Key input device for portable communication terminal

摘要

Disclosed herein is a key input device of a portable communication terminal having eight keys arranged in a 2x4 array, instead of the existing conventional twelve keys arranged in a 3x4 array. The key input device includes a printed circuit board in a body of the terminal and a dome switch plate between the printed circuit board and one or more linear key arrays. Each linear key array is provided with integrally connected first and second key regions having respective outer ends mounted at an outer rim of the body. A boundary portion is provided between the first and second key regions. In one embodiment protrusions are formed between the key array and the dome switch plate, between adjacent dome switches, causing the first or second key regions to move in a seesaw manner when the respective ends are pressed down by an external force. <IMAGE>