JP2006279495A - Portable device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable device with reduction in size and weight and without spoiling operability and handling ability, capable of usually using only one display part and opening to see a sub-display if needed. <P>SOLUTION: A second case 3 with a display part 4 is provided openably and closably with sub-cases 5, 6 comprising sub-display parts 7, 8. There are formed a sub-closed state where the sub-cases 5, 6 arranged at a rear side of the display part 4 overlap the display part 4, and a sub-opened state where the sub-display parts 7, 8 of the sub-cases 5, 6 are arranged in parallel with the display part 4. On the occasion of the sub-closed state, information such as characters and images is displayed on the display part 4, and on the occasion of the sub-opened state, the information such as characters and images is displayed on the display part 4 and on the sub-display parts 7, 8. Thus, the problem is solved by such a constitution. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable device capable of expanding a display area of a display unit and improving operability and handling.

  In a mobile phone that is a type of mobile device, a first housing as a transmitter that has a keyboard, a microphone, and the like provided on the upper surface, and a second housing that is a receiver that has a display, a speaker, and the like There are two-fold mobile phones on the market that have these first housing and second housing connected to each other by a hinge device. In the two-fold cellular phone, the second casing is rotatably connected to the rear upper surface of the first casing via a hinge device, and the second casing is connected to the transmitter on the upper surface of the first casing. The transmitters can be overlapped and brought into close contact with each other to block the transmitter, and the transmitter (unclosed state) can be released to expose the transmitter. That is, normally, since the transmitter is closed in the closed state in which the first casing and the second casing are overlapped, in order to expose the transmitter, for example, with one hand Grasp one housing and hold the second housing with the other hand so that the transmitter is exposed (so that the bottom surface of the second housing is separated from the transmitter). By rotating with respect to the housing, it becomes possible to use the mobile phone in an opened state in which the transmitter is exposed.

In recent years, mobile phones having a variety of functions such as a function using a communication line such as the Internet, a game function, and a television function in addition to a call function are on the market. Such a cellular phone may not be able to display information such as characters and images sufficiently with the screen size of the display unit provided in the second housing. Thus, attempts have been made to increase the screen size of the display unit as much as possible. However, even if the display unit is provided on one entire surface of the second housing, the screen size is limited, and characters, images, etc. In some cases, it was not possible to display sufficient information. For this reason, a mobile phone provided with a plurality of, for example, two liquid crystal display units has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-175609 A

  The cellular phone described in Patent Document 1 is in a state where neither of the two liquid crystal display units is exposed when not being used. That is, the 1st liquid crystal display part provided in the 2nd housing | casing is in the state closed by the cover body, and the 2nd liquid crystal display part is provided in the back surface of the cover body. For this reason, when trying to view the first liquid crystal display section, it is necessary to open the lid provided with the second liquid crystal display section covering the surface, and the operation of opening this lid, that is, the second liquid crystal display section. As a result, there is a problem that it becomes complicated. Otherwise, the mobile phone becomes large and increases in weight, and there is a problem that the features required for the mobile phone that are small and light are sacrificed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to allow only one display unit to be used during normal operation, and to open and view a sub display unit as necessary. In addition to the above, it is an object to provide a portable device that is small and light and does not impair operability and handling.

  In order to achieve the above object, a portable device according to the present invention includes a first casing and a second casing, and is provided on one surface of either the first casing or the second casing. In a portable device provided with a display unit for displaying information such as characters and images, a sub-casing having a sub-display unit is provided in the casing provided with the display unit so that the sub-casing can be opened and closed. A sub-closed state that overlaps the display unit on the back side of the unit, and a sub-open state in which the sub-display unit of the sub-casing is parallel to the display unit, and when the sub-closed state, Information is displayed on the display unit, and the information is displayed on the display unit and the sub display unit in the sub-open state.

  According to this invention, the sub housing having the sub display portion is provided in the housing provided with the display portion so as to be opened and closed, and the sub housing is on the back side of the display portion and overlaps the display portion, The sub-display unit of the sub-casing forms a sub-open state in parallel with the display unit, and when the sub-closed state, information such as characters and images is displayed on the display unit, and when in the sub-open state, characters and images are displayed. Since the display unit and the sub display unit are configured to display information such as the display unit when the sub closed state, the display unit is exposed without being closed by the sub case. Information such as characters and images can be displayed on the display unit without the action of opening the body. In the sub closed state, the sub casing overlaps with the casing provided with the display portion, so that a call or the like can be performed without the sub casing becoming an obstacle. Moreover, information can be displayed on the display unit and the sub display unit by opening the sub case and setting the sub display unit of the sub case to the sub open state in which the sub display unit is in parallel with the display unit. Accordingly, it is possible to use only one display unit during normal operation, and the sub display unit can be opened and viewed as necessary, and it is small and light and does not impair operability and handling.

  In the portable device according to the present invention, two sub-housings are provided on both side portions of the housing provided with the display unit so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal direction, respectively. It is preferable that the sub closed state is formed by being folded on the other surface of the casing provided with the portion. In the portable device according to the present invention, when one of the two sub-casings is moved to the housing provided with the display unit, the other sub-casing is moved along with the movement. It is preferable to provide an interlocking mechanism in which the housing moves in conjunction with each other. Further, in the portable device according to the present invention, the interlocking mechanism includes a first shaft fixed to the casing provided with the display unit, and is rotatably attached to the first shaft. A first mounting member attached to any one of the sub-housings, a second shaft fixed to the housing provided with the display unit, and a second shaft rotatably attached to the second shafts. A second attachment member attached to one of the other sub-enclosures of the housing, a first bevel gear rotatably attached to the first shaft and fixed to the first attachment member, and the second shaft A second bevel gear that is rotatably attached to the second attachment member, and a first connection that is rotatably provided on the housing provided with the display unit and meshes with the first bevel gear. Bevel gear and front Which is preferably composed of a coupling gear having a second connecting bevel gears meshing with the second bevel gear.

