JP2014036434A - Portable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable electronic device which accurately detects a rotation angle of a second housing and eliminates the need of providing a reflection plate at the second housing side.SOLUTION: A portable electronic device 10 includes: a housing 11; a rotation body 12 which is rotatably connected with the housing 11; a first acceleration sensor 21 housed in the housing 11; and a second acceleration sensor 26 housed in the rotation body 12. A function of the portable electronic device 10 is switched according to a relative angle, which indicates a rotation angle position of the rotation body 12 relative to the housing 11, on the basis of an output signal of the first acceleration sensor 21 and an output signal of the second acceleration sensor 26.

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable electronic device in which a second casing is rotatably connected to a first casing, and a portable electronic device has a relative angle representing a rotational angle position of the second casing with respect to the first casing. The present invention relates to a portable electronic device that switches functions.

  Among portable electronic devices, a rotating body (second casing) having a camera is rotatably provided in a casing (first casing) having a display unit and an operation unit, and the rotational position of the second casing Is known using a magnet and a magnetic sensor. Specifically, a magnet is provided in the first casing, a magnetic sensor is provided in the second casing, and the rotational position of the second casing is obtained using the magnet and the magnetic sensor (Patent Document 1). .

  In addition, in a portable electronic device, a housing (first housing) having a display unit and an operation unit is rotatably provided with a rotating body (second housing) having a camera. What detects a rotation position using a reflection type optical sensor and a reflecting plate is known. Specifically, a reflective optical sensor is provided in the first housing, a reflecting plate is provided on the second housing side, and regions “A”, “B”, and “C” having different reflectivities are provided on the reflecting plate. Have. By detecting the reflection intensity from the reflection plate with a reflection type optical sensor, the rotational position of the second casing is obtained according to the reflection intensity from the reflection plate (Patent Document 2).

JP 2007-311981 A JP 2004-56383 A

  However, since the portable electronic device of Patent Document 1 is provided with a magnetic sensor in the second housing, it is considered that the portable electronic device is influenced by a magnet used for camera autofocus and the like. That is, the magnetic sensor in the second housing is affected by the magnet used for camera autofocus, etc., so that the detection signal fluctuates and the accurate rotation angle is detected by magnetization by applying a strong magnetic field from the outside. It may be difficult to do.

  On the other hand, since the portable electronic device of Patent Document 2 is provided with a reflecting plate on the second housing side, the imaging unit including the second housing and the reflecting plate is large. Here, in consideration of downsizing, mass production, and ease of handling of the imaging unit having a camera, it is not preferable to provide a reflector on the second housing side.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable electronic device that can accurately detect the rotation angle of the second casing and that does not require a reflector on the second casing side.

  The portable electronic device of the present invention is a portable electronic device including a first housing and a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing, wherein the first housing A first acceleration sensor housed in the body and a second acceleration sensor housed in the second housing, the output signal of the first acceleration sensor and the output of the second acceleration sensor Based on the signal, the function of the portable electronic device is switched according to a relative angle representing a rotation angle position of the second casing with respect to the first casing.

  The first acceleration sensor was housed in the first housing, and the second acceleration sensor was housed in the second housing. The function of the portable electronic device is switched according to the relative angle (rotation angle) of the second casing obtained by the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor. As described above, the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor are used for autofocusing of the camera and the like by obtaining the relative angle of the second casing with the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor. Can be prevented from being affected. Further, it is possible to prevent the detection signal from fluctuating or being affected by magnetization due to the application of a strong magnetic field from the outside.

  Furthermore, by storing the second acceleration sensor in the second casing, there is no need to provide a reflector on the second casing side, and the second casing can be reduced in size, mass-produced, and handled well. it can.

  In the portable electronic device of the present invention, the first and second acceleration sensors are two-axis acceleration sensors or three-axis acceleration sensors.

  By using the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor as a two-axis acceleration sensor or a three-axis acceleration sensor, a general-purpose sensor can be used.

  In the portable electronic device of the present invention, the second housing includes a camera.

  By providing the camera in the second housing, the rotation angle of the camera can be accurately detected, so that the camera can be handled well.

  In the portable electronic device of the present invention, the first housing has an outer shape of a substantially square shape in plan view, and the second housing is disposed at one corner of the substantially rectangular shape in plan view.

