WO2008147266A1

WO2008147266A1 - Multi-function input device

Info

Publication number: WO2008147266A1
Application number: PCT/SE2007/050380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lennart Brunnberg
Original assignee: Neonode Ab
Priority date: 2007-05-30
Filing date: 2007-05-30
Publication date: 2008-12-04

Abstract

A multi-function input device includes a circuit board (CB) having a primary surface (PS) on which at least two electrical switches (S1 , S3, SC) are arranged. The switches (S1 , S3, SC) can be selectively activated by manipulating a rocker (R), which is fitted over the primary surface (PS) and configured to be pivoted around at least two pivoting axes (AX1 ). Each of these axes is separated from a central axis (XR) of the rocker (R). The rocker (R) is mechanically connected to a resilient member (TS) arranged to exert counteracting forces on the rocker (R), such that the rocker (R) is returned to a neutral position after discontinuing the application of any external forces to the rocker (R). The rocker (R) has at least one guide means (P1 , H 1 ; P3, H3) associated with each of the pivoting axes (AX1 ). The guide means (P1 , H 1 ; P3, H3) are configured to cause pivoting of the rocker ( fulfilling a respective set of requirements pertaining to the direction (an , a12, OC13) of the force and an area (an , a12, a13) of the rocker (R) to which the force is applied while allowing a sliding movement of the rocker (R) from the axis (AX1 ) relative to the circuit board (CB) in response to each external force applied to the rocker (R) which does not fulfill the set of requirements. The sliding movement is essentially perpendicular to the primary surface (PS). Thus, multiple user inputs can be effected with high controllability and a pleasant tactile feel. The user is also offered a possibility to vary the manner in which the commands are generated.

Description

Multi-Function Input Device

THE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

The present invention relates generally to input devices for generating plural types of user commands. More particularly the in- vention relates to a multi-function input device according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a mobile terminal according to the preamble of claim 18.

The current trend in mobile and portable devices is that the devices are made physically smaller and smaller. At the same time, the devices are provided with more functionality and processing capacity. Therefore, flexible user interfaces are required both for input of data and for presentation of information. To this aim, touch screens and/or various types of multi-purpose input means are required, e.g. joysticks, scroll wheels and dials.

US 2005/0279619 discloses a switching device for a portable terminal. Here, a multi-function push button is fixed to a resilient sheet so as to enable the button to operate different switches depending on which portion of the button's periphery that is depressed. After release, the resilient sheet returns the button to a neutral position. The design allows a low-profile button, which is advantageous if the device is to be included in a slim terminal, such as a mobile phone.

US 6,388,219 describes an operating element for selectively producing electric contacts, wherein a contact mat between the control element and a printed circuit board has at least two contact elements. The device provides a good grip and is designed to allow a reliable operation during a relatively long service life.

The above-mentioned solutions are both advantageous in terms of the required building depth into the device wherein the input means is included. Clearly, the former input means is sensitive to push operations only. However, even though the latter element has a grip and has relatively peripheral pivoting axes, also this element is primarily adapted to respond to forces that are directed more or less perpendicularly towards the surface where the element is mounted. As a result, neither design is capable of providing a degree of fine control which is comparable to that of a joystick as commonly recognized. On the other hand, a joystick-type of input means is very space demanding both inside and outside the device into which it is integrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is therefore to alleviate the above problems and present a robust multi-purpose input solution having high controllability, a pleasant tactile feel, and which offers the user a possibility to vary the manner in which the commands are generated. It is also an object of the invention to provide an input device which requires a low building depth and can be manufactured at relatively low cost.

According to the invention, the objects are achieved by the system as initially described, wherein the rocker has at least one guide means associated with each of the pivoting axes. The guide means is configured to cause pivoting of the rocker around each axis in response to an external force fulfilling a respective set of requirements pertaining to the direction of the force and an area of the rocker to which the force is applied. At the same time, the guide means is configured to allow a sliding movement of the rocker from the axis relative to the circuit board in response to each external force applied to the rocker which does not fulfill the set of requirements. The sliding movement is here essentially perpendicular to the primary surface.

