JP4759449B2 - Electronic equipment and voice communication equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device and a voice communication device, and more particularly to an electronic device and a voice communication device that include an operation button that accepts an input operation.

  In recent years, photoelectric conversion elements for power generation (hereinafter referred to as “solar cells”) that convert the light energy of sunlight into electricity using the photovoltaic effect for the purpose of effectively utilizing resources and improving the global environment. In the past, there are various technologies related to electronic devices that use electricity generated by solar cells. Conventionally, for example, there is a technique in which a solar cell is provided on the outer surface of an electronic device such as a camera device (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

  The amount of power generated in the solar cell depends on the amount of light incident on the solar cell. Electronic devices driven by electricity from chemical cells such as dry cells and rechargeable batteries can be expected to reduce the consumption of chemical cells by using electricity generated by solar cells. Depends on. For this reason, conventionally, there are various techniques for improving the power generation efficiency of solar cells. For example, there is a technique in which light collected by a Fresnel lens or a convex lens having a light collecting property is incident on a solar cell (for example, see Patent Documents 3 and 4 below).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-244119 JP-A-7-181577 JP 2001-99048 A JP 2003-46109 A

  However, in the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 among the conventional technologies described above, when the electronic device on which the solar cell is mounted is a small electronic device such as a mobile phone, for example, It was difficult to provide a large-sized solar cell in an electronic device, and there was a problem that the effect of suppressing the consumption of a chemical battery could not be sufficiently exhibited.

  Further, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since a solar cell is provided on the outer surface of the electronic device, it is not only necessary to secure a space for it, but also by providing the solar cell on the outer surface. There is a problem that the appearance of the device is damaged or that it is difficult to operate the electronic device. Similarly, among the above-described conventional techniques, the techniques described in Patent Documents 3 and 4 have a problem that there is a concern that the appearance of the apparatus may be impaired by separately providing an optical member such as a Fresnel lens or a convex lens. there were.

  In addition, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 3 and 4, since optical members such as a Fresnel lens and a convex lens are separately provided, a device for using electricity generated by the solar cell is increased in size or the total weight is increased. Furthermore, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost increases.

  In order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology, the present invention efficiently performs power generation by a solar cell without reducing the operability and appearance in a limited space, and reduces the power consumption of the chemical cell. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device and a voice communication device that can perform communication.

  The electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device including an operation button that accepts an input operation. The lens constitutes the operation button, and is provided at a focal position of the lens. And a driving means driven by electricity converted by the photoelectric conversion element for power generation. The photoelectric conversion element for power generation converts external light incident on the electricity into electricity.

  In an electronic device, for example, when using a primary battery such as a dry battery, an operation to replace the battery occurs when the remaining amount of the primary battery is insufficient, and when using a rechargeable secondary battery, When the remaining amount is insufficient, charging work occurs. Moreover, since chemical batteries, such as a primary battery and a secondary battery, generate electricity using a chemical reaction, the performance deteriorates with use, and is discarded when the performance deteriorates to some extent. For this reason, using a chemical battery leads to consumption of a finite material.

  According to the present invention, by using a lens, external light can be reliably incident on a photoelectric conversion element for power generation, and photoelectric conversion (hereinafter referred to as “power generation”) in the photoelectric conversion element for power generation can be efficiently performed. Therefore, in a limited space, power generation by the solar cell can be efficiently performed without impairing operability and appearance, and the power consumption of the chemical battery can be reduced. As a result, the frequency of work such as battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the chemical battery is reduced, and the work burden on the user can be reduced.

  In the electronic device according to the present invention, the lens is a concave lens.

  In a photoelectric conversion element for power generation, power generation is performed at a portion where light is incident. For this reason, the power generation capacity of the photoelectric conversion element for power generation is improved by increasing the area on which light is incident.

  According to this invention, the power generation capability of the photoelectric conversion element for power generation can be improved by making the area where light is incident on the photoelectric conversion element for power generation wider than the incident area of external light in the lens. In a limited space, power generation by a solar cell can be efficiently performed without impairing operability and appearance, and the power consumption of the chemical battery can be further reduced. As a result, the frequency of work such as battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the chemical battery is reduced, and the work burden on the user can be further reduced.

  In the electronic apparatus according to the present invention, the lens is a convex lens.

  Within a range that does not damage the photoelectric conversion element for power generation, the higher the intensity of the external light incident on the photoelectric conversion element for power generation tends to improve the power generation capacity.

  According to the present invention, the power generation capability of the power generation photoelectric conversion element can be improved by causing the light having a higher intensity than the intensity of the external light at the time of entering the lens to enter the power generation photoelectric conversion element. Therefore, in a limited space, power generation by the solar cell can be efficiently performed without impairing operability and appearance, and the power consumption of the chemical battery can be further reduced. As a result, the frequency of work such as battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the chemical battery is reduced, and the work burden on the user can be further reduced.

  In the electronic device according to the present invention, a plurality of the operation buttons are provided, and the lens constitutes at least two of the plurality of operation buttons, and a concave lens or a convex lens is provided for each operation button. In any case, the concave lens and the convex lens are mixed in the entire operation button.

