JP3828448B2 - Portable information terminal device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information terminal device including a foldable display unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Portable information terminal devices that are often carried by users such as multi-function mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), sub-notebook personal computers, and portable game devices can be downsized in consideration of portability. For this reason, the size of the display unit must be limited. On the other hand, along with the increase in functionality and functionality of portable information terminal devices, there is a high demand for larger and easier-to-see display screens, and various technologies for mounting display units have been proposed.
[0003]
As one of them, for example, there is a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-16685. According to the publication, a plurality of cases each having a display unit (for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel) are coupled by a folding hinge. When used, the display unit is folded to use a plurality of display screens, and when carried, the display unit is folded to reduce the size of the device. Still further, the hinge portion is also provided with a display portion so that any information can be displayed even when the fold is closed. With these configurations, more display screens are ensured while maintaining downsizing of the apparatus.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
According to the publication, the total area of the display screen or the total number of screens can be increased. However, the entire outer periphery of the side surface of the display unit is covered by the casing, and there is always a cover portion by the casing, that is, a frame of the casing, and a hinge for connecting the casings between the display screens. Will do.
[0005]
For this reason, when displaying a large original image (for example, image data or a menu screen), if one large image is displayed on multiple display screens, the frame and hinges become the visual boundary, and the image There was a problem that the integrity was lost. Also, if you try to display an image on any one display screen, the size of each display screen has not changed, although the number of screens has increased, so you can reduce the image size or scroll the screen. There is a problem that it is necessary to display and information that an image originally has cannot be displayed sufficiently (for example, it is difficult to identify details because the image is reduced) and a problem that convenience is lacking.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable information terminal having a display unit that can be used as a large display screen with a sense of unity while maintaining downsizing of the device. Is to provide a device.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Invention]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a portable information terminal device, wherein one end (for example, the side end surface A in FIG. 2) is an open end. A first housing (for example, the first housing 1100 in FIG. 2) having (for example, the first LCD panel 1150 in FIG. 2) and one end (for example, the side end surface B in FIG. 2) are open ends. A second housing (for example, a second LCD panel 1250 in FIG. 2) and a slide portion (for example, a slide guide portion 1256 in FIG. 4) that slides the second display portion in parallel with the display surface. For example, the first casing and the second casing can be folded so that the first display section and the second display section face each other in the closed state with the second casing 1200 in FIG. A hinge part to be connected (for example, the hinge part 1300 in FIG. 2), and the first With the opening and closing of the folding of the the body second housing, slide the second display unitIn addition, when the folding of the first casing and the second casing is opened, the second display until the one end of the first display and the one end of the second display come into contact with each other. Slide the displayAutomatic slide means (for example, automatic slide mechanism 1400 in FIG. 10)WhenThe automatic sliding means includes a first gear group (for example, a first gear 1401, a second gear 1402, a third gear 1403, and a shaft portion 1406 in FIG. 11) that extracts rotation in the hinge portion when the folding is opened and closed. And a second gear group that meshes with the first gear group and converts the rotation transmitted from the first gear group into parallel movement of the slide portion (for example, the fourth gear 1404 and the fifth gear 1405 in FIG. 11). The first gear of the first gear group (for example, the first gear 1401 in FIG. 11) includes a toothed portion (for example, a toothed portion 1401a in FIG. 11) in which tooth tips are arranged, and teeth of the toothed portion. And a toothless portion (for example, a toothless portion 1401b in FIG. 11) having a diameter equal to or smaller than the bottom circle, and coaxially with the hinge portion so that the toothed portion faces outward. It is integrated with the body,
  The second gear of the first gear group (for example, the second gear 1402 in FIG. 11) is rotatably held in the second housing so as to mesh with the toothed portion of the first gear, and is folded. It is configured so that the meshing with the first gear is established from the middle of the deployment until the deployment is completed..
