JP2004157856A - Foldable mobile terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a foldable mobile terminal with a simple composition which emits a user taste aroma only in use. <P>SOLUTION: A foldable mobile terminal is composed of a display device part 1 and a input device part 2, both of which are connected by a hinge part 15. An aroma sachet 3 in which aromatic substance 31a is contained is put in the input device part 2. In an opening status, aroma emitted from aromatic substance 31a flows outside through a pit 3a formed on the aroma sachet 3. In a folded status, the pit 3a is closed so that the aromatic substance 31a is sealed in the aroma sachet 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a foldable portable terminal that emits a fragrance preferred by a user, and particularly to a foldable portable terminal that has a simple structure and emits an aroma according to the taste of a user only when the terminal is used.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the increase in the number of users of the Internet and e-mail, portable electronic devices, that is, portable terminals, have become widespread. Among them, for the purpose of improving portability, a foldable portable terminal having a structure in which the terminal can be folded when not in use (that is, a foldable structure) is most widely used.
[0003]
In order to ensure portability in a folded state, the foldable portable terminal must have as few irregularities in the housing as possible. For this reason, it is difficult to make the appearance a unique shape, and it is difficult to differentiate between mobile terminals of the same type (for example, between mobile phone terminals or between electronic notebooks) from other mobile terminals in appearance. .
[0004]
In addition, if the popularity of a particular model among the same type of mobile terminal is concentrated, there are many users who own the same type of mobile terminal, and the user of this type uses the same mobile terminal as many others. It will be. This has caused the user of the portable terminal of the popular model to be immersed in personality.
[0005]
For this reason, it is proposed to continuously emit fragrance according to the user's preference from the mobile terminal for the purpose of differentiating between mobile terminals of the same type or the same model and adding characteristic added value. Have been.
[0006]
As conventional techniques for continuously emitting fragrance from a portable terminal, there are “a portable functional article with odor emission” disclosed in Patent Document 1 and “an input device and an information processing device” disclosed in Patent Document 2.
The inventions disclosed in these documents provide a mobile terminal with a source of fragrance and continuously emit fragrance from the source according to the user's preference.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-76153 [Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-142610 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the invention disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has a structure in which the source of the fragrance is always exposed to the outside of the housing, so that the emission of the fragrance cannot be stopped. Therefore, even when the portable terminal is not used, such as during sleep, the fragrance diverges, and the period during which the fragrance lasts becomes short.
[0009]
In order to extend the period during which the fragrance is maintained, it is most preferable to provide the fragrance source inside the housing and to seal the fragrance source when it is not necessary to emit the fragrance.
[0010]
Although the invention disclosed in Patent Literature 2 includes a source of fragrance inside the housing, the air escape groove from the key switch to the source of fragrance is used to release the fragrance to the outside of the housing. It is necessary to provide a spacer or the like, which complicates the structure and increases the number of parts. In a mobile terminal, an increase in the number of components or a complicated structure is not preferable because it causes a deterioration in portability of the terminal.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a foldable portable terminal having a simple structure that emits a fragrance according to a user's preference only when the terminal is used.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides, as a first aspect, a foldable portable terminal in which two housings are connected via a hinge portion, wherein one of the containers incorporates a fragrance emission source. In the open state, the fragrance emitted from the fragrance source is released to the outside of the housing through the hole formed in the container, and in the folded state, the hole is closed. The fragrance emission source is hermetically sealed in the container.
[0013]
In the first aspect of the present invention, an elastic member is arranged at a predetermined distance from the hole in the housing in which the container is arranged, and when the container is folded, the elastic member is biased toward the hole. Preferably, the biased elastic member closes the hole, and in addition, the elastic member is preferably formed integrally with a key for a user to perform an input operation. In addition, in the folded state, it is further preferable that the convex portion formed on the housing on which the container is not disposed urges the elastic member toward the hole.
[0014]
Further, in any of the configurations of the first aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the container is detachably disposed on the housing.
