JP2012080466A - Portable device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable device which secures first and second front surface areas of first and second housings.SOLUTION: A portable phone according to an embodiment 1 includes housings 10 and 20 and a coupling mechanism A coupling the housing 10 with the housing 20 so as to shift between a first mode in which the housings 10 and 20 are closed and a second mode in which the housings 10 and 20 are open. The housing 10 includes a front surface 11 facing the housing 20 in the first mode and a back surface 21 located at the back side of the front surface 11, and the housing 20 includes a front surface 21 facing the housing 10 in the first mode and a back surface 22 located at the back side of the front surface 21. The coupling mechanism A includes arm members 30 and 40 which are respectively coupled with the housings 10 and 20 and also rotatably coupled with each other. An axial center CA of the rotation of the arm members 30 and 40 is positioned in thicknesses of the housings 10 and 20 in the first mode and positioned at the side of the back surfaces 12 and 22 in the second mode.

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable device.

  There is a portable device including first and second casings that are connected to each other by a hinge portion so as to be opened and closed. The first and second housings have first and second front faces that face each other in the closed state. For example, a plurality of operation keys and a display are provided on the first and second front surfaces. Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose technologies related to portable devices.

International Publication Number WO2005-020046 JP 2009-63836 A Special table 2008-501143 gazette JP 2009-265222 A

  When the hinge portion is provided on the first and second front sides, the areas of the first and second front sides are reduced. For this reason, it becomes difficult to ensure a large area of the first and second front surfaces.

  An object of this invention is to provide the portable apparatus which ensured the area of the 1st and 2nd front of each of the 1st and 2nd housing.

  The portable device disclosed in the present specification includes a first and second housing, a coupling mechanism that couples the first and second housings so that the first and second housings are closed and can be moved between the first and second housings, The first housing includes a first front surface facing the second housing in the first form, a first back surface on the back side of the first front surface, and the second housing includes the first housing A first form that includes a second front surface facing the first housing and a second back surface on the back side of the second front surface, wherein the coupling mechanism is coupled to the first and second housings and is rotated with respect to each other; First and second arm members connected to each other, and an axis of rotation of the first and second arm members is located within a thickness of the first and second housings in the first form. , Located in the first and second back sides in the second form.

  A portable device can be provided in which the areas of the first and second front surfaces of the first and second housings are secured.

1A and 1B are explanatory views of a mobile phone according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling mechanism A. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the internal structure around the coupling mechanism A in the second embodiment. 4A to 4C are explanatory diagrams of the transition from the first form to the second form. 5A and 5B are views of the internal structure around the coupling mechanism A in the first and second forms, respectively. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the mobile phone according to the second embodiment. 7A and 7B are explanatory views of a mobile phone according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the mobile phone according to the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the mobile phone according to the third embodiment. 10A and 10B are explanatory views of the mobile phone according to the third embodiment. 11A to 11D are explanatory views of a modification of the third embodiment. 12A to 12C are explanatory diagrams of the mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams of the mobile phone of Example 4 as viewed from the back side. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling mechanism F. FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram of the internal structure of the housing. FIG. 16 is a diagram of the internal structure of the housing. 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams of usage modes in the third embodiment. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of a lock pin. 19A to 19C are explanatory views of a support portion. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams of insertion of a lock pin into the opening. FIGS. 21A and 21B are explanatory views of a structure for preventing the lock pin from coming off from the opening. FIGS. 22A and 22B are explanatory views of a modification of the fourth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described. The mobile device is, for example, a mobile phone.

1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams of a mobile phone according to a first embodiment.
The mobile phone according to the first embodiment includes a first casing (hereinafter referred to as a casing) 10 and a second casing (hereinafter referred to as a casing) 20 that are connected to each other. The casings 10 and 20 are each substantially rectangular and have a flat plate shape. The casings 10 and 20 are connected by a connecting mechanism A. The connection mechanism A connects the housings 10 and 20 so as to be able to move between the first form in which the housings 10 and 20 are closed and the second form in which the housings 10 and 20 are open. FIG. 1A shows a first configuration. FIG. 1B shows a second configuration. The casings 10 and 20 are rotatably connected by a connecting mechanism A.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the housing 10 includes a front surface 11 and a back surface 12 on the back side of the front surface 11. A display unit 13 is provided on the front surface 11. A display unit 14 smaller than the display unit 13 is provided on the back surface 12. The housing 20 includes a front surface 21 and a back surface on the back side of the front surface 21. A display unit 23 is provided on the front surface 21. The display units 13 and 23 are liquid crystal displays. An operation key may be provided on at least one of the front surface 11 of the housing 10 and the front surface 21 of the housing 20. In the first form, the front surface 11 of the housing 10 and the front surface 21 of the housing 20 face each other. The front 11 is provided with a receiver 15 for outputting sound. A microphone 25 for collecting sound is provided on the front surface 21.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling mechanism A. FIG.
The connection mechanism A includes arm members 30 and 40. The arm members 30 and 40 are connected to the housing 10 side and the housing 20 side, respectively. The arm member 30 includes a cylinder part 31 and an arm part 36 extending to the outside of the cylinder part 31. A shaft portion 37 is provided on each side of the arm portion 36. The shaft portion 37 projects in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 31. The arm portion 36 is housed in the housing portion 16 provided at the lower end portion of the housing 10.