[0008]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first display unit and the second display unit are provided in the first casing and the second casing that are foldably connected so as to be openable and closable, respectively. Each one end is held by the casing so as to be an open end. The open end means that the end is not supported or protected by the housing and is in a state where the end can be touched from the outside.
[0009]
Further, the second display unit is slidably supported by the second housing. When the fold is opened, the second display unit is slid in the direction of the first display unit, and the first display unit and the second display unit are 2 The open end of the display unit can be brought into contact.
That is, there is no frame or hinge portion of the housing that has existed between the plurality of display portions in the past, and the display portions are arranged closer to each other. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the sense of unity of the display screen, and for example, even when image data having a large display size is displayed as a single screen with two first display units and two second display units, it is possible to display with less discomfort. .
[0019]
AndWhen the folding is opened and closed so that the second display unit is rotated by the hinge unit, the second display unit automatically slides accordingly. Therefore, the user does not need to manually slide the second display unit, and the usability is improved by simply opening and closing the fold.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a mobile phone will be described as an example, but application of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to other devices such as PHS, PDA, sub-notebook personal computer, and portable game device.
[0021]
1 and 2 are views showing an example of the appearance of the mobile phone 1000. FIG. 1 (a) is a front view of the mobile phone 1000 in a folded state, and FIG. 1 (b) is a side view thereof. Yes. FIG. 2 shows a front view with the fold open.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile phone 1000 includes a first housing 1100, a second housing 1200, and a hinge portion 1300 that connects both housings so as to be rotatable about the shaft.
[0023]
[Description of configuration of first housing]
The first housing 1100 includes an operation input key 1102 for inputting a dial number, a call button 1104 and an off button 1106 for inputting start / end of a call, various dial numbers, operation menus, and transmission / reception statuses. A first LCD panel 1150 for displaying information, and a speaker 1108 and a microphone 1110 that constitute a transmission / reception unit as a telephone are provided.
[0024]
In addition, a telescopic wireless communication antenna 1112 is provided on the top of the first housing 1100 so that the antenna 1112 can be pulled out from the first housing 1100 when making a call. Although not shown, a power supply unit such as a charging pack is provided at the rear of the first housing 1100.
[0025]
These components are connected to and controlled in an integrated manner by a control unit 1114 housed in the first housing 1100 by an electric circuit (not shown). The mobile phone 1000 performs wireless communication with the base station and functions as a mobile phone terminal.
[0026]
In the present embodiment, in particular, the first LCD panel 1150 is not fixed and covered by the first housing 1100 as in the prior art, but is opened so that the side end surface A can be contacted from the outside. Held in a state.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing (a) an example of the appearance of the LCD panel used in the present embodiment, and (b) an example of the appearance of the mobile phone when the panel is used.
In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the side end face A of the first LCD panel 1150 is not provided with the shield case portion 1154 for fixing the LCD element 1152 to the housing, and the LCD element The end surface of 1152 is exposed. As shown in FIG. 3 (b), there is no shield case portion 1154, and the first housing 1100 is held in an open state so as to be able to contact the side end surface A from the outside with respect to the side end surface A. An image (in the figure, a dog image) is displayed up to the side end surface A of the first LCD panel 1150.
[0028]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, in the first housing 1100 in which the first LCD panel 1150 is incorporated, a guide portion 1116 is provided on the side end surface A side of the upper and lower end surfaces of the first LCD panel 1150. Yes. The guide portion 1116 is provided with a step from the display surface of the first LCD panel 1150. Then, as will be described later, the second LCD panel 1250 is slid so as to be fitted to the step, and is brought into contact with the first LCD panel 1150.
[0029]
[Description of second housing]
1 and 2, the second housing 1200 includes a second LCD panel 1250 and a slide base portion 1210 that holds the second LCD panel 1250 slidably in the direction of the hinge portion 1300.
