JP5243277B2 - Switch operating device and portable electronic device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a switch operating device that can be used in a state where two housings face each other, for example, mounted on a portable electronic device such as a cellular phone.

  In recent years, portable electronic devices such as mobile phones have become increasingly more multifunctional. For example, a mobile phone has not only a telephone function but also a function as an e-mail terminal or an Internet browser terminal, a function as a camera, and a function as a receiving terminal for one-segment television broadcasting. .

  On the other hand, a multifunctional mobile phone has a different usage style for each function. For example, in the case of a telephone, it becomes a style that makes it easy to perform sending and receiving operations (for convenience, called “telephone style”). It is a style that is easy to perform (for convenience, called “e-mail style”), and in the case of a camera, it is easy to check the viewfinder image (live view image of the subject on the display) (for convenience, called “camera style”). Thus, in the case of a television, it is a style that allows easy viewing of television broadcasts (for convenience, it is referred to as “TV style”).

  As a conventional technique that can flexibly cope with these various styles, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

  The structural feature of this prior art is that “a thin operation housing with an operation surface formed therein, a thin display housing with a display surface formed therein, and a movable connecting portion that connects the operation housing and the display housing. A normally open state in which both housings are expanded with the operation surface and the display surface facing in the same direction, and a reverse closed state in which the display surfaces are directed outward and the main surfaces of both housings are opposed to each other. A foldable mobile communication terminal that is provided in the operation surface, and that is provided on the end surface of the operation housing, and a main multifunction key that allows two or more different operation inputs according to the pressed part. And a side multi-function key capable of performing the same operation input by performing the same operation as the main multi-function key.

  According to the prior art having such a configuration, the “normally open state” in which both housings are expanded with the operation surface and the display surface facing in the same direction, and the main surfaces of both housings with the display surfaces facing outward. “Reverse closed state” can be selected by folding them facing each other, so “normally open state” is used in the case of the above-mentioned telephone style or mail style, and “reverse closed state” is used in the above camera style or television. By using for a style, it can respond flexibly to the above-mentioned various usage styles.

JP 2005-312003 A

  However, although the prior art has an advantage that it can flexibly cope with various usage styles, the key operation and button operation in each style are still directly applied to those keys and buttons. For example, in the case of a camera style, look for a shutter button (such as a conventional multifunctional key on the side of the fingertip) and check that button. There is a problem that it is necessary to perform a shutter operation after holding the fingertip on the screen, and during that time, a slight time lag is inevitably generated and a photo opportunity may be missed.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a switch operating device and a portable electronic device that can quickly perform a required switch operation only by applying a force in the facing direction to two housings in the facing state. It is aimed.

The switch operating device according to claim 1, wherein the switch operating device is applied to a portable electronic device that can be used in a state where the two housings face each other, and a switch element is provided on one of the facing surfaces of the two housings. A switch operating means for turning on and off the switch element is provided on the other of the opposing surfaces, and an elastic body is interposed between the two casings , and the elastic body is compressed and deformed to perform the switch operation. When the switch element is turned on by means, a shutter operation, an on-hook key operation, an off-hook key operation, a mail reception operation or a reception channel operation is performed on the portable electronic device according to an operation mode of the portable electronic device. It is characterized by that.
The invention described in claim 1 described above may be as follows.
The switch operating means has a physical shape capable of turning on and off the mechanical contact when the switch element has a mechanical contact (the invention according to claim 2).
The switch operating means can change the capacitance when the switch element is a capacitance type touch switch (the invention according to claim 3).
When the switch element is an optical or magnetic touch switch, the switch operating means can block the optical path, bend the optical axis, block the magnetic flux, or bend the magnetic flux. (Invention of claim 4)
A plurality of the switch elements and the switch operating means are provided (the invention according to claim 5).
7. The switch operating device according to claim 6, wherein the switch operating device is applied to a portable electronic device that can be used in a state where the two housings face each other, and the switch element is provided on at least one of the facing surfaces of the two housings. And an elastic body interposed between the two housings, the elastic body is compressed and deformed by sandwiching the two housings, and the switch element is turned on and off , and When the elastic body is compressed and deformed and the switch element is turned on, the shutter operation, the on-hook key operation, the off-hook key operation, the mail reception operation, or the mail reception operation for the portable electronic device is performed according to the operation mode of the portable electronic device. The reception channel operation is performed .
The portable electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the portable electronic device can be used in a state where the two housings face each other, and a switch element is provided on one of the facing surfaces of the two housings, and the other of the facing surfaces. The switch operating means for turning on and off the switch element is provided, and an elastic body is interposed between the two housings , and the elastic body is compressed and deformed so that the switch element is moved by the switch operating means. When turned on, a shutter operation, an on-hook key operation, an off-hook key operation, a mail reception operation, or a reception channel operation is performed on the portable electronic device according to an operation mode of the portable electronic device .
The portable electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the portable electronic device can be used in a state where the two housings face each other, and a switch element provided on at least one of the facing surfaces of the two housings, and the two housings An elastic body interposed between the body, the elastic body is compressed and deformed by sandwiching the two housings, the switch element is turned on and off , and the elastic body is compressed and deformed When the switch element is turned on, a shutter operation, an on-hook key operation, an off-hook key operation, a mail reception operation, or a reception channel operation is performed on the portable electronic device according to an operation mode of the portable electronic device. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a switch operating device and a portable electronic device that can quickly perform a required switch operation only by applying a force in the facing direction to two housings in the facing state. it can.