The proposed device is advantageous because it provides a highly robust input means, which can be produced with relatively small physical dimensions while offering a tactile feel comparable to that of a much larger device. This in turn, enables effi- cient integration of the input device into demanding mobile terminals, such as cell phones, PDAs (Portable Digital Assistants) game devices and control devices, where the available space normally is very limited.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide means includes a pin member and a holder member adapted to at least partially surround the pin member, so as to enable the rocker's sliding movement at relatively low friction. Thereby, the switches may be activated efficiently in response to a user's manipulation of the rocker. Preferably, one member of the pin and holder members forms a part of the rocker and the other member is fixated relative to the circuit board. Moreover, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the guide means is integrated into a housing having an opening adapted to allow manipulation of the rocker.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary surface includes three peripheral switches. Here, the guide means are adapted to allow the rocker to be pivoted around three different pivoting axes, such that a particular pivoting of the rocker around each axis causes activation of a respective switch of the peripheral switches. Hence, three distinct functions can be controlled by manipulating the rocker.

Analogously, according to other preferred embodiments of the invention, the primary surface includes four or eight peripheral switches. In these embodiments, the guide means are adapted to allow the rocker to be pivoted around four and eight different pivoting axes respectively. Consequently, a particular pivoting of the rocker around each axis causes activation of a respective switch of the peripheral switches.

According to still another preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary surface includes a central switch. Here, the guide means are adapted to allow the rocker to be advanced perpendicularly towards the circuit board, such that a particular advan- cement of the rocker causes activation of the central switch. Preferably, the rocker is configured to allow each switch of said peripheral switches to be activated without causing activation of the central switch. It is likewise preferable if the rocker is con- figured to allow the central switch to be activated without causing activation of any of the peripheral switches. Thereby, a high flexibility is achieved, and yet additional functions can be controlled very efficiently.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the rocker includes a central actuating member adapted to contact the central switch. The rocker also includes a respective actuating member adapted to contact each of the peripheral switches. The peripheral switches are here configured to cooperate with the peripheral actuating members, so that the central actua- ting member is directed towards the central switch in response to an external force fulfilling a set of requirements pertaining to the direction of the force and the area of the rocker to which the force is applied, such that the rocker is advanced towards the circuit board. Consequently, when the rocker is pushed inwards, the peripheral switches balance the rocker to aim the central actuating member's movement towards the central switch.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the resilient member is arranged concentrically relative to the central axis of the rocker. Namely, thereby a symmetric operation of the rocker is facilitated. The resilient member may include any suitable element, such as a torsion spring and/or an elastic polymer body. Furthermore, the resilient member is preferably integrated into the rocker, since this simplifies mounting of the device and lowers the production cost.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the rocker has a cross-section profile adapted to allow the rocker to be pivoted around each axis in response to external forces having component forces being parallel as well as perpendicular to the circuit board. Preferably, the rocker has such geometrical proportions that a first distance from a distal surface of the rocker located most remote from the circuit board to a given axis represents 50 % to 200 % of a second distance from the distal surface to the given axis. The first distance represents a shortest measure perpendicular to the circuit board, and the second distance represents a shortest measure from a perimeter of the distal surface parallel with the circuit board. This design renders it possible for the user to experience approximately the same tactile resistance when activating a given switch irrespec- tive of whether this is accomplished via a force essentially parallel with or essentially perpendicular to the circuit board where the switch is located.

According to another aspect of the invention the objects are achieved by the terminal described initially, wherein the terminal includes at least one input device of the above-proposed type. Hence, at least a subset of the functions of a terminal, such as a mobile telephone, a PDA or a handheld game console, can be controlled very efficiently.

Further advantages, beneficial features and applications of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is now to be explained more closely by means of preferred embodiments, which are disclosed as ex- amples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

Figures 1 -2 show cross section side views of an input device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3a-b illustrate the arrangement of a resilient member and a set of switches according to the first embo- diment of the invention;

Figures 4-5 show a top view and a bottom view respectively of a rocker included in the input device according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a cross section side view of an input device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figures 7-8 depict cross section side views of a resilient member connected to the rocker according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figures 9-12 illustrate the arrangement of the pivoting axes and the set of switches according to various further embodiments of the invention;

Figures 13-14 show one embodiment of the invention wherein multiple guide means co-operate to accomplish each pivoting axis;

Figures 15-17 show another embodiment of the invention whe- rein the rocker is adapted to be pivoted around an infinite number of pivoting axes; and

Figure 18 shows a mobile terminal including an input device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

We refer initially to Figure 1 , which shows a cross section side view of a multi-function input device according to a first embodiment of the invention. The device includes a circuit board CB and a rocker R.

The circuit board CB has a primary surface PS onto which five switches are arranged (e.g. of dome type). In this view, two peripheral switches S1 and S3 respectively and one central switch SC of these switches are visible.

