JP2005159406A - Mobile phone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile phone with excellent convenience, portability and furthermore with excellent design performance wherein the arrangement of members configuring cases can be changed depending on respective use forms of a plurality of functions. <P>SOLUTION: The mobile phone is configured with an upper case (first case) 2 and a lower case (second case) 3, and the upper case and the lower case are hinged so as to be slid only in a prescribed slide direction by slide rails 24, 34. Sliding the upper case in one direction with respect to the lower case from an overlapped state of the cases can expose operation buttons 33a, 33b and a display screen 31 located at the lower case and sliding the upper case in the other direction can expose ten-keys 32 located at the lower case. Further, the relative position between the upper case and the lower case can be fixed in each of the states where the operation buttons, the display screen and the ten-keys are respectively exposed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-function mobile phone capable of changing the arrangement of members constituting a housing in accordance with a usage pattern.

  In recent years, mobile phones that can be connected to a telephone network have a tendency to become multi-functional. For example, an imaging function by installing a camera, a videophone function, a music playback function, a game function, etc. It has become feasible with a single mobile phone.

  On the other hand, according to various usage forms, a device for improving convenience and portability by changing the arrangement of the members constituting the casing of the mobile phone (the overall shape of the mobile phone) has been devised. For example, in addition to a mobile phone having a structure in which the shape of the mobile phone does not change, a mobile phone has a folding type structure in which two main members constituting the mobile phone are rotated by a hinge, or a mobile phone. There is a slide type structure in which one of the two main members slides with respect to the other member by a guide rail or the like.

  For example, in the following Patent Document 1, a first casing having a keypad on the front surface and a second casing having a display screen attached to be slidable with respect to the first casing. An electronic device having two mutually movable parts constituted by the above is disclosed. When the slide is closed (withdrawn), a part of the display screen of the second casing is exposed to the outside. The shape of this electronic device is suitable, for example, when performing a dialing operation using a keypad exposed to the front while viewing a part of the display screen. In addition, a part of the display screen of the second casing is exposed to the outside, and the display screen is greatly exposed to the outside when slid (drawn). The shape of the electronic device is suitable, for example, when it is desired to use the display screen widely or to make a call. Also, the second housing is completely pulled out from the first housing, the first and second housings are completely separated, and the separated second housing is used as an independent electronic device. Is also possible.

Also, in Patent Document 2 below, a main body portion provided with a key operation portion and a small liquid crystal display portion on the front surface, and a slide provided with a large liquid crystal display portion for performing screen display for the user on the front surface There is disclosed a mobile terminal device that is configured to be slidable on the back surface of the main body. In this portable terminal device, if necessary, the user can expose the large liquid crystal display unit to the outside by sliding the slide unit with respect to the main unit, and the liquid crystal display unit provided in the main unit. Is made small so that the area occupied by the key operation unit can be widened.
JP 2002-232540 A (paragraphs 0012 to 0069, FIGS. 1, 5, and 8) JP 2003-169120 A (paragraphs 0013 to 0019, FIGS. 1 and 2)

  One of the major features of the conventional slide type structure is, for example, when the arrangement of the members is slid from the storage state to the use state, as is apparent from the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above. In addition, one of the operation key and the display screen is configured to be exposed to the outside. In other words, a mobile phone having a slide type structure has a display screen that is in front when it is in the stowed state, and the operation keys are exposed by sliding. The screen is configured to be exposed.

  However, mobile phones in recent years tend to be multi-functional, and according to the optimal usage pattern for each of a plurality of functions, considering the convenience of the mobile phone during storage and use, a newer mobile phone It is necessary to devise and develop the shape. In particular, as the number of functions that can be realized by a mobile phone increases with the advance of technology, it is necessary to improve the convenience of each function while not reducing the convenience of other functions.

  In view of the above-described problems, the present invention is excellent in convenience, portability, and design, and the arrangement of members constituting the housing can be changed according to each usage form of a plurality of functions. An object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional mobile phone.

