JP2004138092A

JP2004138092A - Mobile type electronic device

Info

Publication number: JP2004138092A
Application number: JP2002300686A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kazuaki Takamori; 高森　一明; Noriyoshi Sato; 佐藤　則喜; Kazunori Sato; 佐藤　和則; Takeshi Sato; 佐藤　健; Tomoji Kosugi; 小杉　知司
Original assignee: NTT Docomo Inc; Panasonic Mobile Communications Co Ltd
Current assignee: NTT Docomo Inc; Panasonic Mobile Communications Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-15
Filing date: 2002-10-15
Publication date: 2004-05-13
Also published as: CN1782447A; CN1774579A

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mobile type electronic device provided with a hinge part having a turning function in a plurality of directions with two cases kept opened and stably held without rattling. <P>SOLUTION: This mobile type electronic device 1 is provided with the hinge part 30 connecting a first case 10 to a second case 20 in such a way that they can be opened and closed around a first turning axis 31, and that the first case 10 is turnable around a second turning axis 32 perpendicular to the first turning axis 31. The hinge part 30 includes a turning structure composing a turning preventing means. The first case 10 and the second case 20 are turnable around the first turning axis 31 to be opened and closed. In the case where the first case 10 and the second case 20 are opened in a prescribed angular range, the first case 10 is turnable around the second turning axis 32. When they are opened beyond the prescribed angular range, turning of the first case 10 around the second turning axis 32 is prevented, so that the cases will not rattle. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、２つの筐体をヒンジ部で連結して回動可能とした携帯型電子機器に関し、特に複数方向への回動機能を有する携帯型電子機器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、携帯型電子機器は、携帯電話に代表されるように小型化が進んでいく一方で、さらにテレビ電話機能、デジタルカメラ機能、デジタルビデオカメラ機能等、多種多様な機能が搭載されるようになってきている。複数の機能が１台の携帯型電子機器に合わせて搭載されることにより、同時に複数の携帯型電子機器を持ち運ぶ必要性が解消され、利便性が増大する。この結果、携帯型電子機器を携帯する利用者が増加している。
【０００３】
従来の開閉式の携帯型電子機器は、ヒンジ部を介し、第１筐体と第２筐体が開閉するのみの構造であった。このような携帯型電子機器に、無線通信回線による通話機能、テレビ電話機能、デジタルカメラ機能、デジタルビデオカメラ機能等の複数機能を同時に搭載する場合、操作性を向上させるために、ヒンジ部が第２の回動軸により回動する構造を備え、第１筐体の表示面がヒンジ部を介して第２筐体の操作面と直交方向にも回動できるようにした技術が提案されている（例えば、特許文献１及び２参照）。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−１６９１６６号公報
【特許文献２】
特開平１１−３０２２６号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上述したような複数方向への回動機能を有する従来の携帯型電子機器では、電話機能を用いて無線通信回線による通話をする際、使用者が第２筐体を手で把持し、受話部を備えた第１筐体を耳に押し当てたときに、ヒンジ部の回動構造によって筐体が容易に回動してしまう。この状態では、第１筐体がぐらついて受話部が耳から離れ、通話しにくいという問題があった。
【０００６】
本発明は、上記課題を解決するためになされたもので、複数方向への回動機能を有するヒンジ部を備えた携帯型電子機器において、電話機能による通話時に一方の筐体を耳に押し当てた場合など、２つの筐体を開いた状態で筐体がぐらつくことなく、安定して保持することができ、使用時の取扱性を向上できる携帯型電子機器を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明の携帯型電子機器は、表示部を備える第１筐体と、操作部を備える第２筐体と、前記第１筐体及び前記第２筐体を回動可能に連結するヒンジ部とを有してなる携帯型電子機器であって、前記ヒンジ部は、前記第１筐体と前記第２筐体とが開いた状態から対向するように閉じた状態まで回動する際の軸となる第１の回動軸と、前記第１筐体及び前記第２筐体が前記第１の回動軸周りに所定の角度の範囲で開いた状態で、前記第１筐体または前記第２筐体の一方が前記第１の回動軸の回動方向と直交する方向に回動する際の軸となる第２の回動軸とを有し、前記所定の角度の範囲を越えて前記第１筐体と前記第２筐体とが開かれた状態では、前記第１筐体または前記第２筐体の前記第２の回動軸周りの回動を防止する回動防止手段を備えたことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
この構成によれば、第１筐体及び第２筐体を所定の角度の範囲を越えて開いた状態では、第１筐体及び第２筐体が第２の回動軸周りに回動することがないので、２つの筐体を開いた状態で筐体がぐらつくことなく、安定して保持することができる携帯型電子機器を提供可能である。
【０００９】
また、本発明の携帯型電子機器は、無線通信回線による通話機能を実現する通話手段を備え、前記通話手段からの通話音声を出力し受話するためのレシーバを前記第１筐体に配設し、前記通話手段へ通話音声を入力し送話するためのマイクを前記第２筐体または前記第１筐体に配設し、前記レシーバ及び前記マイクが互いに略同一方向を向いて前記第１筐体及び前記第２筐体が開かれている場合に前記通話手段が機能することを特徴とする。
【００１０】
この構成によれば、通話時などに使用者が第１筐体と第２筐体を所定角度以上開き、第２筐体を把持して第１筐体を耳に押し当てた状態でも、筐体がぐらぐらすることなく安定保持され、良好な使用状態で送受話しやすい携帯型電子機器を提供可能である。
【００１１】
また、本発明の携帯型電子機器は、前記第１筐体の表示部表示面側に第１の撮像素子を収納した第１撮像部を配設し、前記表示部は、前記第１撮像部で撮像した画像を表示する機能を有することを特徴とする。
【００１２】
この構成によれば、例えば携帯電話のような表示部が通常使用時で縦長の画面に第１撮像部で撮像した横長の画像を表示するような場合、第１の回動軸周りに回動させて第１筐体と第２筐体とのなす角度を略９０°とし、表示部の表示画面を横長の位置にして画像表示を横長に切り換えることによって、使用者に見やすい表示を提供できる。また、第１筐体と第２筐体とを所定角度以上開いて通話等を行う場合は、ヒンジ部の回動防止手段により第２の回動軸周りの回動が防止されるので、筐体がぐらぐらすることなく安定保持され、良好な使用状態で送受話等を行うことが可能である。
【００１３】
また、本発明の携帯型電子機器は、前記第１筐体において前記第１撮像部と相反する方向に向けて第２の撮像素子を収納した第２撮像部を配設し、前記表示部は、前記第１撮像部及び前記第２撮像部で撮像した画像を表示する機能を有することを特徴とする。
【００１４】
この構成によれば、例えば携帯電話のような表示部が通常使用時で縦長の画面に第１撮像部で撮像した横長の画像を表示するような場合、あるいは、表示部をモニタとして第２撮像部で撮像した画像を表示して使用者がこれを見ながら撮影する場合、もしくは、表示部をモニタとして第１撮像部と第２撮像部で撮像した画像を同時に表示して使用者がこれらを見ながら撮影する場合など、第１の回動軸周りに回動させて第１筐体と第２筐体とのなす角度を略９０°とすることで、使用者に見やすい表示を提供できる。また、第２撮像部によって表示部と反対側の画像を撮像することで、表示部の表示画面をモニタとしてカメラのファインダのように利用し、撮影画像を確認ながら撮像することが可能である。
【００１５】
また、本発明の携帯型電子機器は、前記ヒンジ部において前記第１の回動軸方向に向けて第２の撮像素子を収納した第２の撮像部を配設し、前記表示部は、前記第１撮像部及び前記第２撮像部で撮像した画像を表示する機能を有することを特徴とする。
【００１６】
この構成によれば、例えば携帯電話のような表示部が通常使用時で縦長の画面に第１撮像部で撮像した横長の画像を表示するような場合、あるいは、表示部をモニタとして第２撮像部で撮像した画像を表示して使用者がこれを見ながら撮影する場合、もしくは、表示部をモニタとして第１撮像部と第２撮像部で撮像した画像を同時に表示して使用者がこれらを見ながら撮影する場合など、第１の回動軸周りに回動させて第１筐体と第２筐体とのなす角度を略９０°とすることで、使用者に見やすい表示を提供できる。また、第２撮像部によって第１の回動軸方向に沿った表示部と反対方向の画像を撮像することで、表示部の表示画面をモニタとしてカメラのファインダのように利用し、撮影画像を確認ながら撮像することが可能である。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態を説明する。