It is a block diagram of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the movement of the hinge 2 of the mobile telephone 1, and various use styles accompanying the movement. It is a figure which shows the notional flow of switch function allocation for every style. It is a figure which shows the switch operation means for turning on and off the switch element and its switch element. It is a block diagram of 2nd Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of switch operation of 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of 3rd Embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of 4th Embodiment. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of 6th Embodiment. It is a block diagram of 7th Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, taking application to a mobile phone as an example.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the first embodiment. In this figure, the mobile phone 1 has two housings 3 and 4 that are coupled to each other via a biaxial hinge 2 so as to be rotatable and foldable. The illustrated folded state is also a state in which the two casings 3 and 4 are opposed to each other, and corresponds to the “reverse closed state” of the prior art.

  The lower case 3 in the figure corresponds to the above-described “thin type operation case having an operation surface” in the prior art, and is hereinafter referred to as the operation case 3 in the same manner. The upper casing 4 in the drawing corresponds to the “thin display casing on which the display surface is formed” according to the prior art, and is hereinafter referred to as the display casing 4 in the same manner.

  Here, on the upper surface side of the operation casing 3 in the figure, a microphone for transmission (see the microphone 12 in FIG. 2) and various key buttons (on-hook key, off-hook key, numeric keypad, cursor key, function key, etc.): FIG. In this figure, only one key (hereinafter referred to as a predetermined key) 5 among these various key buttons is shown.

  A receiving speaker (see the speaker 13 in FIG. 2) and a display (see the display unit 11 in FIG. 2) and a display farther from the hinge 2 are provided on the upper surface side of the display housing 4 in the figure. An elastic body 6 attached to the tip position of the display housing 4 in the illustrated example, and a protrusion 7 provided at a position facing the predetermined key 5 of the operation housing 3 are provided. In this figure, the elastic body 6 is represented by a spring symbol, but this (spring) is for convenience of illustration. Any material that compresses and deforms when force is applied, such as rubber or elastic resin, may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the hinge 2 of the mobile phone 1 and various usage styles associated with the movement. First, as shown to (a), the hinge 2 of the mobile telephone 1 is the 1st axis | shaft 8 (circular figure which shows the hinge 2) of the direction along the short side edge of the operation housing | casing 3 and the display housing | casing 4. The display housing 4 can be opened and closed with respect to the operation housing 3 by this rotation (see the arrow A). In addition, the hinge 2 can also be rotated around the second axis 9 in a direction orthogonal to the first axis 8 (see arrow A). It is possible to rotate 180 degrees to realize the “normally open state” and “reversely closed state” of the prior art.

  Here, the normal open state means that both the housings (the operation housing 3 and the display housing) face the operation surface (the operation unit 10) and the display surface (the display unit 11) in the same direction as shown in FIG. 4) refers to a state in which the display is expanded, and the reverse closed state refers to the operation surface (operation unit 10) of the operation housing 3 with the display surface (display unit 11) facing outward as shown in (c). And the rear surface of the display housing 4 are opposed to each other and folded. In addition, (d) is a folded state when the mobile phone 1 is not used. In the folded state when not in use, the operation surface (operation unit 10) of the operation housing 3 and the display surface (display unit 11) of the display housing 4 face each other, and the operation surface (operation unit) of the operation housing 3 is opposed to each other. 10) is covered with the display housing 4, and in this case, the display housing 4 serves as a mere “lid”. In the folded state when not in use, the elastic body 6 and the protrusion 7 provided on the back surface of the display housing 4 are exposed to the outside.

  Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. An object of the present invention is to “swiftly perform a required switch operation simply by applying a force in the opposing direction to two casings in an opposing state” as described at the beginning. In order to achieve this problem, in the first embodiment, two casings (the operation casing 3 and the display casing 4) in the folded state (reversely closed state) as shown in FIG. The required switch operation (in this figure, the pressing operation of the predetermined key 5) can be performed quickly only by applying a force in the direction of two opposing arrows C and D as shown in FIG.

  That is, when no force is applied to the two housings (the operation housing 3 and the display housing 4) in the folded state shown in FIG. Since the corresponding gap A is generated between the housings 3 and 4, the projection 7 of the display housing 4 and the predetermined key 5 of the display housing 4 are separated from each other, and a required switch operation is not performed.

  On the other hand, when force is applied to the two housings (the operation housing 3 and the display housing 4) in the same folded state in the directions of arrows c and d, both housings 3, As a result of the elastic body 6 between 4 being compressed and deformed to reduce the gap A and the predetermined key 5 of the display housing 4 being pressed by the projection 7 of the display housing 4, a required switch operation is performed.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the directions of arrows c and d, that is, the two housings (the operation housing 3 and the display housing 4) that are opposed to each other as in the folded state illustrated in FIG. Thus, the indirect pressing operation of the predetermined key 5 can be performed only by applying a force in the opposite direction, specifically, a force that sandwiches both surfaces of the two housings.

  The above-mentioned “force to sandwich both sides” is often obtained by the movement of the hand gripping the mobile phone 1. Specifically, the mobile phone 1 is held between the thumb and other four fingers. For example, if the folded state shown in FIG. 1 is the “camera style”, the function of the predetermined key 5 can be obtained in advance. By assigning the shutter key to the shutter key, the shutter operation can be performed only by applying a force in the directions of arrows c and d to the two housings (the operation housing 3 and the display housing 4) in the same folded state. The effect that it can be obtained.

  For this reason, it is possible to quickly perform a predetermined switch operation as compared with the above-described conventional technology. For example, when used in a camera style, a unique effect is obtained that a photo opportunity is not missed.