  Moreover, the portable apparatus which concerns on this invention WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said sub housing | casing is provided in the housing | casing which provided the said display part so that rotation is possible centering on the longitudinal direction. In the portable device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the sub-housing is slidably provided on the housing provided with the display unit. Moreover, in the portable device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the sub casing is provided in the casing provided with the display unit so as to be rotatable about a direction orthogonal to the surface of the display unit. . Moreover, the portable apparatus which concerns on this invention WHEREIN: It is preferable that the said sub housing | casing is connected with the housing | casing which provided the said display part with a string-like member. In the portable device according to the present invention, it is preferable to provide a lock mechanism for holding the sub casing in the locked state in the sub closed state.

  As described above, according to the mobile device of the present invention, when the sub-closed state is established, information such as characters and images is displayed on the display unit without performing other operations such as opening the sub-casing. In addition, when the sub-closed state is established, the sub-chassis can be talked without being disturbed, and the sub-chassis can be opened to display information on the display unit and the sub-display unit. During normal operation, only one display unit can be used. If necessary, the sub display unit can be opened and viewed, and it is small and light and does not impair operability and handling.

  Hereinafter, a portable device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 to 3 are diagrams showing an example of a mobile phone which is a mobile device according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a hinge sub mechanism according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the portable device according to the present invention includes a first housing 2 and a second housing 3, and one of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3. A display unit 4 for displaying information such as characters and images is provided on one surface of the body, for example, the second housing 3.

  The mobile device is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a mobile phone, a mobile information terminal such as Zaurus (trademark), a calculator, a pocket computer, a mobile game machine, and the like, and a mobile phone is particularly preferable. In the present invention, the portable device includes an ashtray, a case lid, and the like. That is, there is no particular limitation as long as the two cases can be opened and closed. Moreover, although this Embodiment demonstrates the mobile telephone 1 as a portable apparatus, it is not limited to this.

  The 1st housing | casing 2 comprises the transmission part of the mobile telephone 1, and has the keyboard part 2a, the microphone part 2b, etc. on the upper surface. The first housing 2 is formed in an elongated and substantially rectangular shape. The second housing 3 also constitutes the receiver of the mobile phone 1, and has a display unit 4, such as an LCD, a speaker unit 3a, etc. on one surface. The second housing 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is substantially the same as the first housing 2.

  Opening and closing the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 to form a closed state in which the upper surface of the first housing 2 is covered with the second housing 3 and an open state in which the upper surface of the first housing 2 is exposed. The mobile phone 1 is configured by being connected through a mechanism. That is, the mobile phone 1 has one surface of the second housing 3 superimposed on the upper surface of the first housing 2 to close the keyboard portion 2a and the like, and from the upper surface of the first housing 2 to the second housing. The body 3 can move to expose the keyboard portion 2a and the like.

  As the opening / closing mechanism, a conventionally known opening / closing mechanism of the mobile phone 1 can be used. For example, an opening / closing hinge mechanism for connecting the first casing 2 and the second casing 3 to each other so as to be rotatable, and the first casing A hinge mechanism or the like that slidably connects the second casing to each other in the longitudinal direction thereof can be used. As the opening / closing mechanism, a case where the opening / closing hinge mechanism 11 is used in the present invention will be described, but the opening / closing mechanism is not limited thereto.

  The opening / closing hinge mechanism 11 is engaged with the engagement convex portion 12 provided in one of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, for example, the second housing 3, and the engagement convex portion 12. The first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are pivotably connected to each other, and an engagement recess provided in the other housing of the first housing 2 and the second housing 3, for example, the first housing 2. 13. In the vicinity of both ends of the upper surface of the first housing 2 and in the vicinity of the tip, there are provided rotating protrusions 21 that protrude in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface. The rear end of the second housing 3 (the end opposite to the side where the speaker portion 3 a is provided) is convex so as to enter between the rotating projections 21, 21 of the first housing 2. Is formed as a rotating convex portion 25.

  The engagement convex part 12 is not specifically limited, For example, it is preferable that it is formed of the engagement convex part unit 15. The engaging convex unit 15 is fitted and accommodated in the unit accommodating portion 3 c in the vicinity of the distal ends of both ends of the rotating convex portion 25 of the second housing 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the engaging convex unit 15 includes, for example, a case 81, a shaft 82 provided on the case 81, a first cam 83 and a second cam 84 provided on the shaft 82, and a second It is preferable that the compression coil spring 85 is an urging member provided between the cam 84 and the case 81.

  The case 81 is formed in a substantially long cylindrical shape with a bottom that is accommodated by being fitted into the unit accommodating portion 3c. A through hole 81 a through which the shaft 82 passes is provided at the bottom of the case 81.