図１は本発明の第１実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図である。この図１は、第１実施形態の携帯型電子機器１において、第１回動軸３１の軸周りに第１筐体１０を回動させて開いた状態（第１の開いた状態）を示している。
【００１８】
携帯型電子機器１は、表示部１１を備える第１筐体１０と、操作部２１を備える第２筐体２０とを有し、これらの第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０を第１回動軸３１で開閉可能に、かつ第１筐体１０を第１回動軸３１と直交方向の第２回動軸３２で回動可能なように、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを連結するヒンジ部３０を備えて構成されている。
【００１９】
この携帯型電子機器１の第１筐体１０には、筐体を開いた際に露呈する主面部に、各種表示を行う表示部１１と、表示部１１の前方を撮像するための第１の撮像素子を収納した第１撮像部１２と、通話音声を出力し受話するためのレシーバ１３とが配置されている。第２筐体２０には、前記主面部に、複数の操作キーからなる操作部２１と、通話音声を入力し送話するためのマイク２２とが配置され、側面部には第１筐体１０または第２筐体２０に第２の撮像素子を収納した第２撮像部（図示せず）を操作するための第２撮像部操作キー２３が配置されている。第１実施形態では、ヒンジ部３０は第２筐体２０側の基端部に設けられ、第１筐体１０と連結される構造となっており、第１回動軸３１がヒンジ部３０の長手方向に形成され、第２回動軸３２が第１筐体１０の中心部において第１回動軸３１と直交方向に形成される。
【００２０】
図１では、レシーバ１３とマイク２２が互いにほぼ同一方向を向くように第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回動して開かれている。また、携帯型電子機器１は、無線通信回線による通話機能を実行可能にする無線通信部、音声信号処理部などの通話手段を有する。なお、第２撮像部操作キー２３は、第２撮像部が設けられていない場合などに、第１撮像部１２の撮像部操作キーとして使用可能にしても良い。
【００２１】
本実施形態では、図１に示すように、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回動し、所定の角度の範囲を越えて（例えば１２０°以上）第１筐体１０を開いた状態では、第２回動軸３２の軸周りの回動を防止する回動防止手段を備えている。この回動防止手段については後で詳述する。この構成により、例えば使用者が電話機能を用いて無線通信回線による通話をする際、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを図１に示すように開いた場合に、第２筐体２０を手で把持して第１筐体１０を耳に押し当てても、第１筐体１０が回動しないので、筐体がぐらぐらすることなく安定保持され、良好な使用状態で送受話することができる。
【００２２】
図２は第１実施形態の携帯型電子機器１において筐体を閉じた状態を示す斜視図である。この場合、ヒンジ部３０において第１回動軸３１の軸周りに第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０が回動し、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが対向して両筐体の主面部が向き合って重なるように閉じられる。
【００２３】
図３は第１実施形態の携帯型電子機器１において第１筐体１０を第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動させた状態（第２の開いた状態）を示す斜視図である。この場合、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが所定の角度の範囲で第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回動して開いている状態で、第１筐体１０が第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動可能となっている。これにより、例えば携帯電話のような表示部１１が通常使用時で縦長の表示画面において第１撮像部１２で撮像した横長の画像を表示する場合などに、第１筐体１０を回動させて表示画面を横長の状態にすることができる。すなわち、第１筐体１０を第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動させて第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とのなす角度を約９０°とし、表示部１１の表示画面を横長の位置にして画像表示を横長に切り換えることによって、使用者に見やすい表示を提供できる。
【００２４】
次に、本実施形態のヒンジ部３０の構成について詳細に説明する。図４は本実施形態の携帯型電子機器１においてヒンジ部３０に設けられる回転構造体２の第１の状態における構成を示す斜視図である。この図４は、回転構造体２の第１の状態として、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが第１回動軸３１の軸周りに所定の角度で開いた状態で、第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回転をしているときの状態を示している。この回転構造体２において前記回動防止手段が構成されるようになっている。
【００２５】
回転構造体２は、第１回動軸３１の回動中心となる第１回転軸部３３と、この第１回転軸部３３を保持固定するための円筒状の第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５とを有している。また、回転構造体２は、第２回動軸３２の回動中心となる第２回転軸部３６と、この第２回転軸部３６に連結された長円板状の回転規制板３７とを有している。この回転規制板３７は、第２回転軸部３６と一緒に第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回動するとともに、第２回転軸部３６と連動して回転し、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが所定の角度の範囲を越えて開いた状態では第２回転軸部３６の第２回動軸３２の軸周り回転を防止する機能を有している。
【００２６】
また、第１回転軸部３３と第２回転軸部３６とを保持固定するための保持板３８と、第２回転軸部３６の先端部を第１筐体１０に取付固定するための第１筐体取付け板３９と、第１回転軸部３３の両端部をそれぞれ第２筐体２０に取付固定するための第２筐体取付け板Ａ４０及び第２筐体取付け板Ｂ４１とを有している。さらに、第１回転軸部３３を第２筐体取付け板Ａ４０及び第２筐体取付け板Ｂ４１に保持固定するための第１回転軸止め輪４２が、第２筐体取付け板Ａ４０及び第２筐体取付け板Ｂ４１にそれぞれ装着されている。
【００２７】
第１回転軸部３３は、両端部が第１回転軸止め輪４２によって軸の抜け防止がなされた状態で第２筐体取付け板Ａ４０及び第２筐体取付け板Ｂ４１に保持固定されている。これにより、第１回転軸部３３は、第２筐体取付け板Ａ４０及び第２筐体取付け板Ｂ４１に対して第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回転可能となっている。
【００２８】
第２回転軸部３６は、回転規制板３７と第１筐体取付け板３９とがカシメにより固定され、基端部が保持板３８によって第１回転軸部３３に対し回動可能に保持固定されている。これにより、第２回転軸部３６は、第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回動するとともに、第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回転可能となっている。
【００２９】
図５は本実施形態の回転構造体２の第１の状態での要部を拡大した平面図であり、図４に示した回転構造体２の第１の状態において、第２回動軸３２方向から見た第２回転軸部３６、回転規制板３７、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の構成を拡大して示したものである。
【００３０】
回転規制板３７は、第２回転軸部３６と同心円となる円周上に外形が形成される円弧部３７ａと、第２回転軸部３６の中心の第２回動軸３２をはさんで互いに平行で軸から同一距離にある弦部３７ｂとを有し、円板を平行線で切り欠いた長円状の板部材で構成される。
【００３１】
第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５は、第２回転軸部３６が第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回動可能なように、第２回転軸部３６を挟んで所定間隔をあけて対向して配置される。これらの第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５における第２回転軸部３６側の端部には、円弧状の切欠き部３４ａ，３５ａが形成されている。この切欠き部３４ａ，３５ａは、第２回転軸部３６と同心円状となったときに、回転規制板３７の円弧部３７ａよりも若干大きな円周上に外形が形成されている。
【００３２】
回転規制板３７は、第２回転軸部３６に固定されているため、第２回転軸部３６が回転して第１筐体１０が第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動するときに、その回動と連動して第２回転軸部３６とともに回転する。このとき、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の切欠き部３４ａ，３５ａは、回転規制板３７の円弧部３７ａよりも大きいため、図５の状態では、回転規制板３７が第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５に当たって回転が規制されることはない。よって、この場合は第２回転軸部３６が自由に回転可能であり、第１筐体取付け板３９を回転させて第１筐体１０を第２回動軸３２の軸回りに回動させることが可能となっている。
【００３３】