  Similarly, the arm member 40 includes two cylindrical portions 41 and arm portions 46 extending to the outside of the two cylindrical portions 41. A shaft portion 47 is provided on each side portion of the arm portion 46. The shaft portion 47 projects in the axial direction of the tube portion 41. The arm portion 46 is housed in the housing portion 26 provided at the lower end portion of the housing 20. The arm members 30 and 40 are connected so that the cylindrical portion 31 is sandwiched between the two cylindrical portions 41 and the cylindrical portion 31 and the cylindrical portion 41 are arranged concentrically. The cylindrical portions 31 and 41 are rotatably connected to each other by the following structure.

  A hinge module 50 is inserted into one of the tube portions 41. One end of the hinge module 50 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 31 of the arm member 30 and fixed to the cylindrical portion 31. The other end of the hinge module 50 is fixed to the cylinder portion 41. The hinge module 50 includes a fixed cam fixed to the cylindrical portion 31, a sliding cam that slides on the fixed cam and is fixed to the cylindrical portion 41, and a spring that biases the sliding cam toward the fixed cam. The contact surface between the fixed cam and the sliding cam is provided with an inclined surface for relatively rotating both cams by the biasing force of the spring. Accordingly, the sliding cam is guided to rotate in a predetermined direction with respect to the fixed cam by the biasing force of the spring according to the relative rotational position of the fixed cam and the sliding cam. The predetermined direction is a direction in which the arm portion 36 of the arm member 30 and the arm portion 46 of the arm member 40 in the first embodiment face each other. That is, the hinge module 50 has a function of urging the arm members 30 and 40 so that the casings 10 and 20 are pressed against each other in the first embodiment. Thus, the hinge module 50 has a closing force.

  In addition, in order to set the openable / closable angle of the casings 10 and 20 to about 180 degrees or 180 degrees or more, the hinge module 50 may have a structure other than the above. For example, the hinge module 50 includes a movable side fixed portion, a hinge case, a rotating shaft, a torsion spring, and first and second holding portions. The movable side fixed portion is fixed to the cylindrical portion 31. The hinge case is fixed to the cylinder portion 41. One end of the rotating shaft is fixed to the movable side fixing portion, and the other end is fixed to the hinge case. The torsion spring is provided in the hinge case and arranged around the rotation axis. In the hinge case, there is disposed a first holding portion fixed to one end side of the rotating shaft and fixed to one end of the torsion spring. The 1st holding | maintenance part is arrange | positioned so that sliding rotation is possible within a hinge case. In the hinge case, a second holding part is disposed in which the other end side of the rotating shaft penetrates rotatably and the other end of the torsion spring is fixed. The 2nd holding part is arranged so that sliding rotation is impossible within a hinge case. Accordingly, the torsion spring urges the movable side fixed portion and the hinge case to rotate relative to each other. Specifically, the torsion spring biases the movable side fixed portion and the hinge case in the direction in which the housings 10 and 20 are closed. A stopper pin is fixed to the other end side of the rotating shaft. The stopper pin is engaged in a stopper groove provided on the other end side of the hinge case. The stopper groove is provided in an arc shape of 180 degrees or more around the axis of the rotation shaft. Thereby, the rotation amount of the hinge case with respect to the rotating shaft is regulated. The stopper groove is formed long so that the stopper pin does not contact the end of the stopper groove when the housings 10 and 20 are closed. Thereby, the housings 10 and 20 can be maintained in a closed state.

  A hollow shaft 48 is inserted into the other side of the cylindrical portion 41. One end of the hollow shaft 48 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 31 of the arm member 30. The other end of the hollow shaft 48 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 41. The hollow shaft 48 is rotatable with respect to the cylindrical portion 31. A cable to be described later is inserted into the hollow shaft 48. A cap 49 for closing the hole of the cylindrical portion 41 is attached to the cylindrical portion 41.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the internal structure around the coupling mechanism A in the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, a spring S <b> 3 that biases the arm member 30 toward the housing 10 is provided in the storage portion 16. A guide groove 16 g for guiding the movement of the shaft portion 37 is provided in the storage portion 16. The guide groove 16 g is continuous with the storage portion 16. Similarly, a spring S <b> 4 that urges the arm member 40 toward the housing 20 is provided in the storage portion 26. A guide groove 26 g for guiding the movement of the shaft portion 47 is provided in the storage portion 26. The guide groove 26 g is continuous with the storage portion 26.