  By arranging the first casing in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view and arranging the second casing at one corner of the first casing, it is possible to easily secure a portion where the speaker is provided in the first casing. Thereby, the examination time for ensuring the site | part which provides a speaker can be shortened, and the freedom degree of design can be raised.

  In the portable electronic device of the present invention, the first casing includes a first display unit, and the second casing includes a second display unit.

  A position (closed state) in which the first display unit and the second display unit are closed by including the first display unit in the first housing and the second display unit in the second housing. Since it can arrange | position in the position arrange | positioned on the same surface (fully opened state) and the crossed position (intermediate state between a closed state and a fully opened state), it can ensure good handling.

  A portable electronic device of the present invention is a portable electronic device including a first housing and a second housing that is rotatably connected to the first housing and includes a camera. An optical sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and after being sent out from the light emitting unit, is reflected by a part of the second housing, and the light receiving unit receives the light. Based on the amount of light, relative angle information representing the rotation angle position of the second housing relative to the first housing is output, and the function of the portable electronic device is switched based on the relative angle information.

  An optical sensor is disposed in the first housing, the light transmitted from the light emitting unit of the optical sensor is reflected by a part of the second housing, and the reflected light is received by the light receiving unit of the optical sensor. I did it. The function of the portable electronic device is switched according to the relative angle (rotation angle) of the second casing obtained by the optical sensor. Thus, by obtaining the relative angle of the second casing with the optical sensor, it is possible to prevent the optical sensor from being influenced by the magnet used for autofocusing of the camera or the like. As a result, the rotation angle of the second casing can be accurately detected without the detection signal fluctuating or being affected by magnetization due to the application of a strong magnetic field from the outside.

  Further, by reflecting the light transmitted from the light emitting unit of the optical sensor by a part of the second casing, there is no need to provide a reflector on the second casing side, and the second casing can be downsized. , Mass production and good handling can be secured.

  In addition, by obtaining the relative angle (rotation angle) of the first casing using an optical sensor, a detection member for detecting the rotation angle is provided inside the second casing on the second casing side. There is no need to store it. Thereby, the electric wiring which connects the member for a detection can be removed from the inside of a 2nd housing | casing.

  In the portable electronic device of the present invention, the surface of the second housing is configured such that the distance from the rotation axis of the second housing varies, and the light receiving unit is sent from the light emitting unit. Later, light reflected by the surface of the second casing can be received.

  The surface of the second casing was configured such that the distance from the rotation axis of the second casing varied. Thereby, the distance from the surface of the second housing to the optical sensor can be changed with a simple configuration.

  In the portable electronic device according to the aspect of the invention, the distance from the light emitting unit to the light receiving unit through the surface of the second housing is associated with the rotation of the second housing with respect to the first housing. , Change to monotonically increase or monotonously decrease.

  The relative angle (rotation angle) of the second casing can be detected by changing the distance along with the rotation of the second casing. Thereby, since the stationary position of the second housing can be arbitrarily selected, it is possible to ensure good handling.

  The distance changes so as to continuously increase monotonously or continuously decrease monotonously with the rotation of the second casing relative to the first casing.

  The relative angle (rotation angle) of the second casing can be accurately detected by continuously changing the distance as the second casing rotates. Thereby, since the stationary position of the second housing can be arbitrarily selected, it is possible to ensure good handling.

  According to the portable electronic device of the present invention, the relative angle of the second casing is determined by the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor, and is determined by the optical sensor. , And can be prevented from being affected by the magnet used in the camera. As a result, the rotation angle of the second casing can be accurately detected without the detection signal fluctuating or being affected by magnetization due to the application of a strong magnetic field from the outside.

  Further, the relative angle of the second casing is obtained by the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor, and the second casing is obtained by the optical sensor, thereby reflecting the second casing side. There is no need to provide a plate.

The perspective view which shows the portable electronic device of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows the portable electronic device of 1st Embodiment Sectional drawing explaining the 1 of the example which switches the function of a portable electronic device according to the relative angle showing the rotation angle position of the rotary body of 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing explaining the 2 of the example which switches the function of a portable electronic device according to the relative angle showing the rotation angle position of the rotary body of 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which shows the portable electronic device of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention. Sectional drawing explaining the example which detects the position of the 1st display part of 2nd Embodiment, and a 2nd display part. (A) is a front view which shows the portable electronic device of 3rd Embodiment which concerns on this invention, (B) is a side view which shows the portable electronic device of 3rd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the portable electronic device of 3rd Embodiment Sectional drawing explaining the example which switches the function of the portable electronic device 50 according to the relative angle showing the rotation angle position of the rotary body of 3rd Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a portable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the portable electronic device 10 includes a housing (first housing) 11 and a rotating body (second housing) 12 that is rotatably connected to the housing 11. It has.