  In the prior art described above, it was necessary to find a shutter button (such as a side multifunction key of the prior art) visually (or fingertip feel), but if configured as in the first embodiment. This is because the shutter operation can be performed only by applying force to the hand holding the casings 3 and 4, and it is not necessary to search for the shutter button one by one.

  In the above description, the predetermined switch operation is referred to as “shutter operation”, but this is merely an example. In short, any switch operation that is frequently used for each usage style may be used. For example, “on-hook key operation” or “off-hook key operation” for the telephone style, “mail transmission / reception operation” for the mail style, TV For example, “reception channel change operation” in the case of a style may be used.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a conceptual flow of switch function assignment for each style. This flow is executed by the internal electronic circuit of the mobile phone 1. The configuration and mechanism of the electronic circuit are described in various known documents including the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, for example. As shown, since it is generally known, a description thereof is omitted here.

  The illustrated flow is a so-called event activation type that is executed in response to an event of pressing the predetermined key 5. When this flow is started, first, the usage style of the mobile phone 1 is determined (step S1). This determination can be made, for example, by examining the current operation mode of the mobile phone 1. This is because, in general, a multi-function mobile phone responds to operation inputs such as function keys and menu keys, and operates as a phone terminal, operating mode as a mail terminal or browser terminal, and operating mode as a camera. This is because the operation mode as a television receiver can be appropriately switched, and by checking this operation mode, it is possible to determine which style is currently used.

  When the use style is determined in this way, next, a key function assignment process for each style is executed. That is, in the case of “phone style”, it is determined whether or not a call is in progress (step S2). If not in a call, the predetermined key 5 is assigned to the on-hook key (step S3). Can be assigned to an off-hook key (step S4), so that an on-hook operation (when not in a call) or an off-hook operation (in a call) can be performed simply by applying force to the hands holding the casings 3 and 4. It is possible to quickly start (on-hook operation) and end (off-hook operation) a call.

  In the case of “mail style”, it is determined whether or not there is a mail waiting for transmission (step S5). If there is no mail waiting for transmission, the predetermined key 5 is assigned to the mail reception key (step S6). For example, by assigning the predetermined key 5 to the mail transmission / reception key (step S7), it is possible to perform mail reception operation and transmission / reception operation only by putting effort into the hands holding the casings 3 and 4, and promptly Can be sent and received.

  In the case of “camera style”, the predetermined key 5 is assigned to the shutter key (step S8). In the case of “TV style”, the predetermined key 5 is assigned to the channel change key (step S9). However, the shutter operation and the channel change operation can be performed simply by putting force into the hands holding the housings 3 and 4, and the camera shooting and the program change can be quickly performed.

  Therefore, according to the first embodiment, “a switch operating device and a portable electronic device that can quickly perform a required switch operation only by applying a force in a facing direction to two housings in a facing state. The object of the present invention “providing equipment” can be achieved.

  In the flow of FIG. 3, the usage style is determined by examining the current “operation mode” of the mobile phone 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case of the specific conditions shown below, it is also possible to determine which style is used from the relative positional relationship between two housings (the operation housing 3 and the display housing 4). . For example, when the display housing 4 is opened as shown in FIG. 2B, the specific condition is used as a “telephone”, and the display housing 4 is turned upside down as shown in FIG. 2C. When it is folded, it is “when it is determined” to be used as a “television receiver”. In such a case, it may be determined that the telephone style is based on the display housing 4 being opened, while it may be determined that the television style is based on the display housing 4 being turned over. .

  Further, the usage style may be determined from a combination of the relative positional relationship between the two housings and the operation mode. That is, when the display housing 4 is opened and in the telephone mode, it is determined as the telephone style, and when the display housing 4 is opened and in the mail terminal mode, it is determined as the mail style, and the display housing 4 is turned upside down and folded. In the camera mode, the camera style may be determined, and when the display housing 4 is turned upside down and is in the television reception mode, the camera style may be determined. The usage style can be determined more reliably.

  Here, it is an object of the present invention to provide a switch operating device and a portable electronic device capable of quickly performing a required switch operation only by applying a force in the opposing direction to two housings in an opposing state. ) To consider the indispensable component requirements.

  First, the target mobile electronic device (the mobile phone 1 in the description of the embodiment) can be used with two housings facing each other. An example of a state in which two housings face each other is a state in which two housings connected by a hinge are folded. Although this folded state is not specifically limited in the concept of the invention, for example, when the cellular phone 1 is taken as an example, the folded state when used as a camera or a television receiver corresponds.

  Next, in the above-described folded state, a switch element (predetermined key 5 in the description of the embodiment) is provided on each of the opposing surfaces of the two housings (the operation housing 3 and the display housing 4 in the description of the embodiment). The switch operating means (projection 7 in the description of the embodiment) for turning on and off the switch element is provided.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a switch element and switch operating means for turning on and off the switch element. (A) has shown an example of the switch element and switch operation means in the said embodiment, and the predetermined key 5 is the case 5a, the push button 5b, and the spring 5c for urging | biasing the push button 5b upward. 5c, and a pair of contacts 5d and 5d provided on the bottom surface of the push button 5b and the bottom surface of the case 5a. The predetermined key 5 is normally in the state shown in the figure (a pair of contacts 5d and 5d are separated from each other), but a pair of keys 5 is depressed by depressing the push button 5b against the urging force of the springs 5c and 5c. The contact points 5d and 5d come into contact with each other and shift to the on state.

