JP5657764B2 - Case opening and closing structure in electronic equipment and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an opening / closing structure of a housing in an electronic device and an electronic device. For example, in a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, the opening / closing structure of the housing that enables expansion / contraction or folding by sliding of the housing, And an electronic apparatus having the structure.

  A mobile phone as a portable electronic device has an integrated (straight type) housing, and is composed of two units for the purpose of miniaturization, and both units are connected so that they can be folded together. Folding types and sliding types that are slidably coupled to each other are also popular.

  For example, in a slide-type mobile phone, an upper casing (receiver casing) on which a display unit or the like is mounted is slidable along a vertical direction (longitudinal direction) with respect to a lower casing (microphone casing). The portable telephone is carried in a compact state that is contracted so that both casings overlap each other, and is used by extending both casings so as to be separated from each other during a call or the like.

  By the way, mobile phones as portable electronic devices have become widespread due to their high convenience that they can be used while moving or away from home. In addition to the original call function, a mobile phone usually has a data communication function that enables transmission / reception of e-mails and browsing of a homepage by connecting to the Internet, and the number of functions is increasing. Recently, the advancement of attached functions has been further accelerated, and models equipped with functions for receiving 1SEG (1 segment) broadcasts of terrestrial digital broadcasts (hereinafter also simply referred to as one-segment functions) and game machine functions have become widespread. Therefore, it is desired to deal with these issues.

  In a mobile phone, it is sufficient to use the display portion in a vertically long state when making a call, sending / receiving e-mail, and creating. On the other hand, for example, when the one-segment function is used, convenience is improved in each stage by setting the screen of the display unit in a horizontally long state. If you can operate while looking at the screen while holding the display screen in landscape orientation and viewing the screen, it is easy to use when using the e-mail function and browser function in addition to the 1Seg function. Will improve. This is the same for both slide-type mobile phones and folding-type mobile phones.

  For this reason, it is possible to open and close in two directions orthogonal to each other (sliding type expansion and contraction by sliding, folding type folding and folding by rotation), that is, the upper case relative to the lower case, A device has been devised to enable opening and closing not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction (for example, see Patent Document 1). For example, in a slide type mobile phone, a method of sliding the housing in two directions orthogonal to each other can be considered.

JP 2006-509479 A

  The first problem to be solved is that the movable range of the casing at the time of opening and closing is narrow in the above technique. For example, in the case of sliding in two directions, it is difficult to ensure a sufficient slide length because there are restrictions on the arrangement positions of the sliding members and guide members constituting the sliding mechanism.

  In addition, the second problem is that, in the above technique, the strength is lowered at the joint portion between the casings, and the reliability is impaired. For example, when the casing is coupled so as to be slidable in two directions via the slide mechanism, the stress is concentrated on the narrow coupling portion (supporting portion) of the casing, so that the strength is reduced and sufficient reliability is obtained. Absent. The third problem is that the operability at the time of opening and closing the casing is deteriorated in the above technique.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and it is possible to improve convenience by opening and closing in two directions and to secure a sufficient movable range of the casing at the time of opening and closing. It is a first object to provide an opening / closing structure and an electronic device.
Also provided is a casing opening / closing structure and an electronic device in an electronic device that can improve convenience by two-way opening and closing, and can secure sufficient strength by securing the strength of a bonding portion between the casings. The second purpose is to do this.
A third object is to provide a casing opening / closing structure and an electronic device in an electronic device that can improve convenience by two-way opening and closing and can obtain good operability.

In order to achieve the above object, an opening / closing structure according to the present invention is an opening / closing structure of a housing for opening / closing a housing of an electronic device,
The casing is composed of units combined in three layers,
Through the first and second coupling means provided on the front and back of the unit located in the intermediate layer formed by a frame-shaped part having a rectangular outline with the central part opened as a pair of the two adjacent units And one unit of the set is connected to the other unit of the set so as to be openable and closable,
A display unit is incorporated in one of the units forming the set, and an operation unit for operating the display unit is incorporated in the other unit .
It is characterized in that a lock unit is provided for restricting the two units adjacent to the unit located in the intermediate layer from opening simultaneously.