  The casing 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular outer shape in plan view, and includes a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a speaker 16 provided on the surface 11 </ b> A, a first acceleration sensor 21 and a control circuit 23 housed therein. It has. The positions of the first acceleration sensor 21 and the control circuit 23 in the housing 11 are not particularly limited.

  The rotating body 12 is disposed at one corner 11B of the housing 11 formed in a substantially square shape in plan view, and has an outer shape formed in a cylindrical shape. The rotating body 12 is supported so that a cylindrical shaft can rotate in one corner 11B, and a camera 25 and a second acceleration sensor 26 are accommodated therein. The position of the second acceleration sensor 26 in the rotating body 12 is not particularly limited.

  By making the casing 11 substantially rectangular in plan view and arranging the rotating body 12 in one corner 11B of the casing 11, a portion 11C where the speaker 16 is provided in the casing 11 can be easily secured. Thereby, the examination time for securing the site | part 11C which provides the speaker 16 can be shortened, and the freedom degree of design can be raised.

  The camera 25 includes an imaging lens 25A that is directed toward a subject at the time of shooting, and further includes a magnet that is used for autofocus and the like. By providing the camera 25 inside the rotating body 12, the camera 25 can be rotated to an arbitrary position, so that the camera 25 can be handled well.

  The first acceleration sensor 21 is a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in the three-axis directions of the X1-axis direction, the Y1-axis direction, and the Z1-axis direction. Similar to the first acceleration sensor 21, the second acceleration sensor 26 is a three-axis acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in the three-axis directions of the X2-axis direction, the Y2-axis direction, and the Z2-axis direction. In the first embodiment, a triaxial acceleration sensor is exemplified as the first acceleration sensor 21 and the second acceleration sensor 26. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a biaxial acceleration sensor can also be used.

  By using the first acceleration sensor 21 and the second acceleration sensor 26 as a two-axis acceleration sensor or a three-axis acceleration sensor, a general-purpose sensor can be used. Further, by using a three-axis acceleration sensor for the first acceleration sensor 21 and the second acceleration sensor 26, it is only necessary to select two axes with respect to the rotation direction. Increased freedom.

  Based on the output signal of the first acceleration sensor 21 and the output signal of the second acceleration sensor 26, the control circuit 23 determines the portable electronic device according to the relative angle representing the rotation angle position of the rotating body 12 with respect to the housing 11. This is a circuit for switching 10 functions.

  In this way, the relative angle (rotation angle) of the rotating body 12 is obtained by the first acceleration sensor 21 and the second acceleration sensor 26. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first acceleration sensor 21 and the second acceleration sensor 26 from being affected by a magnet used for autofocusing of the camera 25 or the like. As a result, the relative angle of the rotating body 12, that is, the rotation angle can be accurately detected without the detection signal fluctuating or being affected by magnetization due to the application of a strong magnetic field from the outside.

  Further, by housing the second acceleration sensor 26 inside the rotator 12, it is not necessary to provide a reflector on the rotator 12 side, and the rotator 12 can be reduced in size, mass-produced, and handled well.

  By providing the camera 25 inside the rotator 12, the rotation angle of the camera 25 can be accurately detected, so that the camera 25 can be handled well.

  Next, an example in which the function of the portable electronic device 10 is switched according to the relative angle representing the rotational angle position of the rotating body 12 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 3A, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 21 is Y1 and the Z-axis acceleration is Z1 in a state where the casing 11 is vertically raised. The Y-axis acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 26 of the rotating body 12 is Y2, and the Z-axis acceleration is Z2.