The rocker R is fitted over the primary surface PS of the circuit board CB. In this embodiment of the invention, the rocker R is configured to be pivoted around four pivoting axes, one of which AX1 is shown in Figure 1. Each axis is separated from a central axis XR of the rocker R. I.e. the pivoting axes are peripherally located relative to the central axis XR. The rocker R is mechanically connected to a resilient member, which is here represented by a torsion spring TS. However, according to the invention any alternative element having a resilient characteristic, e.g. a polymer body, is equally well conceivable. To economize material, and facilitate assembly, it is generally desirable if the resilient member is an integral part of the rocker R. The resilient member TS is arranged to exert counteracting forces on the rocker R, such that the rocker R is returned to a neutral position after discontinuing the application of any external forces to the rocker R. According to one embodiment of the invention, the resilient member TS is arranged concentrically relative to the central axis XR of the rocker R as illustrated in Figure 1 . Thereby, a symmetric operation of the rocker R is facilitated irrespective of the material and design of the resilient member. Figure 3a illustrates an arrangement of the resilient member TS and a set of switches S1 , S2, S3, S4 and SC according to the first embodiment of the invention. Peripheral switches S1 , S2, S3 and S4 are arranged around a central switch SC, preferably with equal angular separation from one another.

In order to attain a desired rocker behavior, the rocker R has at least one guide means associated with each of the pivoting axes. In Figure 1 , a first pin member P1 and a first holder member H1 constitute one guide means, and another pin member P3 and a holder member H3 associated thereto constitute a different guide means. The guide means are configured to cause pivoting of the rocker R around each of the pivoting axes when the rocker R is exerted to tilting forces. Specifically, the guide means are arranged to cause the rocker R to pivot around the first axis AX1 in response to an external force fulfilling a first set of requirements pertaining to the direction of the force and an area of the rocker R to which the force is applied. However, in response to each external force applied to the rocker R which does not fulfill the first set of requirements, the guide means are arranged to allow a sliding movement of the rocker R from the axis AX1 relative to the circuit board CB, where the sliding movement is essentially perpendicular to the primary surface PS.

To achieve this, there must be a relatively small play between the pin and holder members of the guide means, so that in response to an external force fulfilling a given set of requirements, say in respect axis AX1 , the rocker R is first shifted a short lateral distance (i.e. parallel to circuit board CB) which is equal to said play. Thereafter, friction forces occur and retain the guide means at the location of the axis AX1 , and the rocker R is pivoted around this axis.

Figure 1 shows an example wherein an external force is applied to the rocker R within an area a-n , a₁₂ or a₁₃. If the force is app- lied to a first area a_u thereof, the force must have a direction within a first angular range an - If , however, the force is applied to a second area a₁₂, the force must have a direction within a second angular range α₁₂, and if applied to a third area a₁₃, the force must have a direction within a third angular range an as schematically illustrated. As a result of any such force, the rocker R is pivoted around the first axis AX1. Provided that the force has sufficient magnitude and duration, the rocker R is tilted so that a first actuating member A1 of the rocker R activates a first peripheral switch S1 on the primary surface PS of the circuit board CB. Hence, the areas an , a₁₂ and a₁₃ and the angular ranges Ct₁₁ , α₁₂ and α₁₃ constitute the first set of requirements in respect of pivoting the rocker R around the first axis AX1 , which causes activation of the first peripheral switch S1.

Naturally, in practice, the exact combination of the application point and the direction of the force is more complex than what can be illustrated in a simple drawing such as Figure 1 . For example, within the third area a_13> a force directed straight towards the circuit board CB fulfills the first set of requirements if the force is applied proximate to a leftmost edge of the area a₁₃; whereas if the force is applied immediately to the left of the central axis XR, the force must have at least a smaller component within the third quadrant (i.e. the force must be directed leftwards in Figure 1 ). Moreover, any edges, recesses and/or protruding elements on the rocker R further complicates the relationship between application area of the force and its direction for a given pivoting of the rocker R. In any case, to increase the general span of the angular ranges Ot₁₁ , α₁₂ and/or αi₃, one or more of the areas area a-π , ai₂ and a₁₃ can be provided with a sandpaper style of non-slip grip (i.e. high-friction surfaces).