In order to achieve the above object, a mobile phone of the present invention is a mobile phone including a first housing and a second housing having substantially the same shape as the first housing,
The first casing can slide relative to the second casing at least between the first relative position and the second relative position along a predetermined slide axis. And slide engaging means for engaging the first housing with the second housing;
First slide locking means for locking the first housing at the first relative position;
Second slide locking means for locking the first housing at the second relative position;
The first casing is located between the first relative position and the second relative position, and the first casing and the second casing overlap each other. A third slide locking means for locking at a relative position of 3,
It is comprised so that it may have.
With this configuration, the first casing and the second casing are moved from the state where the first casing and the second casing are locked in an overlapping manner to the second casing in both directions along a predetermined slide axis. And the relative positions of the first housing and the second housing can be fixed at predetermined locations in the respective sliding directions.

Furthermore, the mobile phone of the present invention is not exposed to the outside when the first casing is disposed at the third relative position, and the first casing is disposed at the first relative position. In such a case, it is configured to have an operation means that enables an operation by the user at a predetermined position on the second casing exposed to the outside.
With this configuration, when the first casing is slid in one direction along a predetermined slide axis, the operating means arranged on the second casing can be exposed to the outside. .

Furthermore, the mobile phone of the present invention includes a second operating means disposed in the first casing that is always exposed to the outside regardless of a relative position with the second casing;
When the first casing is disposed at the third relative position, it is not exposed to the outside, and when the first casing is disposed at the second relative position, it is exposed to the outside. A third operation means that allows a user to perform an operation at a predetermined position on the second housing;
It is comprised so that it may have.
With this configuration, when the first casing is slid along the predetermined slide axis in the other direction, the operating means disposed on the first casing and the second casing are disposed on the second casing. It is possible to expose the two operating means of the operating means being exposed to the outside.

Furthermore, the mobile phone of the present invention is configured to lock the first casing at a fourth relative position including the second relative position between the first casing and the first relative position. Means,
When the first casing is arranged at the third relative position, it is not exposed to the outside, and when the first casing is arranged at the fourth relative position, it is exposed to the outside. Display means for displaying information at a predetermined location on the second casing;
The first housing can slide relative to the second housing between the second relative position and the fourth relative position along the predetermined slide axis. Further, the slide engaging means is configured.
With this configuration, when the first casing is slid along the predetermined slide axis in the other direction, the operating means disposed on the first casing and the second casing are disposed on the second casing. It is possible to expose the two operating means of the operating means and the display means to the outside.

Furthermore, in the mobile phone according to the present invention, the first housing extends beyond the range between the first relative position and the fourth relative position along the predetermined slide axis. The slide engaging means is configured to be slidable relative to the casing of the first casing, and the first casing is configured to move between the first relative position and the fourth relative position. When sliding beyond the range, the first casing is separated from the second casing by disengaging the slide engaging means.
With this configuration, it is possible to separate the first housing and the second housing by sliding the first housing along a predetermined slide axis.

Furthermore, in the mobile phone of the present invention, both the first and second housings have wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with each other,
When at least the first casing is separated from the second casing, the wireless communication means is configured to transmit a signal between the first and second casings.
With this configuration, the first housing and the second housing can be used separately.

Furthermore, the mobile phone of the present invention is configured to have display control means for controlling the display direction in the display screen of the display means.
With this configuration, it is possible to control the display direction in the display screen so as to be always appropriate for the user.

The mobile phone of the present invention is a mobile phone configured by a first housing and a second housing having substantially the same shape as the first housing,
The first casing can slide relative to the second casing at least between the first relative position and the second relative position along a predetermined slide axis. And slide engaging means for engaging the first housing with the second housing;
First slide locking means for locking the first housing at the first relative position;
Second slide locking means for locking the first housing at the second relative position;
The first casing is located between the first relative position and the second relative position, and the first casing and the second casing overlap each other. A third slide locking means for locking at a relative position of 3,
Since the first housing and the second housing are arranged so as to overlap each other, the first housing and the second housing are arranged in two opposite directions along a predetermined slide axis with the third relative position as a center. The first housing can be slid with respect to the two housings, and the first housing can be semi-fixed at a predetermined relative position in each direction, thereby improving convenience, portability, and design. It has an advantage that the arrangement of members constituting the casing of the mobile phone can be changed according to the usage of each of a plurality of functions.