  According to this invention, the power generation area of the photoelectric conversion element for power generation is made wider than the incident area of light in the lens by the concave lens to improve the power generation capability of the photoelectric conversion element for power generation, and the intensity of external light is increased by the convex lens. Since the power generation capability of the photoelectric conversion element for power generation can be improved by making light with high intensity incident on the photoelectric conversion element for power generation, the power generation of the photoelectric conversion element for power generation due to the high or low intensity of external light It is possible to alleviate the decrease in capacity and increase the effectiveness of the effect of reducing the power consumption of the chemical battery.

  In the electronic device according to the present invention, the driving means is a display means having a display for displaying predetermined information.

  In an electronic device, the greater the number of pixels in a display, the higher the definition of information displayed on the display. On the other hand, the power consumed to drive each pixel increases.

  According to this invention, since information can be displayed on the display using electricity generated by the photoelectric conversion element for power generation, even when the information to be displayed on the display is made high definition, in a limited space, Power generation by the solar cell can be efficiently performed without impairing operability and appearance, and the power consumption of the chemical battery can be reduced. As a result, high-definition information is displayed to the user, and the frequency of work such as battery replacement or charging due to insufficient power remaining in the chemical battery is reduced, thereby reducing the work burden on the user.

  The electronic apparatus according to the present invention further includes a photoelectric conversion element for auxiliary power generation that is provided inside the apparatus from the display and converts external light incident through the display into electricity, the display being The driving means is driven by electricity converted by the photoelectric conversion element for auxiliary power generation.

  According to the present invention, the driving means is driven by the electricity generated by the photoelectric conversion element for auxiliary power generation using the external light incident through the display, so that the operability and appearance are impaired in a limited space. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently generate power using solar cells and further reduce the power consumption of chemical cells. As a result, the frequency of work such as battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the chemical battery is reduced, and the work burden on the user can be further reduced.

  The electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves to and from an external device, and the driving unit is a communication unit that performs wireless communication with the external device using the antenna. .

  According to this invention, electronic devices capable of communication are made portable, and in a limited space, power generation by solar cells is efficiently performed without impairing operability and appearance, and the power consumption of chemical cells is reduced. Therefore, the convenience of the electronic device can be improved.

  The electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a speaker that outputs sound based on sound information, and a microphone that inputs sound outside the apparatus, and the communication unit is an audio signal based on the sound input by the microphone. An audio signal based on a radio wave received via the antenna is transmitted / received using the antenna.

  According to the present invention, the user can transmit and receive necessary information without complicated input operations, for example, as in a call using a mobile phone, thereby improving the convenience of the electronic device. be able to.

  In the electronic device according to the present invention, the driving means is a power storage device that stores electricity converted by the photoelectric conversion element for power generation.

  According to the present invention, since the electricity generated by the photoelectric conversion element for power generation is used when necessary, the generated electricity can be used effectively, so that the power consumption of the chemical battery can be further reduced. . As a result, the frequency of work such as battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the chemical battery is reduced, and the work burden on the user can be further reduced.

  The audio communication device according to the present invention includes a speaker that outputs audio based on audio information received from an external device and a microphone that inputs audio outside the device, and wirelessly according to an input operation received via an operation button. In a portable audio communication device that transmits and receives audio information using communication, the operation button is configured, a lens that collects external light, a focal point of the lens, and the light is collected by the lens. A photoelectric conversion element for power generation that converts external light into electricity, and a drive unit that is driven by electricity converted by the photoelectric conversion element for power generation, and the microphone and the speaker are connected to the operation button. It is provided on the back side of the arrangement surface.

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to efficiently generate power by reliably making external light incident on a photoelectric conversion element for power generation regardless of whether or not a call is in progress, a chemical battery can be used without hindering the call. The power consumption can be reduced. As a result, the frequency of work such as battery replacement and charging due to shortage of the remaining amount of the chemical battery is reduced, and the work burden on the user can be reduced.

  The audio communication device according to the present invention includes an imaging photoelectric conversion element that generates an electrical signal according to the intensity of incident external light, and external light reflected from the subject to the imaging photoelectric conversion element. A photographing lens to be incident, and an optical path switching mechanism that switches an optical path so that external light incident on the photographing lens is incident on the photoelectric conversion element for power generation or the photoelectric conversion element for imaging. Features.

  According to this invention, when the photoelectric conversion element for imaging is not used (hereinafter referred to as “non-imaging”), the optical path is set so that the external light incident on the photographing lens is incident on the photoelectric conversion element for power generation. By switching, external power can be reliably incident on the photoelectric conversion element for power generation during power generation and power generation can be performed efficiently, so that the power consumption of the chemical battery can be further reduced without hindering imaging. it can. As a result, the frequency of work such as battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the chemical battery is reduced, and the work burden on the user can be reduced.

  In the audio communication device according to the present invention, the photographing lens is provided on the back surface side of the arrangement surface of the microphone and the speaker.

  According to the present invention, when non-imaging is performed, external light is incident on the photoelectric conversion element for power generation so that power generation can be efficiently performed. Therefore, the power consumption of the chemical battery is further reduced without hindering imaging. can do. As a result, the frequency of work such as battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the chemical battery is reduced, and the work burden on the user can be reduced.

  According to the electronic device and the voice communication device according to the present invention, in a limited space, the power generation by the solar cell can be efficiently performed without impairing the operability and the appearance, and the power consumption of the chemical battery can be reduced. .