  A printed circuit board (not shown) is built in each of the housings 10 and 20. A cable L that electrically connects these printed boards passes through the arm members 30 and 40. Specifically, a hole communicating with the hole of the cylindrical portion 31 is provided in the arm portion 36, and a hole communicating with the hole of the cylindrical portion 41 is similarly provided within the arm portion 46. Cables L are passed through these holes. The cable L passes through the hollow shaft 48 described above. The cable L is passed through a position that does not interfere with the hinge module 50.

4A to 4C are explanatory diagrams of the transition from the first form to the second form. 4A to 4C are simplified.
As shown in FIG. 4A, by rotating the casing 10 with respect to the casing 20 in the first form, the casing 10 moves so that the casings 10 and 20 open. As shown in FIG. 4B, after the front surface 21 and the front surface 11 move in substantially the same plane, the housings 10 and 20 come close to each other and come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. 4C. Thus, the arm members 30 and 40 are supported so that the housings 10 and 20 can approach each other in the second embodiment.

5A and 5B are views of the internal structure around the coupling mechanism A in the first and second forms, respectively. 5A and 5B, the reference numeral for the cap 49 is omitted for convenience, and the reference numeral for the cylindrical portion 41 is given. In FIG. 5B, some of the springs S3 and S4 are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the axial center CA of the cylindrical portions 31 and 41 of the coupling mechanism A corresponds to the central axis of rotation of the arm members 30 and 40. There is only one axis CA of the coupling mechanism A. The axis CA is located within the thickness of the housings 10 and 20 in the first embodiment. This suppresses an increase in the thickness of the mobile phone in the first embodiment.

  In the first form, the shaft portions 37 and 47 are positioned at one ends of the guide grooves 16g and 26g, respectively. In the first mode, the springs S3 and S4 urge the shaft portions 37 and 47 toward the other end of the guide groove 16g and the other end of the guide groove 26g, respectively. In this state, the cylindrical portions 31 and 41 are in contact with at least one of the housings 10 and 20. As described above, the lengths of the arm portions 36 and 46 are set so that the cylindrical portions 31 and 41 come into contact with the casings 10 and 20 in a state where the arm members 30 and 40 are biased in the first embodiment. This prevents rattling of the coupling mechanism A in the first form.

  In the first form, the springs S3 and S4 urge the shaft portions 37 and 47 toward the other end of the guide groove 16g and the other end of the guide groove 26g, respectively. However, the movement of the arm portions 36 and 46 is limited to the rotation of the cylindrical portions 31 and 41 around the axis CA. For this reason, the force which tries to move to the housing | casing 20 side by using the axial center CA acts on the axial part 37 urged | biased by the spring S3. Similarly, a force is applied to the shaft portion 47 biased by the spring S4 so as to move toward the housing 10 with the axis CA as a fulcrum. The casings 10 and 20 are urged to press each other by the urging force of the springs S3 and S4 and the closing force of the hinge module 50. Therefore, the first form is maintained.

  In the second embodiment, the shaft portions 37 and 47 are located at the other ends of the guide grooves 16g and 26g, respectively. In addition, restricting portions 16r and 26r are formed in the middle of the guide grooves 16g and 26g, respectively. The restricting portion 16r is shaped like a bulge inside the guide groove 16g. Similarly, the restricting portion 26r has a shape that protrudes inside the guide groove 26g.

  The housing 10 includes a curved surface 18 and a contact surface 19. The housing 20 includes a curved surface 28 and a contact surface 29. The curved surface 18 is located on the back surface 12 side, and the contact surface 19 is located on the front surface 11 side. The curved surface 28 is located on the back surface 22 side, and the contact surface 29 is located on the front surface 21 side. The contact surfaces 19 and 29 are substantially planar as shown in FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5B, the curved surfaces 18 and 28 are curved so as to escape the cylindrical portions 41 and 31 in the second form.