  The control circuit 23 (see FIG. 2) detects that the relationship Y2 = Y1 is established between the acceleration Y2 and the acceleration Y1, and that the relationship Z2 = Z1 is established between the acceleration Z2 and the acceleration Z1. The control circuit 23 detects the relative angle θ1 = 0 ° of the rotating body 12 with respect to the housing 11 based on Y2 = Y1 and Z2 = Z1. In accordance with the detected information of θ1 = 0 °, the function of the portable electronic device 10 is switched to the camera off.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 21 is Y1 and the Z-axis acceleration is Z1 in a state where the housing 11 is raised vertically. The Y-axis acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 26 of the rotating body 12 is Y2, and the Z-axis acceleration is Z2.

  The control circuit 23 (see FIG. 2) detects that the relationship Y2 = −Z1 is established between the acceleration Y2 and the acceleration Z1, and that the relationship Z2 = Y1 is established between the acceleration Z2 and the acceleration Y1. The control circuit 23 detects the relative angle θ1 = 90 ° of the rotating body 12 with respect to the casing 11 based on Y2 = −Z1 and Z2 = Y1. Depending on the detected information of θ1 = 90 °, the function of the portable electronic device 10 is switched to camera-on and so-called self-portrait.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 21 is Y1 and the Z-axis acceleration is Z1 in a state where the housing 11 is raised vertically. The Y-axis acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 26 of the rotating body 12 is Y2, and the Z-axis acceleration is Z2.

  The control circuit 23 (see FIG. 2) detects that the relationship Y2 = Y1 × cos135 ° is established between the acceleration Y2 and the acceleration Y1, and that the relationship Z2 = Z1 × cos135 ° is established between the acceleration Z2 and the acceleration Z1. . The control circuit 23 detects the relative angle θ1 = 135 ° of the rotating body 12 with respect to the housing 11 based on Y2 = Y1 × cos135 ° and Z2 = Z1 × cos135 °. In accordance with the detected information of θ1 = 135 °, the function of the portable electronic device 10 is switched to camera-on and so-called tilt photography.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 21 is Y1 and the Z-axis acceleration is Z1 in a state where the housing 11 is vertically raised. The Y-axis acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 26 of the rotating body 12 is Y2, and the Z-axis acceleration is Z2.

  The control circuit 23 (see FIG. 2) detects that the relationship Y2 = −Y1 is established between the acceleration Y2 and the acceleration Y1, and that the relationship Z2 = −Z1 is established between the acceleration Z2 and the acceleration Z1. The control circuit 23 detects the relative angle θ1 = 180 ° of the rotating body 12 with respect to the casing 11 based on Y2 = −Y1 and Z2 = −Z1. In accordance with the detected information of θ1 = 180 °, the function of the portable electronic device 10 is switched to camera-on and so-called upward shooting.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 21 is Y1 and the Z-axis acceleration is Z1 in a state where the housing 11 is vertically raised. The Y-axis acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 26 of the rotating body 12 is Y2, and the Z-axis acceleration is Z2.

  The control circuit 23 (see FIG. 2) detects that the relationship Y2 = Z1 is established between the acceleration Y2 and the acceleration Z1, and that the relationship Z2 = −Y1 is established between the acceleration Z2 and the acceleration Y1. The control circuit 23 detects the relative angle θ1 = 270 ° of the rotating body 12 with respect to the casing 11 based on Y2 = Z1 and Z2 = −Y1. In accordance with the detected information of θ1 = 270 °, the function of the portable electronic device 10 is switched to camera-on and so-called back-side shooting.

  Although 1st Embodiment demonstrated the example which detects the relative angle of the rotary body 12 in the state in which the housing | casing 11 stood | started up vertically, it is not limited to this. For example, even when the housing 11 is tilted in the triaxial direction, the relative angle of the rotating body 12 can be detected in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

  Next, 2nd Embodiment and 3rd Embodiment are described based on FIGS. In addition, in 2nd Embodiment and 3rd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same similar member as the portable electronic device 10 of 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Second Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 5, the portable electronic device 40 of the second embodiment includes a first casing 41 and a second casing 42, and the first casing 41 and the second casing 42 are provided. It is connected so that it can be opened and closed between a closed state and an open state.

  The first housing 41 is formed in a substantially rectangular outer shape in plan view, and includes a first display unit 44 provided on the surface 41A, the first acceleration sensor 21 and the control circuit 23 (see FIG. 2). The second housing 42 has a substantially rectangular outer shape in plan view, and includes a second display unit 45 provided on the surface 42A and a second acceleration sensor 26 housed therein.