In the above-described example, the case where the present invention is constructed as an opening / closing structure of a casing has been described. However, the present invention may be constructed as an electronic device having the opening / closing structure. When constructed as an electronic device, the electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device having a casing opening and closing structure for opening and closing the casing,
The casing of the open / close structure is composed of units combined in three layers,
Through the first and second coupling means provided on the front and back of the unit located in the intermediate layer formed by a frame-shaped part having a rectangular outline with the central part opened as a pair of the two adjacent units And one unit of the set is connected to the other unit of the set so as to be openable and closable,
A display unit is incorporated in one of the units forming the set, and an operation unit for operating the display unit is incorporated in the other unit .
It is characterized in that a lock unit is provided for restricting the two units adjacent to the unit located in the intermediate layer from opening simultaneously.

  In the present invention, opening and closing means a wide concept including expansion and contraction of the casing by sliding operation by the sliding mechanism in addition to the expansion and folding of the casing by the rotation operation by the hinge mechanism.

  According to the present invention, the casing is composed of units combined in three layers, and two adjacent units are combined as a set, and one unit of the set is coupled to the other units of the set in an openable / closable manner. Therefore, it is possible to independently develop the unit set as a unit.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  The case opening / closing structure according to the embodiment of the present invention is a case opening / closing structure for opening and closing a case of an electronic device. As shown in FIGS. , 1D is composed of units 2, 3, 4, 2D, 3D, 83 combined in three layers, and two adjacent units 2 and 3, 3 and 4, 2D and 83, 83 and 3D are combined, One unit 2,3,2D, 83 (or 3,4,83,3D) forming the set and another unit (3,4,83,3D (or 2,3,2D, 83) forming the set It is characterized in that it can be opened and closed.

  In the above-described example, the embodiment of the present invention is constructed as an opening / closing structure of a housing, but may be constructed as an electronic device having the opening / closing structure. When constructed as an electronic device, the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device having a casing opening / closing structure that opens and closes the casings 1, 1 </ b> D. It is composed of units 2, 3, 4, 2D, 3D, and 83 combined in layers, and two adjacent units 2 and 3, 3, and 4, 2D and 83, 83, and 3D are used as a set. Units 2, 3, 2D, 83 (or 3, 4, 83, 3D) of the above are connected to the other units (3,4, 83, 3D (or 2, 3, 2D, 83) in the above-described pair in an openable / closable manner Build as a configuration.

  The unit 2 and 3, 3 and 4, 2D and 83, 83 and 3D are used as a unit, and the one unit 2, 3, 2D, 83 (or 3, 4, 83, 3D) is replaced with the other unit. The unit (3, 4, 83, 3D (or 2, 3, 2D, 83) is slidably attached by a slide mechanism described later, or the units 2 and 3, 3 and 4, 2D and 83, 83 and 3D. As a unit, the one unit 2, 3, 2D, 83 (or 3, 4, 83, 3D) is replaced with the other unit (3,4, 83, 3D (or 2, 3, 2D, 83). Are pivotally supported by a hinge mechanism which will be described later.

  When the slide mechanism is used, by sliding the unit 2 with respect to the unit 3, the unit 2 is extended with respect to the unit 3 as shown in FIG. 2, or as shown in FIG. Further, the unit 2 or 3 is retracted relative to the unit 3 or 4 as shown in FIG.

  When the hinge mechanism is used, by rotating the unit 2D with respect to the unit 83, the unit 2D is developed with respect to the unit 83 as shown in FIG. 19, or the unit 83 is united as shown in FIG. The unit 2D or 83 is contracted with respect to the unit 83 or 3D as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the unit is configured by combining the housings in three layers, and the two adjacent units are used as a set, and one unit forming the set is the other set. Since it is connected to the unit so as to be openable and closable, it can be developed independently as a unit.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail based on specific examples.

(Embodiment 1)
FIGS. 1-14 is an example which expands and retracts a housing | casing using a slide mechanism, when connecting the unit which makes a pair so that opening and closing is possible, and this is demonstrated as Embodiment 1 of this invention.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view in which an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a housing of a sliding mobile phone that is one of electronic devices, showing a degenerated state, and FIG. 2 showing a configuration of the mobile phone. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a stretched state along the longitudinal slide direction, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the configuration of the mobile phone, showing the stretched state along the lateral slide direction; FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile phone, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the mobile phone, and FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the mobile phone.