  The transition from the first form to the second form is performed as follows. The housing 10 is rotated about the axis CA while the cylindrical portions 41 and 31 are in contact with the contact surfaces 19 and 29. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the casing 10 is rotated until the front surface 11 and the front surface 21 are substantially parallel, the cylindrical portions 41 and 31 are sandwiched between the contact surface 19 and the contact surface 29. Become. Here, the casings 10 and 20 try to approach each other by the biasing force of the springs S3 and S4. The cylindrical portions 41 and 31 are pushed out from the contact surfaces 19 and 29 toward the back surfaces 12 and 22. The housing 10 moves relative to the shaft portion 37 so that the shaft portion 37 is positioned at the other end of the guide groove 16g beyond the restricting portion 16r. Similarly, the housing 20 moves relative to the shaft portion 47 so that the shaft portion 47 is positioned at the other end of the guide groove 26g beyond the restricting portion 26r. As a result, the housings 10 and 20 approach according to the urging force of the springs S3 and S4, and the contact surfaces 19 and 29 come into contact. In this way, the first form is shifted to the second form.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the second embodiment, the axis CA moves to the back surfaces 12 and 22 side. Thus, the cylinder parts 31 and 41 move so as to retract from the front surfaces 11 and 21 side. In other words, in the second embodiment, the coupling mechanism A is not exposed on the front surfaces 11 and 21 side. Thereby, the area of the front surfaces 11 and 21 is securable. That is, the area of the front surfaces 11 and 21 is prevented from being reduced by the connection mechanism A. Therefore, the area of the display parts 13 and 23 provided in each of the front surfaces 11 and 21 can be ensured. That is, the large display units 13 and 23 can be employed.

  Moreover, since the display parts 13 and 23 approach, the two display parts 13 and 23 can be utilized as a single display. Thereby, for example, when a single image is divided into two and the divided images are displayed on the display units 13 and 23, the visibility of the entire image is improved. When a plurality of operation keys are provided on at least one of the front surfaces 11 and 21, many operation keys can be provided.

  In the second mode, the casings 10 and 20 are kept in contact with each other so as to be pressed against each other by the biasing forces of the springs S3 and S4 and the closing force of the hinge module 50. Thereby, the attitude | position of the housing | casing 10 and 20 in a 2nd form is maintained.

  As described above, at the time of transition from the first form to the second form, the shaft part 37 moves from one end to the other end of the guide groove 16g beyond the restricting part 16r. The restricting portion 16r has a shape protruding inside the guide groove 16g. The shaft portion 37 positioned at the other end of the guide groove 16g is provided with a restricting portion 16r so as not to move to one end of the guide groove 16g. Accordingly, in the second embodiment, the shaft portion 37 is prevented from moving from the other end of the guide groove 16g to the one end again beyond the restricting portion 16r. Similarly, the shaft portion 47 is prevented from moving from the other end of the guide groove 26g to the one end by the restricting portion 26r. In this manner, the state in which the casings 10 and 20 are in contact with each other in the second form is maintained.

  When a torsion spring is employed in the hinge module 50 described above, the rotation can be restricted by the length of the stopper groove engaged with the stopper pin or the shape of the arm members 30 and 40.

  6, 7A and 7B are explanatory views of the mobile phone of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. FIG. 7A corresponds to FIG. 4A. FIG. 7B corresponds to FIG. 4C. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to Example 1, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7B, the outer end of the cylindrical portion 41a of the coupling mechanism B is covered with the casings 10a and 20a. That is, the axial length of the cylindrical portion 41a is shorter than the cylindrical portion 41 of the coupling mechanism A of the first embodiment. For this reason, in the 2nd form, cylinder part 41a is stored in case 10a and 20a. Thereby, the appearance of the mobile phone of Example 2 is improved.

  As shown in FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B, the housing 10a is provided with an engaged portion 19a, and the housing 20a is provided with an engaging portion 29a that can be engaged with the engaged portion 19a. Yes. In the second embodiment, the engaged portion 19a and the engaging portion 29a are provided at portions where the housings 10a and 20a abut. By engaging the engaged portion 19a and the engaging portion 29a in the second form, the postures of the housings 10a and 20a in the second form are maintained. The engaging portion 29a has a convex shape, and the engaged portion 19a has a concave shape complementary to the engaging portion 29a. It should be noted that the shapes of the engaged portion 19a and the engaging portion 29a are not limited to such shapes, and may be any shapes that can be engaged with each other in the second embodiment.

  8, 9, 10A, and 10B are explanatory diagrams of the mobile phone according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 10A and 10B correspond to FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively. The casings 10c and 20c are connected by a connecting mechanism C. The connection mechanism C includes arm members 30c and 40c. As shown in FIG. 8, the arm portion 36c of the arm member 30c is provided with a groove portion 37g extending in the protruding direction of the arm portion 36c. The shaft portion 37c is provided so as to be movable in the groove portion 37g. Similarly, the arm part 46c of the arm member 40c is provided with a groove part 47g extending in the protruding direction of the arm part 46c. The shaft portion 47c is movably provided in the groove portion 47g.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a spring S3 that urges the shaft portion 37c toward the tube portion 31 is provided in the groove portion 37g. Similarly, a spring S4 that urges the shaft portion 47c toward the tube portion 41 is provided in the groove portion 47g. Both ends of the shaft portion 37c are fixed to the housing 10c. Both ends of the shaft portion 47c are fixed to the housing 20c.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, in the first embodiment, the spring S3 biases the shaft portion 37c toward the tube portion 31 and the spring S4 biases the shaft portion 47c toward the tube portion 41. In the first embodiment, the springs S3 and S4 apply a force to the arm portions 36 and 46 in a direction facing each other. The casings 10c and 20c are urged so as to press each other by the closing force of the hinge module 50 provided in the cylindrical portion 41.