Referring now to Figures 3b and 4, a second, third and fourth set of requirements apply correspondingly to pivoting of the rocker R around any of the other three axes AX2, AX3 and AX4 for activating the peripheral switches S2, S3 and S4 respectively. Namely, since here the primary surface PS of the circuit board contains the four peripheral switches S1 , S2, S3 and S4, the guide means are adapted to allow the rocker R to be pivoted around four different pivoting axes AX1 , AX2, AX3 and AX4 res- pectively. Thus, a particular pivoting of the rocker R around each of these axes causes activation of a respective switch of the peripheral switches S1 , S2, S3 or S4.

As can be seen in Figure 1 , due to the pivoting around the first axis AX1 , the rocker R has slided relative to the guide means P3 and H3, or more precisely the rocker R has been advanced essentially vertically towards the primary surface PC along surfaces of the guide means P3 and H3 which are basically perpendicular to the primary surface PC. Analogously, when the rocker R is pivoted around the around the first axis AX1 , the rocker R is slided also relative to all other guide means (not shown in Figure 1 ). Nevertheless, had the force application illustrated in Figure 1 been mirrored, the rocker R would instead have pivoted around an alternative axis (see AX3 in Figure 3b) located at the pin member P3. According to embodiments of the invention, each guide means includes at least one pin member P1 and P3 and at least one holder member H1 and H3 respectively. Each holder member H 1 and H3 is adapted to at least partially surround its associated pin member P1 and P3 respectively in such a manner that the rocker R is laterally supported while the above-mentioned sliding movement of the rocker R is enabled at relatively low friction. Preferably, one member of the pin and holder members forms a part of the rocker R and other member is fixated relative to the circuit board CB. For example, the holder members may be incorporated into the rocker R and the pin members may constitute integral parts of a housing H including the circuit board CB. Of course, the housing H, in turn, preferably has an opening which is adapted to allow user manipulation of the roc- ker R. Either the rocker R protrudes through this opening (as illustrated in Figure 1 ), or the opening provides access to a countersunk rocker R. For practical reasons it may be advantageous if the holder members H 1 , H2, H3 and H4 are integrated into the rocker R such that each holder member is adapted to entirely surround its associated pin member as is illustrated in Figure 4. However, the play between the pin and holder members may be relatively large along all surfaces of the guide means except between those surfaces involved in the pivoting axes.

Figure 2 shows another cross section side view of the input de- vice in Figure 1. Here, however, a force is applied to the rocker R which does not fulfill the set of requirements for pivoting the rocker R around any of the pivoting axes AX1 , AX2, AX3 or AX4. Instead, the rocker R is advanced perpendicularly towards the circuit board CB relative to all these axes AX1 , AX2, AX3 and AX4. According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide means are adapted to allow the rocker R to slide in this manner in response to a force that fulfils an additional set of requirements pertaining to the direction α₁₄ of the force and the area a₁₄ of the rocker R to which the force is applied as is schemati- cally illustrated in Figure 2. If a force fulfilling this set of requi- rements α-u and a₁₄ has sufficient magnitude and duration, the rocker R will cause activation of the central switch CS. Preferably, the rocker R includes a central actuating member AC, which is adapted to contact the central switch CS. The rocker R may likewise be equipped with a respective actuating member A1 , A2, A3 and A4, which is adapted to contact each of the peripheral switches S1 , S2, S3 and S4. Moreover, for enhanced tactile characteristics, the actuating members A1 , A2, A3, A4 and/or AC may include, or be composed of, a resilient material.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the peripheral switches S1 , S2, S3 and S4 are configured to cooperate with the peripheral actuating members A1 , A2, A3 and A4 respectively, such that the central actuating member AC is directed towards the central switch CS in response to an external force fulfilling the set of requirements α₁₄ and a₁₄. In the case of dome switches being used, the peripheral switches S1 , S2, S3 and S4 may function as balancing cushions for the actuating members A1 , A2, A3 and A4 without being deformed to such extent that any of these switches S1 , S2, S3 or S4 accomplishes an electri- cal contact before central switch CS causes such contact. Hence, the rocker R is configured to allow the central switch CS to be activated without causing activation of any of the peripheral switches S1 , S2, S3 or S4.

It is further advantageous if also the reverse is true, i.e. that the rocker R is configured to allow each switch of the peripheral switches S1 , S2, S3 and S4 to be activated without causing activation of the central switch CS. Both these capabilities can be guaranteed by adequate design of the rocker R taking into account the interrelationship of the distances between the ac- tuating members A1 , A2, A3, A4 and AC as well as the distances between these members and the switches S1 , S2, S3, S4 and SC respectively.