  Hereinafter, a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the internal configuration and appearance of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a mobile phone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A mobile phone 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured by two casings having substantially the same shape, an upper casing (first casing) 2 and a lower casing (second casing) 3. Yes. The upper housing 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 202, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 203, a display unit 204, an operation unit 205, an imaging unit 206, and an audio input unit. 207, an audio output unit 208, and an inter-chassis communication unit 209. The lower housing 3 includes a CPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, a display unit 304, an operation unit 305, a communication unit 306, an audio input unit 307, and an audio output. Unit 308 and inter-chassis communication unit 309.

  First, each component existing inside the upper housing 2 will be described. The CPU 201 of the upper housing 2 is a processing unit that performs main processing in the upper housing 2. The RAM 202 and the ROM 203 of the upper housing 2 store programs (executed by the CPU 201) operating in the upper housing 2, various data such as imaging data and communication data, and work in the information processing process. It is an information storage means that can provide an area.

  The display unit 204 of the upper housing 2 is a means for displaying various information such as still images, moving images, and character information. The operation unit 205 of the upper housing 2 is a means for a user to input information and to input instructions for using various functions. The imaging unit 206 of the upper housing 2 is a means for capturing a still image or a moving image. The voice input unit 207 of the upper housing 2 is a means for the user to input voice (particularly, the voice of the user during a call), such as a microphone. The audio output unit 208 of the upper housing 2 is a means for notifying the outside of the audio, and is, for example, a speaker. The inter-chassis communication unit 209 of the upper housing 2 is a communication unit that enables data transmission with the lower housing 3.

  On the other hand, each component existing inside the lower housing 3 will be described. A CPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, a display unit 304, an operation unit 305, an audio input unit 307, and an audio output unit 308 are also provided inside the lower housing 3, and these components are included in the upper housing 2. It is the same as the above, and is mainly used for processing operations in the lower housing 3. Further, the communication unit 306 of the lower housing 3 is connected to an antenna, and is a communication unit for connecting to a public telephone line network to send and receive calls and e-mails (hereinafter simply referred to as mail). The inter-chassis communication unit 309 of the lower housing 3 is a communication unit that enables data transmission with the upper housing 2.

  The inter-chassis communication unit 209 of the upper housing 2 and the inter-chassis communication unit 309 of the lower housing 3 are respectively connected switching units 210 and 310, connection I / Fs (connection interfaces) 211 and 311, wireless I / Fs. F (wireless interface) 212 and 312 are provided, and data transmission is performed by electrical connection between the inter-housing communication units 209 and 309.

  In addition, the connection I / F 211 of the upper housing 2 and the connection I / F 311 of the lower housing 3 are obtained by bringing the contact of the upper housing 2 and the contact of the lower housing 3 into contact with each other. This is a contact type contact that enables transmission of signals between the three. For example, when the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are arranged at least as shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 3 and 9 to 11 (both will be described later), the connection I / Fs 211 and 311 are connected. Thus, it is desirable that the internal configuration in the upper housing 2 and the internal configuration in the lower housing 3 can be electrically connected.

  Further, the wireless I / F 212 of the upper housing 2 and the wireless I / F 312 of the lower housing 3 are in a predetermined wireless communication system (for example, near-field communication) when the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are not in contact with each other. It is possible to transmit a signal by Bluetooth) that enables distance communication. That is, the data transmission between the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 in a state where the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are not in contact (separated) by communication using the wireless I / Fs 212 and 312. Is possible.

  Further, the connection switching units 210 and 310 of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are capable of transmitting signals through the connection I / Fs 211 and 311 when both the housings 2 and 3 are in contact. , When control is performed so that signals are transmitted through the connection I / Fs 211 and 311, and both casings 2 and 3 are in a non-contact state, and signal transmission through the connection I / Fs 211 and 311 is impossible. Controls to transmit signals via the wireless I / Fs 212 and 312. It is also possible to always transmit signals via the wireless I / Fs 212 and 312 without providing the connection switching units 210 and 310 and the connection I / Fs 211 and 311.

  As described above, the connection switching units 210 and 310 cause the signal through the contact between the two housings 2 and 3 according to the contact state / non-contact state (separated state) of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3. Switching between transmission and signal transmission by wireless communication is performed. Thereby, even when the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are in contact with each other in a predetermined arrangement, or when the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are separated from each other, the separation / Regardless of the contact state, signals can be transmitted between the two casings 2 and 3, and the function of the mobile phone 1 as a whole is maintained.