  When shifting from the first form to the second form, as shown in FIG. 10B, the shaft parts 37c and 47c are located at the ends of the groove parts 37g and 47g, respectively. In the first form, the axis CA is located within the thickness of the casings 10c and 20c. In the second form, the axis CA moves to the back surfaces 12 and 22 side. Thereby, the area of the display parts 13 and 23 is securable.

  When a torsion spring is used for the hinge module 50, the opening angle of the casings 10c and 20c is set to 180 degrees depending on the shape of the arm members 30c and 40c or the length of the stopper groove that engages with the stopper pin. maintain. Specifically, the hinge module 50 is prevented from further opening at an angle b as shown in FIG. 10B.

Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described.
11A to 11D are explanatory diagrams of a modification of the third embodiment. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the first modified example, and FIGS. 11C and 11D are explanatory diagrams of the second modified example. FIG. 11B shows a state where the housing 10d is separated from the coupling mechanism A in the second embodiment. The detailed structure of the coupling mechanism A is omitted. As shown in FIG. 11A, in the second embodiment, the housing 10d is maintained in a posture having a predetermined angle with respect to the housing 20d. In the second configuration, the front surfaces 11 and 21 are not parallel. As shown in FIG. 11B, in the second embodiment, the contact surface 19d of the housing 10d contacts the contact surface 29d of the housing 20d. The contact surface 19 d is substantially perpendicular to the front surface 11. The contact surface 29d is not perpendicular to the front surface 21, but is slightly inclined. Accordingly, in the second form in which the contact surface 19d and the contact surface 29d are in contact, the housing 10d is maintained in a posture having a predetermined angle with respect to the housing 20d.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, in the second modification, the contact surface 29 e is substantially perpendicular to the front surface 21. On the other hand, the contact surface 19 e is slightly inclined with respect to the front surface 11. Thus, in the second form in which the contact surface 19e and the contact surface 29e are in contact, the housing 10e is maintained in a posture having a predetermined angle with respect to the housing 20e.

  12A to 12C are explanatory diagrams of the mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12A shows a first form. FIG. 12B shows a second configuration. FIG. 12C shows a third mode.

  In the first form, the housings 10f and 20f are closed. In the first form, the front surfaces 11 and 21 do not face each other, and the back surfaces 12 and 22 face each other. The casings 10f and 20f are connected by a connecting mechanism F so as to be able to move from the first form to the third form. When shifting from the first configuration to the second configuration, the housing 20f rotates around the coupling mechanism F with respect to the housing 10f, and the front surfaces 11 and 21 become substantially parallel. The second form is a state in which the housings 10f and 20f are opened and aligned in the direction D1. In the second form, the housings 10f and 20f are arranged in the longitudinal direction. At the time of transition from the second form to the third form, the housing 20f is turned within a predetermined plane with respect to the housing 10f. The third form is a state in which the housings 10f and 20f are arranged in a direction D2 different from the direction D1. In the third embodiment, the housings 10f and 20f are arranged in the short direction. The directions D1 and D2 are substantially orthogonal.

  A lock pin 70 is provided on the side surface of the housing 10f. An opening 26f is provided on a side surface of the housing 20f. The lock pin 70 and the opening 26f are adjacent to each other in the first embodiment. During the transition from the second form to the third form, the coupling mechanism F is fixed to the housing 10f side, and the housing 20f is separated from the coupling mechanism F.

13A and 13B are diagrams of the mobile phone of Example 4 as viewed from the back side. 13A and 13B show a process of transition from the second form to the third form.
As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, when the lock pin 70 is inserted into the opening 26f, the housings 10f and 20f are locked in the third form. In addition, the lock pin 70 is inserted into the opening 26f and the housing 10f and the housing 20f are locked, so that the support portion 80 protrudes from the back surface 22. Details of the support 80 will be described later. As described above, the coupling mechanism F is located on the back surfaces 12 and 22 side in the second and third forms. For this reason, the area of the front surfaces 11 and 21 can be ensured. For example, the size of the display units 13 and 23 provided on the front surfaces 11 and 21 can be secured.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling mechanism F. FIG.
The coupling mechanism F includes a fixed cylinder 31f and movable cylinders 41f and 42f. The fixed cylinder 31f is provided at the edge of the housing 10f on the back surface 12 side, and is fixed to the housing 10f so as not to rotate. The movable cylinder 41f is connected to the fixed cylinder 31f so as to be rotatable around the axis of the fixed cylinder 31f. The movable cylinder 41f is detachable from the casing 20f. The movable cylinder 41f holds a lock releasing unit 60 that can lock the movable cylinder 41f to the housing 20 and can be unlocked according to an operation. A hinge module 50 is held in the fixed cylinder 31f and the movable cylinder 41f.