  The casing 1 of the mobile phone shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is configured by combining an upper layer unit 2, a lower layer unit 3, and an intermediate layer unit 4 positioned between the upper layer unit 2 and the lower layer unit 3 in three layers. The upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are slidably coupled to each other along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction) by the slide mechanism, and the lower layer unit 3 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are laterally coupled to each other ( It is slidably coupled along the short direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the slide mechanism is a longitudinal slide mechanism for sliding the upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 along the longitudinal direction (first direction or second direction). 6 and a lateral slide mechanism 7 for sliding the lower layer unit 3 and the intermediate layer unit 4 along the lateral direction (second direction or first direction).

  In the case 1 of the cellular phone, the upper layer unit 2, the lower layer unit 3, and the intermediate layer unit 4 have plate-like housings having substantially the same outer shape in plan view, and each unit has the same dimensions in plan view. When the positional relationship of each unit is shifted from the degenerated state superimposed in this way to the longitudinally extended state or the laterally extended state, it is possible to perform different functions.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the upper layer unit 2 is composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like on a flat plate-like upper layer housing (receiver housing) 8 and displays, for example, a standby screen or a function setting screen. A display unit 9, an upper layer operation unit 11 for performing operations in a contracted state, a longitudinally extended state, and a laterally extended state, and a receiver unit 12 including a speaker that outputs a received voice are roughly configured. Yes.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an upper wiring board 13 on which various electronic components constituting the display unit 9, the upper layer operation unit 11, and the like are mounted is mounted in the upper layer housing 8 of the upper layer unit 2. ing.
Further, an opening 15 for drawing out the FPC 14 as a flexible wiring board is formed on the back surface side (intermediate layer unit 4 side) of the upper casing 8.

  The upper layer operation unit 11 is used as basic operation keys (soft keys), for example, a mail mode selection key for starting a mailer, an input mode switching key for switching a character input mode, and an operation. Key to be displayed, a cursor key (four-way key) composed of side keys for moving the cursor on the display screen displayed on the display unit in the up, down, left and right directions, and for browsing the home page by starting the browser A browser mode selection key and a menu key for displaying an operation menu are provided.

  In addition, the upper layer operation unit 11 includes a connection key in which the key buttons are shared by adjacent keys. For example, a mail mode selection key, an input mode switching key, each side key as a cursor key, a browser mode selection key, and a menu key are the connection keys.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the intermediate layer unit 4 inputs a transmission voice to the flat plate-shaped intermediate layer casing 17 and an intermediate layer operation unit 18 for operating in a vertically extended state. And a microphone 19 are mounted and configured roughly. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a lower layer wiring board 21 on which various electronic components constituting the intermediate layer operation unit 18 and the like are mounted is mounted in the intermediate layer casing 17 of the intermediate layer unit 4. Yes. Further, openings 23 and 24 for drawing out the FPCs 14 and 22 are formed on the front surface side (upper layer unit 2 side) and the back surface side (lower layer unit 3 side) of the intermediate layer casing 17, respectively.

  The upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are electrically connected via the FPC 14 as shown in FIG. That is, a connector 26 composed of a stacking connector or the like attached to the back surface (intermediate layer unit 4 side) of the upper layer wiring board 13 constituting the upper layer unit 2 and the surface (upper layer) of the intermediate layer wiring board 21 constituting the intermediate layer unit 3. Both ends of the FPC 14 are connected to the connector 27 attached to the unit 2 side). The FPC 14 is formed by forming a predetermined circuit pattern on a base film having insulation and flexibility, and is folded and arranged in a state of being curved in a substantially U-shaped cross section. Will change.

  The upper layer casing 8 and the intermediate layer casing 17 are slidably coupled to each other by the vertical slide mechanism 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the vertical sliding mechanism 6 is a pair of long metal pieces having a T-shaped cross section that are attached to both side portions on the back surface side of the upper casing 8 along the vertical sliding direction (vertical expansion / contraction direction). Attached along the sliding direction at positions corresponding to the sliding members 29, 31 made of the metal and the sliding members 29, 31 on both sides on the surface side of the intermediate layer casing 17, and a groove 32a having a U-shaped cross section. It has a pair of long metal guide members 32 and 33 formed with 33a.