  Exemplary embodiments of an electronic device and a voice communication device according to the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment shows an application example to a mobile phone that realizes an electronic device and a voice communication device according to the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the mobile phone according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone 100 includes a main display 102 as a display provided on the front side of the main body housing 101 and a plurality of operation buttons 103. The main body housing 101 includes a first housing 104 and a second housing 105.

  The first housing 104 is provided with a speaker 106 that outputs sound. The second housing 105 is provided with a microphone 107 for inputting sound outside the apparatus such as a user's voice. The main display 102 is provided on the first housing 104, and the plurality of operation buttons 103 are provided on the second housing 105.

  The main display 102 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal material. Although not shown, the main display 102 formed using a liquid crystal material includes a liquid crystal panel in which liquid crystal is sealed between a counter electrode side substrate module and a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) side substrate module.

  The counter electrode side substrate module includes a polarizing plate, a color filter, a transparent conductive film, and an alignment film provided on a glass substrate. The TFT side substrate module includes a polarizing plate, a transparent conductive film, and an alignment film provided on a glass substrate. The transparent conductive film included in the TFT side substrate module is provided for the number of display pixels of the main display 102, and a driving transistor is provided for each.

  A backlight is provided on the rearmost surface of the liquid crystal panel (the inner surface of the main body housing). The backlight may be, for example, a plate-like member that emits light itself, or may be a member that emits light in a planar shape by propagating light emitted from a light source, such as a light guide plate.

  The main display 102 is made of an optically transparent material, and makes light incident on the main display 102 from the outside of the main body housing 101 (hereinafter referred to as “external light”) in the first housing 104. Make it transparent. In the first embodiment, the backlight included in the main display 102 is configured by an optically transparent light guide plate stacked on a liquid crystal panel constituting the main display 102, and a light source that makes light incident on the light guide plate. Yes.

  The operation button 103 is fitted in an opening provided in the second housing 105 (see FIG. 3), and is provided so as to be displaceable in a direction in which it is buried in the second housing 105. The operation button 103 is urged to the outside of the second housing 105 by an urging member (not shown). When the operation button 103 is displaced in the direction of burying according to the operation of the user, the urging force in the direction of burying. When is released, the original position is restored by the biasing force received from the biasing member.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the mobile phone 100 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 100 includes a sub display 201, an imaging lens 202, an imaging flash LED 203, a battery pack 204, and an antenna 205 provided on the back side of the main body housing 101. The sub display 201, the imaging lens 202, and the photographing flash LED 203 are provided in the first housing 104.

  Similar to the main display 102 described above, the sub display 201 includes a liquid crystal panel and a backlight. If the image displayed on the sub display 201 is a monochrome image, a reflector that reflects outside light to the outside of the main body housing 101 may be used instead of the backlight. As a result, when the surroundings are bright to some extent, the display content displayed on the sub-display 201 can be seen with natural light.

  The photographing flash LED 203 lights up in accordance with the imaging timing using the imaging lens 202. The photographing flash LED 203 may be automatically turned on according to the brightness around the mobile phone 100 or may be turned on manually according to the operation of the operation button 103.

  The battery pack 204 and the antenna 205 are provided in the second housing 105. The battery pack 204 is detachably attached to the second housing 105. The battery pack 204 includes a rechargeable battery (see FIG. 3) that is charged with electricity supplied to each unit included in the mobile phone 100. The rechargeable battery supplies the charged electricity to each part of the mobile phone 100 by discharging. Moreover, the rechargeable battery which discharged electricity can charge electricity again. The rechargeable battery can be used repeatedly as a power source by repeating charging and discharging.

  Although illustration is omitted, inside the main body housing 101, imaging is performed so that external light incident on the imaging lens 202 is incident on a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices, see FIG. 5) as a photoelectric conversion element for imaging. An optical member is provided. Although the description is omitted because it is a known technique, the CCD is a semiconductor element that generates an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of incident light and generates digital image data.

  Further, in the main body housing 101, an optical path for forming external light incident on the imaging lens 202 to enter a solar cell (see FIG. 4) provided in the first housing 104 is formed. The optical member is provided. The optical member for power generation forms an optical path when the optical member for imaging does not allow external light to enter the CCD, that is, during non-imaging.

  Specifically, at the time of non-imaging, for example, a prism or mirror is used to divert external light incident on the imaging lens 202 from the optical path formed by the imaging optical member to form a power generation optical path. In this case, for example, the prism or mirror is selectively positioned at one of a position where the prism or mirror interferes with the optical path formed by the imaging optical member and deflects the optical path, or a position where the prism does not interfere with the optical path. By providing an optical path switching mechanism for holding the optical path, the imaging optical path and the power generation optical path can be switched freely. The prism, the mirror, and the like are moved between a position that interferes with the imaging optical path and a position that does not interfere, for example, using a motor (see FIG. 5).

  The first housing 104 and the second housing 105 included in the main body housing 101 are connected to each other through a hinge portion (not shown) so as to be relatively rotatable. 1 and 2 show a mobile phone 100 in which a user can visually recognize the main display 102 and can operate the operation buttons 103 (hereinafter referred to as “open state”).