  The shaft 82 is formed in a circular rod shape, for example. The distal end portion of the shaft 82 is formed as an enlarged flange portion 82a. An E-ring mounting portion 82b is provided on the outer periphery in the vicinity of the rear end portion of the shaft 82. The rear end portion of the shaft 82 is passed through the through hole 81a and exposed from the bottom portion of the case 81 through the washer 88. The shaft 82 is fixed to the case 81 by attaching the E ring 89 to the E ring attaching portion 82b.

  The first cam 83 is formed in substantially the same shape as the case 81, for example. That is, the first cam 83 is formed in a substantially oval shape, and a through hole 83a through which the shaft 82 passes is provided at the center. The through hole 83a is preferably formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the shaft 82 and smaller than the flange portion 82a, for example, a dimension slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 82. For example, a shaft fitting portion 83b into which the flange portion 82a of the shaft 82 is fitted is preferably provided on the distal end surface of the first cam 83, so that the first cam 83 and the first end surface of the shaft 82 can be connected to the first cam 83 at the time of attachment. The tip surface of the cam 83 is positioned on substantially the same plane.

  For example, two cam projections 86 are provided on the rear end surface of the first cam 83 (sometimes referred to as a first cam surface). These cam convex portions 86 are provided on the first cam surface at intervals of 180 °. That is, the two cam projections 86 are provided symmetrically on the first cam surface. Although the shape of these cam convex parts 86 is not specifically limited, the front-end | tip part protrudes and forms in the substantially triangular shape of R shape. It is preferable that the cam surfaces between the cam convex portions 86 (cam surfaces other than the cam convex portions) are formed in a planar shape.

  Similar to the first cam 83, the second cam 84 is formed in, for example, substantially the same shape as the case 81. That is, the second cam 84 is formed in a substantially oval shape, and a through hole 84a through which the shaft 82 passes is provided at the center. The through hole 84 a is preferably formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the shaft 82, for example, a dimension slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 82. Both side portions of the second cam 84 are engaged with the fitting portion 81b of the case 81 to prevent the rotation of the second cam 84 around the shaft 82, and the second cam 84 moves in the axial direction of the shaft 82. It is possible, but it cannot be rotated around its axis.

  On the surface of the second cam 84 on the first cam 83 side (sometimes referred to as a second cam surface), for example, four cam recesses 87 that respectively engage with the cam protrusions 86 are provided. Two of the four cam recesses 87 are provided on the second cam surface symmetrically at an interval of 180 °, and, for example, engage with the two cam projections 86 at rotation angles of 0 ° and 180 °. It is preferable that they are arranged. The remaining two cam recesses 87 are symmetrically provided on the second cam surface at an interval of 180 °, and are arranged so as to engage with the two cam projections 86 at a rotation angle of 150 °, for example. It is preferable that The second cam surfaces other than the four cam recesses 87 are preferably formed in a flat shape. Further, it is preferable that the remaining surface of the second cam 84 (also referred to as an urging surface) is formed in a flat shape. A biasing means is provided between the biasing surface and the bottom of the case 81.

  The biasing means is, for example, a compression coil spring 85 or the like. For example, the compression coil spring 85 is mounted on the outer periphery of the shaft 82, one end is in contact with the urging surface of the second cam 84, and the other end is in contact with the bottom of the case 81, The second cam 84 is urged so as to press the first cam 83. As a result, the frictional force acting between the first cam 83 and the second cam 84 is increased, and the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 can be stopped at any position within the rotation range. It can be done.

  When such an engaging convex unit 15 is fitted and accommodated in the unit accommodating portion 3c of the rotating convex portion 25, for example, only the first cam 83 projects from the side surface of the rotating convex portion 25. It has become. The engaging recess 13 is provided on the inner surface of each rotating protrusion 21 of the first housing 2 (the surface on the side where the rotating protrusion 21 faces). These engaging recesses 13 are formed as recesses having a substantially oval cross section, for example, into which the first cam 83 is fitted. The first cam 83 of the engaging convex unit 15 that is fitted and accommodated in the unit accommodating portion 3c is respectively fitted and engaged with these engaging concave portions 13 so that the first casing 2 is engaged. On the other hand, the second housing 3 can be rotated within an angle range of 0 ° to 180 °. The angle in this case is an angle between the straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the first housing 2 and the straight line extending in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 3 (sometimes referred to as a rotation angle).

  When this angle is 0 °, a closed state is formed in which the upper surface of the first housing 2 is covered with the surface of the second housing 3 having the display unit 4. When the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are relatively rotated in the opening direction from this closed state and the rotation angle becomes 150 °, the cam convex portion 86 enters the cam concave portion 87 and engages. To keep it locked. This state is an intermediate open state. Further, when the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are relatively rotated in the opening direction from the intermediate opened state and the rotation angle becomes 180 °, the cam convex portion 86 enters the cam concave portion 87 and is engaged. And held in a locked state. This state is a fully opened state. It is to be noted that the engaging convex unit 15 is provided in the second housing 3 and the engaging concave portion 13 is provided in the first housing 2 so that the first housing 2 and the second housing 3 are opened and closed by rotation. However, the engaging projection unit 15 is provided in the first casing and the engaging recess 13 is provided in the second casing so that the first casing and the second casing can be opened and closed by rotation. Also good. Further, in the present invention, the term “0 °” includes around 0 °. Further, in the present invention, the term “150 °” includes around 150 °. Further, in the present invention, the term “180 °” includes around 180 °.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the mobile phone 1 according to the present invention can open and close the sub-housings 5 and 6 having the sub-display portions 7 and 8 in the second housing 3 provided with the display portion 4. Provided, the sub casings 5 and 6 are on the back side of the display unit 4 and overlap with the display unit 4, and the sub display units 7 and 8 of the sub casings 5 and 6 are arranged in parallel with the display unit 4. The sub-open state is formed, information is displayed on the display unit 4 in the sub-closed state, and information is displayed on the display unit 4 and the sub-display units 7 and 8 in the sub-open state. There is a feature.