[0030]
The second housing 1200 is configured to be foldable by being connected to the first housing 1100 by a hinge portion 1300 so as to be axially rotatable. Then, the first casing 1100 and the second casing 1200 are connected such that when the folding is opened, the display surface of the first LCD panel 1150 and the display surface of the second LCD panel 1250 are located on substantially the same plane. . That is, the second housing 1200 is opened by approximately 180 ° with respect to the first housing 1100 and the display surface is substantially the same surface.
[0031]
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the second LCD panel 1250.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the second LCD panel 1250 includes an outer edge portion 1254 that holds the outer periphery of the side surface of the LCD element 1252, and a slide guide portion 1256 that slides between the slide base portion 1210. Prepare.
[0032]
Similar to the first LCD panel 1150 described above, the second LCD panel 1250 has a structure in which the side end face B of the LCD element 1252 is exposed. That is, the outer edge portion 1254 holds the side end surface B of the LCD element 1252 so as to be open so as to be accessible from the outside.
[0033]
The slide guide portion 1256 constitutes a concave portion or a convex portion that serves as a guide for sliding in the display surface direction with the slide base portion 1210 at an appropriate position on the side surface and / or back surface of the second LCD panel 1250. The position and size of the slide guide portion 1256 are associated with those of the slide base portion 1210.
[0034]
The outer edge portion 1254 includes an extension portion 1255, a slide operation portion 1257, a folding position stopper 1258, and a deployment position stopper 1259.
[0035]
The extending portion 1255 extends in the outward direction from both end portions on the side end face B side of the outer edge portion 1254 and is provided in a shape that fits into the guide portion 1116. The extension length is set so that, for example, the contact between the end portion of the extension portion 1255 and the guide portion 1116 coincides with the contact between the side end surfaces A and B.
[0036]
The slide operation unit 1257 is a concavo-convex pattern that causes a finger to be caught during a slide operation on the display surface side surface of the second LCD panel 1250 and facilitates a slide operation by the user.
[0037]
The folding position stopper 1258 and the unfolding position stopper 1259 are grooves that engage with the urging member 1212 provided on the slide base portion 1210, and serve as a lock mechanism that fixes the position of the second LCD panel 1250 in the sliding direction. .
For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, the urging member 1212 urges and projects in the direction of the second LCD panel 1250 from the slide base portion 1210. When the second casing 1200 is folded, the protruding portion 1212a of the urging member 1212 is fitted to the folding position stopper 1258 and the position is fixed. Is fixed.
,
The second LCD panel 1250 is provided with a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 1251 and is connected to the control unit 1114 via a hinge portion 1300.
[0039]
[Description of functional block]
Next, functional blocks in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration according to the present embodiment.
[0040]
As shown in the figure, the cellular phone 1000 basically has the same functional blocks as a conventional cellular phone. For example, the transmission / reception conversion system includes a reception unit 12, a transmission unit 14, an amplifier 15, a signal processing unit 16, a radio unit 22, and an antenna unit 24. In the example of FIG. 1, the receiver 12 corresponds to the speaker 1108, and the transmitter 14 corresponds to the microphone 1110.
[0041]
As an operation input system, an operation input unit 30, a display unit 70, and a display control unit 72 are provided. These functional elements include a control unit 50 that controls the mobile phone 1000 in an integrated manner, and a memory that stores programs and various information (for example, contents obtained through telephone numbers and communication) necessary for the control. 40 is connected by a data bus 80.
[0042]
Wireless communication with the base station of the cellular phone network is realized by the antenna unit 24 and the radio unit 22. The antenna unit 24 (corresponding to the antenna 1112 in FIG. 1) radiates / receives radio waves with the base station. The radio unit 22 modulates / demodulates, for example, a baseband signal necessary for radio communication so as to conform to the standard of the mobile phone network.
[0043]
The baseband signal input / output to / from the radio unit 22 is subjected to time expansion processing by the signal processing unit 16 and output from the receiver unit 12 via the amplifier 15. On the other hand, the signal input from the transmission unit 14 is time-compressed by the signal processing unit 16 via the amplifier 15 and sent to the radio unit 22.