It is worth noticing that, according to the invention, a virtual central switch CS may be defined. In this case, instead of a physical switch, a given switching operation (equivalent to that accomplished by a central switch CS) is effected if the rocker R is depressed such that all the peripheral switches are simultaneously activated during a predefined period.

As an alternative to the above-mentioned dome switches, an equivalent balancing function may be accomplished by means of electrical switches containing switching elements having a wave-shaped profile. This enables the switches to provide a balancing support for the rocker R during advancement of the central actuating member AC towards the central switch CS.

As yet another alternative, the balancing function may be separated from the switching function. Thus, the rocker R and/or the primary surface PS may include resilient members located relatively peripheral (i.e. at a distance from the central axis XR of the rocker R), which members are configured solely to aim the central actuating member vertically towards the central switch in a balanced manner.

Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the rocker R, wherein all the actuating members A1 , A2, A3, A4 and AC are visible. Prefer- ably, these members are optimized with respect to the configuration of the switches SI , S2, S3, S4 and SC. For example, if dome-type switches are used, this means that each actuating member A1 , A2, A3, A4 and AC is arranged on the rocker R such that upon manipulation of the rocker R to activate a given switch, the relevant member is adapted to contact approximately the center point of its associated dome switch.

Optionally, instead of dome switches, other deformable geometries can be employed. For example, the actuating members A1 , A2, A3, A4 and AC may be made of a flexible material, have a general V-shape cross section and include at least one conducting surface. For each switch, the primary surface PS here contains a respective wire pair that is short circuited via the at least one conducting surface when its associated actuating member is deformed to a sufficient degree there over. Naturally, the relationship may also be reversed, such that the deformable geometry instead is located on the primary surface PS, and vice versa.

Figure 6 shows a cross section side view of an input device according to a second embodiment of the invention. All elements of the input device that bear reference signs which also occur in one or more of Figures 1 to 5 designate the same elements as those described above with reference to these drawings. In Figure 6, however, the input device is exclusively equipped with peripheral switches of which two are visible in this view, namely S1 and S3. Therefore, the rocker R is devoid of a central actuating member AC. As can be seen in Figure 6, the rocker R is here placed in its neutral position (i.e. no external forces are applied to the rocker R).

Nevertheless, the rocker R has a cross-section profile which is adapted to allow the rocker R to be pivoted around each of the at least two pivoting axes (AX1 shown in this view) in response to external forces having component forces being parallel as well as perpendicular to the circuit board CB. Analogous to what has been discussed above with reference to Figure 1 , this means that the rocker R may be pivoted around each of said axes in response to a multitude of different combinations of the direction of the force and the area of the rocker R to which the force is applied as specified by applicable set of requirements for each pivoting axis.

Specifically, according to one embodiment of the invention, the rocker R has geometrical proportions which are defined by a first and second distance d1 and d2 respectively. The first dis- tance di represents a shortest perpendicular measure from a distal surface of the rocker R located most remote from the circuit board CB to a given pivoting axis, say AX1 . The second distance d2 represents a shortest measure from a perimeter of the distal surface parallel with the circuit board CB to the given axis AX1. In order to create a tactile feel when manipulating the rocker R, the tactile feel being such that the user experiences approximately the same resistance when activating a given switch, say S1 , irrespective of whether this activation is accomplished via a force essentially parallel with or essentially perpendicular to the circuit board CB (see F1 and F2 in Figure 8), the first distance d1 should represent 50 % - 200 % of the second distance d2. In Figure 6, the first distance d1 is around 135 % of the second distance d2 (i.e. d1 « 1 ,35 d2).

On the other hand, it is not excluded that the rocker R has joystick-like proportions, i.e. that its height is substantially larger than its width. However, in such a case it is desirable that the rocker R includes a force-limiting means to reduce the lever effects on the guide means. For example, a collapsible coil spring at the base of the rocker R may represent the force-limiting means.

Figures 7 and 8 depict cross section side views of an input device having a rocker R according to one embodiment of the invention where the resilient member PB is represented by a po- lymer body. Remaining elements of the input device that bear reference signs which also occur in one or more of Figures 1 to 6 designate the same elements as those described above with reference to these drawings. Figure 8 illustrates that the switch S1 may be activated either via a first force F1 being essentially parallel with the circuit board CB, or via a second force F2 being essentially perpendicular to the circuit board CB. As discussed above in connection to Figure 6, the interrelationship between the first and second distances d1 and d2 preferably is such that substantially the same magnitudes and durations of the first and second forces F1 and F2 are required to cause the rocker R to activate the switch S1.