  The sub housings 5 and 6 are preferably formed to be a part of the second housing 3 in the sub closed state. That is, the sub-housing has a substantially elongated rectangular shape, and the width is the same as or shorter than the width of the second housing 3 and the length (length in the longitudinal direction) is the second. It is preferable that the length is shorter than the length of the housing 3. Further, the second housing 3 is provided with a sub housing housing 3b, and the sub housings 5 and 6 are housed in the sub housing housing 3b, so that the sub housing becomes the second housing 3. To become a part of.

  One or two sub-housings are preferably provided in the second housing 3. When there is one sub-housing, it is preferable that the width of the sub-housing is the same as or slightly shorter than the width of the second housing 3. When there are two sub-housings, the width of the sub-housing may be the same as or slightly shorter than the width of the second housing 3 (sometimes referred to as a first dimension). 2 It may be formed with a dimension that is ½ of the width of the housing 3 or a dimension slightly shorter than a dimension of ½ (sometimes referred to as a second dimension). When the number of sub-casings is two and the width of the sub-casing is formed with the first dimension, the two sub-casings are accommodated in a state of being superimposed on the back side of the display unit 4. It is preferable. Further, in the case where there are two sub cases 5 and 6 and the widths of the sub cases 5 and 6 are formed with the second dimension, the two sub cases 5 and 6 are the back surfaces of the display unit 4. It is preferable to be accommodated in parallel on the side.

  The sub enclosures 5 and 6 are on the back side of the display unit 4 and overlap the display unit 4 (see FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 3), The second housing 3 and the sub housings 5 and 6 are connected via an opening / closing sub mechanism 9 so as to form a sub open state (FIG. 1C) in which the sub display portions 7 and 8 are in parallel with the display portion 4. ing.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the opening / closing sub-mechanism 9 connects the second housing 3 and the sub-housings 5, 6, 91 so as to be rotatable with respect to each other about the longitudinal direction of the second housing 3. Alternatively, the sub housing 92 may be slidably connected to the second housing 3 as shown in FIG. 6 (a hinge sub mechanism may be used). In this case, the sub housing 92 may be housed in the sub housing housing portion in the second housing 3, or the second housing 3 may be placed on the surface of the second housing 3 opposite to the display unit. You may make it accommodate so that it may overlap. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the opening / closing sub mechanism 9 can rotate the second housing 3 and the sub housing 93 with respect to each other about a shaft 94 in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the display unit 4 of the second housing 3. The second housing 3 and the sub housings 95 and 96 may be connected by a string-like member 97 as shown in FIG. As the opening / closing sub-mechanism 9, a case where the hinge sub-mechanism 41 is used in the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, although the case where the two sub housings | casings 5 and 6 which formed the width | variety by the 2nd dimension as a sub housing | casing is demonstrated, it is not limited to this. In this case, two sub-housings 5 and 6 are folded and accommodated in parallel on the same plane on the surface of the second housing 3 opposite to the surface on which the display unit 4 is provided.

  The hinge sub mechanism 41 is not particularly limited as long as the second housing 3 and the sub housings 5 and 6 can be connected to each other so as to be rotatable. For example, when the left sub-casing (sometimes referred to as the left sub-casing 5) is rotated with respect to the display unit 4, any one of the two sub-casing 5 and 6 is rotated along with the rotation. It is preferable that the sub housing (sometimes referred to as the right sub housing 6) includes an interlocking mechanism 42 that rotates in conjunction with the sub housing. In the present embodiment, the interlock mechanism 42 and the hinge sub mechanism 41 will be described without distinction. The left sub-case 5 is provided with a left sub-display unit 7, and the right sub-case 6 is provided with a right sub-display unit 8.

  The hinge sub-mechanism 41 is, for example, a first shaft 51 fixed to the second housing 3 and a first attachment that is attached to the first shaft 51 so as to be rotatable about its axis and is attached to the left sub-housing 5. A member 52, a second shaft 61 fixed to the second housing 3, and a second mounting member 62 attached to the second shaft 61 so as to be rotatable about its axis and attached to the right sub-housing 6. The first shaft 51 is attached to the first shaft 51 so as to be rotatable about its axis, and is attached to the second shaft 61 so as to be rotatable about its axis. A second bevel gear 63 fixed to the second mounting member 62, a first connected bevel gear 73 meshed with the first bevel gear 53, and a second connected bevel gear meshed with the second bevel gear 63 And a connecting gear 71 having a gear 74. It is preferable. The hinge sub-mechanism 41 is preferably composed of a left hinge unit 50 for the left sub-housing, a right hinge unit 60 for the right sub-housing, and a connecting unit 70 attached to the second housing 3. .

  The left hinge unit 50 includes, for example, a case 54, a first shaft 51 attached to the case 54, a first attachment member 52 attached to the first shaft 51, and a first bevel gear attached to the first shaft 51. 53, a first cam follower 55 attached to the first shaft 51, and first urging means 56 provided between the first cam follower 55 and the case 54 are preferable.