  Thus, when the switch element has a mechanical contact, the switch operating means for turning on the switch element has a physical shape capable of turning on and off the mechanical contact, that is, the spring 5c. It is only necessary to have a shape that can push down the push button 5b against the urging force of 5c. Specifically, the protrusion 7 may be made of a hard material as shown in the drawing. The switch element having a mechanical contact is not limited to this example. For example, a rubber switch or the like is an example of a switch element having a mechanical contact.

  However, switch elements are not just “having mechanical contacts”. For example, there is a touch type as shown in FIG. A typical example of the touch-type switch element is a capacitance type that detects a change in capacitance and turns it on / off. In the case of this type of switch element (capacitance type touch switch 5e), the projection 7 made of a hard material as described above is a switch operating means for turning on the switch element (capacitance type touch switch 5e). As inappropriate. In this case, it should be a switch operating means that can prompt a change in capacitance. For example, if the electrode 7a is disposed in place of the protrusion 7 and a predetermined potential (for example, an arbitrary potential such as a ground potential) is applied to the electrode 7a, the electrode 7a is switched to a switch element (capacitive touch switch 5e). ), The change in capacitance can be promoted and the switch element can be turned on.

  Or you may electrically connect between the electrode 7a and the metal part of the surface of a housing | casing (display housing | casing 4). Since the metal part on the surface of the housing is also a part touched by the hand, the static electricity charged on the human body promotes the change in the capacitance of the switch element (capacitance type touch switch 5e). Can be turned on.

  As described above, the combination of the switch element and the switch operating means for turning on and off the switch element should be optimized in accordance with the principle of the switch element. Here, two principles of the switch element, “having a mechanical contact” and “capacitance type” are shown, but this is only a representative example. Even in the case of a switch element of another principle, it is a matter of course that the switch operating means conforms to that principle. For example, in the case of an optical switch element, a switch operation means that can block the optical path or bend the optical axis may be used, or in the case of a magnetic switch element, a switch that can block magnetic flux or bend the magnetic flux. The operation means may be used.

  Further, a switch structure as shown in FIG. That is, the operation housing 3 is provided with a pair of contacts (hereinafter referred to as a first contact 5f and a second contact 5g), and the display housing 4 is provided with a counter contact 7b for shorting the pair of contacts. This is the case of the switch structure. In such a case, the opposing contact 7b of the display housing 4 is for electrically turning on the pair of contacts (the first contact 5f and the second contact 5g) of the operation housing 3 to be turned on. In short, it can be said that the opposed contact 7b is a switch operating means for turning on the switch element of the operation casing 3, that is, the pair of contacts (first contact 5f and second contact 5g).

  Further, without explicitly providing the “switch operating means”, for example, depending on the shape of the display housing 4, the display housing 4 itself can be used as the same means. That is, when the predetermined switch 5 can be pressed by any part of the display housing 4, any part of the display housing 4 can be used instead of the projection 7. The housing 4 also has a function as “switch operating means”.

  Next, regarding the role of the elastic body 6, if the elastic body 6 is not provided, the predetermined key 5 may be unintentionally pushed by the protrusion 7 when in the folded state as shown in FIG. . If the elastic body 6 is provided, the predetermined key 5 will not be pushed unintentionally by the protrusions 7 unless at least a force sufficient to compress and deform the elastic body 6 is applied. As described above, the role of the elastic body 6 is to avoid unintentional ON transition of the predetermined key 5. Therefore, the elastic body 6 only needs to have a predetermined elastic force, and its form (spring, rubber, etc.) is arbitrary. The attachment position of the elastic body 6 may be a place where a predetermined elastic force can be applied between the two housings (the operation housing 3 and the display housing 4) in the folded state. It only has to be interposed between the housing 3 and the display housing 4. That is, in the illustrated example, it is positioned on the display housing 4 side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be positioned on the operation housing 3 side.

  Furthermore, the attachment position of the elastic body 6 in the longitudinal direction of the housing is also arbitrary. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, if it is in the vicinity of the tip of the display housing 4, it is the farthest from the folding fulcrum (position of the hinge 2) (because the distance between the fulcrum and the action point is far), so Even when a somewhat hard material is used, it is preferable because a required elastic force can be obtained. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if a soft material is used for the elastic body 6, for example, the protrusion 7 It is also possible to locate in the vicinity, between the protrusion 7 and the hinge 2, or near the hinge 2.

  In summary, the configuration essential to the present embodiment is a portable electronic device (mobile phone 1 in the description of the embodiment) that can be used with the two housings facing each other. A switch element (predetermined key 5 in the description of the embodiment) and a switch operation means (implementation) for turning on and off the switch element on each of the opposing surfaces of the body (in the description of the embodiment, the operation housing 3 and the display housing 4) In the description of the embodiment, the protrusion 7) is provided and the elastic body 6 is interposed between the two housings.

  By providing at least such essential configuration requirements, the subject of the present invention (the required switch operation can be quickly performed only by applying a force in the opposing direction to the two housings in the opposing state. Providing a switch operation device and a portable electronic device).

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, only one switch element (predetermined key 5) is operated, but in the second embodiment, it is developed so that a plurality of switch elements can be operated.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the second embodiment. In this figure, the mobile phone 14 has two housings 16 and 17 coupled to be rotatable and foldable via a biaxial hinge 15. The illustrated folded state is also a state in which the two casings 16 and 17 are opposed to each other, and corresponds to the “reverse closed state” of the prior art.

  The lower case 16 in the figure corresponds to the “thin type operation case having an operation surface” according to the prior art, and is hereinafter referred to as the operation case 16 in the same manner. The upper casing 17 in the drawing corresponds to the “thin display casing on which the display surface is formed” of the prior art, and is hereinafter referred to as the display casing 17 in the same manner.