図６は本実施形態の回転構造体２の第２の状態における構成を示す斜視図である。この図６は、回転構造体２の第２の状態として、図１に示したように携帯型電子機器１の第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが第１回動軸３１の軸周りに所定の角度の範囲を越えて開いた状態において、第２回動軸３２の軸周りでの回転を規制しているときの状態を示している。この場合、図４の状態より、第２回転軸部３６が第１回動軸３１の軸周りにさらに回動し、第２筐体取付け板Ａ４０及び第２筐体取付け板Ｂ４１に対して傾いている。
【００３４】
図７は本実施形態の回転構造体２の第２の状態での要部を拡大した平面図であり、図６に示した回転構造体２の第２の状態において、第２回動軸３２方向から見た第２回転軸部３６、回転規制板３７、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の構成を拡大して示したものである。
【００３５】
この状態では、第２回転軸部３６及び回転規制板３７が第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の切欠き部３４ａ，３５ａの位置から外れている。第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の平行端部３４ｄ，３５ｄは、第２回転軸部３６の中心の第２回動軸３２をはさんで互いに平行で軸から同一距離にあり、かつ回転規制板３７の弦部３７ｂの幅よりも大きな間隔となる平行線上に外形が形成されている。
【００３６】
このとき、回転規制板３７の円弧部３７ａの外径が第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の平行端部３４ｄ，３５ｄの間隔よりも大きいため、回転規制板３７の弦部３７ｂの外形が第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の平行端部３４ｄ，３５ｄに当接する。このため、回転規制板３７により第２回転軸部３６の回転が規制されるので、第２回転軸部３６に固定されている第１筐体取付け板３９が回動して第１筐体１０が回動しないよう回転規制をすることができる。したがって、上記回転構造体２の構成によって回動防止手段が実現可能となる。
【００３７】
図８は本実施形態の回転構造体の第１変形例を示す平面図である。この図８は、図４に示した回転構造体２の第１の状態において、第２回動軸３２方向から見た第２回転軸部３６、回転規制板３７、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の構成を拡大して示したものである。
【００３８】
この第１変形例は、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５において切欠き範囲を拡張した切欠き部３４ｂ，３５ｂを設けたものである。この切欠き部３４ｂ，３５ｂは、図５の構成と同様に回転規制板３７の円弧部３７ａよりも若干大きな円弧部３４ｅ，３５ｅと、この円弧部３４ｅ，３５ｅの弧の接線上に外形が形成される底部３４ｆ，３５ｆとを有する。この底部３４ｆ，３５ｆは、両端の円弧部３４ｅ，３５ｅを繋ぐように平行端部３４ｄ，３５ｄと平行に直線状に形成される。すなわち、第１変形例の切欠き部３４ｂ，３５ｂは、第２回転軸部３６を第１回動軸３１の軸周り方向に回動させた場合に、図５の切欠き部３４ａ，３５ａを回動方向に延長した形状となっている。
【００３９】
したがって、図８に示すように、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の切欠き部３４ｂ，３５ｂの範囲内に第２回転軸部３６及び回転規制板３７が位置する状態では、回転規制板３７が回転規制を受けずに第２回転軸部３６が自由に回転可能である。一方、第２回転軸部３６及び回転規制板３７が切欠き部３４ｂ，３５ｂの範囲より外れた場合は、回転規制板３７の外形が第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５に当接し、第２回転軸部３６の回転が規制される。
【００４０】
上記構成により、第１筐体１０は第２筐体２０に対し第１回動軸３１の軸周りで回動するとともに、所定の角度の範囲で開いた状態において第２回動軸３２の軸周りで回転させることが可能であり、さらに所定の角度の範囲を越えた場合は第２回動軸３２の軸周りでの回転を規制することが可能となる。この第２変形例は、図４〜図７に示した構成に比べて、第１筐体１０が第２回動軸３２の軸周りで回動可能な範囲を少し広げたものとなる。
【００４１】
図９は本実施形態の回転構造体の第２変形例を示す平面図である。この図９は、図４に示した回転構造体２の第１の状態において、第２回動軸３２方向から見た第２回転軸部３６、回転規制板３７、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の構成を拡大して示したものである。
【００４２】
この第２変形例は、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５において切欠き範囲を第１変形例よりもさらに拡張した切欠き部３４ｃ，３５ｃを設けたものである。この切欠き部３４ｃ，３５ｃは、図８の構成と同様に回転規制板３７の円弧部３７ａよりも若干大きな円弧部３４ｅ，３５ｅと、この円弧部３４ｅ，３５ｅの弧の接線上に外形が形成される底部３４ｆ，３５ｆとを有し、底部３４ｆ，３５ｆの長さを図８よりも延長した形に形成されている。図９の例では、切欠き部３４ｃ，３５ｃが形成された範囲が第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５の外周の略半周分となっている。
【００４３】
このため、第２変形例の構成では、図８に示した第１変形例に比べて、第１筐体１０が第２回動軸３２の軸周りで回動可能な範囲をさらに広げたものとなる。このように、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５に設ける切欠き部の範囲を変えることによって、第２回動軸３２の軸周りで回動可能となる所定の角度の範囲を任意に設定することができる。
【００４４】
なお、図８及び図９に示した第１及び第２変形例において、第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５に設ける切欠き部における両端の円弧部を繋ぐ底部は、回転規制板３７の外周部が当接しない範囲であれば、図示例の直線以外に、曲線などでも良く、その形状は問わない。
【００４５】
図１０は本発明の第２実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図である。
【００４６】
第２実施形態は、図１に示した第１実施形態において各要素の配置構成を変更した例である。第１筐体１０には、筐体を開いた際に露呈する主面部に、表示部１１の表示面側上部に前方を撮像するための第１の撮像素子を収納した第１撮像部１２と通話音声を出力し受話するためのレシーバ１３とが配置され、表示部１１の表示面側下部に通話音声を入力し送話するためのマイク１４が配置されている。なお、第２筐体２０には、第１筐体１０または第２筐体２０に配設された第２撮像部（図示せず）を操作するための第２撮像部操作キー２３が側面部に設けられているが、第２撮像部が設けられていない場合などに、第２撮像部操作キー２３を設けない構成としても良いし、第１撮像部１２の撮像部操作キーとして使用可能にしても良い。
【００４７】
図１１は図１に示した第１実施形態または図１０に示した第２実施形態の携帯型電子機器において、第１筐体１０を第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動させて第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とがなす角度を略９０°とした場合の構成を示す平面図である。
【００４８】
第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを連結するヒンジ部３０に設けた回転構造体２は、図４及び図５に示すように、回転規制板３７の外形が第１回転軸ホルダーＡ３４及び第１回転軸ホルダーＢ３５に当たらない状態になっている。このため、第１筐体１０が第２回動軸３２の軸周りに任意に回動可能である。例えば、図示例のように、第１筐体１０の開閉時に表示部１１が縦長の表示画面において、表示部１１の表示面側に設けられた第１撮像部１２で撮像した横長の画像を表示する場合などに、第１筐体１０を回動させて第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とのなす角度を約９０°とする。そして、表示部１１の表示画面を横長の位置にした状態で画像表示を横長に切り換えることにより、使用者に見やすい画像表示を提供できる。
【００４９】
一方、使用者が電話機能を用いて無線通信回線による通話をする際には、図１または図１０に示すように、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回動させ、所定の角度の範囲を越えて開いた状態とする。この状態では、ヒンジ部３０に設けた回転構造体２において実現される回動防止手段によって、第１筐体１０が第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動することを防止できる。これにより、使用者が通話時等に第２筐体２０を手で把持して第１筐体１０を耳に押し当てても、筐体がぐらぐらすることなく安定保持され、良好な使用状態で送受話することができる。
【００５０】
図１２は本発明の第３実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図である。この図１２は、図１１と同様に第１筐体１０を第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動させて第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とがなす角度を略９０°とした場合の構成を示している。
【００５１】
第３実施形態は、図１に示した第１実施形態における第２撮像部の配置構成を例示したものである。第１筐体１０には、表示部１１の表示面（主面部）とは相反する面（反対側の背面部）の先端部側、すなわち第１筐体１０の末端部近傍に、表示部１１の後方を撮像するための第２の撮像素子を収納した第２撮像部１５が配設されている。
【００５２】
図１３は本発明の第４実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図である。この図１３は、図１２と同様に第１筐体１０を第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動させて第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とがなす角度を略９０°とした場合の構成を示している。