  In the opened mobile phone 100, the first housing 104 and the second housing are rotated by relatively rotating the first housing 104 and the second housing 105 via a hinge (not shown). It can be set as the folding state which 105 and overlap. In the folded state, the first housing 104 and the second housing 105 overlap with the main display 102 and the plurality of operation buttons 103 facing each other.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the AA cross section of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, a solar cell 301 as a photoelectric conversion element for power generation is provided in the second housing 105. The solar cell 301 uses the photoelectric effect to convert light irradiated on the solar cell 301 into electricity (hereinafter referred to as “power generation”). As the solar cell 301, various types of solar cells such as a multi-junction cell, a single crystal silicon cell, a polycrystalline silicon cell, an amorphous silicon cell, and a composite cell can be used.

  Here, the principle of power generation in the solar cell 301 will be described. Specifically, for example, the principle of power generation in a silicon type solar cell 301 such as a single crystal silicon cell or a polycrystalline silicon cell will be described. Although illustration and detailed description are omitted because it is a known technique, the silicon type solar cell 301 is basically configured by overlapping and joining a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor.

  The p-type semiconductor is generated by mixing a small amount of a trivalent element such as boron into a high-purity silicon semiconductor (hereinafter referred to as “intrinsic semiconductor”). An n-type semiconductor is generated by mixing a trace amount of a pentavalent element such as arsenic into an intrinsic semiconductor.

  In the silicon type solar cell 301, photoelectric conversion is performed at a junction between a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor (hereinafter referred to as “pn junction”) and in the vicinity thereof. The solar cell 301 induces positively charged holes to the p-type semiconductor side among the electrons and holes generated inside the silicon when irradiated with light, and converts the negatively charged electrons to n Guide to the mold semiconductor side. As described above, the solar cell 301 generates electric power by generating movement of electrons when irradiated with light.

  In the solar cell 301 irradiated with light, the p-type semiconductor side is positively charged across the pn junction, the n-type semiconductor side is negatively charged, and the p-type semiconductor is across the pn junction. A potential difference occurs between the side and the n-type semiconductor side. The solar cell 301 is connected to a storage battery (see FIG. 5). The storage battery stores the electricity generated by the solar cell 301 and appropriately discharges the stored electricity. In Embodiment 1, a power storage device is realized by a storage battery. In addition, about the specific structure of a storage battery, since it is a well-known technique, illustration and description are abbreviate | omitted.

  External light that has passed through the operation button 103 is incident on the solar cell 301. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation button 103 has a concave lens shape. In the first embodiment, the operation button 103 realizes a lens, more specifically, a concave lens. Reference numeral 302 in FIG. 3 is an opening into which the operation button 103 is fitted. The operation button 103 diverges external light incident on the operation button 103 and transmits it to the solar cell 301 side, as indicated by a virtual line in FIG. Thereby, the power generation area of the solar cell 301 can be made larger than the light incident area of the operation button 103. Reference numeral 303 in FIG. 3 is a rechargeable battery in the battery pack 204.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a BB cross section of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, a solar cell 401 as a photoelectric conversion element for auxiliary power generation is provided inside the first housing 104. The solar cell 401 is superimposed on the main display 102 and converts external light incident on the solar cell 401 through the main display 102 into electricity. As the solar cell 401, various types of solar cells such as a multi-junction cell, a single crystal silicon cell, a polycrystalline silicon cell, an amorphous silicon cell, and a composite cell can be used.

  As described above, since the main display 102 is made of an optically transparent material, external light incident on the main display 102 passes through the main display 102 and enters the solar cell 401. The solar cell 401 generates power when external light is incident through the main display 102. Since the mechanism by which the solar cell 401 generates power is the same as that of the solar cell 301 described above, description thereof is omitted. The solar cell 401 is connected to the above-described storage battery (see FIG. 5), and electricity generated by the solar cell 401 is stored in the storage battery 303.

  Since the main display 102 is made of an optically transparent material, external light is always incident on the solar cell 401. In a state where information is displayed on the main display 102, light of a specific wavelength is absorbed by the color of each pixel. Therefore, the amount of external light incident through the main display 102 displays information on the main display 102. The number of the non-displayed state is larger than the case where information is displayed on the main display 102.

  The optical member for power generation described above forms an optical path for allowing external light incident on the imaging lens 202 to enter the solar cell 401 as an optical path for power generation. Reference numeral 402 in FIG. 4 is a control board for driving and controlling each unit included in the mobile phone 100.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing electrical connection of each part provided in the mobile phone 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile phone 100 includes the above-described main display 102, speaker 106, microphone 107, sub display 201, photographing flash LED 203, solar cell 301, solar cell 401, rechargeable battery 303, CCD 501, and motor. In addition to 502, a CPU 503, ROM 504, RAM 505, VRAM 506, flash memory 507, communication I / F 508, input I / F 509, and storage battery 510 are provided.

  Main display 102, speaker 106, microphone 107, sub display 201, photographing flash LED 203, solar cell 301, solar cell 401, rechargeable battery 303, CCD 501, motor 502, CPU 503, ROM 504, RAM 505, VRAM 506, flash memory 507, communication I / F508, input I / F 509, and storage battery 510 are electrically connected via a bus.

  The CPU 503 drives and controls each unit included in the mobile phone 100. The ROM 504 records a control program and the like for the CPU to drive and control each unit included in the mobile phone 100. The RAM 505 functions as a work area for the CPU 503 when the CPU 503 executes a control program or the like recorded in the ROM 504.

  The VRAM 506 develops image data to be displayed on the main display 102 and the sub display 201 and outputs the image data to the main display 102 and the sub display 201. The VRAM 506 develops data recorded in the flash memory 507, image data generated by the CCD 501, and the like. The flash memory 507 records image data generated by the CCD 501 and the like. In the first embodiment, a display unit is realized by each unit involved in displaying an image on the main display 102.