  The sliding member 29 (31) has a flange portion 29a (31a) and a leg portion 29b (31b), and is displaced together with the upper casing 8 at the time of a sliding operation, so that the lower end surface of the leg portion 29b (31b). However, by sliding on the bottom surface of the groove 32a (33a) with almost no frictional resistance, the mobile phone 1 is brought into a contracted state or an extended state along the longitudinal direction. Further, the sliding member 29 (31) has a function of preventing moisture and the like from entering from the side, and a predetermined slight gap separating the mutually facing surfaces of the upper layer casing 8 and the intermediate layer casing 17. It also has a spacer function.

  The intermediate layer operation unit 18 has, as dial keys, for example, a numeric keypad for inputting numbers, an asterisk key, a sharp key, a call start key used for performing a voice call, and a previous operation. And a clear key for returning to the power source, and a power key used for turning on / off the power and stopping various operations.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the lower layer unit 3 includes a flat plate-like lower layer casing (microphone casing) 35, a control unit 36 that controls each component of the mobile phone body, and a control unit 36. A storage unit 37 for storing a processing program to be executed, various data, and the like, and a lower layer operation unit 38 having an operation surface exposed at the time of lateral extension and having a number of key buttons and the like for inputting numbers and characters. And an antenna 39 that transmits and receives radio waves, and a radio communication unit 41 that is used for transmitting and receiving radio waves via the antenna 39 and performing telephone calls and data communication in accordance with a predetermined protocol. .

  Further, in the lower layer housing 35 of the lower layer unit 3, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 7, the lower layer wiring on which various electronic components constituting the control unit 36, the lower layer operation unit 38, the wireless communication unit 41, and the like are mounted. A substrate 42 is mounted. Further, an opening 43 for drawing out the FPC 22 is formed on the surface side of the lower casing 35 (on the intermediate layer unit 4 side).

  The intermediate layer unit 4 and the lower layer unit 3 are electrically connected via the FPC 22. That is, the connector 46 attached to the back surface (lower unit 3 side) of the intermediate layer wiring board 21 constituting the intermediate layer unit 4 and the front surface (intermediate layer unit 4 side) of the lower layer wiring board 42 constituting the lower layer unit 3. Both ends of the FPC 22 are connected to the attached connector 47.

  The intermediate layer casing 17 and the lower layer casing 35 are slidably coupled to each other by the lateral sliding mechanism 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal sliding mechanism 7 is a pair of long metal pieces having a T-shaped cross section that are attached to both sides on the surface side of the lower housing 35 along the horizontal sliding direction (lateral expansion and contraction direction). Attached along the sliding direction to the positions corresponding to the sliding members 49, 51 made of the metal and the sliding members 49, 51 on both sides on the back side of the intermediate layer casing 17, and a groove 52a having a U-shaped cross section. It has a long pair of metal guide members 52 and 53 formed with 53a.

  The sliding member 49 (51) has a flange portion 49a (51a) and a leg portion 49b (51b), and is displaced together with the lower casing 35 during a sliding operation, so that the lower end surface of the leg portion 49b (51b). However, when the mobile phone 1 slides on the ceiling surface of the groove 52a (53a) with almost no frictional resistance, the mobile phone 1 is brought into a contracted state or an extended state along the lateral sliding direction. Further, the sliding member 49 (51), a function for preventing moisture and the like from entering from the side, and a spacer for maintaining a predetermined slight gap separating the mutually facing surfaces of the intermediate layer casing 17 and the lower layer casing 35. It also has a function.

  The control unit 36 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and includes, for example, a communication control program for performing a calling process for a predetermined telephone number, the upper layer operation unit 11, the middle layer operation unit 18, and the lower layer operation unit 38. Various processing programs stored in the storage unit 37 such as an operation control program for processing input information from the various key buttons and a display control program for controlling the display unit 9 are executed, and various types of processing programs secured in the storage unit 37 are executed. Each component is controlled using a register and a flag, and communication control processing, operation control processing, display control processing, and the like are performed.

  The storage unit 37 includes a semiconductor memory such as a ROM and a RAM. The storage unit 37 includes a communication control processing program executed by the control unit 36, various processing programs such as an operation control program and a display control program, and various functions. Various information such as setting information, communication history information, and telephone directory information is stored, and various registers and flags used by the control unit 37 when executing the program are secured.