  Here, on the upper surface side of the operation casing 16 in the figure, a microphone for transmission (see the microphone 12 in FIG. 2) and various key buttons (on-hook key, off-hook key, numeric keypad, cursor key, function key, etc.): FIG. In this figure, only three predetermined keys 18, 19, and 20 among these various key buttons are shown.

  In addition, a receiving speaker (see the speaker 13 in FIG. 2) and a display (see the display unit 11 in FIG. 2) and a display (see the display unit 11 in FIG. 2) are provided on the upper surface side of the display housing 17 in the figure. Three protrusions provided at positions facing the elastic body 21 (in the illustrated example, the tip position of the display housing 17) and the three predetermined keys 18, 19, 20 of the operation housing 16. 22, 23 and 24 are provided. In this figure, the elastic body 21 is represented by a spring symbol, but this (spring) is for convenience of illustration. Any material that compresses and deforms when force is applied, such as rubber or elastic resin, may be used.

  The three predetermined keys 18, 19, 20 and the three protrusions 22, 23, 24 are arranged in pairs with the predetermined key 18 and the protrusion 22, the predetermined key 19 and the protrusion 23, and the predetermined key 20 and the protrusion 24, respectively. Specifically, the pair of the predetermined key 18 and the protrusion 22 and the pair of the predetermined key 19 and the protrusion 23 are arranged approximately in the middle of the two housings (the operation housing 16 and the display housing 17) and the rest. The pair of the predetermined key 20 and the protrusion 24 is arranged near the tip of the two housings (the operation housing 16 and the display housing 17) far from the hinges 15.

  The hinge 15 can be rotated around the first shaft 25 in the direction along the short side end of the operation casing 16 and the display casing 17 (see arrow A). The display housing 17 can be opened and closed. In addition, the hinge 15 can also be rotated around the second axis 26 in a direction orthogonal to the first axis 25 (see arrow A). It is possible to rotate 180 degrees to realize the “normally open state” and “reversely closed state” of the prior art.

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. In this second embodiment, in order to achieve the object of the present invention (the required switch operation is quickly performed only by applying a force in the facing direction to the two housings in the facing state), the folded state The first embodiment described above in that the required switch operation can be performed quickly only by applying a force to the two cases (the operation case 16 and the display case 17) in the (reverse closed state). However, it is different in that the three predetermined keys 18, 19, and 20 can be selectively operated by changing the place where the force is applied.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the switch operation of the second embodiment. First, when a force is applied near the tips of two housings (operation housing 16 and display housing 17) as shown in (a), and two housings (operation housings as shown in (b)). 16 and a case where a force is applied near the middle of the display housing 17).

  When a force is applied in the vicinity of the tip, the elastic body 21 in the vicinity of the tip is greatly compressed, so that the distance between the two housings (the operation housing 16 and the display housing 17) approaches (arrows) near the tip. As a result, the predetermined key 20 located in the vicinity of the tip is pushed by the projection 24. At this time, the two casings (the operation casing 16 and the display casing 17) close to the hinge 15 are pressed. In the vicinity of the middle, the movement is smaller than that in the vicinity of the tip (see arrow カ), and the predetermined keys 18 and 19 located near the middle are not pressed by the protrusions 22 and 23.

  On the other hand, when a force is applied in the vicinity of the middle, the compression deformation of the elastic body 21 is small (see arrow key), so that the predetermined key 20 located near the tip is not pressed by the protrusion 24. Since the distance between the two housings (the operation housing 16 and the display housing 17) is close (see arrow mark), the predetermined keys 18 and 19 located near the middle are pressed by the protrusions 22 and 23. This is because the hinge 15 has some flexibility (due to design variations and assembly errors), and the hinge 15 is deflected by application of a force near the middle. In order to use this “flexion of the hinge 15”, the hardness of the elastic body 21 must be set appropriately. This is because if the elastic body 21 is too soft, the elastic body 21 is first compressed and deformed when a force is applied in the vicinity of the middle of the housing, and the flexure of the hinge 15 cannot be pulled out. Therefore, the appropriate hardness of the elastic body 21 is sufficient as long as the bending of the hinge 15 can be pulled out when a force is applied near the middle of the housing.

  Next, as shown in (c), when a force is applied near one of the left and right ends of the two cases (the operation case 16 and the display case 17), and as shown in (d), the two cases ( The case where a force is applied in the vicinity of the other left and right ends of the operation casing 16 and the display casing 17) will be described.

  As shown in (c), when a force is applied in the vicinity of one of the left and right ends (see the arrow), the predetermined key 18 located in the vicinity of the end is pushed by the protrusion 22 and is positioned along the second axis 26. The predetermined key 20 and the predetermined key 19 located near the left and right other ends are not pressed by the protrusions 23 and 24, respectively. This is because the display housing 17 rotates counterclockwise with respect to the second shaft 26 of the hinge 15 when a force is applied near one of the left and right ends (see arrow C).

