, The three main activity positions are the two main switches. Multi-function key assembly (26), characterized in that H (40 ', 40 ") corresponds to being electrically on at the same time .   The keycap (28) can be moved horizontally to any one of four sub-active positions in two mutually orthogonal directions (L1, L2, H1, H2). The multi-function key assembly (26) of claim 1.   For each combination of a given secondary activity position and a specific primary activity position of the keycap (28), a different specific output signal of the twelve possible different output signals is the multifunction key assembly ( The multi-function key assembly (26) according to claim 2, wherein the multi-function key assembly (26) is output from 26).   The four first sub-switches (42′a, 42′b, 42′c, 42′d) include a sub-base (52) and a sub-stem (50) extending therefrom, and each main switch (40 ′, 40 ″) includes a main base (48) and a main stem (46) extending therefrom, and the key cap (28) is coupled to the main stem (46) of each main switch (40 ′, 40 ″). The multi-function key assembly (26) according to claim 1, wherein:   The key cap (28) has a centrally disposed rod (74) extending from its lower surface (60) and passing through the four sub-switches (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd). A given sub-active position of the four sub-active positions, wherein the rod (74) is the sub-stem (50) of a given first sub-switch of the four first sub-switches To the sub-base (52) until the electrical state changes from the off-state to the on-state, thereby actuating the given first sub-switch. A multi-function key assembly (26) according to claim 4, wherein:   The cross guide opening (72) further includes a first guide member (44 ') having two through guide grooves (68, 70), the through guide grooves being orthogonal to each other and through which the rod (74) passes. The multi-function according to claim 5, wherein the first guide member (44 ') is disposed between the keycap (28) and the four first sub-switches. Key assembly (26).   Four second sub-switches (42 "a, 42" b, 42 "c, 42" d) electrically connected to each other and to all other switches, further comprising the first main switch (40 ' The main stem (46) of the second main switch (40 ") passes between the four sub switches (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd). A stem (46) passes between the four second sub-switches (42 "a, 42" b, 42 "c, 42" d), and the key cap (28) passes through two mutually orthogonal directions ( L1, L2, HI, H2) can be moved horizontally to any one of the four side activity positions, and a given side activity position of the four side activity positions is the first side activity position. The main stem (46) of the main switch (40 ') of the four first sub-switches (4 'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd), the secondary stem (50) of a given first secondary switch towards its subbase (52), the electrical state being off Pushing until changing from state to on, thereby actuating the given first secondary switch, and the main stem of the second main switch (40 ") is the four The secondary stem (50) of a given secondary secondary switch of the secondary secondary switches (42 "a, 42" b, 42 "c, 42" d) towards its secondary base (52), 5. A multi-function key assembly according to claim 4, obtained by pressing until the electrical state changes from an off state to an on state, thereby actuating the given second secondary switch. 26).   It further comprises exactly two guide members (44 ′, 44 ″), each guide member having two through guide grooves (68, 70) orthogonal to each other and forming a cruciform opening (72), The main stem (46) of the main switch (40 ') passes through the cruciform opening (72) of the first guide member (44'), and the main switch (40 ') of the second main switch (40 "). A main stem (46) passes through the cross-shaped opening (72) of the second guide member (44 "), and the first guide member is connected to the key cap and the four first sub switches. The multi-function key assembly (26) of claim 7, wherein the multi-function key assembly (26) is disposed between and wherein the second guide member is disposed between the keycap and the four second sub-switches. .   Multi-function key assembly (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that there are exactly two main switches (40 ', 40 ") electrically connected to each other.   Exactly two main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) and just four sub-switches (42′a, 42′b, electrically connected to the two main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) and to each other) 42'c, 42'd) and a multi-function key assembly (26) comprising a single keycap (28) mechanically coupled to the two main switches (40 ', 40 "); A method for providing one of twelve different output signals, comprising:
  (A) an operator moves the keycap (28) vertically from a non-main active position to a main active position by depressing at least a part of the key cap (28), Main switches (40 ', 40 ") are electrically off, and in the main active position, at least one of the main switches (40', 40") is electrically on, for a total of three There is a main active position, the first main active position corresponds to one of the main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) being electrically on, and the second main active position is This corresponds to the other of the main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) being in an electrically on state, and the third main active position is that the two main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) are at the same time. This corresponds to being electrically on, and The law further,
  (B) The operator moves the keycap (28) to any one of the four sub-active positions in one of two mutually orthogonal directions (L1, L2, HI, H2). Moving horizontally from a non-subactive position to a subactive position, wherein the four first subswitches (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42) 'd) all are electrically off, and in the secondary active position, one of the first secondary switches (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd) is electrically A method that is in an on state, thereby providing one of the twelve different output signals.   The multi-function key assembly (26) is electrically connected to the two main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) and the four first sub switches (42′a, 42′b, 42′c, 42′d). The second secondary switch (42'a, 42'd) in the secondary active position. b, 42'c, 42'd) for providing one of twelve different output signals according to claim 10, characterized in that one of b, 42'c, 42'd) is electrically on. Method.   A mobile phone (20),
  A casing (22) having a plurality of surfaces (25, 37);
  A display screen (24);
  A multi-function key assembly (26), said multi-function key assembly (26) comprising:
  Two main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) and four sub switches (42′a, 42′b, 42 ′) electrically connected to the two main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) and to each other c, 42'd),
  A single keycap (28) mechanically coupled to the two main switches (40 ', 40 "), the single keycap (28) comprising the four first sub-switches (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd) can each be selectively activated, and the two main switches (40 ', 40 ") can be separately or At the same time, it can be selectively activated with any one of the first sub-switches (42'a, 42'b, 42'c, 42'd), for a total of 12 possible different output signals, Output from the multi-function key assembly (26);
  The keycap (28) is actuated by moving it from a non-main active position to a main active position, and the keycap (28) is activated by depressing at least a portion thereof vertically. From the position to the main active position, in the non-main active position both main switches (40 ', 40 ") are electrically off and in the main active position the main switch (40 ', 40 ") is electrically on and there are a total of three main active positions, the first main active position being one of the main switches (40', 40") Is electrically on, and the second main active position corresponds to the other of the main switches (40 ′, 40 ″) being electrically on, The three main activity positions are the two main activities Switch (40 ', 40 ") corresponds to being electrically on-state at the same time
  A mobile phone (20) characterized by that.

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