  In the cellular phone 1 shown in FIG. 1, the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3 are provided with CPUs 201 and 301, RAMs 202 and 302, and ROMs 203 and 303, respectively. 2 and the lower housing 3 are used in a state where they are separated from each other, the respective housings 2 and 3 are configured to perform independent processing operations. Since it is always electrically connected by at least one of the connection I / F 211, 311 and the wireless I / F 212, 312, these configurations are only applied to one of the cases (upper case 2 or lower case 3). Elements may be provided. Further, in the mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 1, the imaging unit 206 is provided in the upper housing 2, but it can also be provided in the lower housing 3. In the mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 1, the communication unit 306 provided in the lower housing 3 can be provided in the upper housing 2.

  Further, in the mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 1, when the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3 are in the separated state, the upper casing 2 can be used as a portable wireless communication device for short-distance communication. In addition, audio input units 207 and 307 and audio output units 208 and 308 are provided in both the lower housing 3 and only one set of audio input units and audio output units is provided in the same manner as a normal mobile phone. It is also possible to do. Also, considering the sound quality degradation and convenience due to howling, etc., the operation of each of the voice input units 207 and 307 and the voice output units 208 and 308 is controlled according to the arrangement of the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3. (For example, in the case of the arrangement shown in FIG. 9, which will be described later, it is possible to control so that the audio input unit 207 of the upper housing 2 and the audio output unit 308 of the lower housing 3 do not operate). .

  Although not shown, for example, an interface for reading a portable storage medium, a GPS receiver for receiving a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal, and other various components are included in the mobile phone. 1 can also be provided. Although not shown, a power supply for supplying power is installed in each of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 so that the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 can be used in a separated state. It is desirable.

  Next, changes in the overall appearance of the mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 1 and various shapes of the mobile phone according to changes in the arrangement of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 constituting the mobile phone 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of each of the upper housing and the lower housing of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 (a) is a perspective view of the upper housing, and FIG. 2 (b) is the lower housing. It is a perspective view of a body.

  The upper casing 2 shown in FIG. 2A corresponds to the upper casing 2 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2A shows a display screen 21, operation keys 22, an imaging camera 23, and a slide. A rail (slide engagement means) 24 is shown. The display screen 21 corresponds to the display unit 204 shown in FIG. 1, the operation key 22 corresponds to the operation unit 205 shown in FIG. 1, and the imaging camera 23 corresponds to the imaging unit 206 shown in FIG. Further, it is desirable that the display screen 21 and the operation keys 22 are arranged so as to face substantially the same direction.

  A lower housing 3 shown in FIG. 2B corresponds to the lower housing 3 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B shows a display screen 31, a numeric keypad 32, and operation buttons 33a and 33b. A slide rail (slide engagement means) 34 is shown. The display screen 31 corresponds to the operation unit 305, and the display unit 304, the numeric keypad 32, and the operation buttons 33a and 33b shown in FIG. The display screen 31, the numeric keypad 32, and the operation buttons 33a and 33b are preferably arranged so as to face in substantially the same direction, from the upper side to the lower side of the lower housing 3 (from the upper side to the lower side in the drawing) On the other hand, it is desirable to arrange the operation buttons 33a and 33b, the display screen 31, and the numeric keypad 32 in this order. Further, the lower housing 3 is provided with a plurality of operation means (tenkey 32 and operation buttons 33a and 33b). The internal structure shown in FIG. 1 also corresponds to these numeric keys 32 and operation buttons 33a and 33b. It is desirable to provide a plurality of operation units 305.

  Next, a storage state in which the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3 of the mobile phone 1 are overlapped to form a compact shape will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a perspective view showing a storage state in which the upper housing and the lower housing of the mobile phone according to the embodiment of the present invention are overlapped, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the storage state of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 5 is a rear view of the cellular phone shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a right side view of the cellular phone shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a top view of the cellular phone shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the cellular phone shown in FIG. 3 in a stored state.