  The lower layer operation unit 38 has various character input keys as keyboard keys. The wireless communication unit 41 includes an RF circuit, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a baseband processing circuit, and the like. The wireless communication unit 41 modulates voice and data, transmits the radio wave via the antenna 39, and receives the radio wave via the antenna 39. Are used to perform voice communication and data communication according to a predetermined protocol.

  Next, the operation of the cellular phone 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when the upper layer unit 2, the lower layer unit 3 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are overlapped so as to have the same dimensions in plan view, they are compacted and carried by the user, and the received email is viewed In addition to the above, operations for relatively simple applications are possible.

  In the longitudinally extended state, from the contracted state, the intermediate layer unit 4 and the lower layer unit 3 are pressed with one hand, and the upper layer unit 2 is directed upward with the other hand as shown in FIG. The intermediate layer unit 4 is displaced so as to slide along the vertical direction. In this vertically extended state, as shown in the figure, the intermediate layer operation unit 18 and the transmission unit 19 are exposed, and the mobile phone 1 is held so that the display unit 9 is in the vertically long state. 11 and the operation of the middle layer operation unit 18 make a call, create and send an e-mail, connect to the Internet, browse a homepage, and the like.

  In the laterally extended state, from the contracted state, the upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are pressed with one hand, and the lower unit 3 is moved with the other hand as shown in FIGS. It is displaced so as to slide along the lateral direction with respect to the layer unit 4.

  In this laterally extended state, as shown in the figure, for example, a network game is held by holding the mobile phone 1 and operating the upper layer operation unit 11 and the lower layer operation unit 38 so that the display unit 9 is in a horizontally long state. Including execution of game programs, creation and transmission of e-mails at the time of mailer activation, connection to the Internet at the time of browser activation, browsing of home pages, and the like.

  Here, when the user enjoys the game, for example, the lower layer unit 3 is held with both hands, and each key of the lower layer operation unit 38 is operated with both thumbs. In this laterally extended state, the user can quickly enter characters in creating and sending an e-mail, browsing a homepage, and the like by looking at the screen of the display unit 9 in the landscape state and using the lower layer operation unit 38. Is called.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the casing can be expanded and contracted in two directions orthogonal to each other by the slide mechanism, so that convenience can be improved. Moreover, the upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are slidably coupled to each other along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) by the vertical slide mechanism 6 on the surface side of the intermediate layer unit 4. The lower layer unit 3 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are slidably coupled with each other along the lateral direction (short direction) by the lateral slide mechanism 7 on the back surface side, thereby forming the longitudinal slide mechanism 6 and the lateral slide mechanism 7. Since each sliding member and guide member to be performed can be independently arranged with a relatively high degree of freedom without being restricted by each other, a sufficient amount of sliding can be ensured. Therefore, for example, a sufficient space on the operation surface can be secured and the operability can be improved.

  Further, the intermediate layer unit 4 and the upper layer unit 2 and the lower layer unit 3 are coupled by the vertical slide mechanism 6 and the horizontal slide mechanism 7 provided independently on the front surface side and the back surface side of the intermediate layer unit 4, and Since it is possible to secure a relatively wide area of the bonding portion between the intermediate layer unit 4 and the upper layer unit 2 and the lower layer unit 3, it is possible to prevent local stress concentration and maintain the strength of the bonding portion between the casings. And reliability can be improved.

  Further, the upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are slidably coupled to each other along the vertical direction by the vertical sliding mechanism 6 on the front surface side of the intermediate layer unit 4, and the horizontal layer on the back surface side of the intermediate layer unit 4. Since the lower layer unit 3 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are slidably coupled to each other along the lateral direction by the direction sliding mechanism 7, and the upper layer unit 2 and the lower layer unit 3 are coupled via the intermediate layer unit 4, The slide operation along the vertical direction (vertical expansion / contraction operation) and the horizontal slide operation (horizontal expansion / contraction operation) can be easily performed with one operation (with one action). Operability can be improved. Further, by providing the intermediate layer unit 4, not only the slide mechanism but also, for example, the degree of design freedom can be improved with respect to the arrangement of the operation unit and the like.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described as a second embodiment of the present invention.

  The difference between the second embodiment and the second embodiment is that 1SEG (one segment) broadcast of digital terrestrial broadcasting can be received.