  The case 54 is attached to the second housing 3 and is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape with a bottom. A side recess 54 a is formed on the side of the case 54 so that the case 54 can be attached to the second housing 3 without rotating. The tip portions of the two opposing side portions of the case 54 are formed as cam follower recesses 54b that are recessed in the longitudinal direction. A through hole (not shown) through which the first shaft 51 passes is provided at the bottom of the case 54. The through hole is preferably formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the first shaft 51, for example, a slightly larger diameter.

  The first shaft 51 is formed in a circular rod shape, for example. An E-ring attachment portion for attaching an E-ring 45 to the first shaft 51 and attaching the first shaft 51 to the case 54 on the outer periphery in the vicinity of the rear end portion (the end portion on the side inserted into the through-hole of the case 54). 51a is provided. The rear end portion side of the first shaft 51 (particularly, the location of the first shaft 51 located in the case 54) is a flat surface in the axial direction and in parallel with a part of the opposed peripheral surface on the rear end portion side. And is formed as a notch fitting portion 51b. A flange portion 51c having an enlarged diameter is provided on the tip side from the center portion of the first shaft 51. The base portion of the first shaft 51 on the distal end side of the flange portion 51c is formed in a rectangular shape, for example, a square shape, and is formed as a fitting portion 51d. An E-ring mounting portion 51e is provided on the outer periphery in the vicinity of the tip portion of the first shaft.

  The first mounting member 52 is rotatable around its axis into a circular sliding portion 51f between the flange portion 51c of the first shaft 51 and the notch fitting portion 51b located outside the case 54. And it is attached to be movable in the axial direction. The first mounting member 52 includes, for example, a disk-shaped mounting member main body 52a and a mounting portion 52b protruding from the peripheral surface of the mounting member main body 52a. The attachment portion 52b includes a fixing hole 52c for fixing to the left sub housing 5 with a screw, a pin, or the like, for example. The attachment member main body 52a is formed in a disk shape having a diameter substantially the same as the outer width of the case 54, for example. A through hole 52d through which the first shaft 51 passes is provided in the central portion of the mounting member main body 52a, and the first mounting member 52 rotates around the axis of the sliding portion 51f of the first shaft 51. It is possible and is attached so as to be movable in its axial direction. At the center of the surface of the first shaft 51 on the flange portion 51c side (also referred to as the tip surface) of the mounting member main body 52a, a rectangular, for example, square-shaped fitting portion protruding in the axial direction from the tip surface. 52e is provided.

  For example, two cam protrusions 57 are provided on the remaining surface of the first mounting member 52 (also referred to as a first cam surface). These cam convex portions 57 are provided on the first cam surface at intervals of 180 °. That is, the two cam convex portions 57 are provided symmetrically on the first cam surface. Although the shape of these cam convex parts 57 is not specifically limited, the front-end | tip part is protrudingly formed in the substantially triangular shape of R shape. The cam surface between the cam convex portions 57 (cam surface other than the cam convex portion 57) is preferably formed in a flat shape.

  The first cam follower 55 is formed in, for example, a substantially rectangular shape having a curved side surface. That is, the first cam follower 55 is formed in a substantially oval shape, and a fitting through hole 55a through which the notch fitting portion 51b of the first shaft 51 is fitted is provided at the center. . The first cam follower 55 is attached to the first shaft 51 in a state where both side portions of the first cam follower 55 are fitted in the recesses 54b of the case 54, and the first cam follower 55 is movable in the axial direction of the first shaft 51. It cannot be rotated around its axis.

  The surface on the first mounting member 52 side of the first cam follower 55 is a second cam surface that is in surface contact with the first cam surface of the first mounting member 52. The second cam surface is provided with two cam recesses 58 that engage with the cam protrusions 57, respectively. These cam recesses 58 are symmetrically provided on the second cam surface at intervals of 180 °, and are arranged so as to be engaged with the two cam projections 57 when the rotation sub-angles are 0 ° and 180 °, for example. It is preferable that The remaining surface of the first cam follower 55 (sometimes referred to as an urging surface) is preferably formed in a planar shape. A first urging means 56 is provided between the urging surface and the bottom of the case.

  The first urging means 56 is, for example, a compression coil spring 56a. The compression coil spring 56 a is provided on the outer periphery of the first shaft 51. One end of the compression coil spring 56 a contacts the urging surface of the first cam follower 55 and the other end contacts the bottom of the case 54. The first cam follower 55 is urged to be pressed against the first mounting member 52.

  The first bevel gear 53 is provided between the first mounting member 52 and the flange portion 51 c of the first shaft 51. As for the 1st bevel gear 53, the flange part 51c side is formed as a gear part. In the center portion of the first bevel gear 53, there is provided a fitting recess 53a that passes through the fitting portion 52e of the first mounting member 52, and the first bevel gear 53 is the first mounting member. 52 is fitted to the first mounting member 52 so as to rotate around the axis of the first shaft 51.

  The left hinge unit 50 is attached to the second housing 3 and the attachment portion 52 b of the first attachment member 52 is attached to the left sub housing 5, whereby the left sub housing 5 is attached to the second housing 3. Can be rotated within an angle range of 0 ° to 180 °. The angle in this case is an angle between the straight line extending in the width direction of the second housing 3 and the straight line extending in the width direction of the left sub-housing 5 (sometimes referred to as a rotation sub-angle).