  The motor 502 moves the above-described prism, mirror, or the like between a position that interferes with the imaging optical path and a position that does not interfere. Although not shown, the speaker 106 includes a D / A converter that converts a digital signal into analog based on audio information received via the antenna 205. Similarly, although not shown, the microphone 107 includes an A / D converter that converts input analog sound into sound information of a digital signal.

  The communication I / F 508 is connected to a network such as a cellular phone network via wireless and functions as an interface for wireless communication with an external device. In the first embodiment, communication means is realized by the communication I / F 508. The input I / F 509 outputs a signal corresponding to the operation on the operation button 103 to the CPU 503. The CPU 503 drives and controls each unit included in the mobile phone 100 in accordance with a signal output from the input I / F 509.

  Further, the CPU 503 selects a power supply source so that power required for driving control is supplied from the rechargeable battery 303 or the storage battery 510 when driving control of each unit included in the mobile phone 100 is performed. The CPU 503 selects the rechargeable battery 303 or the storage battery 510 as a power supply source according to the amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 510. CPU 503 preferentially selects storage battery 510 over rechargeable battery 303. Further, the CPU 503 may select the solar cell 301 or the solar cell 401 as the power supply source. The storage battery 510 stores electricity generated by the solar cells 301 and 401, discharges it in accordance with a discharge instruction from the CPU 503, and supplies electricity to the drive target.

  In the mobile phone 100, the rechargeable battery 303, which is a chemical battery (secondary battery), is used as a power source, so that the rechargeable battery 303 is charged when the remaining amount of electricity is insufficient. A secondary battery, which is one of the chemical batteries, uses a chemical reaction to generate power, so its performance deteriorates with use and is discarded when the performance deteriorates to some extent. Leads to consumption.

  As a power source of the mobile phone 100, a primary battery that is one of chemical batteries can be used, such as a commercially available dry battery. However, even when the primary battery is used, the remaining amount of electricity is insufficient. If work to replace the battery occurs and performance deteriorates, it will be discarded.

  Since the mobile phone 100 according to Embodiment 1 uses the electricity generated by the solar cells 301 and 401 to drive and control each unit included in the mobile phone 100, the consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 is reduced, and the rechargeable battery It is possible to reduce the user's work frequency such as battery replacement or charging due to insufficient remaining amount of 303. In this case, the electricity stored in the storage battery 510 may be used or the electricity obtained directly from the solar cells 301 and 401 may be used, but the mobile phone 100 includes the electricity stored in the storage battery 510. Each part can be driven and controlled stably. In the first embodiment, the driving means is realized by a member that is driven using electricity generated by the solar cells 301 and 401 among the units included in the mobile phone 100.

  In addition, the portable phone 100 according to the first embodiment allows the operation button 103 to be exposed while the main body housing 101 is opened and the operation button 103 is directed to a light source such as the sun or illumination when not in a call. The amount of external light incident through 103 can be increased, and the power generation amount of the solar cell 301 can be increased.

  By increasing the power generation amount of the solar cell 301, it is possible to increase the number of driving targets to be driven using the electricity generated by the solar cell 301, or to increase the driving time using the electricity generated by the solar cell 301. The power consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced, and the user's work frequency such as battery replacement or charging due to insufficient remaining power in the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced.

  As described above, since the operation button 103 has a lens shape in the mobile phone 100 according to Embodiment 1, external light can be reliably incident on the solar cell 301 using the lens effect. In a limited space, the solar cell 301 can efficiently generate power without impairing operability and appearance.

  Accordingly, the mobile phone 100 can reduce the frequency of user work such as battery replacement or charging due to insufficient power remaining in the rechargeable battery 303. Furthermore, the effect of reducing the consumption of finite substances such as fossil fuels can be expected by reducing the consumption of power in the rechargeable battery 303, which is a chemical battery.

  In addition, since the operation button 103 has a concave lens shape, the cellular phone 100 according to Embodiment 1 has an area of the solar cell 301 larger than an incident area of light on the operation button 103 to improve power generation capability. Can be made. As a result, the mobile phone 100 further reduces the power consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 without impairing the operability and appearance in a limited space, and battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the rechargeable battery 303. The work frequency of the user can be further reduced.

  In addition, since the mobile phone 100 according to Embodiment 1 further controls each part of the mobile phone 100 using electricity generated by the solar cell 401, the operability and appearance are limited in a limited space. The power consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced without impairing the battery power, and the user's work frequency such as battery replacement or charging due to insufficient power remaining in the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced.

  Further, in the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment, when the optical member for power generation forms an optical path for allowing the external light incident on the imaging lens 202 to enter the solar cell 401, the optical telephone enters the imaging lens 202. Each part of the portable phone 100 can be driven and controlled using electricity generated by the solar cell 401 using the external light.

  Since external light is incident on the solar cell 401 during non-imaging, for example, power is generated by the solar cell 401 even during a call, and drive control of each unit included in the mobile phone 100 is performed using electricity generated by the solar cell 401. can do. As a result, the mobile phone 100 further reduces the power consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 without impairing the operability and appearance in a limited space, and battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the rechargeable battery 303. The work frequency of the user can be further reduced.