Figure 9 illustrates a first alternative arrangement of the resilient member and switches shown in Figures 3a and 3b. For simplicity, the resilient member TS is here a torsion spring, and the primary surface only includes two peripheral switches S1 and S2 respectively. Although not shown, in this case, the guide means are adapted to allow the rocker to be pivoted around two different pivoting axes AX1 and AX2 respectively, such that a parti- cular pivoting of the rocker around each axis causes activation of a respective switch S1 or S2 of the peripheral switches.

Figure 10 illustrates a second alternative arrangement of the resilient member and switches shown in Figures 3a and 3b. Again, for simplicity, the resilient member TS is shown as a torsion spring. Here, the primary surface includes three peripheral switches S1 , S2 and S3 respectively. Although not shown, in this case, the guide means are adapted to allow the rocker to be pivoted around three different pivoting axes AX1 , AX2 and AX3 respectively, such that a particular pivoting of the rocker around each axis causes activation of a respective switch S1 , S2 or S3 of the peripheral switches.

Naturally, as the skilled person realizes, the concept illustrated in Figures 9 and 10 can be generalized. Figure 1 1 illustrates one such example of an arrangement of the resilient member and switches. Also here, the resilient member TS is shown as a torsion spring, however an alternative element is conceivable, e.g. in the form of a polymer body. In this case, the primary surface includes eight peripheral switches S1 , S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 and S8 respectively. The guide means (not shown) are adapted to allow the rocker to be pivoted around eight different pivoting axes AX1 , AX2, AX3, AX4, AX5, AX6, AX7 and AX8 respectively, such that a particular pivoting of the rocker around each axis causes activation of a respective switch S1 , S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 or S8 of the peripheral switches.

Figure 12 illustrates another example of an eight-switch arrangement. Here, the pivoting axes AX1 , AX2, AX3, AX4, AX5, AX6, AX7 and AX8 are defined by means of four pin members P1 , P2, P3 and P4 respectively, which are configured to cooperate with holder members integrated in the corners of a rocker R having an essentially square-shaped projection onto the primary surface of circuit board, where switches S1 , S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 are located S8.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view from below of an embodi- ment of the invention where, in contrast to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 , 2, and 4 to 8, the guide means and the actuating members of the rocker are separated from one another. In the embodiment of Figure 13, the rocker R has a base platform of a general square shape, which in each corner is provi- ded with an opening configured to receive a respective pin member P1 , P2, P3 and P4. The pin members P1 , P2, P3 and P4, in turn, are mechanically fixed to a housing H through which the rocker R can be manipulated. Moreover, the rocker R is provided with actuating members A1 , A2, A3, A4 and AC, which each is adapted to contact a particular electrical switch on the primary surface of a circuit board (not shown). Here, analogous to the embodiment in Figure 12, multiple guide means co-operate to accomplish pivoting around each axis AX1 , AX2, AX3 and AX4 respectively. Namely, the pin members P1 , P2, P3 and P4 and the rocker openings of the guide means are configured to operate in pairs when the rocker R is manipulated to be pivoted around one of four different axes AX1 , AX2, AX3 or AX4. Specifically, this means that: a first pair of openings locks the rocker R vertically relative to pin members P2 and P4 when the rocker R is pivoted around a first axis AX1 (and thus the rocker R slides along pin members P1 and P3); a second pair of openings locks the rocker R vertically relative to pin members P3 and P4 when the rocker R is pivoted around a second axis AX2 (and thus the rocker R slides along pin members P1 and P2); a third pair of openings locks the rocker R vertically relative to pin members P1 and P4 when the rocker R is pivoted around a third axis AX3 (and thus the rocker R slides along pin members P2 and P3); and a fourth pair of openings locks the rocker R vertically relative to pin members P1 and P2 when the rocker R is pivoted around a fourth axis AX4 (and thus the rocker R slides along pin members P3 and P4). Hence, the actuating means A1 , A2, A3 and A4 respectively may cause activation of four different electrical switches on the circuit board. Analogous to the above, the central actuating member AC may cause activation of a fifth electrical switch by manipulating the rocker R, such that the rocker R slides along all pin members P1 , P2, P3 and P4 towards the circuit board.

Figure 14 shows a cross-section side view of the rocker R and the housing H of Figure 13, which further illustrates the relation- ship between the actuating means A1 and A3 respectively and the pin members P3 and P4 respectively. In this view, a resilient member in the form of a polymer body PB also appears.