【００５３】
第４実施形態は、図１２に示した第３実施形態の変形例である。第１筐体１０には、表示部１１の表示面（主面部）とは相反する面（反対側の背面部）の基端部側、すなわちヒンジ部３０近傍に、表示部１１の後方を撮像するための第２の撮像素子を収納した第２撮像部１５が配設されている。
【００５４】
上記のように構成された第３実施形態及び第４実施形態では、第２撮像部１５で撮像した画像を表示部１１に表示できるようになっている。このため、第２撮像部１５によって表示部１１と反対側の画像を撮像することで、表示部１１の表示画面をモニタとしてカメラのファインダのように利用し、撮影画像を確認ながら撮像することが可能である。
【００５５】
なお、第２撮像部１５を配置する位置は、第１筐体１０の主面部（表示部表示面）とは相反する方向の背面部であれば、例えば中央部付近であっても第３実施形態及び第４実施形態と同様の作用効果を得ることができる。
【００５６】
図１４は本発明の第５実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図である。この図１４は、図１１と同様に第１筐体１０を第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動させて第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とがなす角度を略９０°とした場合の構成を示している。
【００５７】
第５実施形態は、図１に示した第１実施形態における第２撮像部の他の配置構成を例示したものである。第２筐体２０には、ヒンジ部３０の第１回動軸３１方向に向いた一方の側面部に、第２の撮像素子を収納した第２撮像部２４が配設されている。
【００５８】
この第５実施形態では、図１４のように第１筐体１０を第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動させて第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とがなす角度を略９０°とした場合に、第２撮像部２４によって表示部１１の後方の画像を撮像することができる。したがって、表示部１１の表示画面をモニタとしてカメラのファインダのように利用し、第２撮像部２４によって撮影画像を確認ながら撮像することが可能である。
【００５９】
一方、第３〜第５実施形態において、使用者が電話機能を用いて無線通信回線による通話をする際には、図１に示すように第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回動させて所定の角度の範囲を越えて開いた状態とする。この場合、ヒンジ部３０に設けた回転構造体２による回動防止手段によって、第１筐体１０が第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動することを防止できる。したがって、使用者が通話時等に第２筐体２０を手で把持して第１筐体１０を耳に押し当てても、筐体がぐらぐらすることなく安定保持され、良好な使用状態で送受話することができる。
【００６０】
図１５は本発明の第６実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図である。
【００６１】
第６実施形態は、図１に示した第１実施形態に対してヒンジ部の配置構成を変更した例である。携帯型電子機器５１は、表示部１１を備える第１筐体１０と、操作部２１を備える第２筐体２０とを有し、これらの第１筐体１０及び第２筐体２０を第１回動軸３１で開閉可能に、かつ第２筐体２０を第２回動軸３２で回動可能に連結するヒンジ部３０を備えて構成されている。
【００６２】
すなわち、第６実施形態では、ヒンジ部３０は第１筐体１０側の基端部に設けられ、第２筐体２０と連結される構造となっており、第１回動軸３１がヒンジ部３０の長手方向に形成され、第２回動軸３２が第２筐体２０の中心部において第１回動軸３１と直交方向に形成される。
【００６３】
この第６実施形態においても、図４〜図７に示した第１実施形態と同様の回転構造体２をヒンジ部３０に設けることによって、回動防止手段を構成することが可能である。この場合、図４及び図６に示した第１筐体取付け板３９を第２筐体取付け板とし、第２筐体取付け板Ａ４０及び第２筐体取付け板Ｂ４１をそれぞれ第１筐体取付け板Ａ及び第１筐体取付け板Ｂとして構成すればよい。この回転構造体２において実現される回動防止手段によって、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが第１回動軸３１の軸周りに回動して所定の角度の範囲を越えて開いた状態では、第２筐体２０が第２回動軸３２の軸周りに回動することを防止できる。これにより、使用者が通話時等に第２筐体２０を手で把持して第１筐体１０を耳に押し当てても、筐体がぐらぐらすることなく安定保持され、良好な使用状態で送受話することができる。
【００６４】
上述した各実施形態では、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とを第１回動軸３１周りに開閉可能に、かつ第２回動軸３２周りに回動可能なように両筐体を連結するヒンジ部３０を備えた複数方向への回動機能を有する携帯型電子機器において、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが第１回動軸３１周りに回動して所定の角度の範囲で開いた状態では、第１筐体１０または第２筐体２０を第２回動軸３２周りに任意に回動可能とし、第１筐体１０と第２筐体２０とが前記所定の角度の範囲を超えて開いた状態では、第１筐体１０または第２筐体２０が第２回動軸３２周りに回動することを防止するように構成した回転構造体２を設けている。これにより、電話機能による通話時に一方の筐体を耳に押し当てた状態などにおいて、２つの筐体を開いた状態で筐体がぐらつくことなく、安定して保持することができるので、送受話がしやすく、良好な使用状態を保ち使用時の取扱性を向上することのできる携帯型電子機器を提供することが可能となる。
【００６５】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によれば、複数方向への回動機能を有するヒンジ部を備えた携帯型電子機器において、電話機能による通話時に一方の筐体を耳に押し当てた場合など、２つの筐体を開いた状態で筐体がぐらつくことなく、安定して保持することができ、使用時の取扱性を向上することが可能な携帯型電子機器を提供できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図
【図２】第１実施形態の携帯型電子機器において筐体を閉じた状態を示す斜視図
【図３】第１実施形態の携帯型電子機器において第１筐体を第２回動軸の軸周りに回動させた状態を示す斜視図
【図４】本実施形態の携帯型電子機器においてヒンジ部に設けられる回転構造体の第１の状態における構成を示す斜視図
【図５】本実施形態の回転構造体の第１の状態での要部を拡大した平面図であり、第２回動軸方向から見た拡大図
【図６】本実施形態の携帯型電子機器においてヒンジ部に設けられる回転構造体の第２の状態における構成を示す斜視図
【図７】本実施形態の回転構造体の第２の状態での要部を拡大した平面図であり、第２回動軸方向から見た拡大図
【図８】本実施形態の回転構造体の第１変形例を示す平面図
【図９】本実施形態の回転構造体の第２変形例を示す平面図
【図１０】本発明の第２実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図
【図１１】図１に示した第１実施形態または図１０に示した第２実施形態の携帯型電子機器において、第１筐体を第２回動軸の軸周りに回動させて第１筐体と第２筐体とがなす角度を略９０°とした場合の構成を示す平面図
【図１２】本発明の第３実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図
【図１３】本発明の第４実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図
【図１４】本発明の第５実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図
【図１５】本発明の第６実施形態に係る携帯型電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図
【符号の説明】
１，５１　携帯型電子機器
２　回転構造体
１０　第１筐体
１１　表示部
１２　第１撮像部
１３　レシーバ
１４，２２　マイク
１５，２４　第２撮像部
２０　第２筐体
２１　操作部
２３　第２撮像部操作キー
３０　ヒンジ部
３１　第１回動軸
３２　第２回動軸
３３　第１回転軸部
３４　第１回転軸ホルダーＡ
３５　第１回転軸ホルダーＢ
３６　第２回転軸部
３７　回転規制板
３８　保持板
３９　第１筐体取付け板
４０　第２筐体取付け板Ａ
４１　第２筐体取付け板Ｂ
４２　第１回転軸止め輪[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable electronic device that is rotatable by connecting two housings by a hinge portion, and particularly to a portable electronic device having a function of rotating in a plurality of directions.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, portable electronic devices have been reduced in size as typified by mobile phones, and have been equipped with a wide variety of functions such as videophone functions, digital camera functions, and digital video camera functions. It has become to. By mounting a plurality of functions in one portable electronic device, the necessity to carry the plurality of portable electronic devices at the same time is eliminated, and convenience is increased. As a result, the number of users who carry portable electronic devices is increasing.