[0044]
The operation input unit 30 inputs, for example, a telephone number, an e-mail address, and various operations, and is realized by, for example, a dial button, a cross key, a jog dial, and their control circuits. In FIG. 1, the operation input key 1102, the call button 1104, and the off button 1106 correspond.
[0045]
The control unit 50 executes various processes necessary for integrated control of each functional element and mobile phone communication. For example, processing such as determination of whether or not to transmit location registration information to the base station and switching determination of the signal compression rate are executed. In the example of FIG. 1, the control unit 50 is built in the first housing 1100 as the control unit 1114 together with other circuits and the like.
[0046]
The display unit 70 displays, for example, various numbers such as a dialed number, a reception status, a telephone number of the other party at the time of an incoming call, an operation menu, an operation icon, and various contents such as an image. For example, it is realized by a display element such as an LCD, an ELD (Electronic Luminescent Display), or a PDP (Plasma Display Panel).
The display control unit 72 is a driver circuit suitable for the display element, and causes the display unit 70 to display an image in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 50.
[0047]
In the present embodiment, the display unit 70 includes a first display unit 701 and a second display unit 702, and also includes a first display control unit 721 and a second display control unit 721 corresponding to each. . In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the first display unit 701 corresponds to the first LCD panel 1150, and the second display unit 702 corresponds to the second LCD panel 1250.
[0048]
Note that the image display method may be such that the first display unit 701 and the second display unit 702 are one screen display space, and the image is displayed over two display units. In addition, each image may be displayed as a separate image display space, and images having different contents may be displayed on each image, and the images may be appropriately controlled by the control unit 50.
[0049]
[Description of usage]
Next, a method for using the mobile phone 1000 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1A, when carrying, the second housing 1200 is closed and folded so as to be substantially integrated with the first housing 1100.
[0050]
When using, as shown to Fig.2 (a), the 2nd housing | casing 1200 is raised and folding is opened. When the fold is opened, the display postures of the first LCD panel 1150 and the second LCD panel 1250 are in an unfolded posture so as to be substantially on the same plane.
[0051]
Next, a finger is put on the slide operation unit 1257 to slide the second LCD panel 1250 in the direction of the first LCD panel 1150 (in the direction of the hinge unit 1300).
[0052]
The second LCD panel 1250 slides along the slide guide portion 1256, and the extending portion 1255 fits into the guide portion 1116 of the first housing 1100 and acts to maintain the deployed posture.
[0053]
When the slide is further advanced until the extending portion 1255 hits the guide portion 1116, the side end surface B of the second LCD panel 1250 comes into contact with the side end surface A of the first LCD panel 1150. In other words, the first LCD panel 1150 and the second LCD panel 1250 are in contact with the end faces of the LCD elements 1152 and 1252, and the frame of the casing and the hinge portion 1300 are not sandwiched between them. A display screen with a bodily sensation can be formed.
[0054]
Further, when the side end surface B of the second LCD panel 1250 is brought into contact with the side end surface A of the first LCD panel 1150, the urging member 1212 is fitted into the development position stopper 1259, and the displacement in the sliding direction is restricted.
[0055]
If a display screen with a sense of unity is formed, the control unit 50 displays the first LCD panel 1150 and the second LCD panel 1250 as an integral display on the first display control unit 721 and the second display control unit 722. Display an image as a screen.
[0056]
When the use is finished, a finger is put on the slide operation unit 1257 to slide the second LCD panel 1250 away from the first LCD panel 1150 (rightward in the figure).
[0057]
When slid to the state shown in FIG. 2A, the urging member 1212 is fitted to the folding position stopper 1258 and positioned in the sliding direction to fix the second LCD panel 1250. Then, the second housing 1200 is folded.
[0058]
The first embodiment to which the present invention is applied has been described above, but the application of the present invention is not limited to these.