[0015]
In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foldable portable terminal in which two housings are connected via a hinge, and a fragrance generating source is incorporated in the hinge. When the container is opened, the first hole formed in the container and the second hole formed in the hinge communicate with each other so that the fragrance emitted from the fragrance divergence is spread outside the hinge. In the folded and released state, the second hole is closed, and the fragrance source is sealed in the container, thereby providing a foldable portable terminal.
[0016]
In the second aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the container is detachably disposed on the hinge portion.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
First Embodiment A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable information terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the portable information terminal according to the first embodiment in an open state.
In the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment, the display device unit 1 including the liquid crystal display device and the input device unit 2 including the keyboard 2a for the user to perform an input operation are folded opposite to each other with the hinge unit 15 as a pivot. It is a structure that is
[0018]
The display unit 1 is configured with a molded upper case 11 and upper cover 12 as a housing. The input device unit 2 is configured as a lower cover 21, a lower case 22, and a housing. The keyboard 2a is formed of an elastic body (for example, rubber).
[0019]
A hook 13 is formed substantially at the center of the edge of the upper case 11 opposite to the hinge 15. When the portable information terminal is in a folded state, the hook 13 is engaged and locked in a concave portion 23 provided in the lower cover 21 to prevent the terminal from being accidentally opened.
[0020]
A button 24 is disposed substantially at the center of the end of the input device 2 opposite to the hinge 15, and when the button 24 is pressed, the engagement between the hook 13 and the recess 23 is released. The information terminal can be opened.
[0021]
Buttons 21a provided at both ends of the input device 2 are formed integrally with the keyboard 2a so as to be movable by a predetermined amount in a vertical direction (the same direction as a key stroke of the keyboard 2a). When the portable information terminal is folded, the convex portion 14 formed integrally with the upper cover 12 presses the button 21a.
[0022]
The buttons 21a are arranged so as not to protrude from the lower cover 21 so as not to hinder the operation of the keyboard 2a.
[0023]
The molded fragrance capsule 3 contains a solid fragrance 31a serving as a source of fragrance (for example, perfume, fruit or flower fragrance), and is provided with a conical portion having a hole 3a at the top. Have been. Further, the printed board 25 built in the input device section 2 has a hole 25a for penetrating the fragrance capsule 3 immediately below the button 21a. The fragrance capsule 3 disposed in the concave portion 22a provided on the bottom surface of the lower case 22 penetrates the hole 25a of the printed circuit board 25, and is fixed at a predetermined position by the cap 4 press-fitted and fixed to the concave portion 22a.
When the cap 4 is removed from the recess 22a, the fragrance capsule 3 can be taken out of the input device 2. That is, when the cap 4 is removed, the fragrance capsule 3 can be replaced.
[0024]
In the state where the portable information terminal is opened, the fragrance capsule 3 and the button 21a are not in contact with each other, and the fragrance emitted from the fragrance 31a flows out of the fragrance capsule 3 through the hole 3a and is released to the outside. Is done.
[0025]
FIG. 3 shows a state where the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment is folded. When the portable information terminal is folded, the protrusion 14 presses the button 21a downward to close the hole 3a formed in the conical portion of the fragrance capsule 3. Therefore, in the folded state, the fragrance emitted from the fragrance 31 a is not released from the fragrance capsule 3.
Since the button 21a is formed of an elastic body, interference (contact) between the display unit 1 and the input unit 2 in the folded state can be prevented, and paint peeling due to this can be prevented. Thus, by giving the button 21a a function as a cushioning material, the number of parts can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. In the present embodiment, since the button 21a is formed integrally with the keyboard 2a, the number of components can be further reduced.
[0026]
The portable information terminal according to the present embodiment has the added value of fragrance emission, and in addition, since the fragrance does not emanate when the terminal is folded, the fragrance may be wasted. Absent.
Further, since the structure is such that the fragrance capsule can be exchanged, it is possible to provide a unique portable terminal emitting fragrance different from others.
In addition, since the emission of fragrance can be controlled with a simple configuration that does not require a sensor or the like, the size and weight of the device can be reduced.
[0027]
As described above, the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment has a simple structure and can emit fragrance according to the user's preference only when the terminal is used.