  Since the other configuration is substantially the same as the configuration of the first embodiment described above, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. The description is simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the casing 1 of the mobile phone according to the second embodiment includes an upper layer unit 2, a lower layer unit 3, and an intermediate layer unit 4 positioned between the upper layer unit 2 and the lower layer unit 3. The upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are slidably coupled to each other along the lateral direction (short direction) by the slide mechanism, and the lower layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 Are configured to be slidably coupled with each other along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction). The slide mechanism of this example includes a vertical slide mechanism for sliding the upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 along the vertical direction, and a slide between the lower layer unit 3 and the intermediate layer unit 4 along the horizontal direction. And a lateral slide mechanism.

  As shown in the figure, the upper layer unit 2 is configured to operate in a reduced state with a display unit 9 made of a liquid crystal display device or the like in a flat upper layer casing and displaying a standby screen, a function setting screen, etc. An upper layer operation unit 11, a reception unit 12 including a speaker that outputs a received voice, and a voice output unit 61 that outputs, for example, a musical tone or a notification sound when an incoming call is mounted.

  In the lower layer unit 3, as shown in the figure, a control unit 36A for controlling each part of the mobile phone body, a storage unit 37A for storing processing programs executed by the control unit 36A, various data, and the like, The operation surface is exposed during lateral extension, and a lower layer operation unit 38 having a large number of key buttons and the like for inputting numbers and characters, an antenna 39 for transmitting and receiving radio waves, and wirelessly via the antenna 39 A wireless communication unit 41 used for transmitting and receiving radio waves and performing telephone calls and data communication according to a predetermined protocol, and a TV receiving unit 63 for receiving terrestrial digital broadcasting via a small TV antenna 62 are incorporated.

  In this example, the storage unit 37A has a program for viewing a broadcast (device driver, reception of a broadcast stream, and separation and presentation of various media required for data processing after the broadcast signal is received by the TV reception unit 63. Middleware, a program for realizing a viewing function for performing basic operations such as channel selection, an application program including a data broadcast browser for presenting and operating data broadcasts, and the like. As shown in FIG. 9, the TV receiving unit 63 includes a tuner unit 64 and a channel decoder unit 65.

  When receiving 1 SEG (1-segment) broadcasting of terrestrial digital broadcasting with this mobile phone, the upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are pressed with one hand from the degenerated state, and the lower layer unit with the other hand. 3 is displaced to slide along the lateral direction with respect to the intermediate layer unit 4. In this laterally extended state, for example, viewing of 1 SEG broadcast is performed by holding the casing of the lower layer unit 3 so that the display unit 9 is in the horizontally long state.

  For example, a service list for selecting a service to be provided is broadcast from a broadcasting station system by data broadcasting of 1 SEG broadcasting, and the mobile phone receives this service list. While viewing the display, the lower layer operation unit 38 is operated to select a desired service.

  Data broadcasting is a broadcast that displays video information, audio information, and character information different from television video and audio on a single screen, and uses BML (Broadcast Markup Language), which is a broadcasting description language. Sent out.

  According to the configuration of this example, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Furthermore, the 1 SEG broadcast can be comfortably viewed, and good operability can be obtained when performing data input operations.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described as a third embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the mobile phone according to the third embodiment of the present invention, showing the extended state along the longitudinal slide direction, and FIGS. 11 and 12 show the configuration of the mobile phone. It is a perspective view which shows, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the extended state along a horizontal slide direction.

  The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the upper layer unit and the intermediate layer unit are slidably coupled to each other along the lateral direction (short direction) by the slide mechanism, and the lower layer unit and the intermediate unit are intermediate. The layer units are configured to be slidably coupled with each other along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction).

  Since the other configuration is substantially the same as the configuration of the first embodiment described above, the same components as those of the first embodiment are the same as those used in FIGS. 2 to 4 in FIGS. 10 to 12. Reference numerals are attached to simplify the description.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the casing 1 of the mobile phone according to the third embodiment includes an upper layer unit 2, a lower layer unit 3, and an intermediate layer unit 4 positioned between the upper layer unit 2 and the lower layer unit 3. The upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are slidably coupled to each other along the lateral direction (short direction) by the slide mechanism, and the lower layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are mutually connected. It is configured to be slidably coupled along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction).