[0059]
For example, the second housing 1200 is folded in the short side direction (left and right direction in the figure) of the mobile phone, but may be folded in the long side direction (up and down direction in the figure), for example, as shown in FIG. Absent. In this case, the speaker 1108 is provided in the second housing 1200.
[0060]
Further, for example, the second casing 1200 is provided only in one direction of the short side direction (left and right direction in the drawing) of the mobile phone, but the second casing 1200 is provided on both the left and right sides of the first casing 1100 in the short side direction. And a configuration including a total of three housings and three LCD panels. In this case, the first LCD panel 1150 needs to have the same structure as the side end face A at both end faces in the short side direction. After unfolding the folds, the LCD panels are slid from the left and right toward the first first LCD panel 1150 to form an integral display screen.
[0061]
Further, the urging member 1212, the folding position stopper 1258, the unfolding position stopper 1259, the extending portion 1255, and the guide portion 1116 that act as a folding lock mechanism may be set as appropriate in terms of installation position, number, configuration, and the like. Absent. Furthermore, a mechanism for sliding the second LCD panel 1250 may be added as appropriate in conjunction with opening and closing of the fold.
[0062]
[Second Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a PDA will be described as an example. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0063]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a PDA to which the present invention is applied.
The PDA 2000 includes a first housing 1100, a second housing 1200, a hinge unit 1300, and a control unit 1114. In the present embodiment, the second housing 1200 is further provided with operation input keys 1103.
[0064]
The electrical connection of the operation input key 1103 may be connected to the control unit 1114 by the flexible printed circuit 1251 as in the first embodiment, or may be electrically connected by the hinge unit 1300 as seen in a notebook computer or the like. It may be a configuration in which a general connection is maintained. Note that the layout of the operation input keys 1102 and 1103 may be set as appropriate.
[0065]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional block configuration according to the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, it is basically realized by the same configuration as a conventional portable information terminal device. That is, the PDA 2000 includes a processing unit 210, an operation input unit 220, a display unit 230, a display control unit 240, a storage unit 250, a communication unit 260, and a bus 280.
[0066]
The processing unit 210 executes various arithmetic processes and controls each functional block in an integrated manner. For example, it is realized by hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit).
[0067]
The operation input unit 220 inputs a user operation and is realized by, for example, a button key, a jog dial, a mouse, a keyboard, a track pad, a touch panel, and the like. In the example of FIG. 7, it corresponds to the operation input keys 1102 and 1103.
[0068]
The display unit 230 displays an image and is realized by, for example, an LCD, an ELD, a PDP, or the like. In the present embodiment, a first display unit 231 and a second display unit 232 are provided as in the first embodiment.
[0069]
The display control unit 240 controls image display on the display unit 230. For example, it is realized by a DSP, ASIC, LSI, various IC memories and the like. In the present embodiment, the display control unit 240 includes a first display control unit 241 and a second display control unit 242 corresponding to the first display unit 231 and the second display unit 232, respectively.
[0070]
The storage unit 250 stores programs and data for causing the processing unit 210 to perform various processes. For example, it is realized by a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a card type memory, or the like.
[0071]
The communication unit 260 is connected to a communication line so that data can be transmitted / received to / from an external device. For example, it is realized by a modem, a DSU (Digital Signal Unit), a card with a built-in wireless communication device, or the like.
[0072]
When carrying, the user folds the hinge portion 1300 to carry it in a small size, and when used, the user unfolds the fold and slides the second LCD panel 1250 into contact with the first LCD panel 1150, as shown in FIG. A typical display screen is formed and used.
[0073]
Although the second embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation input key 1103 is also provided in the second housing 1200, but as shown in FIG. The first housing 1100 and the second housing 1200 are provided with separate hinges 1302 and 1304, and the third housing 4100 and the fourth housing 2200 provided with operation input keys 1102 and 1103, respectively. The angle of the second housing 1200 may be adjustable.