[0003]
Conventional openable portable electronic devices have a structure in which only a first housing and a second housing are opened and closed via a hinge portion. When such a portable electronic device is simultaneously equipped with a plurality of functions such as a call function using a wireless communication line, a videophone function, a digital camera function, and a digital video camera function, a hinge portion is provided to improve operability. A technology has been proposed in which a structure is provided in which the display surface of the first housing is rotated by the two rotation shafts so that the display surface of the first housing can also be rotated in a direction orthogonal to the operation surface of the second housing via a hinge. (See, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-169166 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-11-30226
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in a conventional portable electronic device having a rotation function in a plurality of directions as described above, when making a call through a wireless communication line using a telephone function, a user holds the second housing by hand, When the first housing provided with the earpiece is pressed against the ear, the housing is easily turned by the turning structure of the hinge. In this state, there is a problem that the first housing is loosened, the receiving unit is separated from the ear, and it is difficult to talk.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in a portable electronic device having a hinge portion having a function of rotating in a plurality of directions, one of the housings is pressed against an ear during a telephone call. For example, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic device that can stably hold two housings in a state where the housings are opened without wobbling, and that can improve handling in use.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A portable electronic device according to an aspect of the invention includes a first housing including a display unit, a second housing including an operation unit, and a hinge unit that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing. Wherein the hinge portion is configured to rotate from an open state of the first housing and the second housing to a closed state facing each other. The first housing or the second housing in a state where the first housing and the first housing and the second housing are opened within a predetermined angle range around the first housing. A second rotation axis that is an axis when one of the housings rotates in a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the first rotation axis, and the second rotation axis extends beyond the predetermined angle range. When the first housing and the second housing are opened, a rotation preventing means is provided for preventing the first housing or the second housing from rotating around the second rotation axis. Was And wherein the door.
[0008]
According to this configuration, in a state where the first housing and the second housing are opened beyond the range of the predetermined angle, the first housing and the second housing rotate around the second rotation axis. Therefore, it is possible to provide a portable electronic device that can stably hold the two housings in a state where the two housings are opened, without wobbling.
[0009]
Further, the portable electronic device of the present invention includes a communication unit for realizing a communication function by a wireless communication line, and a receiver for outputting and receiving a communication voice from the communication unit is provided in the first housing. A microphone for inputting a call voice to the call means and transmitting the voice to the second housing or the first housing, wherein the receiver and the microphone face substantially the same direction as each other and the first housing The communication means functions when the body and the second housing are open.
[0010]
According to this configuration, even when the user opens the first housing and the second housing at a predetermined angle or more during a call, holds the second housing, and presses the first housing against his / her ear, It is possible to provide a portable electronic device that is stably held without shaking the body and that is easy to transmit and receive in a good use state.
[0011]
Further, in the portable electronic device of the present invention, a first image pickup unit accommodating a first image pickup device is disposed on a display unit display surface side of the first housing, and the display unit includes the first image pickup unit. Characterized by having a function of displaying an image picked up by.
[0012]
According to this configuration, for example, when a display unit such as a mobile phone displays a horizontally long image captured by the first imaging unit on a vertically long screen during normal use, the display unit rotates around the first rotation axis. By setting the angle between the first housing and the second housing to approximately 90 ° and setting the display screen of the display unit to be a horizontally long position and switching the image display to be horizontally long, it is possible to provide a user-friendly display. When the first housing and the second housing are opened by a predetermined angle or more to perform a call or the like, rotation around the second rotation axis is prevented by the rotation preventing means of the hinge portion. The body is stably held without shaking, and transmission and reception can be performed in a good use state.
[0013]
Further, in the portable electronic device of the present invention, a second imaging unit housing a second imaging element is provided in the first housing in a direction opposite to the first imaging unit, and the display unit includes And a function of displaying images captured by the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit.
[0014]
According to this configuration, for example, when a display unit such as a mobile phone displays a horizontally long image captured by the first imaging unit on a vertically long screen during normal use, or the second imaging unit uses the display unit as a monitor. When the user takes a picture while displaying the image taken by the section and the user looks at the picture, or the user uses the display section as a monitor to simultaneously display the images taken by the first and second imaging sections and allows the user to view them. For example, when taking a picture while viewing, by turning around the first rotation axis and setting the angle between the first housing and the second housing to approximately 90 °, a display that is easy for the user to see can be provided. Further, by capturing an image on the opposite side of the display unit by the second imaging unit, it is possible to use the display screen of the display unit as a monitor like a viewfinder of a camera and to capture an image while checking the captured image.
[0015]
In the portable electronic device of the present invention, a second imaging unit that accommodates a second imaging device in the hinge portion in the direction of the first rotation axis is provided, and the display unit includes the second imaging unit. It has a function of displaying images captured by the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit.
[0016]
According to this configuration, for example, when a display unit such as a mobile phone displays a horizontally long image captured by the first imaging unit on a vertically long screen during normal use, or the second imaging unit uses the display unit as a monitor. When the user takes a picture while displaying the image taken by the section and the user looks at the picture, or the user uses the display section as a monitor to simultaneously display the images taken by the first and second imaging sections and allows the user to view them. For example, when taking a picture while viewing, by turning around the first rotation axis and setting the angle between the first housing and the second housing to approximately 90 °, a display that is easy for the user to see can be provided. Further, by capturing an image in a direction opposite to the display unit along the first rotation axis direction by the second imaging unit, a display screen of the display unit is used as a monitor like a viewfinder of a camera, and a captured image is used. It is possible to take an image while checking.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the portable electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the portable electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment in a state in which the first housing 10 is rotated and opened around the first rotation shaft 31 (first opened state). ing.
[0018]
The portable electronic device 1 has a first housing 10 provided with a display unit 11 and a second housing 20 provided with an operation unit 21, and these first housing 10 and second housing 20 The first housing 10 and the second housing 10 can be opened and closed by a rotation shaft 31 and can be rotated by a second rotation shaft 32 orthogonal to the first rotation shaft 31. 20 is provided with a hinge part 30 for connecting the hinge part 20 to the base part 20.