[0028]
[Second embodiment]
A second embodiment in which the present invention is preferably implemented will be described. The portable information terminal according to the present embodiment has a structure in which the display device unit 1 and the input device unit 2 are folded via the hinge unit 15, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0029]
FIG. 4 shows a partial cross section of the display unit 1. In the present embodiment, the button 21 a is provided in the display device 1 so as to project from the upper case 11. The button 21a is formed of an elastic body (for example, rubber), and is disposed so as to be movable by a predetermined amount in a direction normal to the screen.
[0030]
The molded fragrance capsule 3 'contains a solid fragrance 31a, and is provided with a conical portion having a hole 3a at the top. The printed circuit board 18 incorporated in the display device 1 has a hole 18a for penetrating the fragrance capsule 3 immediately below the button 21a. The fragrance capsule 3 ′ disposed in the concave portion 12 a provided on the top surface of the upper case 12 penetrates the hole 18 a of the printed circuit board 18 and is fixed at a predetermined position by the cap 4 press-fitted and fixed to the concave portion 12 a. I have.
When the cap 4 ′ is removed from the recess 12 a, the fragrance capsule 3 can be taken out from the input device 2.
[0031]
When the portable information terminal is opened, the fragrance capsule 3 'and the button 21a are not in contact with each other, and the fragrance emitted from the fragrance 31a flows out of the hole 3a to the outside of the fragrance capsule 3', and the fragrance is discharged to the outside. Released.
[0032]
On the other hand, when the portable information terminal is folded, the button 21a pressed into the display device 1 by contacting the input device 2 closes the hole 3a formed at the vertex of the conical portion of the fragrance capsule 3 '. Therefore, in the folded state, the fragrance emitted from the fragrance 31a is not released from the fragrance capsule 3 '.
Since the button 21a is formed of an elastic body, interference (contact) between the display unit 1 and the input unit 2 in the folded state can be prevented, and paint peeling due to this can be prevented.
[0033]
The portable information terminal according to the present embodiment has an added value of a function of emitting fragrance, and furthermore, fragrance does not emit when the terminal is folded, so that fragrance is wasted. Nothing.
Further, since the structure is such that the fragrance capsule can be exchanged, it is possible to provide a unique portable terminal emitting fragrance different from others.
In addition, since the emission of fragrance can be controlled with a simple configuration that does not require a sensor or the like, the size and weight of the device can be reduced.
Further, by disposing the fragrance capsule 3 ′ on the display device unit 1 side, there is no need to provide a button for controlling the emission of fragrance on the input device unit 2 side, and there is a restriction in designing a portable information terminal. Be relaxed. When the user uses the portable information terminal, the user performs an input operation via the input device unit 2. Therefore, even if the button 21 a protrudes from the display device unit 1, the operation is not hindered.
[0034]
As described above, the information processing terminal according to the present embodiment has a simple structure and can emit fragrance according to the user's preference only when the terminal is used.
[0035]
[Third embodiment]
A third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. The portable information terminal according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the display device unit 1 and the input device unit 2 are connected via the hinge unit 15 as in the first embodiment.
[0036]
FIG. 5 shows a cross section of a main part in a state where the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment is opened.
In the present embodiment, the fragrance capsule 3 ″ containing the fragrance 31 a is housed in the hinge 15 and rotates together with the hinge 15. Further, a hole 3a is formed in the fragrance capsule 3 '', and the hole 3a communicates with a hole 1a formed in the hinge portion 15.
When replacing the fragrance capsule 3 ″, the fragrance capsule 3 ″ may be replaced after the upper case 11 and the upper cover 12 are separated.
[0037]
When the portable information terminal is opened, the hole 1a is exposed, so that the fragrance emitted from the fragrance 31 is discharged to the outside of the fragrance capsule 3 ″ through the hole 3a and the hole 1a.
[0038]
FIG. 6 shows a cross section of a main part in a state where the portable information terminal is folded. The hole 1a exposed when the terminal is opened moves to a position facing the lower cover 21 in the folded state. Since the cushion 27 made of an elastic material is arranged at a predetermined position on the surface of the lower cover 21 facing the hinge portion 15 with a double-sided tape or the like, the hole 1 a is closed by the cushion 27. Therefore, in the folded state, the fragrance emitted from the fragrance 31a is not released from the fragrance capsule 3 ″.