  Similarly, as shown in (d), when a force is applied in the vicinity of the left and right other ends (see the arrow S), the predetermined key 19 located in the vicinity of the same end is pushed by the protrusion 23, and the second shaft 26 The predetermined key 20 located along the left side and the predetermined key 18 located near the other left and right ends are not pressed by the protrusions 22 and 24, respectively. This is because when a force is applied in the vicinity of the left and right other ends, the display housing 17 rotates in the clockwise direction of the second shaft 26 of the hinge 15 (see arrow arrow).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, the three predetermined keys 18, 19, and 20 are selectively selected by changing the position of the force applied to the two cases (the operation case 16 and the display case 17). Can be operated. Specifically, as shown in (a), by applying a force near the tips of the two housings (the operation housing 16 and the display housing 17), only the predetermined key 20 located near the tips is operated. Also, as shown in (b) and (c), by applying a force near the middle of the two housings (the operation housing 16 and the display housing 17) and near the left and right ends, In addition, only the predetermined key 18 located near one of the left and right ends can be operated, and as shown in (b) and (d), two housings (the operation housing 16 and the display housing 17) can be operated. By applying a force near the middle and near the other left and right ends, only the predetermined key 19 located near the middle and near the other left and right ends can be operated.

<Third Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, a plurality of switch elements (three predetermined keys 18, 19, 20) can be selectively operated. The arrangement of the three predetermined keys 18, 19, 20 is near the front end of the housing. One in the middle and two in the middle. That is, although the arrangement is made in two rows, the third embodiment discloses one in one row.

  FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of the third embodiment. In this figure, the mobile phone 31 includes two housings (an operation housing 32 and a display housing 33) that can be folded by hinges (see the hinge 2 in FIG. 1 and the hinge 15 in FIG. 5). The operation housing 32 is provided with three predetermined keys 34, 35, 36 arranged in a horizontal row, and the display housing 33 has three predetermined keys 34, 35, 36 that respectively face the three predetermined keys 34, 35, 36. Two protrusions 37, 38, 39 are provided. Note that an elastic body 40 is provided near the tip of the display housing 33 in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments.

  The two housings (the operation housing 32 and the display housing 33) can be folded by a hinge, and the display housing 33 can be rotated 180 degrees by the second shaft 41 of the hinge. .

  The first difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment is that three predetermined keys 34, 35, 36 and three protrusions 37, 38, 39 are arranged in a horizontal row. is there. The second difference is that the heights of the three protrusions 37, 38, 39 are different. Specifically, the protrusions 37 and 39 on both sides thereof are slightly lower than the height of the central protrusion 38. That is, when the height of the central projection 38 is a and the height of the projections 37 and 39 on both sides thereof is b, the relationship of a> b is set.

  FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram of the third embodiment. First, as shown in (a), when force is applied to the central portion of the two housings (the operation housing 32 and the display housing 33) (see arrows), the elastic body 40 is compressed and deformed, The predetermined key 35 is pressed by the protrusion 38, and the predetermined keys 34 and 36 on both sides thereof are not pressed by the protrusions 37 and 39. This is because the height a of the central protrusion 38 is set to be larger than the height b of the protrusions 37 and 39 on both sides thereof.

  Further, as shown in (b), when force is applied to the left and right ends of the two housings (the operation housing 32 and the display housing 33) (see the arrows), the elastic body 40 is not compressed and deformed. Instead, the display housing 33 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction of the second shaft 41 of the hinge (see arrow so). Therefore, the predetermined key 34 at one of the left and right ends is pressed by the protrusion 37, and the other predetermined keys 35 and 36 are not pressed by the protrusions 38 and 39. This is also because the height “a” of the central projection 38 is set to be greater than the height “b” of the projections 37 and 39 on both sides thereof. This is because only the predetermined key 34 at the end is pushed by the protrusion 37.

  Similarly, as shown in (c), when a force is applied to the other left and right ends of the two cases (the operation case 32 and the display case 33) (see arrow t), the elastic body 40 is compressed and deformed. Instead, the display housing 33 is rotated in the clockwise direction of the second shaft 41 of the hinge (see arrow H) instead. For this reason, the predetermined key 36 at the other left and right ends is pressed by the protrusion 39, and the other predetermined keys 34 and 35 are not pressed by the protrusions 37 and 38. This is also because the height “a” of the central protrusion 38 is set to be greater than the height “b” of the protrusions 37 and 39 on both sides thereof. This is because only the predetermined key 36 is pressed by the protrusion 39.

  Thus, according to the third embodiment, even when the three predetermined keys 34, 35, and 36 are arranged in a horizontal row, the selective operation of these switches can be performed.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the second and third embodiments, three switches can be selectively operated. In the fourth embodiment, one switch is added, and four switches can be selectively operated. To do.

  FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the fourth embodiment. In this figure, the mobile phone 42 includes two housings (an operation housing 43 and a display housing 44) that can be folded by hinges (see the hinge 2 in FIG. 1 and the hinge 15 in FIG. 5). The operation housing 43 is provided with four predetermined keys 45, 46, 47, 48 arranged in each square corner, and the display housing 44 has these four predetermined keys 45, 46, 47, Four protrusions 49, 50, 51, 52 facing each of 48 are provided. An elastic body 53 is provided in the vicinity of the tip of the display housing 44 in the same manner as in the first to third embodiments, and the elastic body is also provided at a position near the first shaft 54 of the hinge. 55 is provided.

  The two housings (the operation housing 43 and the display housing 44) are foldable (see arrow A) by the first shaft 54 of the hinge, and the display housing 44 is a second shaft of the hinge. 56, it can be rotated 180 degrees (see arrow A).

  FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram of the fourth embodiment. First, as shown to (a), the case where force is applied near the front-end | tip of two housing | casings (the operation housing | casing 43 and the display housing | casing 44) (refer arrow arrow) is demonstrated. In this case, since the elastic body 53 on the tip side is greatly compressed, the predetermined keys 47 and 48 near the tip are pressed by the protrusions 51 and 52. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C of the third embodiment, if a force is applied to the left and right ends of the housing, the predetermined key 47 on the same end side is pushed by the protrusion 51. If a force is applied to the left and right other ends of the housing, the predetermined key 48 on the same end side is pushed by the protrusion 52, so that only one predetermined key among the four predetermined keys can be selectively operated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, a case where a force is applied in the vicinity of the center of the two housings (the operation housing 43 and the display housing 44) (see arrow te) will be described. In this case, since the elastic body 55 closer to the first shaft 54 of the hinge is greatly compressed by the bending of the hinge, the predetermined keys 45 and 46 near the elastic body 55 are pressed by the protrusions 49 and 50. In this case as well, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C of the third embodiment, if a force is applied to the left and right ends of the housing, the predetermined key 45 on the same end side is pressed against the protrusion 49. If a force is applied to the left and right other ends of the housing, the predetermined key 46 on the same end side is pushed by the protrusion 50, and similarly, only one predetermined key can be selectively operated.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, even when the four predetermined keys 45, 46, 47, and 48 are provided, the switches can be selectively operated.

<Fifth Embodiment>
In the first to fourth embodiments, the portable electronic device that can be “folded” by the hinge is taken as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The above-described “folded state” simply means a state in which the two housings face each other, and the presence or absence of a “folding operation” in the process of reaching the same state is not essential. For example, in a so-called “slide type” mobile phone, two cases can be obtained by simply closing the display housing that also functions as an upper lid without performing a “folding operation”. Therefore, it is preferable that the predetermined key can be operated only by applying a force to the hand holding the two cases.

  FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the fifth embodiment. In this figure, a cellular phone 61 is provided with two housings (an operation housing 63 and a display housing 64) that are coupled to each other via a slide mechanism 62 so as to be relatively slidable in the left-right direction (see arrows G and N). )have. (A) in this figure shows a state in which the operation housing 63 is opened (a state in which the display housing 64 is slid; hereinafter simply referred to as a sliding state), and (b) shows a state in which the display housing 64 is closed (non-display). A slide state or a storage state).

  On the upper surface side of the operation housing 63 in the drawing, a microphone for transmission (see the microphone 12 in FIG. 2) and various key buttons (on-hook key, off-hook key, numeric keypad, cursor key, function key, etc.): operation unit in FIG. In this figure, only the predetermined key 65 of these various key buttons is shown.

  A receiving speaker (see the speaker 13 in FIG. 2) and a display (see the display section 11 in FIG. 2) and a display (see the display unit 11 in FIG. 2) are provided on the upper surface side of the display housing 64 in the figure, and further, near the tip of the display housing 64. An elastic body 66 attached at a position far from the base 62b of the slide mechanism 62 and a protrusion 67 attached near the tip of the slide rail 62a of the slide mechanism 62 (position far from the base 62b of the slide mechanism 62) are provided. It has been. In this figure, the elastic body 66 is represented by a spring symbol, but this (spring) is for convenience of illustration. Any material that compresses and deforms when force is applied, such as rubber or elastic resin, may be used.

  Further, the attachment position of the protrusion 67 is set to be directly above the predetermined key 65 of the operation housing 63 when the two housings 63 and 64 are brought into the non-sliding state.

  In the fifth embodiment having such a configuration, when a force is applied near the tip of the display housing 64 when the two housings 63 and 64 are in a non-sliding state, this force is applied to the tip of the slide rail 62a. As a result (see arrow D), the slide rail 62a is bent slightly with the base 62b as a fulcrum, so that the predetermined key 65 is pushed by the protrusion 67. Therefore, the fifth embodiment can be applied to a slide-type portable electronic device.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, a selective operation of a plurality of predetermined keys is enabled in the slide-type mobile phone 71. That is, as shown in this figure, the two protrusions 67a and 67b corresponding to the two predetermined keys 65a and 65b on the left and right sides of the operation casing 63 are located near the tip of the slide rail 62a (a position far from the base 62b of the slide mechanism 62). ).

  In this way, as shown in (b), when a force is applied in the vicinity of one of the left and right ends of the two cases (the operation case 63 and the display case 64) (see arrow No.), a predetermined position near the same end is obtained. The key 65a is pressed by the protrusion 67a, and the predetermined key 65b located near the left and right other ends is not pressed by the protrusion 67b. This is because when a force is applied in the vicinity of one of the left and right ends, the display housing 64 rotates counterclockwise (see the arrow) due to the mechanical deflection of the slide mechanism 62. Note that the shaft 68 indicates the rotating shaft at this time for convenience.

  When a force is applied to the vicinity of the other left and right ends of the two cases (the operation case 63 and the display case 64) as shown in (c) (see arrow C), a predetermined key 65b located near the same end is displayed. The predetermined key 65a that is pressed by the protrusion 67b and is located near one of the left and right ends is not pressed by the protrusion 67a. This is also because when the force is applied in the vicinity of the left and right other ends, the display housing 64 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the mechanical deflection of the slide mechanism 62 (see the arrow mark).

  As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the slide-type mobile phone 71 can selectively operate a plurality of predetermined keys.

<Seventh embodiment>
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of the seventh embodiment. Also in this embodiment, a selective operation of a plurality of predetermined keys is enabled in the slide type mobile phone 71. That is, as shown in this figure, four protrusions 67a to 67d corresponding to each of the four predetermined keys 65a to 65d provided on the operation casing 63 are attached to the slide rail 62a.