[0019]
A first housing 10 of the portable electronic device 1 includes a display unit 11 for performing various displays on a main surface exposed when the housing is opened, and a first unit for imaging the front of the display unit 11. A first imaging unit 12 containing an imaging device and a receiver 13 for outputting and receiving a call voice are arranged. An operation unit 21 including a plurality of operation keys and a microphone 22 for inputting and transmitting a call voice are arranged on the main surface of the second housing 20, and the first housing 10 is provided on a side surface of the second housing 20. Alternatively, a second imaging unit operation key 23 for operating a second imaging unit (not shown) in which the second imaging device is housed in the second housing 20 is arranged. In the first embodiment, the hinge portion 30 is provided at the base end on the second housing 20 side and is connected to the first housing 10. The second rotating shaft 32 is formed in the longitudinal direction, and is formed in the central portion of the first housing 10 in a direction orthogonal to the first rotating shaft 31.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are opened around the first rotation shaft 31 so that the receiver 13 and the microphone 22 are oriented substantially in the same direction. In addition, the portable electronic device 1 has a communication unit such as a wireless communication unit and an audio signal processing unit that can execute a communication function using a wireless communication line. The second imaging unit operation key 23 may be used as the imaging unit operation key of the first imaging unit 12 when the second imaging unit is not provided.
[0021]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 rotate around the first rotation shaft 31 and move beyond a predetermined angle range (for example, 120 degrees). When the first housing 10 is opened, a rotation preventing means for preventing the rotation of the second rotation shaft 32 around the axis is provided. The rotation preventing means will be described later in detail. With this configuration, for example, when a user makes a call using a wireless communication line using a telephone function, when the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are opened as shown in FIG. Even if the user holds the hand 20 and presses the first housing 10 against his / her ear, the first housing 10 does not rotate, so that the housing is stably held without shaking, and transmission / reception is performed in a good use state. be able to.
[0022]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the housing is closed in the portable electronic device 1 of the first embodiment. In this case, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 rotate around the axis of the first rotation shaft 31 in the hinge portion 30, and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 The housing is closed so that the main surfaces thereof face each other and overlap.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state (second open state) in which the first housing 10 is rotated around the second rotation shaft 32 in the portable electronic device 1 of the first embodiment. In this case, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are rotated around the axis of the first rotation shaft 31 within a predetermined angle range and open, and the first housing 10 is It is rotatable around the rotation shaft 32. Thus, for example, when the display unit 11 such as a mobile phone displays a horizontally long image captured by the first imaging unit 12 on a vertically long display screen during normal use, the first housing 10 is rotated. The display screen can be in a landscape state. That is, the first housing 10 is rotated about the second rotation shaft 32 to set the angle between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to about 90 °, and the display screen of the display unit 11 is changed. By switching the image display to the horizontal position at the horizontal position, it is possible to provide a display that is easy for the user to see.
[0024]
Next, the configuration of the hinge section 30 of the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the rotating structure 2 provided in the hinge part 30 in the first state in the portable electronic device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates the first state of the rotating structure 2 in a state where the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are opened at a predetermined angle around the axis of the first rotating shaft 31. The state when rotating around the axis of the rotation shaft 32 is shown. The rotation preventing means is configured in the rotating structure 2.
[0025]
The rotating structure 2 includes a first rotating shaft 33 serving as a center of rotation of the first rotating shaft 31, a cylindrical first rotating shaft holder A 34 for holding and fixing the first rotating shaft 33, and a first rotating shaft 33. And one rotation axis holder B35. In addition, the rotating structure 2 includes a second rotating shaft 36 serving as a center of rotation of the second rotating shaft 32, and an elliptical rotation regulating plate 37 connected to the second rotating shaft 36. Have. The rotation restricting plate 37 rotates around the axis of the first rotating shaft 31 together with the second rotating shaft portion 36, and rotates in conjunction with the second rotating shaft portion 36, so that the first housing 10 When the second housing 20 is open beyond a predetermined angle range, the second housing 20 has a function of preventing the second rotation shaft portion 36 from rotating around the second rotation shaft 32.
[0026]
Further, a holding plate 38 for holding and fixing the first rotating shaft 33 and the second rotating shaft 36 and a first plate for attaching and fixing the tip of the second rotating shaft 36 to the first housing 10. It has a housing mounting plate 39 and a second housing mounting plate A40 and a second housing mounting plate B41 for mounting and fixing both ends of the first rotating shaft portion 33 to the second housing 20, respectively. . Further, a first rotating shaft retaining ring 42 for holding and fixing the first rotating shaft portion 33 to the second housing mounting plate A40 and the second housing mounting plate B41 is provided with the second housing mounting plate A40 and the second housing. Each is attached to the body attachment plate B41.
[0027]
The first rotating shaft portion 33 is held and fixed to the second housing mounting plate A40 and the second housing mounting plate B41 in a state in which both ends are prevented from coming off the shaft by the first rotating shaft retaining ring 42. Thus, the first rotating shaft portion 33 is rotatable around the first rotation shaft 31 with respect to the second housing mounting plate A40 and the second housing mounting plate B41.
[0028]
The second rotation shaft portion 36 has a rotation restricting plate 37 and a first housing attachment plate 39 fixed by caulking, and a base end portion rotatably held and fixed to the first rotation shaft portion 33 by a holding plate 38. ing. Thereby, the second rotation shaft portion 36 is rotatable around the first rotation shaft 31 and is rotatable around the second rotation shaft 32.
[0029]
FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of the rotary structure 2 of the present embodiment in the first state. In the first state of the rotary structure 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the configuration of a second rotation shaft portion 36, a rotation restricting plate 37, a first rotation shaft holder A34, and a first rotation shaft holder B35 viewed from the direction.
[0030]
The rotation restricting plate 37 is arranged so as to sandwich an arc portion 37 a having an outer shape formed on a circumference concentric with the second rotation shaft portion 36 and a second rotation shaft 32 at the center of the second rotation shaft portion 36. It has a chord portion 37b that is parallel and at the same distance from the axis, and is formed of an elliptical plate member in which a disk is cut out by parallel lines.
[0031]
The first rotating shaft holder A34 and the first rotating shaft holder B35 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance with respect to the second rotating shaft 36 so that the second rotating shaft 36 can rotate around the first rotating shaft 31. Are arranged facing each other. At the ends of the first rotary shaft holder A34 and the first rotary shaft holder B35 on the second rotary shaft portion 36 side, arc-shaped notches 34a and 35a are formed. When the notches 34a and 35a are concentric with the second rotation shaft 36, the outer shape is formed on a circumference slightly larger than the circular arc 37a of the rotation regulating plate 37.
[0032]
Since the rotation restricting plate 37 is fixed to the second rotation shaft portion 36, when the second rotation shaft portion 36 rotates to rotate the first housing 10 around the second rotation shaft 32. , And rotates with the second rotating shaft portion 36 in conjunction with the rotation. At this time, since the notch portions 34a and 35a of the first rotation shaft holder A34 and the first rotation shaft holder B35 are larger than the arc portion 37a of the rotation control plate 37, in the state of FIG. The rotation is not restricted by hitting the first rotating shaft holder A34 and the first rotating shaft holder B35. Therefore, in this case, the second rotation shaft portion 36 can freely rotate, and the first housing attachment plate 39 is rotated to rotate the first housing 10 around the second rotation shaft 32. Is possible.
[0033]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the rotary structure 2 of the present embodiment in a second state. In FIG. 6, as the second state of the rotating structure 2, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 of the portable electronic device 1 are aligned with the first rotating shaft 31 as shown in FIG. The figure shows a state in which rotation around the axis of the second rotation shaft 32 is regulated in a state where the second rotation shaft 32 is opened beyond a predetermined angle range. In this case, from the state of FIG. 4, the second rotation shaft portion 36 further rotates around the axis of the first rotation shaft 31, and is inclined with respect to the second housing mounting plate A40 and the second housing mounting plate B41. ing.
[0034]
FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of the rotary structure 2 of the present embodiment in the second state. In the second state of the rotary structure 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the configuration of a second rotation shaft portion 36, a rotation restricting plate 37, a first rotation shaft holder A34, and a first rotation shaft holder B35 viewed from the direction.