[0039]
The portable information terminal according to the present embodiment has an added value of a function of emitting fragrance, and furthermore, fragrance does not emit when the terminal is folded, so that fragrance is wasted. Nothing.
Further, since the structure is such that the fragrance capsule can be exchanged, it is possible to provide a unique portable terminal emitting fragrance different from others.
In addition, since the emission of fragrance can be controlled with a simple configuration that does not require a sensor or the like, the size and weight of the device can be reduced.
In addition, since the fragrance capsule is housed in the hinge portion 15, there is no need to provide a button for controlling the emission of the fragrance in both the display device 1 and the input device 2, and thus the portable information terminal can be designed. Restrictions are eased.
[0040]
As described above, the portable information terminal according to the present embodiment has a simple structure and can emit fragrance according to the user's preference only when the terminal is used.
[0041]
The above embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.
[0042]
For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a portable information terminal has been described as an example. However, the present invention is applicable to all portable terminals including a portable telephone terminal. When the present invention is applied to a foldable mobile phone terminal, since it is used in a state close to the face of the user, the size of the fragrance capsule can be reduced, and the size and weight of the terminal can be reduced.
[0043]
Further, the shapes of the aromatic capsule and the button are not limited to those illustrated. For example, in the first and second embodiments, the case where the aromatic capsules 3 and 3 ′ have a shape having a conical portion has been described as an example. Any shape may be used as long as it can be abutted, and a convex shape may be used.
[0044]
Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the case where the fragrance 31a is solid has been described as an example. However, the fragrance is not necessarily required to be solid, and may be a gel. Alternatively, a liquid fragrance may be contained in a water-absorbing substance such as a sponge.
As described above, the present invention can be variously modified.
[0045]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a foldable portable terminal having a simple structure that emits a fragrance according to the user's preference only when the terminal is used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a portable information terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross section in a state where the portable information terminal according to the first embodiment is opened.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section of the portable information terminal according to the first embodiment in a folded state.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section of a main part of a portable information terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a view showing a cross section of a main part of a portable information terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention which is suitably implemented in an open state.
FIG. 6 is a view showing a cross section of a main part in a state where the portable information terminal according to the third embodiment is folded.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display device part 1a, 3a, 15a, 25a Hole 2 Input device part 2a Keyboard 3, 3 ', 3 "Aroma capsule 4, 4' Cap 11 Upper case 12 Upper covers 12a, 22a, 23 Concave part 13 Hook part 14 Convex Part 15 Hinge part 18, 25 Printed circuit board 21 Cover 21a, 24 Button 22 Lower case 27 Cushion 31a Air freshener

Claims (7)

A foldable mobile terminal in which two housings are connected via a hinge,
Equipped with a container containing a source of fragrance in one of the housings,
In the opened state, the fragrance emitted from the fragrance source is released to the outside of the housing via a hole formed in the container,
In the folded state, the hole is closed, and the fragrance emission source is sealed in the container. In the housing in which the container is arranged, an elastic member is arranged at a predetermined distance from the hole,
The foldable portable terminal according to claim 1, wherein in the folded state, the elastic member is urged toward the side of the hole, and the urged elastic member closes the hole. The foldable portable terminal according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is formed integrally with a key for a user to perform an input operation. 4. The folding portable device according to claim 3, wherein in the folded state, a convex portion formed on the housing on which the container is not disposed urges the elastic member toward the hole. Terminal. The foldable portable terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container is detachably disposed on the housing. A foldable mobile terminal in which two housings are connected via a hinge,
A container having a built-in source of fragrance in the hinge portion,
In the opened state, the first hole formed in the container and the second hole formed in the hinge communicate with each other, so that the fragrance emitted from the fragrance source is radiated to the outside of the hinge. Release
In the folded state, the second hole is closed, and the fragrance source is sealed in the container. The foldable portable terminal according to claim 6, wherein the container is detachably disposed on the hinge portion.

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