  Next, an example of detecting the positions of the first display unit 44 and the second display unit 45 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6A, in the state where the first casing 41 is placed horizontally, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 21 is Y1, and the Z-axis acceleration is Z1. With the first casing 41 and the second casing 42 closed, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 26 of the second casing 42 is Y2, and the Z-axis acceleration is Z2. is there.

  The control circuit 23 (see FIG. 2) detects that the relationship Y2 = Y1 is established between the acceleration Y2 and the acceleration Y1, and that the relationship Z2 = Z1 is established between the acceleration Z2 and the acceleration Z1. The control circuit 23 detects the relative angle θ2 = 0 ° of the second casing 42 with respect to the first casing 41 based on Y2 = Y1 and Z2 = Z1. In accordance with the detected information of θ2 = 0 °, the function of the portable electronic device 40 is switched off for the first display unit 44 and the second display unit 45.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, in the state where the first casing 41 is placed horizontally, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 21 is Y1, and the Z-axis acceleration is Z1. The Y-axis acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 26 of the second casing 42 is Y2 and Z-axis when the second casing 42 is half-opened to the middle position with respect to the first casing 41. The acceleration of is Z2.

  The control circuit 23 (see FIG. 2) detects that the relationship Y2 = Z1 is established between the acceleration Y2 and the acceleration Z1, and that the relationship Z2 = −Y1 is established between the acceleration Z2 and the acceleration Y1. The control circuit 23 detects the relative angle θ2 = 90 ° of the second casing 42 with respect to the first casing 41 based on Y2 = Z1 and Z2 = −Y1. According to the detected information of θ2 = 90 °, the function of the portable electronic device 40 is switched so that the display content of the first display unit 44 and the display content of the second display unit 45 are different.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, in the state where the first casing 41 is placed horizontally, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the first acceleration sensor 21 is Y1, and the Z-axis acceleration is Z1. With the first casing 41 and the second casing 42 opened to the fully open position, the Y-axis acceleration detected by the second acceleration sensor 26 of the second casing 42 is Y2, and the Z-axis acceleration. Is Z2.

  The control circuit 23 (see FIG. 2) detects that the relationship Y2 = −Y1 is established between the acceleration Y2 and the acceleration Y1, and that the relationship Z2 = −Z1 is established between the acceleration Z2 and the acceleration Z1. The control circuit 23 detects the relative angle θ2 = 180 ° of the second housing 42 with respect to the first housing 41 based on Y2 = −Y1 and Z2 = −Z1. In accordance with the detected information of θ2 = 180 °, the function of the portable electronic device 40 is switched between the display content of the first display unit 44 and the display content of the second display unit 45 in the same manner.

  By providing the first display unit 44 in the first casing 41 and the second display unit 45 in the second casing 42, the first display unit 44 and the second display unit 45 are closed. It can be placed in the closed position, the crossed intermediate position, or the fully open position on the same plane. Thereby, since the function of the portable electronic device 40 can be switched according to a use, the good handling can be ensured.

(Third embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 7, the portable electronic device 50 of the third embodiment includes an optical sensor 52 instead of the first acceleration sensor 21 and the second acceleration sensor 26 of the first embodiment. The configuration is the same as that of the portable electronic device 10 of the first embodiment.

  The optical sensor 52 is disposed inside the housing 11 and includes a light emitting unit 53 and a light receiving unit 54. Instead of the rotating body 12 of the first embodiment, a rotating body (second housing) 55 is supported at one corner 11B of the housing 11 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 56. The rotator 55 has a surface (a circumferential surface formed in a cylindrical shape) 55 </ b> A that can reflect light transmitted from the light emitting unit 53. The surface 55A of the rotating body 55 is configured such that the distance S from the rotating shaft 56 varies along the circumferential direction of the rotating body 55n.

  Further, the rotating body 55 is coated with a paint on the surface 55A. By applying a paint to the surface 55A, light can be reflected by the paint on the surface 55A. Here, in the third embodiment, the example in which light is reflected by the paint applied to the surface 55A of the rotating body 55 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the rotating body 55 is formed of a resin that reflects light. It is possible to reflect light without applying paint to the surface 55A.