  The movable cylinder 42f is connected to the fixed cylinder 31f so as to be rotatable around the axis of the fixed cylinder 31f. The movable cylinder 42f is connected to the housing 20f so as to be rotatable around a direction different from the direction of the axis of the fixed cylinder 31f. Specifically, the movable cylinder 42f is connected to the housing 20f so as to be rotatable around a direction substantially orthogonal to the axis of the fixed cylinder 31f. This structure will be described.

  A connecting portion 44f is provided at one end of the movable cylinder 42f. The casing 20f is provided with a connecting portion 24f slidably connected to the connecting portion 44f. The connecting portion 24f is hemispherical. The connecting portions 24f and 44f are provided with holes through which the hollow shaft 49f passes. The hollow shaft 49f is inserted into the connecting portion 24f so as not to rotate. The movable cylinder 42f is rotatably connected to the hollow shaft 49f. The hole of the connecting portion 44f is closed by the cap 49. A hollow shaft 48 is held in the fixed cylinder 31f and the movable cylinder 42f. The movable cylinder 42f is rotatable around the hollow shaft 48. In this manner, the movable cylinder 42f is rotatably connected to the housing 20f.

  The cable L for electrically connecting the printed boards incorporated in the housings 10f and 20f passes through the holes of the fixed cylinder 31f, the hollow shaft 48, the movable cylinder 42f, the hollow shaft 49f, and the connecting portion 24f. .

  As shown in FIGS. 12C, 13A, 13B, and 14, insertion holes 45f and 43f are formed in the movable cylinders 41f and 42f, respectively, and an engagement piece 23f and a claw portion 25f are formed in the housing 20f. . In the first form, the engaging piece 23f and the claw portion 25f are inserted into the insertion holes 43f and 45f, respectively. Thereby, the movable cylinders 41f and 42f are fixed to the housing 20f. On the other hand, the fixed cylinder 31f is fixed to the housing 10f. Thereby, at the time of the transition between the first and second forms, the movable cylinders 41f and 42f rotate as the fixed cylinder 31f.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of the internal structure of the housing 10f. FIG. 16 is a diagram of the internal structure of the housing 20f.
The movable cylinder 41f holds a spring S6 that urges the lock release portion 60. As shown in FIG. 16, the lock release portion 60 is provided with a claw portion 65. The claw portion 65 engages with the claw portion 25f inserted into the insertion hole 45f. The spring S6 biases the lock release portion 60 outward. In other words, the spring S6 biases the claw portion 25f and the claw portion 65 so that the engaged state is maintained. Thereby, the housings 10f and 20f are locked in the first and second forms. The user pushes the lock release portion 60 against the urging force of the spring S6, whereby the claw portion 65 is detached from the claw portion 25f. Thereby, the engagement between the lock release portion 60 and the housing 20f is released. Thereby, the movable cylinder 41f is separated from the second casing 20f, and the transition from the second form to the third form becomes possible.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a holding member 100 is provided in the housing 20f. The holding member 100 includes a connecting part 101, a holding part 103, and an arm part 105. The two arm portions 105 are provided along each of the adjacent inner side walls of the housing 20f. The connecting portion 101 is fixed to the housing 20f with screws. Thereby, the holding member 100 is fixed with respect to the housing | casing 20f. The holding part 103 holds the hollow shaft 49f rotatably. The holding member 100 is for improving the strength of the housing 20f.

17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams of usage modes in the third embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, when the lock pin 70 is inserted into the opening 26f, the lock pin 70 pushes the support portion 80 out of the housing 20f. The length of the support portion 80 pushed out of the housing 20f is set to be substantially the same as the height of the coupling mechanism F. Accordingly, when the mobile phone of the third form is placed on the support base P so that the back surfaces 12 and 22 and the support base P face each other, the support portion 80 and a part of the coupling mechanism F come into contact with the support base P. . As shown in FIG. 17B, the housings 10f and 20f are maintained in an inclined posture with respect to the support base P.