[0035]
In this state, the second rotating shaft portion 36 and the rotation regulating plate 37 are out of the positions of the cutout portions 34a and 35a of the first rotating shaft holder A34 and the first rotating shaft holder B35. The parallel ends 34d and 35d of the first rotating shaft holder A34 and the first rotating shaft holder B35 are parallel to each other with the second rotating shaft 32 at the center of the second rotating shaft 36 at the same distance from the shaft. The outer shape is formed on a parallel line having an interval larger than the width of the chord portion 37b of the rotation regulating plate 37.
[0036]
At this time, since the outer diameter of the circular arc portion 37a of the rotation restricting plate 37 is larger than the interval between the parallel ends 34d and 35d of the first rotary shaft holder A34 and the first rotary shaft holder B35, the chord portion 37b of the rotation restricting plate 37 Are in contact with the parallel ends 34d and 35d of the first rotating shaft holder A34 and the first rotating shaft holder B35. Therefore, the rotation of the second rotation shaft 36 is restricted by the rotation restricting plate 37, and the first housing attachment plate 39 fixed to the second rotation shaft 36 rotates to rotate the first housing 10. Can be restricted so as not to rotate. Therefore, a rotation preventing means can be realized by the configuration of the rotating structure 2.
[0037]
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a first modification of the rotating structure of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates the second rotation shaft portion 36, the rotation restricting plate 37, the first rotation shaft holder A34, and the second rotation shaft portion 36 viewed from the direction of the second rotation shaft 32 in the first state of the rotation structure 2 illustrated in FIG. It is an enlarged view of the configuration of the first rotating shaft holder B35.
[0038]
In the first modified example, notch portions 34b and 35b are provided in the first rotation shaft holder A34 and the first rotation shaft holder B35, the cutout ranges of which are expanded. 5, the notches 34b and 35b are formed with arc portions 34e and 35e slightly larger than the arc portion 37a of the rotation regulating plate 37 and outer shapes on tangents of the arcs of the arc portions 34e and 35e. And bottom portions 34f, 35f. The bottoms 34f, 35f are formed linearly in parallel with the parallel ends 34d, 35d so as to connect the arc portions 34e, 35e at both ends. That is, the notches 34b and 35b of the first modified example are similar to the notches 34a and 35a of FIG. 5 when the second rotating shaft 36 is turned around the first turning shaft 31. It has a shape extended in the rotation direction.
[0039]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, in a state where the second rotary shaft 36 and the rotation restricting plate 37 are located within the cutout portions 34b and 35b of the first rotary shaft holder A34 and the first rotary shaft holder B35, The second rotation shaft 36 can freely rotate without the rotation restriction plate 37 being restricted by the rotation. On the other hand, when the second rotation shaft 36 and the rotation restricting plate 37 are out of the range of the notches 34b and 35b, the outer shape of the rotation restricting plate 37 contacts the first rotation shaft holder A34 and the first rotation shaft holder B35. The rotation of the second rotating shaft 36 is restricted.
[0040]
With the above-described configuration, the first housing 10 rotates around the first rotation shaft 31 with respect to the second housing 20, and when the first housing 10 is opened within a predetermined angle range, the first rotation shaft 32 rotates. It is possible to rotate around the second rotation shaft 32 when the rotation angle exceeds a predetermined angle range. In the second modification, the range in which the first housing 10 can rotate around the second rotation shaft 32 is slightly widened as compared with the configurations shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.
[0041]
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a second modification of the rotating structure of the present embodiment. FIG. 9 shows the second rotating shaft portion 36, the rotation regulating plate 37, the first rotating shaft holder A34 and the second rotating shaft portion 36 viewed from the second rotating shaft 32 in the first state of the rotating structure 2 shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view of the configuration of the first rotating shaft holder B35.
[0042]
In the second modification, notch portions 34c and 35c are provided in the first rotation shaft holder A34 and the first rotation shaft holder B35, the cutout ranges of which are further expanded than those in the first modification. The notches 34c and 35c are formed with arc portions 34e and 35e slightly larger than the arc portion 37a of the rotation regulating plate 37 and an outer shape on the tangent of the arc of the arc portions 34e and 35e, similarly to the configuration of FIG. The bottom portions 34f, 35f are formed so that the lengths of the bottom portions 34f, 35f are longer than those in FIG. In the example of FIG. 9, the range in which the notches 34c and 35c are formed is substantially half the outer circumference of the first rotary shaft holder A34 and the first rotary shaft holder B35.
[0043]
For this reason, in the configuration of the second modification, the range in which the first housing 10 can rotate around the second rotation shaft 32 is further widened as compared with the first modification shown in FIG. It becomes. As described above, by changing the range of the notch provided in the first rotary shaft holder A34 and the first rotary shaft holder B35, the range of the predetermined angle that can be rotated around the second rotary shaft 32 is changed. It can be set arbitrarily.
[0044]
In the first and second modifications shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the bottom connecting the arc portions at both ends of the notch provided in the first rotary shaft holder A34 and the first rotary shaft holder B35 is a rotation regulating plate. As long as the outer peripheral portion of the 37 does not abut, it may be a curve or the like in addition to the straight line in the illustrated example, and its shape does not matter.
[0045]
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0046]
The second embodiment is an example in which the arrangement of each element in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is changed. The first housing 10 includes, on a main surface portion exposed when the housing is opened, a first imaging unit 12 that houses a first imaging device for imaging the front on an upper display surface side of the display unit 11. A receiver 13 for outputting and receiving call voice is disposed, and a microphone 14 for inputting and transmitting call voice is disposed at a lower portion of the display surface side of the display unit 11. The second housing 20 includes a second imaging unit operation key 23 for operating a second imaging unit (not shown) provided on the first housing 10 or the second housing 20. However, when the second imaging unit is not provided, the second imaging unit operation key 23 may not be provided, or may be used as the imaging unit operation key of the first imaging unit 12. May be.
[0047]
FIG. 11 shows a portable electronic device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or the second embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration in a case where an angle formed between one housing 10 and a second housing 20 is substantially 90 °.
[0048]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotation structure 2 provided on the hinge portion 30 connecting the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 has an outer shape of the rotation restricting plate 37 that is the first rotation shaft holder A34. And the first rotary shaft holder B35 is not hit. Therefore, the first housing 10 can freely rotate around the axis of the second rotation shaft 32. For example, as shown in the drawing, when the first housing 10 is opened and closed, the display unit 11 displays a horizontally long image captured by the first imaging unit 12 provided on the display surface side of the display unit 11 on a vertically long display screen. For example, when the first case 10 is rotated, the angle between the first case 10 and the second case 20 is set to about 90 °. Then, by switching the image display to the landscape mode with the display screen of the display unit 11 at the landscape position, it is possible to provide an image display that is easy for the user to see.
[0049]
On the other hand, when the user makes a telephone call using a wireless communication line by using the telephone function, as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. , And open the state beyond a predetermined angle range. In this state, the first housing 10 can be prevented from rotating around the second rotation shaft 32 by the rotation preventing means realized in the rotating structure 2 provided in the hinge portion 30. Thus, even when the user holds the second housing 20 by hand and presses the first housing 10 against his / her ear during a call or the like, the housing is stably held without shaking, and in a good use state. You can send and receive.
[0050]
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows that the angle formed between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 by rotating the first housing 10 around the second rotation shaft 32 to be approximately 90 ° similarly to FIG. FIG.
[0051]
The third embodiment exemplifies the arrangement configuration of the second imaging unit in the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the first housing 10, the display unit 11 is provided on the front end side of a surface opposite to the display surface (main surface) of the display unit 11 (the back surface opposite to the display surface), that is, near the end of the first housing 10. A second imaging unit 15 housing a second imaging element for imaging the rear of the camera is provided.
[0052]
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows that the angle formed between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is substantially 90 ° by rotating the first housing 10 around the second rotation shaft 32 similarly to FIG. FIG.