  In this way, when a force is applied near the tips of the two housings (the operation housing 63 and the display housing 64) as shown in FIG. , 65b are pushed by the projections 67a, 67b, and on the other hand, as shown in (c), force is applied near the center of the two cases (the operation case 63 and the display case 64) (see arrow F). Predetermined keys 65c and 65d located near the center are pressed by the projections 67c and 67d. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C of the third embodiment, if a force is applied to one of the left and right ends of the housing, the predetermined key 65a or 65c on the same end side is projected 67a or If the force is applied to the other left and right ends of the casing by being pushed by 67c, the predetermined key 65b or 65d on the same end side is pushed by the projection 67b or 67d, so that only one predetermined key of the four predetermined keys is selectively used. Can be operated.

  As described above, also in the seventh embodiment, the slide-type mobile phone 71 can selectively operate a plurality of predetermined keys.

 In each of the above embodiments, a mobile phone is taken as an example of the mobile electronic device, but the present invention is not limited to this. In short, any device that can be used with the two housings facing each other may be used. For example, a portable information terminal such as a PDA or a small personal computer, a music player, a DVD player, a game machine, a measuring device, etc. It may be in the form.

1 Mobile phone (mobile electronic device)
3 Operation case (case)
4 display housing (housing)
5 Predetermined key (switch element)
6 Elastic body 7 Protrusion (switch operation means)
14 Mobile phones (mobile electronic devices)
16 Operation case (case)
17 Display housing (housing)
18 Predetermined key (switch element)
19 Predetermined key (switch element)
20 Predetermined key (switch element)
21 Elastic body 22 Protrusion (switch operation means)
23 Protrusion (switch operation means)
24 Protrusion (switch operation means)
31 Mobile phone (mobile electronic device)
32 Operation case (case)
33 Display housing (housing)
34 Predetermined keys (switch elements)
35 Predetermined key (switch element)
36 Predetermined key (switch element)
37 Protrusion (switch operation means)
38 Protrusion (switch operation means)
39 Protrusion (switch operating means)
40 Elastic body 42 Mobile phone (mobile electronic device)
43 Operation case (case)
44 Display housing (housing)
45 Predetermined key (switch element)
46 Predetermined key (switch element)
47 Predetermined key (switch element)
48 Predetermined key (switch element)
49 Protrusion (switch operation means)
50 Protrusion (switch operation means)
51 Protrusion (switch operating means)
52 Protrusion (switch operating means)
53 Elastic body 55 Elastic body 61 Mobile phone (mobile electronic device)
63 Operation case (case)
64 Display housing (housing)
65 Predetermined key (switch element)
65a Predetermined key (switch element)
65b Predetermined key (switch element)
65c Predetermined key (switch element)
65d Predetermined key (switch element)
66 Elastic body 67 Protrusion (switch operating means)
67a Protrusion (switch operating means)
67b Protrusion (switch operating means)
67c Protrusion (switch operating means)
67d Protrusion (switch operating means)
71 Mobile phone (mobile electronic device)

Claims (8)

In a switch operation device applied to a portable electronic device that can be used with two housings facing each other,
While providing a switch element on one of the opposing surfaces of the two housings,
A switch operating means for turning on and off the switch element is provided on the other of the opposite surfaces,
Furthermore, an elastic body is interposed between the two housings ,
And, when the elastic body is compressed and deformed and the switch element is turned on by the switch operating means, according to the operation mode of the portable electronic device, a shutter operation for the portable electronic device, an on-hook key operation, A switch operating device performing off-hook key operation, mail reception operation or reception channel operation .   The switch operating means has a physical shape capable of turning on and off the mechanical contact when the switch element has a mechanical contact. Switch operating device.   The switch operating device according to claim 1, wherein the switch operating means is capable of changing a capacitance when the switch element is a capacitive touch switch.   When the switch element is an optical or magnetic touch switch, the switch operating means can block the optical path, bend the optical axis, block the magnetic flux, or bend the magnetic flux. The switch operating device according to claim 1, wherein:   5. The switch operating device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the switch elements and the switch operating means are provided. In a switch operation device applied to a portable electronic device that can be used with two housings facing each other,
A switch element provided on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the two housings;
An elastic body interposed between the two housings,
The elastic body is compressed and deformed by sandwiching the two casings, and the switch element is turned on and off ,
In addition, when the elastic body is compressed and deformed and the switch element is turned on, a shutter operation, an on-hook key operation, an off-hook key operation, a mail for the portable electronic device according to an operation mode of the portable electronic device A switch operating device performing a receiving operation or a receiving channel operation . In portable electronic devices that can be used with two housings facing each other,
While providing a switch element on one of the opposing surfaces of the two housings,
A switch operating means for turning on and off the switch element is provided on the other of the opposite surfaces,
Furthermore, an elastic body is interposed between the two housings ,
And, when the elastic body is compressed and deformed and the switch element is turned on by the switch operating means, according to the operation mode of the portable electronic device, a shutter operation for the portable electronic device, an on-hook key operation, A portable electronic device that performs off-hook key operation, mail reception operation, or reception channel operation . In portable electronic devices that can be used with two housings facing each other,
A switch element provided on at least one of the opposing surfaces of the two housings;
An elastic body interposed between the two housings,
The elastic body is compressed and deformed by sandwiching the two casings, and the switch element is turned on and off ,
In addition, when the elastic body is compressed and deformed and the switch element is turned on, a shutter operation, an on-hook key operation, an off-hook key operation, a mail for the portable electronic device according to an operation mode of the portable electronic device A portable electronic device that performs a reception operation or a reception channel operation .

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