  The upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 of the mobile phone 1 have substantially the same shape, and by overlapping these housings 2 and 3, the shape of the mobile phone 1 becomes compact. When the casings 2 and 3 are overlapped with each other, the rear surface of the upper casing 2 (the side opposite to the surface on which the display screen 21 and the operation keys 22 are arranged to face substantially the same direction) and the upper casing 2 The front surfaces (surfaces on which the display screen 31, the numeric keypad 32, and the operation buttons 33a and 33b are arranged so as to face substantially the same direction) are overlapped by sliding engagement with the slide rails 24 and 34.

  The slide rails 24 and 34 of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are engaged with each other, and at the time of engagement, the slide rails 24 and 34 extend in the mutual direction of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 ( It can be moved only in the slide direction. That is, in the slide engagement by the slide rails 24 and 34, the upper housing 2 is slid with respect to the lower housing 3 by a stress applied in a predetermined sliding direction (for example, the vertical direction of the drawing in FIG. 3). While being slidable in the direction, the upper casing 2 is fixed to the lower casing 3 with respect to stress applied in a direction perpendicular to a predetermined sliding direction.

  Note that a slide mechanism can be realized by using various conventional slide engagement means. For example, as clearly shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. Or a convex portion of one of the cases (for example, the lower case 3) so that the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 do not come off due to the stress applied in the normal direction of the front and back sides of the lower case 3. Can be realized simply by engaging with the recess of the other casing (for example, the upper casing 2).

  Further, for example, unless the user applies a stress of a predetermined magnitude or more in the sliding direction, the upper housing 2 is placed in the lower housing so that the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are held in a storage state where they overlap each other. It is desirable to provide slide locking means for locking to the body 3. Note that this slide locking means can also be realized by using various conventional mechanisms as in the case of the slide engagement means. For example, one of the slide rails 24 and 34 can be realized. A concave portion is provided at a predetermined location (a location facing when the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are overlapped with each other), and the corresponding portion of the other slide rails 24 and 34 is inserted into the concave portion by an elastic body or the like. It is sufficient to provide a convex portion. Note that when the user applies a stress of a predetermined magnitude or more in the sliding direction, the elastic body is arranged so that the slide locking means is released and the upper housing 2 can slide with respect to the lower housing 3. It is desirable to set in advance the elastic force and the shape of the concave and convex portions related to the slide locking.

  In addition to the arrangement in the storage state described above, the upper casing 2 is slid with respect to the lower casing 3 to change the relative position between the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3, thereby The housing 2 and the lower housing 3 can be arranged as shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which the numeric keypad provided in the lower casing is exposed by sliding the upper casing upward from the storage state of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. For example, from the housed state of the mobile phone 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the upper housing 2 is slid upward along the slide axis with respect to the lower housing 3, thereby lowering the lower housing 3. It can be exposed to the outside. A numeric keypad 32 is provided on the lower side of the lower casing 3 as shown in FIG. 2B. That is, when the lower side of the lower casing 3 is exposed to the outside, the numeric keypad 32 is externally provided. Will be exposed (the state shown in FIG. 9).

  The cellular phone 1 shown in FIG. 9 is in a state where a numeric keypad 32 necessary for a user to perform an operation such as a call or mail input is exposed to the outside, and the shape of a normal straight type cellular phone 1 or a folding type It is very similar to the shape of the cellular phone 1 opened, and is particularly convenient when performing operations such as calls and mail transmissions. In addition, the upper housing 2 is locked to the lower housing 3 at a relative position between the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 where the numeric keypad 32 is completely exposed to the outside and can be used. It is desirable to provide a slide locking means for holding the lens.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the operation button provided on the lower housing is exposed by sliding the upper housing downward from the cellular phone shown in FIGS. is there. For example, the upper case 2 is slid downward along the slide axis with respect to the lower case 3 from the storage state of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. It is possible to expose. Operation buttons 33a and 33b are provided on the upper side of the lower casing 3, as shown in FIG. 2B. That is, when the upper side of the lower casing 3 is exposed to the outside, the operation buttons are provided. 33a and 33b are exposed to the outside (state shown in FIG. 10).