  When the rotation sub-angle is 0 °, the sub casing 5 is on the back side of the display unit 4 and forms a sub-closed state overlapping the display unit 4. When the left sub-case 5 rotates relative to the second case 3 relative to the second case 3 from this closed state and the rotation sub-angle becomes 180 °, the cam convex portion 57 enters the cam concave portion 58. Engage and hold locked. This state is a sub-open state in which the sub display units 7 and 8 of the sub housings 5 and 6 are arranged in parallel with the display unit 4.

  Since the right hinge unit 60 is configured in substantially the same manner as the left hinge unit 50, the description thereof is omitted. For example, the case 64, the second shaft 61 attached to the case 64, and the second shaft 61 A second attachment member 62 to be attached; a second bevel gear 63 attached to the second shaft 61; a second cam follower (not shown) attached to the second shaft 61; a first cam follower and a case 64; It is preferable that it is comprised with the 2nd biasing means (not shown) provided between these. Note that the right sub-case 6 can also rotate the right sub-case 6 with respect to the second case 3 in an angle range of 0 ° to 180 °, similarly to the left sub-case 5. The angle in this case is an angle between a straight line extending in the width direction of the second housing 3 and a straight line extending in the width direction of the right sub-housing 6, and this angle also has the same meaning as the rotation sub-angle. Therefore, in the present invention, the rotation sub-angle is used without distinguishing between the left sub-case 5 and the right sub-case 6.

  The connection unit 70 includes, for example, a center shaft 72 and a connection gear 71. The center shaft 72 is formed in a circular bar shape extending in the width direction of the second housing 3. Both ends of the center shaft 72 are formed in a rectangular shape by partially cutting a part of the circumferential surface facing the longitudinal direction of the second housing 3 in the axial direction and in parallel with each other. A fitting recess that penetrates in the longitudinal direction of the second housing 3 and that fits the fitting portion 51d of the flange portion 51c of the first shaft 51 and the fitting portion 61d of the second shaft 61 is fitted into both ends thereof. 72a is provided. That is, the fitting portion 51 d of the first shaft 51 and the fitting portion 61 d of the second shaft 61 are fitted into the fitting recesses 72 a at both ends of the center shaft 72, respectively. The E-ring 46 is attached to the ring attachment portion 51e, and the E-ring 46 is attached to the E-ring attachment portion 61e at the tip of the second shaft 61, whereby the left hinge unit 50 and the right hinge unit 60 are connected to the center shaft 72 (connection unit). 70).

  The connecting gear 71 includes a cylindrical connecting portion 75 and a first connecting bevel gear 73 and a second connecting bevel gear 74 provided at both ends of the connecting portion 75. The connecting part 75 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The connecting portion 75 is rotatably provided on the outer periphery of the center shaft 72 so as to cover the center shaft 72. A first connection bevel gear 73 and a second connection bevel gear 74 are provided at both ends of the connection portion 75. The first connecting bevel gear 73 is meshed with the first bevel gear 53 of the left hinge unit 50, and when the first bevel gear 53 is rotated, the connecting gear 71 is rotated. Further, the second connecting bevel gear 74 is meshed with the second bevel gear 63 of the right hinge unit 60, and when the second bevel gear 63 is rotated, the connecting gear 71 is rotated. Accordingly, when one of the left sub-case 5 and the right sub-case 6, for example, the left sub-case 5 rotates relative to the second case 3, the left sub-case 5 is rotated along with the rotation. The other sub-housing of the body 5 and the right sub-housing 6, for example, the right sub-housing 6 is configured to rotate in conjunction with each other via a connecting gear 71.

  In addition, a lock mechanism 43 is provided in the second casing 3 so that the left sub-casing 5 and the right sub-casing 6 are connected to the second casing 3 in the two states of the sub-closed state and the sub-opened state. You may make it hold | maintain in a lock shape. That is, the lock mechanism 43 places the left sub-case 5 and the right sub-case 6 in a sub-closed state where the left sub-case 5 and the right sub-case 6 overlap the display unit 4 on the back side of the display unit 4. The left sub-housing is held in the second housing 3 in a locked state, and the sub-display portion 7 of the left sub-housing 5 and the sub-display portion 8 of the right sub-housing 6 are in a sub-open state in which the sub-display portion 8 is parallel to the display portion 4. 5 and the right sub-housing 6 are held in the second housing 3 in a locked state.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the lock mechanism 43 includes a lock member 31 provided near the rear end of the second housing 3, a biasing member that biases the lock member 31, and a lock member 31. It consists of lock recesses 36 and 37 to be mated. The lock member 31 is formed in a crank shape, for example. A central portion of the lock member 31 is rotatably attached to the second housing 3 around, for example, a pin 32 extending in the width direction of the second housing 3. One end portion (sometimes referred to as a first end portion) of the lock member 31 can protrude from the surface of the second housing 3 on the side where the display unit 4 is provided. An operation button 33 is attached to the part. For example, a compression spring 34, which is a biasing member that biases the operation button 33 in a direction protruding from the second housing 3, is provided at a corner portion of the lock member 31 opposite to the first end portion. The other end of the lock member 31 is a lock projection 35.