18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of the lock pin 70. FIG. The structure of the housing 10f around the lock pin 70 is indicated by a dotted line.
The lock pin 70 includes a flat plate-like base 71, a body part 74 protruding from the base part 71, a contact surface 75 formed at the tip of the body part 74, and a ring member 78 provided near the root of the body part 74. . The base 71 is held by the housing 10f. The trunk portion 74 projects out of the housing 10f through a hole provided in the housing 10f. As shown in FIG. 18A, the contact surface 75 is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane in a side view of the lock pin 70. The ring member 78 is a ring-shaped elastic member.

19A to 19C are explanatory views of the support portion 80. 19A and 19B, the structure of the housing 20f around the support portion 80 is indicated by a dotted line. 19C is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 19A.
The support 80 includes a main body 81, an inclined portion 84 provided on the upper portion of the main body 81, a contact surface 85 formed at the tip of the inclined portion 84, and two extending upward from both sides of the main body 81. Arm portion 82. The support portion 80 is biased upward by the spring S8. The spring S8 is disposed in a space in which the support portion 80 in the housing 20f is accommodated. The arm portion 82 is provided with a recess 83 to which the spring S8 is pressed. In a state where the support portion 80 is held in the housing 20f, an opening 26f is provided in front of the inclined portion 84. The diameter of the opening 26f decreases from the inside of the housing 20f to the outside. As shown in FIG. 19C, the contact surface 85 is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

20A and 20B are explanatory views of insertion of the lock pin 70 into the opening 26f.
As shown in FIG. 20A, when the lock pin 70 is inserted into the opening 26f, the body portion 74 presses the inclined portion 84 of the support portion 80 against the urging force of the spring S8. Thereby, the support part 80 moves downward and protrudes from the housing 20f. When the ring member 78 is inserted into the opening 26f, the ring member 78 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening 26f and fits into the opening 26f. This is because the ring member 78 can be elastically deformed. The diameter of the outer edge of the opening 26f is smaller than the diameter of the inner edge of the casing 20f. For this reason, when the ring member 78 fits into the opening 26f, it becomes difficult to come off. Thus, the lock pin 70 and the opening 26f correspond to a lock mechanism that locks the housings 10f and 20f in the third mode. Moreover, the support part 80 protrudes from the housing | casing 20f with the lock | rock of a locking mechanism.

  21A and 21B are explanatory views of a structure for preventing the lock pin 70 from coming off from the opening 26f. 21A and 21B, the support portion 80 is shown in cross section. When the lock pin 70 is inserted into the opening 26f, the distal end of the body portion 74 slides on the inclined portion 84, and the support portion 80 moves downward. When the lock pin 70 is completely inserted into the opening 26f, the ring member 78 is fitted into the opening 26f, and the contact surfaces 75 and 85 are engaged. The contact surfaces 75 and 85 are substantially parallel to the horizontal plane as described above. Accordingly, for example, when the support portion 80 is pushed back into the housing 20f in a state where the support portion 80 protrudes from the housing 20f, an upward force is applied to the contact surface 75 from the contact surface 85. For this reason, the lock pin 70 is pushed upward. Even if the lock pin 70 is pushed upward, there is little possibility of coming out of the opening 26f unless the lock pin 70 is pushed in the horizontal direction. In this way, the lock pin 70 is prevented from coming out of the opening 26f.

  Even in the state where the support portion 80 protrudes from the housing 20f, the spring S8 biases the support portion 80 toward the inside of the housing 20f. As a result, the lock pin 70 is also biased upward. The ring member 78 is fitted in the opening 26f, and the diameter of the opening 26f is smaller on the outer side than on the inner side of the housing 20f. For this reason, the lock member 70 inserted into the opening 26f by the spring S8 is biased upward, whereby the ring member 78 is pressed against the opening 26f. As a result, the spring S8 is prevented from coming off the lock pin 70 from the opening 26f. Moreover, since the support part 80 and the lock pin 70 are urged | biased upwards with the spring S8, shakiness is suppressed. Note that the lock pin 70 can be removed from the opening 26f by pulling the casings 10f and 20f apart.

Next, a modification of the fourth embodiment will be described.
22A and 22B are explanatory views of a modification of the fourth embodiment. 22A and 22B show a third form. In the third mode of the mobile phone of Example 4, the housing 20g is inclined with respect to the housing 10g. This is because the sliding surfaces of the connecting portion 24g and the connecting portion 44g are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Here, the horizontal plane is a plane substantially parallel to the front face 11 and the front face 21 in the second embodiment. That is, the rotation axis RA of the connecting portion 24g and the connecting portion 44g is inclined with respect to the normal of the front surface 11 in the third embodiment.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

  The mobile device is not limited to a mobile phone. For example, a device in which two housings are connected, such as a PDA or a notebook computer, may be used.