  The mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 10 is in a state in which a part of the lower housing 3 in which the operation buttons 33a and 33b that allow user operation / input are arranged is exposed to the outside, on both sides of the display screen 21. Two operation means, that is, the operation key 22 and the operation buttons 33a and 33b are arranged. The user sets the shape of the cellular phone 1 as shown in FIG. 10 so that the vertical direction shown in FIG. By holding the upper side of the lower housing 3 on which the operation buttons 33a and 33b are arranged with the other hand (that is, holding the mobile phone 1 with both hands from the lateral direction of the drawing), the display screen 21 is displayed. The mobile phone 1 can be operated with the fingers of both hands while watching.

  By making the mobile phone 1 into this shape, for example, while viewing the game screen displayed on the display screen 21, the user operates the operation buttons 33 a and 33 b with the right hand finger and scrolls the operation keys 22. It becomes possible to play a game by operating with a finger of the left hand as a button, that is, it becomes possible to make the mobile phone 1 an optimal shape as a game machine. Also in this case, the upper casing 2 is moved to the lower casing 3 at the relative positions of the upper casing 2 and the lower casing 3 where the operation buttons 33a and 33b are completely exposed to the outside and can be used. It is desirable to provide slide locking means for locking and holding the arrangement. Further, when the mobile phone 1 is used as a game machine as described above, the user uses the mobile phone 1 by rotating the mobile phone 1 by 90 °. Therefore, the vertical direction of the display in the display screen 21 depends on the viewing direction of the user. For example, it is desirable to control the display direction of the display screen 21 by the CPU 201 or a display control means provided separately.

  11 shows a state in which the display screen provided in the lower housing is exposed by further sliding the upper housing downward from the state in which the operation buttons of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 10 are exposed. It is a perspective view. For example, when the operation buttons 33a and 33b shown in FIG. 10 are exposed to the outside, the upper housing 2 is further slid downward along the slide axis with respect to the lower housing 3 to thereby operate the operation buttons 33a and 33b. The display screen 31 arranged below 33b can be exposed to the outside (state shown in FIG. 11).

  The mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 11 has a configuration in which two display screens 21 and 31 arranged in each of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 simultaneously face substantially the same direction. It is a convenient shape when using features that make use of features. As a mode in which the features of the two-screen display can be utilized, for example, when using a videophone, the video received from the other party is displayed on one display screen and the video transmitted to the other party is displayed on the other display screen. For example, there is a case of checking or reading a sentence on one display screen while looking up the dictionary on the other display screen to check the meaning of the word. In this case as well, the upper case 2 is positioned relative to the lower case 3 at a relative position of the upper case 2 and the lower case 3 where the display screen 31 is completely exposed to the outside and can be used. It is desirable to provide slide locking means for locking and holding the arrangement.

  Further, the user slides the upper housing 2 with respect to the lower housing 3 in both directions along the slide axis from the storage state in which the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are overlapped, and the slide rail 24, The upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 can be separated by releasing the engagement of the upper housing 2, and conversely, the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 can be returned from the separated state to the housed state. Is possible.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to use the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 in a separated state by disengaging the slide rails 24 and 34. As described above, in this case, the wireless I / Fs 212 and 312 perform wireless communication, and signal transmission is performed between the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3. Accordingly, for example, different users have the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 to view the same or different displays on the display screens 21 and 31, and each of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 can be viewed. By using as a transceiver, it becomes possible for different users to have a conversation within a range where wireless communication can be performed by the wireless I / Fs 212 and 312. In addition, the user can browse the display screen 21 while imaging his / her face with the imaging camera 23 of the upper casing 2, and make a telephone call by using the mobile phone 1 by making the lower casing 3 close to the head periphery. This is also useful when making a telephone call.

  As described above, in the mobile phone 1 according to the present invention, the relative positions of the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are changed in various ways, so that the mobile phone 1 can be used in accordance with each usage form of a plurality of functions. The shape can be realized. In the above, the shape shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 is a shape useful when the mobile phone 1 is accommodated, the shape shown in FIG. 9 is a shape useful when making a call, mail creation and transmission / reception, and FIG. The shape is a shape useful when using a two-screen display, the shape shown in FIG. 11 is a shape useful when the mobile phone 1 is used as a game machine, and the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 shown in FIG. 2 are separated. Although the state has been described as being useful when a videophone is used or when the upper housing 2 and the lower housing 3 are used as transceivers that communicate with each other, the usage state of the mobile phone 1 and the mobile phone 1 The relationship with the shape is not limited, and the user can use any function with any shape. Each of the above functions is an example, and the mobile phone 1 can realize various other functions.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is a multifunctional mobile phone that is excellent in convenience, portability, and design, and that can change the arrangement of members constituting the housing in accordance with the usage of each of a plurality of functions. And can be applied as a multi-function mobile phone capable of changing the arrangement of members constituting the housing in accordance with the usage pattern.