[0053]
The fourth embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment shown in FIG. In the first housing 10, the rear side of the display unit 11 is imaged on the base end side of a surface opposite to the display surface (main surface unit) of the display unit 11 (the opposite back surface), that is, near the hinge unit 30. A second imaging unit 15 accommodating a second imaging device for performing the operation is provided.
[0054]
In the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment configured as described above, an image captured by the second imaging unit 15 can be displayed on the display unit 11. For this reason, by capturing an image on the opposite side of the display unit 11 by the second imaging unit 15, it is possible to use the display screen of the display unit 11 as a monitor like a viewfinder of a camera and to capture an image while checking the captured image. It is possible.
[0055]
Note that the second imaging unit 15 may be disposed on the rear surface in a direction opposite to the main surface of the first housing 10 (display surface of the display unit). The same operation and effect as those of the embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be obtained.
[0056]
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows that the first housing 10 is rotated about the second rotation shaft 32 in the same manner as in FIG. FIG.
[0057]
The fifth embodiment exemplifies another arrangement of the second imaging unit in the first embodiment shown in FIG. The second housing 20 is provided with a second imaging unit 24 that houses a second imaging device on one side surface of the hinge unit 30 facing the first rotation axis 31.
[0058]
In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the first housing 10 is rotated around the second rotation shaft 32 so that the angle formed by the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is approximately 90 degrees. When the angle is set to °, an image behind the display unit 11 can be captured by the second imaging unit 24. Therefore, it is possible to use the display screen of the display unit 11 as a monitor like a viewfinder of a camera and to take an image while checking the taken image by the second imaging unit 24.
[0059]
On the other hand, in the third to fifth embodiments, when a user makes a telephone call using a wireless communication line by using a telephone function, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. It is rotated around the axis of one rotation shaft 31 to be in an open state beyond a predetermined angle range. In this case, the first housing 10 can be prevented from rotating around the second rotation shaft 32 by the rotation preventing means provided by the rotating structure 2 provided on the hinge portion 30. Therefore, even if the user holds the second housing 20 by hand and presses the first housing 10 against his / her ear during a call or the like, the housing is stably held without shaking, and sent in a good use state. You can listen.
[0060]
FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0061]
The sixth embodiment is an example in which the arrangement of hinge portions is changed from the first embodiment shown in FIG. The portable electronic device 51 includes a first housing 10 including a display unit 11 and a second housing 20 including an operation unit 21. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are connected to a first housing. The hinge unit 30 is configured to be able to be opened and closed by a rotation shaft 31 and to connect the second housing 20 to be rotatable by a second rotation shaft 32.
[0062]
That is, in the sixth embodiment, the hinge portion 30 is provided at the base end on the first housing 10 side and is connected to the second housing 20, and the first rotating shaft 31 is connected to the hinge portion. The second rotation shaft 32 is formed in the center of the second housing 20 in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation shaft 31.
[0063]
Also in the sixth embodiment, the rotation preventing means can be configured by providing the hinge structure 30 with the same rotation structure 2 as the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 7. In this case, the first housing mounting plate 39 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 is used as the second housing mounting plate, and the second housing mounting plate A40 and the second housing mounting plate B41 are each used as the first housing mounting plate. A and the first housing mounting plate B may be configured. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are rotated around the first rotation shaft 31 by a rotation preventing means realized in the rotating structure 2 so as to move beyond the predetermined angle range. In the opened state, the second housing 20 can be prevented from rotating around the second rotation shaft 32. Thus, even when the user holds the second housing 20 by hand and presses the first housing 10 against his / her ear during a call or the like, the housing is stably held without shaking, and in a good use state. You can send and receive.
[0064]
In each of the above-described embodiments, both the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be opened and closed around the first rotation axis 31 and can be rotated around the second rotation axis 32. In a portable electronic device having a hinge function in a plurality of directions provided with a hinge portion 30 for connecting the first case 10 and the second case 20, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are rotated around a first rotation axis 31 to a predetermined position. In the state where the first housing 10 or the second housing 20 is opened in the range of the angle of, the first housing 10 or the second housing 20 can be arbitrarily rotatable around the second rotation axis 32, and The rotating structure 2 configured to prevent the first housing 10 or the second housing 20 from rotating around the second rotation shaft 32 in a state where the rotating structure 2 is opened beyond the predetermined angle range. Provided. Thus, when one of the housings is pressed against the ear during a call using the telephone function, the two housings can be stably held without being shaken when the two housings are opened. This makes it possible to provide a portable electronic device that can be easily removed, maintain good use, and improve handling at the time of use.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in a portable electronic device having a hinge portion having a rotation function in a plurality of directions, when one of the housings is pressed against the ear during a telephone call, It is possible to provide a portable electronic device that can stably hold the two casings without being shaken in an opened state and can improve the handling property during use.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view showing a state in which a housing is closed in the portable electronic device according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view showing a state in which the first housing is rotated around a second rotation axis in the portable electronic device according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a rotating structure provided in a hinge portion in a first state in the portable electronic device of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of the rotary structure of the present embodiment in a first state, and is an enlarged view seen from a second rotation axis direction.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary perspective view showing a configuration in a second state of a rotating structure provided at a hinge portion in the portable electronic device of the embodiment;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of the rotary structure of the present embodiment in a second state, and is an enlarged view seen from a second rotation axis direction.
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a first modification of the rotating structure of the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a second modification of the rotating structure of the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the portable electronic device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 or the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration in a case where an angle between a housing and a second housing is approximately 90 °.
FIG. 12 is an exemplary perspective view showing the external configuration of a portable electronic device according to a third embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a portable electronic device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,51 Portable electronic devices
2 rotating structure
10 First case
11 Display
12 First imaging unit
13 Receiver
14,22 microphone
15, 24 second imaging unit
20 Second case
21 Operation unit
23 Second imaging unit operation keys
30 Hinge
31 1st rotation axis
32 2nd axis of rotation
33 First rotating shaft
34 1st rotation axis holder A
35 1st rotation axis holder B
36 Second rotating shaft
37 Rotation control plate
38 Holding plate
39 1st case mounting plate
40 Second housing mounting plate A
41 Second housing mounting plate B
42 1st rotating shaft retaining ring

Claims

Portable electronic device including a first housing including a display unit, a second housing including an operation unit, and a hinge unit rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing. And
The hinge portion includes a first rotation axis serving as an axis when the first housing and the second housing rotate from an open state to a closed state so as to face each other; In a state where the body and the second housing are opened around a range of a predetermined angle around the first rotation axis, one of the first housing and the second housing is connected to the first rotation axis. A second rotation axis serving as an axis for rotating in a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction, wherein the first housing and the second housing are opened beyond the predetermined angle range. A portable electronic device comprising: a rotation preventing unit configured to prevent rotation of the first housing or the second housing around the second rotation axis in a state where the mobile device is placed.

A communication means for realizing a call function by a wireless communication line,
A receiver for outputting and receiving call voice from the call means is provided in the first housing,
A microphone for inputting and transmitting call voice to the call means is provided in the second housing or the first housing,
2. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit functions when the first housing and the second housing are opened with the receiver and the microphone facing substantially the same direction. Electronics.

A first imaging unit containing a first imaging device is provided on a display surface side of the display unit of the first housing, and the display unit has a function of displaying an image captured by the first imaging unit. The portable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

A second imaging unit that houses a second imaging element in a direction opposite to the first imaging unit in the first housing; and the display unit includes the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit. The portable electronic device according to claim 3, further comprising a function of displaying an image captured by the unit.

A second imaging unit that accommodates a second imaging device in the hinge portion in the direction of the first rotation axis is provided, and the display unit includes the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit. The portable electronic device according to claim 3, further comprising a function of displaying a captured image.