  It is also possible to form the rotator 55 with a transparent resin and reflect the light with the camera 25 or other member housed inside the rotator 55. Furthermore, it is also possible to employ a paint whose reflectance changes gradually according to the direction of rotation of the rotating body 55 as the coating applied to the surface 55A of the rotating body 55. In addition, in 3rd Embodiment, it can replace with the surface (circumferential surface formed in the cylinder shape) 55A, and the side surface of the rotary body 55 can also be made into a reflective surface.

  The light reflected by the surface 55 </ b> A of the rotating body 55 is received by the light receiving unit 54. That is, the light receiving unit 54 is a part that detects the amount of received light by receiving the light reflected from the reflection surface (part) 55B of the surface 55A after being transmitted from the light emitting unit 53. A passage hole 11 </ b> D and a passage hole 11 </ b> E are formed in one corner 11 </ b> B of the housing 11. The passage hole 11 </ b> D is an opening through which light transmitted from the light emitting unit 53 passes. The passage hole 11E is an opening through which the light reflected by the reflecting surface 55B of the surface 55A passes.

  Here, by configuring the surface 55A of the rotator 55 such that the distance S from the rotating shaft 56 varies, the distance from the optical sensor 52 to the reflecting surface (part) 55B of the surface 55A can be simplified. Can be changed. Here, the distance from the light emitting unit 53 to the light receiving unit 54 through the surface 55A of the rotating body 55 is configured to increase monotonously or decrease monotonously with the rotation of the rotating body 55 relative to the housing 11. . In particular, this distance corresponds to the propagation distance of light until it reaches the light receiving portion 54 via the surface 55A of the rotating body 55. Further, it is preferable that the distance is configured to continuously change as the rotating body 55 rotates with respect to the housing 11.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the control circuit 58 mainly provided in the housing 11 rotates the rotating body 55 relative to the housing 11 based on the amount of light reflected by the surface of the rotating body 55 and received by the light receiving unit 54. This is a circuit that outputs relative angle information representing an angular position and switches the function of the portable electronic device 50 based on the relative angle information.

  Thus, by obtaining the relative angle (rotation angle) of the rotator 55 using the optical sensor 52, the optical sensor 52 can be prevented from being affected by the magnet used for autofocusing of the camera 25 or the like. As a result, the rotation angle of the rotating body 55 can be accurately detected without the detection signal fluctuating or being affected by magnetization due to the application of a strong magnetic field from the outside. The optical sensor 52 may be completely housed in the housing 11 or may be disposed so as to be partially exposed on the side surface of the housing 11.

  Further, by reflecting the light transmitted from the light emitting unit 53 of the optical sensor 52 by the reflecting surface 55B of the rotating body 55, there is no need to provide a reflecting plate on the rotating body 55 side, and the rotating plate is reduced in size and mass produced. , Ensure good handling.

  In addition, by obtaining the relative angle (rotation angle) of the rotator 55 using the optical sensor 52, it is necessary to house a detection member for detecting the rotation angle inside the rotator 55 on the rotator 55 side. There is no. Thereby, the electrical wiring which connects the member for a detection and the control circuit 58 (refer FIG. 8) can be removed from the inside of the rotary body 55. FIG.

  Next, an example of switching the function of the portable electronic device 50 in accordance with the relative angle representing the rotation angle position of the rotator 55 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9A, the surface 55A of the rotating body 55 is configured such that the distance S from the rotating shaft 56 varies, so that the camera 25 is switched from the rotating shaft 56 to so-called self-portrait. The distance from the surface 55A to the reflecting surface 55B is S1. Therefore, the propagation distance of light from the light emitting unit 53 to the light receiving unit 54 via the reflecting surface 55B is L1 (not shown).

  The light receiving unit 54 receives the light transmitted from the light emitting unit 53 and reflected by the reflecting surface 55B, and transmits information on the received light amount to the control circuit 58 (see FIG. 8). Based on the light quantity information, the control circuit 58 obtains the rotational angle position of the rotating body 55 relative to the housing 11. Relative angle information representing the obtained rotation angle position is output from the control circuit 58, and the function of the portable electronic device 50 is switched to so-called self-photographing based on the relative angle information.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, by switching the camera 25 to so-called upward shooting, the distance from the rotary shaft 56 to the reflection surface 55B of the surface 55A becomes S2. Therefore, the propagation distance of light from the light emitting unit 53 to the light receiving unit 54 via the reflecting surface 55B becomes L2 (not shown), and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 54 changes.