The block diagram which shows the internal structure of the mobile telephone in embodiment of this invention The perspective view of each of the upper housing | casing and lower housing | casing of the mobile telephone in embodiment of this invention (a) The perspective view of an upper housing | casing (b) The perspective view of a lower housing | casing The perspective view which shows the accommodation state which accumulated the upper housing | casing and the lower housing | casing of the mobile telephone in embodiment of this invention. The front view of the accommodation state of the mobile phone shown in FIG. The rear view of the storage state of the mobile phone shown in FIG. The right side view of the storage state of the mobile phone shown in FIG. Top view of the cellular phone shown in FIG. The bottom view of the storage state of the mobile phone shown in FIG. The perspective view which shows the state which made the upper housing | casing slide upward from the accommodation state of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. 3-8, and the numeric keypad provided in the lower housing | casing was exposed. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which an operation button provided on the lower housing is exposed by sliding the upper housing downward from the storage state of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display screen provided in the lower housing is exposed by further sliding the upper housing downward from the state in which the operation buttons of the mobile phone shown in FIG. 10 are exposed.

Explanation of symbols

1 Mobile phone 2 Upper housing (first housing)
3 Lower housing (second housing)
21, 31 Display screen 22 Operation key 23 Imaging camera 24, 34 Slide rail (slide engagement means)
32 Numeric keys 33a, 33b Operation buttons 201, 301 CPU
202, 302 RAM
203, 303 ROM
204, 304 Display unit 205, 305 Operation unit 206 Imaging unit 207, 307 Audio input unit 208, 308 Audio output unit 209, 309 Inter-chassis communication unit 210, 310 Connection switching unit 211, 311 Connection I / F (connection interface)
212, 312 Wireless I / F (wireless interface)
306 Communication unit

Claims (7)

A mobile phone comprising a first casing and a second casing having substantially the same shape as the first casing,
The first casing can slide relative to the second casing at least between the first relative position and the second relative position along a predetermined slide axis. And slide engaging means for engaging the first housing with the second housing;
First slide locking means for locking the first housing at the first relative position;
Second slide locking means for locking the first housing at the second relative position;
The first casing is located between the first relative position and the second relative position, and the first casing and the second casing overlap each other. A third slide locking means for locking at a relative position of 3,
Mobile phone having.   When the first casing is arranged at the third relative position, it is not exposed to the outside, and when the first casing is arranged at the first relative position, it is exposed to the outside. The mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit that enables an operation by a user at a predetermined position on the second casing. A second operating means disposed in the first casing that is always exposed to the outside regardless of the relative position with respect to the second casing;
When the first casing is disposed at the third relative position, it is not exposed to the outside, and when the first casing is disposed at the second relative position, it is exposed to the outside. A third operation means that allows a user to perform an operation at a predetermined position on the second housing;
The mobile phone according to claim 2. A fourth slide locking means for locking the first housing at a fourth relative position including the second relative position between the first housing and the first relative position;
When the first casing is arranged at the third relative position, it is not exposed to the outside, and when the first casing is arranged at the fourth relative position, it is exposed to the outside. Display means for displaying information at a predetermined location on the second casing;
The first housing can slide relative to the second housing between the second relative position and the fourth relative position along the predetermined slide axis. The mobile phone according to claim 3, wherein the slide engagement means is configured.   The first casing is relative to the second casing across the range between the first relative position and the fourth relative position along the predetermined slide axis. The slide engagement means is configured to be slidable, and the first casing slides beyond a range between the first relative position and the fourth relative position. The mobile phone according to claim 4, wherein the first casing is separated from the second casing by disengaging the slide engaging means. Both the first and second housings have wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with each other,
The signal transmission between the first and second housings is performed by the wireless communication means when at least the first housing is separated from the second housing. 5. The mobile phone according to 5. The mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for controlling a display direction in the display screen of the display means.