  The lock concave portions 36 and 37 are engaged with the lock convex portion 35 to prevent the connection gear 71 from rotating. For example, two lock concave portions 36 and 37 are provided on the outer periphery of the connection portion 75. One lock recess (sometimes referred to as a closed lock recess 36) holds the sub housings 5 and 6 in a locked state in the second housing 3 in the sub-closed state. The lock recess 37 is sometimes used to hold the sub housings 5 and 6 in a locked state in the second housing 3 in the sub-open state. Thereby, the compression spring 34 urges the operation button 33 in a direction protruding from the second housing 3, and when the lock convex portion 35 is engaged with the closed lock concave portion 36 or the open lock concave portion 37, The lock projection 35 is urged so that the engagement is not easily released. Further, when the operation button 33 is pushed in to enter the second housing 3, the lock member 31 rotates against the urging force of the compression spring 34, and the lock projection 35 and the closed lock recess 36 are rotated. Alternatively, the engagement of the open lock recess 37 is released.

  Further, automatic rotation means (not shown) is provided so that the sub-casings 5 and 6 are automatically rotated in the sub-opening direction from the sub-closed state to the sub-opening state with respect to the second housing 3. It may be. Although it does not specifically limit as an automatic rotation means, For example, a biasing member etc. are used. The urging member is, for example, a tension spring. For example, the tension spring is provided on the outer periphery of the connecting portion 75 of the connecting gear 71, and one end thereof is attached to the connecting portion 75 and the other end is attached to the second housing 3. It is urged to rotate in the opening direction. Thus, the sub housings 5 and 6 are configured to automatically rotate in the sub opening direction via the connecting gear 71. One tension spring may be provided in the connecting portion 75, or two or more, for example, two may be provided in the vicinity of both ends of the connecting portion 75.

  Next, the operation of the mobile phone 1 according to the present invention will be described.

  In the closed state in which the cellular phone 1 is not used, as shown in FIG. 1A, the first casing 2 and the second casing 3 are folded in two so as to overlap each other. At this time, the cam convex portion 86 and the cam concave portion 87 are engaged and held in a locked state. When using the cellular phone 1, for example, the first casing 2 is held with the left hand and the second casing 3 is held with the right hand, and the second casing 3 is moved away from the first casing 2. Rotate (open). As a result, when the cam convex portion 86 is detached from the cam concave portion 87 (the engagement is released) and the rotation angle reaches 150 °, the cam convex portion 86 enters and engages with the cam concave portion 87 to be locked. Is held in an intermediate open state. Further, when the second housing 3 is further rotated and the rotation angle becomes 180 °, the cam convex portion 86 enters and engages with the cam concave portion 87 and is held in a locked state, and is in a fully opened state.

  In such an open state, the sub housings 5 and 6 are on the back side of the display unit 4 of the second housing 3 and overlap the display unit 4, and the display unit 4 is exposed. Therefore, information such as characters and images can be displayed on the display unit 4. Therefore, since a call or the like can be performed while maintaining a compact state, operability is not impaired. Further, when information such as characters and images to be displayed on the display unit 4 is small, it can be displayed on the display unit 4 only, so that the sub casings 5 and 6 do not protrude from the second casing 3. That is, since the telephone conversation can be performed while maintaining a compact state without being in the way, the handling property is not impaired.

  Further, when the screen size of the display unit 4 provided in the second housing 3 cannot sufficiently display information such as characters and images, the operation button 33 is pushed into the second housing 3 and operated. . Then, the engagement of the lock projection 35 with the closed lock recess 36 is released, and the connecting gear 71 is rotated in the sub-opening direction from the sub-closed state by the biasing force of the tension spring. As a result, the left sub-case 5 and the right sub-case 6 are automatically rotated in the sub-opening direction via the connecting gear 71, and the lock convex portion 35 enters and engages and locks the open lock concave portion 37. The state is maintained, and the sub-open state is established. That is, the sub-display unit 7 of the left sub-chassis 5 and the sub-display unit 8 of the right sub-chassis 6 are in a sub-open state in which they are arranged on both sides of the display unit 4. Displayed on the sub-display units 7 and 8. Therefore, the display area for displaying information can be enlarged. In other words, it is possible to display information such as characters and images on a screen that is approximately twice as wide as when displaying information only on the display unit 4. This is particularly useful when using a function using a communication line such as the Internet, a game function, a television function, or the like.

  In order to return the mobile phone 1 to the closed state after using the mobile phone 1, force the left sub-case 5 and / or the right sub-case 6 in the sub-close direction (the direction opposite to the sub-open direction). Turn to act. At this time, when one of the sub-housings is rotated, the other sub-housing of the left sub-housing 5 and the right sub-housing 6 rotates in conjunction with the rotation via the connecting gear 71. Move. Then, the lock convex portion 35 enters and engages with the closed lock concave portion 36 and is held in the locked state, and enters the sub-closed state.

  Next, for example, holding the first casing 2 with the left hand and the second casing 3 with the right hand, the second casing 3 is closed (the second casing 3 and the first casing 2 approach each other). Direction). As a result, when the engagement of the cam convex portion 86 and the cam concave portion 87 is released and the rotation angle becomes 0 °, the cam convex portion 86 enters the cam concave portion 87 and is engaged and held in the locked state. Return to the closed state.