  The slide mechanism of this example includes a lateral slide mechanism for sliding the upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 along the horizontal direction, and a slide between the lower layer unit 3 and the intermediate layer unit 4 along the horizontal direction. And a vertical slide mechanism.

  As shown in the figure, the upper layer unit 2 has a flat upper layer casing 8B, a display unit 9, and an upper layer operation unit 11 for performing operations in a contracted state, a longitudinally extended state, and a laterally extended state, A receiving unit 12 including a speaker for outputting a received voice is mounted. The upper layer operation unit 11 includes, as basic operation keys (soft keys), a mail mode selection key, an input mode switching key, a determination key, a cursor key (four-way key), a browser mode selection key, a menu key, have.

  In the intermediate layer unit 4, an intermediate layer operation unit 18B for performing an operation in a laterally extended state is mounted on a flat intermediate layer casing 17B. The upper layer casing 8 and the intermediate layer casing 17 are slidably coupled to each other by a lateral sliding mechanism. Further, the intermediate layer operation unit 18B has various character input keys as keyboard keys.

  The lower layer unit 3 includes a control unit 36, a storage unit 37, a lower layer operation unit 38B whose operation surface is exposed during vertical extension, an antenna 39, a wireless communication unit 41, a transmission unit, a flat lower layer casing 35B. The talk section 19 is implemented. The intermediate layer casing 17B and the lower layer casing 35B are slidably coupled to each other by a vertical sliding mechanism. The lower layer operation unit 38 has ten keys, an asterisk key, a sharp key, a call start key, a clear key, and a power key as dial keys.

  According to the configuration of this example, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, an example in which the first embodiment of the present invention is further modified will be described as a fourth embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile phone according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the lock unit of the mobile phone.

  The fourth embodiment is greatly different from the first embodiment described above in that a lock portion is provided for restricting simultaneous sliding operations in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Since the other configuration is substantially the same as the configuration of the first embodiment described above, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those used in FIG. The description is simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the casing 1 of the mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment is configured such that the upper layer unit 2 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are slidably coupled to each other along the vertical direction by the slide mechanism. 3 and the intermediate layer unit 4 are configured to be slidably coupled to each other in the lateral direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the case 1 of the mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment includes a state detection unit 67 for detecting a contracted state, a longitudinally extended state, and a laterally extended state, and a longitudinally extending state. And a locking portion 68 for limiting the displacement of the lower layer unit 3 relative to the intermediate layer unit 4 and for restricting the displacement of the upper layer unit 2 relative to the intermediate layer unit 4 during lateral extension.

  The state detection unit 67 includes a magnet 69 disposed in the intermediate layer casing 17C, and magnetic sensors 71 and 72 that are provided in the upper layer casing 8C and the lower layer casing 35C, respectively, and include Hall elements or the like. ing. Here, the magnet 69 and the magnetic sensors 71 and 72 are provided, for example, at the center of the left side edge portion in the middle layer casing 17C, the upper layer casing 8C, and the lower layer casing 35C, respectively, and the cellular phone 1C is in a degenerated state. In this case, they are arranged so as to overlap each other.

  Therefore, when the intermediate layer casing 17C and the upper layer casing 8C overlap (when not in the longitudinally extended state), a magnetic detection signal is output from the magnetic sensor 71, and the intermediate layer casing 17C and the lower layer casing 35C are output. Is overlapped (when not in the laterally extended state), a magnetic detection signal is output from the magnetic sensor 72.

  The lock portion 68 includes a pin-shaped stopper member 73 that is fitted or penetrated into the concave portion 76 of the upper layer casing 8C, the through hole 77a and the concave portion 77b of the intermediate layer casing 17C, and the through hole 81 of the lower layer casing 35C, and a ball A wedge-shaped member 75 that is driven via a power transmission member 74 such as a screw to displace the stopper member 73 along the thickness direction of the mobile phone 1C is provided.

  The recess 77b and the through hole 81 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the retracted state and the longitudinal extension state of the mobile phone, and the recess 76 and the through holes 77a and 81 overlap each other in the lateral extension state. Placed in. The power transmission member 74 converts the rotational motion of a motor 75 such as a stepping motor into a translational motion and transmits it to the lock unit 68.