[0074]
[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a mobile phone including an automatic slide mechanism that automatically slides the second LCD panel according to opening and closing of the folding will be described. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0075]
[Description of configuration]
FIG. 10 is a front perspective view showing an example of a configuration in the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the folding unfolded state showing an example of the configuration of the automatic slide mechanism.
[0076]
As shown in FIG. 10, the automatic slide mechanism 1400 includes a first gear 1401, a second gear 1402, a third gear 1403, a fourth gear 1404, a fifth gear 1405, and a shaft portion 1406. .
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 11A, the first gear 1401 is, for example, a spur gear or an inclined gear, and meshes with the second gear 1402. The first gear 1401 includes a toothed portion 1401a in which tooth tips are arranged, and a toothless portion 1401b having a diameter equal to or smaller than the root circle of the toothed portion 1401a and having no tooth tips. The first housing 1100 is provided integrally with the hinge portion 1300 so that the toothed portion 1401a faces outward.
[0078]
The second gear 1402 is, for example, a spur gear or an inclined gear set so as to mesh with the toothed portion 1401 a of the first gear 1401. And it is rotatably held by the slide base portion 1210 of the second housing 1200 with an axis substantially parallel to the first gear portion 1401.
[0079]
The third gear 1403 is, for example, a spur gear or an inclined gear set so as to mesh with the second gear 1402. And it is rotatably held by the slide base portion 1210 of the second housing 1200 with an axis substantially parallel to the first gear portion 1401. A shaft portion 1406 is provided on the same axis as the third gear 1403.
[0080]
The shaft portion 1406 is a shaft member having one end coupled to the third gear 1403 and the other end coupled to the fourth gear 1404, and is substantially parallel to the first gear portion 1401 on the slide base portion 1210 of the second housing 1200. The shaft is rotatably held.
[0081]
The fourth gear 1404 is disposed so as to mesh with the fifth gear 1405 provided on the back surface of the second LCD panel 1250. Accordingly, the shaft portion 1406, the third gear 1403, and the fourth gear 1404 rotate together.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 11B, the fifth gear 1405 is a rack that meshes with the fourth gear 1404, and is provided on the back surface of the second LCD panel 1250 along the sliding direction.
[0083]
The specifications and positional relationship of these gear groups are such that the side end face B portion of the second LCD panel 1250 does not interfere with the hinge portion 1300 when the folding is opened and closed, and the opening and closing is not hindered. It is determined so that the side end face B of the second LCD panel 1250 contacts.
Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the first gear 1401 is provided integrally with the first housing 1100 so that the toothed portion 1401a faces the outside, and the first gear 1401 is moved from the middle of the unfolding until the end of the unfolding. The two gears 1402 are configured to mesh with each other.
[0084]
In FIG. 10, each part is indicated by a solid line for a perspective view, but is configured so as to be built in the hinge part 1300 and the second casing 1200 so as to be inconspicuous in appearance.
[0085]
[Description of operation]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view for explaining the operation of the present embodiment.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 12A, when the folding is closed, the second LCD panel 1250 is located away from the hinge portion 1300. The second gear 1402 is in the toothless portion 1401 b of the first gear 1401 and does not mesh with the first gear 1401.
[0087]
When the folding is opened, the state shown in FIG. In the state shown in the figure, the second gear 1402 meshes with the toothed portion 1401a of the first gear 1401, and thereafter rotates in the direction of arrow F2 with the operation of opening the fold.
[0088]
The third gear 1403 that meshes with the second gear 1402, the shaft portion 1406 that is integral with the third gear 1403, and the fourth gear 1404 rotate in the direction of arrow F3, and the second LCD panel 1250 having the fifth gear 1405 moves in the direction of arrow F5. Move.
[0089]
When the folding is further opened, the second LCD panel 1250 continues to move in the direction of the arrow F5, and finally, as shown in FIG. 12C, the side end face A of the first LCD panel 1150 and the side end face of the second LCD panel 1250. B contacts.
When closing the fold, the second LCD panel 1250 is separated from the first LCD panel 1150 according to the reverse order described above, and the second casing 1200 is folded.