(Appendix 1)
First and second housings;
A connection mechanism that connects the first form and the second form in which the first and second housings are closed to each other so as to be capable of transition; and
The first housing includes a first front surface facing the second housing in the first form, a first back surface on the back side of the first front surface,
The second housing includes a second front surface facing the first housing in the first form, a second back surface on the back side of the second front surface,
The coupling mechanism includes first and second arm members that are coupled to the first and second housings and are rotatably coupled to each other,
The axis of rotation of the first and second arm members is located within the thickness of the first and second housings in the first form, and is located on the first and second back sides in the second form. Mobile device.
(Appendix 2)
The first and second housings are respectively connected to the first and second arm members so as to be close to each other in the second form, and are urged by a biasing member to be close to each other in the second form. The mobile device according to appendix 1.
(Appendix 3)
The portable device according to appendix 2, wherein the first and second casings are urged by the urging member so as to press each other in the first form.
(Appendix 4)
The mobile phone according to appendix 2 or 3, wherein the first and second housings are urged by the urging member so that the postures of the first and second housings are maintained in contact with each other in the second form. machine.
(Appendix 5)
The portable device according to any one of appendices 2 to 4, wherein the first and second arm members are urged by the urging member toward the first and second housings in the first embodiment.
(Appendix 6)
The mobile device according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the axis is located within the thickness of the first or second housing in the second embodiment.
(Appendix 7)
The first housing has a guide part for guiding the movement of the first arm member,
The guide portion includes a restricting portion that restricts movement of the first arm member so as to restrict movement of the first housing away from a position approaching the second housing in the second form. The mobile device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, including:
(Appendix 8)
First and second housings;
The first form in which the first and second housings are closed, the second form in which the first and second casings are opened and arranged in the first direction, and the first direction in which the first and second casings are opened A connection mechanism that connects the third forms arranged in different second directions so as to be able to move, and
The first housing includes a first back surface facing the second housing in the first form, a first front surface on the back side of the first back surface,
The second housing includes a second back surface facing the first housing in the first form, a second front surface on the back side of the second back surface,
The said connection mechanism is a portable apparatus located in the said 1st and 2nd back side by the said 2nd and 3rd form.
(Appendix 9)
The coupling mechanism includes a fixed cylinder fixed to the second casing side, a first coupling that is detachably engageable with the first casing and is rotatably connected to the fixed cylinder around an axis of the fixed cylinder. 1 movable cylinder, a second movable cylinder connected to the fixed cylinder so as to be rotatable around the axis of the fixed cylinder and connected to the first housing so as to be rotatable around a direction different from the direction of the axis. The portable device of appendix 8, including
(Appendix 10)
The mobile device according to appendix 9, wherein the first movable cylinder includes a lock releasing portion that can lock the first movable cylinder to the first casing and can be unlocked in accordance with an operation.
(Appendix 11)
A locking mechanism for locking the first and second housings in the third form;
The portable device according to any one of appendices 7 to 10, further comprising: a support portion that protrudes from the second housing when the first and second casings are locked by the locking mechanism.
(Appendix 12)
The first and second housings have a first display unit and a second display unit, respectively.
The first and second display units are arranged in the second and third forms,
The mobile device according to any one of appendices 7 to 11, wherein the connection mechanism is located on the back side of the first and second display units in the second and third embodiments.

10, 20 Housing 11, 21 Front surface 12, 22 Rear surface 13, 23 Display portion 24, 44 Connection portion 26f Opening 30, 40 Arm member 31, 41 Tube portion 31f Fixed tube 36, 46 Arm portion 37, 47 Shaft portion 41f, 42 Movable cylinder 60 Lock release part 70 Lock pin 80 Support part A, B, C, F Connection mechanism CA Axis S3, S4, S6, S8 Spring

Claims (5)

First and second housings;
A connection mechanism that connects the first form and the second form in which the first and second housings are closed to each other so as to be capable of transition; and
The first housing includes a first front surface facing the second housing in the first form, a first back surface on the back side of the first front surface,
The second housing includes a second front surface facing the first housing in the first form, a second back surface on the back side of the second front surface,
The coupling mechanism includes first and second arm members that are coupled to the first and second housings and are rotatably coupled to each other,
The axis of rotation of the first and second arm members is located within the thickness of the first and second housings in the first form, and is located on the first and second back sides in the second form. Mobile device.   The first and second housings are respectively connected to the first and second arm members so as to be close to each other in the second form, and are urged by a biasing member to be close to each other in the second form. The mobile device according to claim 1.   The portable device according to claim 2, wherein the first and second casings are urged by the urging member so as to press each other in the first form.   The portable device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the axis is located within a thickness of the first or second housing in the second form. The first housing has a guide part for guiding the movement of the first arm member,
The guide portion includes a restricting portion that restricts movement of the first arm member so as to restrict movement of the first housing away from a position approaching the second housing in the second form. The portable device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

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