  In the mobile phone 100, as the image displayed on the main display 102 or the sub display 201 in the mobile phone 100 becomes higher in definition, the number of pixels (drive transistors) constituting the main display 102 or the sub display 201 increases. , Power consumption increases. In an electronic device such as the portable phone 100 that requires portability, the rechargeable battery 303 and the portable phone 100 may be increased in size or total weight due to an increase in power consumption accompanying higher image definition. Therefore, there is a concern about reducing the portability.

  Since the mobile phone 100 according to Embodiment 1 uses the electricity generated by the solar cells 301 and 401 to drive and control the main display 102 and the sub display 201, an image displayed on the main display 102 and the sub display 201, etc. Even when the information is highly refined, it is possible to mitigate the decrease in portability due to the enlargement of the rechargeable battery 303 and the mobile phone 100 and the increase in the total weight.

  In addition, the mobile phone 100 realizes portability of an electronic device having a wireless communication function using the antenna 205 and uses electricity generated by the solar cells 301 and 401 during wireless communication, so that the rechargeable battery 303 Since power consumption can be reduced, the work frequency of the user such as battery replacement or charging due to insufficient power remaining in the rechargeable battery 303 is reduced without deteriorating the appearance, and the convenience of the mobile phone 100 is improved. Improvements can be made.

  In addition, since the mobile phone 100 can exchange necessary information through a call without a complicated input operation of the operation button 103, the convenience of the mobile phone 100 can be improved. it can.

  In addition, the mobile phone 100 stores the electricity generated by the solar cells 301 and 401 in the storage battery 510 and uses the electricity generated by the solar cells 301 and 401 when necessary, thereby effectively using the generated electricity. be able to. Thereby, the consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced, and the user's work frequency such as battery replacement or charging due to a shortage of the remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced.

  In the first embodiment described above, the operation button 103 has a concave lens shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation button 103 may have a convex lens shape. Further, for example, a concave lens shape and a convex lens shape may be mixed in the entire operation button 103.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification (No. 1) of the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 schematically shows the structure of the mobile phone 100 in a state where the mobile phone 100 is sectioned along the line AA in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation button 103 of the mobile phone 100 as a modified example (part 1) has a convex lens shape. The operation button 103 collects external light incident on the operation button 103 and transmits it to the solar cell 301 side, as indicated by a virtual line in FIG. In the modified example (part 1), a lens, more specifically a convex lens, is realized by the operation button 103.

  The solar cell 301 is provided at a position shifted in the optical axis direction of the operation button 103 with respect to the focal position when the operation button 103 functions as a lens. Accordingly, even when a condensing lens is used, it is possible to prevent external light from being concentrated and incident on one place of the solar cell 301, and to prevent damage to the solar cell 301 due to the concentration of external light. Can do.

  In the solar cell 301, the power generation amount tends to increase as the intensity of external light incident on the solar cell 301 (hereinafter referred to as “sunlight intensity”) is within a range that does not damage the solar cell 301. Since the mobile phone 100 as a modified example (part 1) can make the solar cell 301 enter light having a higher intensity than the solar radiation intensity at the time of entering the operation button 103, for example, when it is cloudy Even when the solar radiation intensity is low, the power generation amount can be increased.

  As described above, according to the mobile phone 100 as the modified example (part 1), since each part of the mobile phone 100 is driven and controlled using the electricity generated by the solar cell 301, the limited space is limited. In this case, the power consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced without impairing the operability and appearance, and the work frequency of the user such as battery replacement or charging due to insufficient remaining power in the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced. it can.

  Further, according to the mobile phone 100 as the modification (part 1), even when the solar cell 301 with a small size is used, it is possible to generate power efficiently. Even when the solar cell 301 is provided, The effect which suppresses the enlargement of the portable telephone 100 can be expected.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification (No. 2) of the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 schematically shows the structure of the mobile phone 100 in a state where the mobile phone 100 is sectioned along the line AA in FIG. 1, as in FIG. 3 or FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation button 103 of the mobile phone 100 as the modified example (No. 2) includes a concave lens shape and a convex lens shape in the entire operation button 103.

  The ratio between the concave lens shape and the convex lens shape can be arbitrarily set according to, for example, the size, shape, or power generation performance of the solar cell 301. In the modified example (No. 1), a lens, more specifically, a concave lens and a convex lens are realized by the operation button 103. Thus, the degree of freedom in designing the size, shape, power generation performance and the like of the solar cell 301 is improved, and the solar cell 301 having a plurality of types and sizes can be used according to the design conditions.

  The mobile phone 100 as a modification (No. 2) increases the power generation amount by making the power generation area of the solar cell 301 larger than the incident area of light in the operation button 103 by the operation button 103 having a concave lens shape, The amount of power generation can be increased by causing light higher than the solar radiation intensity to enter the solar cell 301 with the operation button 103 having a convex lens shape.

  As described above, according to the mobile phone 100 as the modified example (No. 2), when the solar radiation intensity is high such as in fine weather, external light is transmitted to the solar cell 301 via the operation button 103 having a concave lens shape. When the solar radiation intensity is low, such as when it is cloudy, external light is incident on the solar cell 301 via the operation button 103 having a convex lens shape, thereby mitigating the reduction in power generation due to the difference in solar radiation intensity. And as much power generation as possible can be secured.