[0090]
As described above, when the folding of the first casing 1100 and the second casing 1200 is opened and closed, the second LCD panel 1250 can be automatically slid.
[0091]
Note that the holding force of the locking mechanism (see FIG. 4B) including the urging member 1212, the folding position stopper 1258, and the unfolding position stopper 1259 is such that the second LCD panel 1250 stops unnecessary movement. Of course, it does not prevent the second LCD panel 1250 from sliding when the second casing 1200 is opened and closed by the user's force.
[0092]
In the third embodiment, the gear group (the first gear 1401 to the fifth gear 1405) is described as having one set, but a plurality of gear groups may be provided. The type and combination of gears may be selected as appropriate.
[0093]
As described above, the first to third embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to these, and additions and changes of elements are appropriately made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course, the design may be changed.
[0094]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first display unit and the second display unit are provided in the foldable first casing and the second casing, respectively, which are openable and closable. Is held in the housing so as to be an open end. Further, the second display unit is slidably supported by the second housing. When the fold is opened, the second display unit is slid in the direction of the first display unit, and the first display unit and the second display unit are 2 The open end of the display unit can be brought into contact. Therefore, the first display unit and the second display unit are arranged close to each other, and the sense of unity of the display screen can be further enhanced.
[0098]
AndAs the folding is opened and closed, the second display unit automatically slides. Therefore, the user only needs to open and close the fold, and the usability is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of the appearance of a mobile phone to which the present invention is applied, in which FIG. 1A is a front view, and FIG.
2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of the appearance of a mobile phone to which the present invention is applied, in which FIG. 2A is a front view immediately after opening a fold, and FIG. 2B is a front view in use.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an LCD panel in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a second LCD panel portion in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a modified example in the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a PDA to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a modified example in the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating an example of a configuration according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration of an automatic slide mechanism in a third embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the folding opening / closing operation of the first housing and the second housing in the third embodiment. (a) A state in which the fold is closed, (b) a state in the middle of opening and closing the fold, and (c) a state in which the fold is opened.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 Receiver
14 Transmitter
16 Signal processor
22 Radio unit
24 Antenna section
50 Control unit
70 Display section
72 Display controller
1000 mobile phone
1100 1st housing
1116 Guide part
1150 1st LCD panel
1152 LCD element
1154 Shield case
1200 Second housing
1210 Slide base part
1212 Biasing member
1250 2nd LCD panel
1252 LCD element
1255 Extension
1256 Slide guide part
1258 Folding position stopper
1259 Deployment position stopper
1300 Hinge part
1400 Automatic slide mechanism
2000 PDA
2100 Third housing
2200 Fourth housing
A side end face
B side end face

Claims (1)

A first housing having a first display portion whose one end is an open end;
A second display unit having a second display unit whose one end is an open end and a slide unit for sliding the second display unit in parallel with the display surface;
A hinge portion that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing so that the first display portion and the second display portion face each other in a closed state;
When the folding of the first casing and the second casing is opened and closed, the second display unit is slid and the folding of the first casing and the second casing is opened. in, and an automatic sliding means for one end portion of the one end portion of the first display unit and the second display section Ru slide the second display portion to abut,
The automatic sliding means includes a first gear group that extracts rotation in the hinge portion when the fold is opened and closed, and the rotation that is meshed with the first gear group and transmitted from the first gear group is translated by the slide portion. A second gear group that converts to
The first gear of the first gear group includes a toothed portion in which tooth tips are arranged, and a toothless portion having a diameter equal to or less than the root circle of the toothed portion and having no tooth tips, and coaxially with the hinge portion. , Provided integrally with the first housing so that the toothed portion faces outward,
The second gear of the first gear group is rotatably held by the second housing so as to mesh with the toothed portion of the first gear, and the first gear until the deployment is completed from the middle of the folding operation. A portable information terminal device configured to be engaged with a gear.

Images