  Accordingly, when the mobile phone 1 according to the present invention is in the sub-closed state, the display unit 4 is exposed without being closed by the sub-cases 5 and 6, so that other operations such as the sub-cases 5 and 6 are performed. Information such as characters and images can be displayed on the display unit 4 without performing an opening operation. Further, since the sub casings 5 and 6 overlap the second casing 3 in the sub-closed state, a call or the like can be performed without the sub casings 5 and 6 being in the way. Further, by opening the sub housings 5 and 6 and setting the sub display portions 7 and 8 of the sub housings 5 and 6 in parallel with the display portion 4, information is displayed on the display portion 4 and the sub display portions 7 and 7. 8 can be displayed. As a result, only one display unit 4 can be used during normal operation, and the sub-display units 7 and 8 can be opened and viewed as necessary, and the size and weight are reduced, and the operability and handling are impaired. A mobile phone 1 without the above is obtained.

  In addition, since the interlock mechanism 42 is provided, for example, when the left sub casing 5 is rotated with respect to the second casing 3, the right sub casing 6 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation. Therefore, the operability is further improved. In addition, by providing the lock mechanism 43 and the automatic rotation means, the sub housings 5 and 6 are automatically rotated in the sub-opening direction simply by pressing the operation button 33, so that the sub-open state is established. The operability is further improved.

  Further, in order to arrange the left sub-display unit 7 and the right sub-display unit 8 in parallel on the left and right sides of the main display unit 4, the keyboard unit 2 a of the first housing 2 is arranged at the center of the display units 4, 7, 8. Therefore, it is easy to operate the keyboard unit 2a while viewing the information displayed on the display units 4, 7, and 8.

  As described above, the portable device according to the present invention can display information such as characters and images on the display unit without performing other operations, for example, an operation of opening the sub casing, in the sub closed state. In addition, when in the sub-closed state, it is possible to make a call or the like without disturbing the sub case, and open the sub case to display information on the display unit and the sub display unit. Sometimes only one display unit can be used, and if necessary, the sub display unit can be opened and viewed, and it is small and light and does not impair operability and handling. In particular, it is preferably used as a mobile phone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a perspective view which shows an example of the mobile phone which concerns on this invention, (a) is a figure which shows a closed state, (b) is a figure which shows an open state and a sub closed state, (c) is a sub open state. FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the mobile telephone which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows an example of the mobile telephone which concerns on this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows an example of the hinge sub mechanism which concerns on this invention. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing another example of the mobile phone according to the present invention, in which FIG. 4A is a front view showing a closed state and a sub-closed state, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the opened state and the closed state. (C) is a front view which shows a sub open state, (d) is a front view perspective view which shows a sub open state. It is a figure which shows the other example of the mobile telephone which concerns on this invention, (a) is a front view which shows a sub open state, (b) is a perspective view which shows a sub open state. It is a top view which shows the other example of the mobile telephone which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the other example of the mobile telephone which concerns on this invention, (a) is a front view which shows a sub closed state, (b) is a front view in the middle of opening a sub housing | casing, (c) is a sub open state. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the engagement convex part unit which concerns on this invention, (a) is a perspective view, (b) is an exploded sectional view.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile phone 2 1st housing | casing 3 2nd housing | casing 4 Display part 5 Left sub-casing 6 Right sub-casing 7 Left sub-displaying part 8 Right sub-displaying part 9 Opening / closing sub-mechanism 41 Hinge sub-mechanism 42 Interlocking mechanism 43 Locking mechanism 50 Left hinge unit 60 Right hinge unit 70 Connection unit

Claims (9)

A mobile phone comprising a first housing and a second housing, wherein a display unit for displaying information such as characters and images is provided on one surface of either the first housing or the second housing. In the equipment
A sub housing having a sub display portion is provided in the housing provided with the display portion so as to be openable and closable, and the sub housing is on the back side of the display portion and overlaps the display portion. A sub-opening state in which the sub-display unit of the sub-casing is parallel to the display unit
The information is displayed on the display unit in the sub closed state, and the information is displayed on the display unit and the sub display unit in the sub opened state. machine.   Two sub-housings are provided on both sides of the housing provided with the display unit so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal direction thereof, and these sub-housings are the other of the housings provided with the display unit. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the sub-closed state is formed by being folded on each of the surfaces.   When either one of the two sub-casings is moved to the housing provided with the display unit, an interlock mechanism that moves the other sub-casing in conjunction with the movement. The mobile device according to claim 2, wherein the mobile device is provided.   The interlocking mechanism is attached to one of the two sub-housings, and is attached to the first shaft fixed to the housing provided with the display unit and the first shaft so as to be rotatable. A first mounting member, a second shaft fixed to the housing provided with the display unit, and a second housing that is rotatably attached to the second shaft and is the other of the two sub housings. A second mounting member attached to the first shaft, a first bevel gear attached to the first shaft for rotation, and a first bevel gear fixed to the first attachment member; 2. A second bevel gear fixed to the mounting member and a first connection bevel gear engaged with the first bevel gear and meshed with the second bevel gear are rotatably provided in the housing provided with the display unit. Second connected cap teeth Characterized in that it is composed of a coupling gear having a portable device according to claim 3.   The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the sub-housing is provided in a housing provided with the display unit so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal direction thereof.   The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the sub-housing is slidably provided on the housing provided with the display unit.   2. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the sub-housing is provided on the housing provided with the display unit so as to be rotatable about a direction orthogonal to the surface of the display unit. machine.   The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the sub-housing is connected to the housing provided with the display unit by a string member. The portable device according to claim 1, further comprising a lock mechanism that holds the sub housing in the locked state in the sub closed state.

Images