  Then, according to the mobile phone 100 as the modified example (No. 2), the operation of each part of the mobile phone 100 using the electricity generated by the solar cell 301 is controlled in a limited space. The power consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced without impairing the performance and appearance, and the user's work frequency such as battery replacement or charging due to insufficient remaining power in the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced.

  Further, according to the mobile phone 100 as the modification (No. 2), since the solar cells 301 having a plurality of types and shapes can be used, for example, the optimal size and shape are appropriately selected according to the design conditions and the like. By providing the solar cell 301, it is possible to reduce the amount of power consumed by the rechargeable battery 303, and even when the solar cell 301 is provided, an effect of suppressing an increase in the size of the mobile phone 100 can be expected.

  In the mobile phone 100 of the first embodiment, the modified example (part 1), and the modified example (part 2) described above, the direction of the optical axis and the refractive index of the operation button 103 are made different for each operation button 103. May be. Although illustration is omitted, by changing the direction of the optical axis and the refractive index of the operation button 103 for each operation button 103, light irradiated from multiple directions can be incident on the solar cell 301. The incident angle range of incident external light can be widened.

  As a result, a decrease in the amount of external light incident on the solar cell 301 due to a change in the external light irradiation angle on the mobile phone 100 is alleviated, and stable power generation is achieved without depending on the external light irradiation angle on the mobile phone 100. The amount can be secured. In the case where the direction of the optical axis and the refractive index of the operation button 103 are different for each operation button 103, the solar cells having different sizes, arrangement angles, and performances according to the direction of the optical axis and the refractive index of the operation button 103 are different. 301 may be provided corresponding to each operation button 103.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a front view showing the mobile phone according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. A mobile phone 800 according to Embodiment 2 includes a first housing 802 and a second housing 803 that constitute a main body housing 801. Similar to the first embodiment described above, the first housing 802 and the second housing 803 are coupled to each other so as to be relatively rotatable via a hinge portion (not shown).

  A main body housing 801 in the portable phone 800 is a pair of surfaces that face each other when the first housing 802 and the second housing 803 are folded and the first housing 802 and the second housing 803 are folded. Can be in any state between a state in which both face in the same direction (hereinafter referred to as “open state”).

  As shown in FIG. 8, a speaker 106, a microphone 107, a sub display 201, a battery pack 204, and operation buttons 804 are provided on the front side of the main body housing 801. Similarly to the first embodiment described above, the speaker 106 and the sub display 201 are provided in the first housing 802, and the microphone 107 and the battery pack 204 are provided in the second housing 803.

  The operation button 804 is provided on the second housing 803. The operation button 804 is operated by the user to display information corresponding to the operation on the sub display 201. The sub display 201 in the mobile phone 800 displays information obtained by simplifying the display content displayed on the main display 102.

  During a call using the mobile phone 800, the user opens the main body housing 801 and holds the mobile phone 800 so that the speaker 106 faces the ear and the microphone 107 is located at the mouth.

  FIG. 9 is a rear view showing the mobile phone 800 of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, a main display 102, a plurality of operation buttons 103, and an imaging lens 202 are provided on the back side of the main body housing 801. The main display 102 and the imaging lens 202 are provided in the first housing 802, and the operation buttons 103 are provided in the second housing 803.

  The operation button 103 has a lens shape as in the first embodiment. The operation button 103 may have a concave lens shape, a convex lens shape, or a concave lens shape and a convex lens shape may be mixed in the entire operation button 103. Although illustration is omitted, a solar cell into which external light that has passed through the operation button 103 is incident is provided inside the second housing 803, as in the solar cell 301 in the first embodiment described above. The solar cell is provided at a position where external light incident on the inside of the second housing 803 from the operation button 103 is incident.

  Although not shown, a solar cell stacked on the main display 102 is provided in the first housing 802 as in the case of the solar cell 401 in the first embodiment. The solar cell provided in the first housing 802 generates power using external light incident through the main display 102.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a mobile phone 800 of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the cellular phone 800 in the folded state is viewed from the operation button 103 side. As shown in FIG. 10, in the mobile phone 800, the operation button 103 is always exposed regardless of whether it is in an open state or a folded state. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 1001 denotes a cover member that closes a connector for charging the rechargeable battery 303 without removing the battery pack 204 from the mobile phone 800 main body. The cover member is removed from the main body of the portable phone 800 when charging the rechargeable battery 303.

  The mobile phone 800 has a function for preventing an operation unintended by the user (hereinafter referred to as “malfunction”). Specifically, for example, by operating the predetermined operation buttons 103 in a predetermined order, the operation on the operation buttons 103 is subsequently invalidated (key lock setting), and the predetermined operation is performed with the key lock set. By operating the operation buttons 103 in a predetermined order, the key lock setting is canceled to prevent malfunction.

  Specifically, for example, a dedicated operation key (not shown) for performing “key lock setting / key lock setting release” may be provided. This prevents the mobile phone 800 from malfunctioning when the operation key 103 is operated at a timing not intended by the user, such as when the user touches the exposed operation button 103 unexpectedly. it can. Further, by operating predetermined operation buttons 103 in a predetermined order, it is possible to selectively set “power generation / no power generation”. When “power generation” is set, the operation key 103 is operated Even in such a case, the malfunction may be prevented by preventing the operation corresponding to the operation from being performed.