According to the invention, also higher numbers of pivoting axes than the eight axes illustrated in Figures 1 1 and 12 are concei- vable. In fact, the proposed rocker can be designed to pivot around an infinite number of pivoting axes. For example, the guide means may be designed as circular members surrounding the rocker R, and the switches may be represented by a pair of circular contact strips on the primary surface. If, for instance, the contact strips are divided into 720 segment pairs, the rocker R may be tilted in any direction in such a manner that the direction can be determined with an accuracy of 0,5 degrees. Here, a virtual pivoting axis appears tangentially through each contact point between the two elements of the guide means, where the contact point in question is determined by the forces applied to the rocker R as described above. Figures 15, 16, 17a and 17b illustrate one embodiment of the invention wherein the guide means has this type of circular outline.

Figures 15 and 16 show a top view and a perspective view from below respectively of a rocker R and a housing H. Figure 16 demonstrates an end segment of a resilient member PB in the form of polymer body, which is surrounded by a circular actuator means A. The circular actuator means A may have an outer surface containing conductive rubber, or a conductive lacquer, and thus be adapted to short-circuit contact pads/strips on the primary surface. Likewise, the resilient member PB may include central actuating member AC adapted to operate a central electrical switch. In any case, by manipulating the rocker R a user may cause activation of central switch (not shown) or peripheral contacts (not shown) on the primary surface depending on if the rocker R is pushed vertically towards the circuit board, or if the rocker R is tilted. Figure 16 illustrates a virtual pivoting axis AXx resulting from a given pivoting of the rocker R which causes the circular actuator means A to activate an electrical switch on the primary surface (not shown, however symbolized Sx), where the switch is located diametrically opposite to the axis AXx.

Figures 17a and 17b show side cross-section views which illustrate in further detail how the virtual pivoting axis AXx extends tangentially trough the contact point between a ring PR fixed to the housing H and an upper edge of a circular groove HR of the rocker R. The ring PR and the circular groove HR here constitute the rocker's R guide means. Figure 17a also shows a resilient member PB in the form of polymer body, which analogous to the above, may accommodate a central actuating member AC.

Although not illustrated in Figures 15, 16, 17a or 17b, it is generally preferable if the input device according to this embodiment includes locking means configured to prevent rotation of the rocker R relative to the housing H. To this aim, the locking means may be represented by a number of radial segments on the rocker R and the housing H respectively, which are adapted to engage one another.

Figure 18 shows a mobile terminal T for processing digital data. The terminal T may thus be a mobile telephone, a PDA, a portable game console, or a multi-purpose unit including two or more of these devices. Alternatively, the terminal T may be any other mobile unit configured to process digital data, which is associated with a graphical interface D (e.g. including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) adapted to present visual information to a user. I.e., the terminal T may either include the graphical interface D or be configured to control an external interface, such as a computer screen or TV screen. In any case, the terminal T in- eludes the input device as described above. Hence, the terminal T has a rocker R which is adapted to receive input commands from a user by selectively activating switches in a set of electrical switches. Feedback information confirming these commands are preferably presented to the user via the graphical in- terface D.

The term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. However, the term does not preclude the pre or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1 . A multi-function input device for selectively activating electrical switches, comprising: a circuit board (CB) having a primary surface (PS) on which at least two switches (S1 , S2, S3, S4, SC) are arranged, and a rocker (R) fitted over the primary surface (PS), the rocker (R) being configured to be pivoted alternately around at least two pivoting axes (AX1 , AX2, AX3, AX4), each axis being separated from a central axis (XR) of the rocker (R), the rocker (R) being mechanically connected to a resilient member (TS, PB) arranged to exert counteracting forces on the rocker (R) such that the rocker (R) is returned to a neutral position after discontinuing the application of any external forces to the rocker (R), characterized in that the rocker (R) has at least one guide means (P1 , H1 ; P3, H3) associated with each of the pivoting axes (AX1 , AX2, AX3, AX4), the at least one guide means (P1 , H1 ; P3, H3) is configured to cause pivoting of the rocker (R) around each axis (AX1 ) of the pivoting axes in response to an external force fulfilling a respective set of requirements pertaining to the direction (an , ai_2l a₁₃) of the force and an area (an , a₁₂, a₁₃) of the rocker (R) to which the force is applied while allowing a sliding movement of the rocker (R) from the axis (AX1 ) relative to the circuit board (CB) in response to each external force applied to the rocker (R) which does not fulfill the set of re- quirements, the sliding movement being essentially perpendicular to the primary surface (PS).

2. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the guide means comprises a pin member (P1 , P3) and a holder member (H 1 , H2, H3, H4) adapted to at least partially surround the pin member (P1 , P3) so as to enable the sliding movement at relatively low friction.

3. The input device according to claim 2, wherein a first member (H1 , H3) of the pin and holder members forms a part of the rocker (R) and a second member (P1 , P3) of the pin and holder members is fixated relative to the circuit board (CB).

4. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary surface (PS) comprises three peripheral swit- ches (S1 , S2, S3), and the guide means (P1 , H1 ; P3, H3) are adapted to allow the rocker (R) to be pivoted around three different pivoting axes

(AX1 , AX2, AX3) such that a particular pivoting of the rocker (R) around each axis causes activation of a respective switch of the peripheral switches (S1 , S2, S3).

5. The input device according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the primary surface (PS) comprises four peripheral switches (S1 , S2, S3, S4), and the guide means (P1 , H1 ; P3, H3) are adapted to allow the rocker (R) to be pivoted around four different pivoting axes (AX1 , AX2, AX3, AX4) such that a particular pivoting of the rocker (R) around each axis causes activation of a respective switch of the peripheral switches (S1 , S2, S3, S4).

6. The input device according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the primary surface (PS) comprises eight peripheral switches (S1 , S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8), and the guide means (P1 , H1 ; P3, H3) are adapted to allow the rocker (R) to be pivoted around eight different pivoting axes (AX1 , AX2, AX3, AX4, AX5, AX6, AX7, AX8) such that a particular pivoting of the rocker (R) around each axis causes activation of a respective switch of the peripheral switches (S1 , S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8).

7. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary surface (PS) comprises a central switch (SC), and the guide means (P1 , H1 ; P3, H3) are adapted to allow the rocker (R) to be advanced perpendicularly towards the circuit board (CB) such that a particular advancement of the rocker (R) causes activation of the central switch (CS).

8. The input device according to claim 7, comprising at least one peripheral switch, and wherein the rocker (R) is configured to allow each switch of the peripheral switches to be activated without causing activation of the central switch (CS).

9. The input device according to any one of the claims 7 or 8, wherein the rocker (R) is configured to allow the central switch (CS) to be activated without causing activation of any of the peripheral switches.

10. The input device according to claim 9, wherein the rocker (R) comprises a central actuating member (AC) adapted to contact the central switch (CS) and a respective actuating member (A1 , A2, A3, A4) adapted to contact each of the peripheral switches (S1 , S2, S3, S4), the peripheral switches (S1 , S2, S3, S4) being configured to cooperate with the peripheral actuating members (AI , A2, A3, A4) such that the central actuating member (AC) is directed towards the central switch (CS) in response to an external force fulfilling a set of requirements pertaining to the direction (α₁₄) of the force and the area (a₁₄) of the rocker (R) to which the force is applied such that the rocker (R) is ad- vanced towards the circuit board (CB).

1 1 . The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient member (TS, PB) is arranged concentrically relative to the centra! axis (XR) of the rocker (R).

12. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient member comprises a torsion spring

(TS).

13. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient member comprises an elastic polymer body (PB).

14. The input device according to any one of the claims 12 or 13, wherein the resilient member (TS, PB) is integrated into the rocker (R).

15. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the guide means (P1 , H1 ; P3, H3) is integrated into a housing (H) having an opening adapted to allow manipulation of the rocker (R).

16. The input device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rocker (R) has a cross-section profile adapted to allow the rocker (R) to be pivoted around each of the at least two pivoting axes (AX1 , AX2, AX3, AX3) in response to ex- ternal forces having component forces being parallel as well as perpendicular to the circuit board (CB).

17. The input device according to claim 16, wherein the rocker (R) has such geometrical proportions that a first distance (d1 ) from a distal surface of the rocker (R) located most remote from the circuit board (CB) to a given axis (AX1 ) of the at least two pivoting axes represents 50 % to 200 % of a second distance (d2) from the distal surface to the given axis (AX1 ), the first distance (d1 ) representing a shortest measure perpendicular to the circuit board (CB) and the second distance (d2) representing a shortest measure from a perimeter of the distal surface parallel with the circuit board (CB).

18. A mobile terminal for processing digital data associated with a graphical interface (D) adapted to present visual information to a user, characterized in that the terminal (T) comprises at least one input device according to any one of the preceding claims.