  Information on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 54 is transmitted to the control circuit 58. Based on the light quantity information, the control circuit 58 (see FIG. 8) obtains the rotational angle position of the rotating body 55 with respect to the housing 11. Relative angle information representing the obtained rotation angle position is output from the control circuit 58, and the function of the portable electronic device 50 is switched to so-called upward shooting based on the relative angle information.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, the distance from the rotation axis 56 to the reflection surface 55B of the surface 55A becomes S3 by switching the imaging lens of the camera 25 to so-called back-side shooting. Therefore, the propagation distance of light from the light emitting unit 53 to the light receiving unit 54 via the reflecting surface 55B becomes L3 (not shown), and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 54 changes.

  Information on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 54 is transmitted to the control circuit 58. Based on the light quantity information, the control circuit 58 (see FIG. 8) obtains the rotational angle position of the rotating body 55 with respect to the housing 11. Relative angle information representing the obtained rotation angle position is output from the control circuit 58, and the function of the portable electronic device 50 is switched to so-called back-side shooting based on the relative angle information.

  Here, the propagation distance of light from the light emitting unit 53 to the light receiving unit 54 via the reflecting surface 55B can be continuously changed with the rotation of the rotating body 55 with respect to the housing 11. Thereby, since the relative angle (rotation angle) of the rotator 55 can be continuously detected, the stationary position of the rotator 55 can be arbitrarily selected, so that good handling can be ensured.

  The portable electronic device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be changed or improved as appropriate. For example, the portable electronic device, the casing, the rotating body, the first acceleration sensor, the second acceleration sensor, the camera, the first casing, and the second casing used in the first to third embodiments. The shapes and configurations of the first display unit, the second display unit, the optical sensor, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be appropriately changed.

  According to the present invention, the second casing is rotatably connected to the first casing, and the function of the portable electronic device is switched according to the relative angle of the second casing with respect to the first casing. It is suitable for application to electronic equipment.

10, 40, 50 Portable electronic device 11 Housing (first housing)
11B One corner of a substantially rectangular shape in plan view 12,55 Rotating body (second casing)
21 1st acceleration sensor 25 Camera 26 2nd acceleration sensor 41 1st housing | casing 42 2nd housing | casing 44 1st display part 45 2nd display part 52 Optical sensor 53 Light-emitting part 54 Light-receiving part 55A Rotation Body surface (surface of second housing)
55B Reflective surface (part of rotating body)
56 Rotating shaft

Claims (8)

A first housing;
A second housing rotatably connected to the first housing;
A portable electronic device comprising:
A first acceleration sensor housed in the first housing;
A second acceleration sensor housed in the second housing,
Based on the output signal of the first acceleration sensor and the output signal of the second acceleration sensor, the mobile phone is used in accordance with a relative angle representing a rotational angle position of the second casing with respect to the first casing. Switching electronic device functions,
Portable electronic device. The portable electronic device according to claim 1,
The first and second acceleration sensors are two-axis acceleration sensors or three-axis acceleration sensors.
Portable electronic device. The portable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The second housing includes a camera;
Portable electronic device. The portable electronic device according to claim 3,
The first housing has a substantially quadrangular outer shape in plan view,
The second casing is disposed at one corner of the substantially square shape in plan view.
Portable electronic device. The portable electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The first housing includes a first display unit,
The second housing includes a second display unit.
Portable electronic device. A first housing;
A second housing rotatably connected to the first housing and comprising a camera;
A portable electronic device comprising:
An optical sensor disposed in the first housing and including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit,
A rotational angular position of the second casing relative to the first casing based on the amount of light reflected by a part of the second casing after being transmitted from the light emitting section and received by the light receiving section. Output the relative angle information representing, and switch the function of the portable electronic device based on the relative angle information,
Portable electronic device. The portable electronic device according to claim 6,
The surface of the second casing is configured such that the distance from the rotation axis of the second casing varies.
The light receiving unit can receive light reflected from the surface of the second casing after being sent out from the light emitting unit,
Portable electronic device. The portable electronic device according to claim 7,
The propagation distance of light from the light emitting unit through the surface of the second housing to the light receiving unit is
Continuously changing with rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing;
Portable electronic device.

Images