  The mobile phone 800 according to Embodiment 2 drives and controls each part of the mobile phone 800 using electricity generated by the solar cell. Thereby, according to the mobile phone 800, the power consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 can be reduced, and the work frequency of the user such as battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the rechargeable battery 303 can be reduced. .

  In addition, since the operation button 103 is always exposed in the mobile phone 800 of Embodiment 2, the operation button 103 is used as a light source such as the sun or illumination regardless of whether the call is in a call or not. By directing it, external light can be made incident on the solar cell via the operation button 103. As a result, the power generation amount of the solar cell included in the mobile phone 800 can be increased.

  In addition, since the main display 102 is always exposed, the mobile phone 800 according to the second embodiment is in an open state or a folded state regardless of whether it is during a call or during a non-call. Regardless, by directing the main display 102 to a light source such as the sun or illumination, external light can be incident on the solar cell via the main display 102. As a result, the power generation amount of the solar cell included in the mobile phone 800 can be increased.

  And by increasing the amount of power generated by the solar cell, it is possible to increase the number of driving objects driven using the electricity generated by the solar cell, or increase the driving time using the electricity generated by the solar cell, The power consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced without deteriorating the appearance, and the user's work frequency such as battery replacement and charging due to insufficient power remaining in the rechargeable battery 303 can be further reduced.

  In mobile phone 800 according to Embodiment 2, since main display 102 and operation button 103 are both provided on the back side of main body housing 801, the user can determine the operation position for operation button 103 and the corresponding operation. Accordingly, the display contents displayed on the main display 102 can be easily visually recognized. Thereby, the power generation amount of the solar cell can be increased without deteriorating the operability and usability of the mobile phone 800.

  In addition, the positions of the speaker 106 and the microphone 107 in the mobile phone 800 of Embodiment 2 are not limited to the positions described above. For example, the positions of the speaker 106 and the microphone 107 shown in FIG. 8 may be interchanged. Although illustration is omitted, in this case, the speaker 106 is provided in the second housing 803, and the microphone 107 is provided in the first housing 802.

  When making a call using the mobile phone 800, the user grips the intermediate portion of the mobile phone 800 (the connecting portion between the first housing 802 and the second housing 803) or the microphone 106 side from the intermediate portion. There is a tendency. That is, a user who is talking tends to grip the first housing 802 in the mobile phone 800.

  When the speaker 106 is provided in the second housing 803 and the microphone 107 is provided in the first housing 802, the operation button 103 is exposed even if the user holds the first housing 802 during a call. Therefore, external light can enter the operation button 103 even during a call. As a result, since the solar cell can generate power even during a call, the power consumption of the rechargeable battery 303 is further reduced, and users such as battery replacement or charging due to insufficient power remaining in the rechargeable battery 303 are used. The work frequency can be further reduced.

  Further, the positions of the speaker 106 and the microphone 107 may be gathered in the first housing 802, for example. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a mobile phone (modified example) according to the second embodiment. In the mobile phone 800 as a modified example, the speaker 106 and the microphone 107 are provided on the side where the main display 102 is provided in the first housing 802.

  When a call is made on the mobile phone 800 as a modification, the user holds the mobile phone 800 as a modification with the main display 102 facing the user. In this manner, the operation button 103 always faces outward during a call, so that external light easily enters the operation button 103. This makes it easier to generate power in the solar cell during a call, thus further reducing the amount of power consumed by the rechargeable battery 303 and replacing the battery or charging the battery due to insufficient power remaining in the rechargeable battery 303. The work frequency can be further reduced.

  As described above, the electronic device and the voice communication device according to the present invention are useful for an electronic device including an operation button, and are particularly suitable for an electronic device such as a mobile phone for the purpose of mobile communication.

1 is a front view showing a mobile phone according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a rear view showing a mobile phone according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is the schematic which shows the AA cross section of FIG. It is the schematic which shows the BB cross section of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of each part with which a mobile telephone is provided. 6 is an explanatory view showing a modification (No. 1) of the mobile phone according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a modification (No. 2) of the mobile phone according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a mobile phone according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a rear view showing the mobile phone according to the second embodiment. 6 is a perspective view showing a mobile phone according to Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a mobile phone (modified example) according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Mobile phone 102 Main display 103 Operation button 106 Speaker 107 Microphone 202 Shooting lens 205 Antenna 301 Solar cell 401 Solar cell 501 CCD
510 Storage battery 800 Portable telephone

Claims (2)

Provided with a speaker that outputs audio based on audio information received from an external device and a microphone that inputs audio outside the device, and transmits and receives audio information using wireless communication in accordance with an input operation received via an operation button. In portable voice communication equipment,
A lens that constitutes the operation button and projects external light;
A photoelectric conversion element for power generation is converted into an electrical external light projected light by pre sharp lens,
Driving means driven by electricity converted by the photoelectric conversion element for power generation;
With
The microphone and the speaker are provided on the back side of the operation button arrangement surface. Provided with a speaker that outputs audio based on audio information received from an external device and a microphone that inputs audio outside the device, and transmits and receives audio information using wireless communication in accordance with an input operation received via an operation button. In portable voice communication equipment,
  Display means comprising a display for displaying predetermined information;
  A photoelectric conversion element for power generation that is provided inside the apparatus rather than the display and converts external light incident through the display into electricity,
  Driving means driven by electricity converted by the photoelectric conversion element for power generation,
  The microphone and the speaker are provided on the back side of the display arrangement surface.

Images