  In the upper layer unit 2, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a display unit 9, an upper layer operation unit 11, a receiver unit 12, and a magnetic sensor 71 are mounted on an upper layer casing 8 </ b> C. A concave portion 76 for fitting the tip end portion of the stopper member 73 is formed in a predetermined portion of the lower surface of the upper layer casing 8C.

  As shown in the figure, the intermediate layer unit 4 includes an intermediate layer operation unit 18, a transmitter 19, and a magnet 69 mounted on an intermediate layer casing 17C. A through hole 77a for penetrating the stopper member 73 and a concave portion 77b for fitting the tip of the stopper member 73 are formed in predetermined portions of the intermediate layer casing 17C.

  As shown in the figure, the lower layer unit 3 includes a control unit 36C, a storage unit 37C, a lower layer operation unit 38, an antenna 39, a wireless communication unit 41, a magnetic sensor 72, a motor, 75, a motor drive unit 78 for driving the motor 75, and a lock unit 68 are mounted. A through hole 81 for allowing the stopper member 73 to pass therethrough is formed at a predetermined portion on the upper surface of the lower casing 35C.

  The control unit 36C in this example executes a state determination process and a lock control process in addition to a communication control process, an operation control process, a display control process, and the like according to a control program stored in the storage unit 37C. In the state determination process, the control unit 36C determines that the housing 1 is in a degenerated state when receiving the magnetic detection signal from the magnetic sensor 71 and the magnetic sensor 72, and receives the magnetic detection signal only from the magnetic sensor 72. In this case, it is determined that the casing 1 is in the longitudinally extended state, and when the magnetic detection signal is received only from the magnetic sensor 71, it is determined that the casing 1 is in the laterally extended state.

  When the mobile phone 1C is in a retracted state in the lock control process, the control unit 36C is configured so that the stopper member 73 is housed in the lower casing 35C. When in the laterally extended state, the tip of the stopper member 73 protrudes from the through hole 81 so that the portion protrudes from the through hole 81 so as to be in an intermediate protruding state in which the portion protrudes from the through hole 81 and is inserted into the recess 76. The motor 75 is controlled via the motor drive unit 78 so as to be in the maximum projecting state that penetrates and is inserted into the recess 76. Here, in the retracted state, a vertical slide operation and a vertical slide operation are possible. In the intermediate projecting state, the horizontal slide operation is not possible. In the maximum projecting state, the vertical slide operation is not possible. .

  According to the fourth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations and improve operability.

(Embodiment 5)
A modification of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described as a fifth embodiment.

  The fifth embodiment differs greatly from the fourth embodiment in that a program for performing a predetermined function suitable for each expanded state is executed when sliding in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. It is. Since the other configuration is substantially the same as the configuration of the fourth embodiment described above, the description thereof is simplified.

  According to the control program stored in the storage unit, the mobile phone control unit in this example performs communication control processing, operation control processing, display control processing, state determination processing, lock control processing, priority activation setting processing, priority activation. Execute processing etc.

  In the priority activation setting process, the control unit preferentially activates a program to be activated preferentially in the contracted state, in the longitudinally stretched state, and in the laterally stretched state based on input information via the operation unit. Set. In this priority activation setting process, a setting menu screen is displayed on the display unit by a predetermined operation by the user, and a selection input for receiving and registering a priority activation program in each selected expanded state on the setting menu screen Includes reception processing.

  Based on the processing result of the state determination process, the control unit executes the lock control process and the priority activation process. In the priority activation process, the control unit activates the mailer, displays the received mail list, waits for the selection operation, for example, when in the reduced state, and waits for the selection operation. The destination list is displayed, the selection operation is waited for, and when in the lateral extension state, for example, a preset game program is started.

  According to the configuration of this example, substantially the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Furthermore, the operation can be performed quickly. In addition, the usability can be improved in accordance with the user's preference and usage pattern.

(Embodiment 6)
In the description based on FIG. 1 to FIG. 14 described above, the casing is extended and retracted using the slide mechanism when the paired units are connected to be openable and closable. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An example of expanding and folding a housing by a hinge mechanism when connecting the units that form a pair so as to be openable and closable will be described as Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

  15 and 16 are perspective views showing a configuration of a foldable mobile phone according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention, and are views showing a closed state as viewed from the upper housing side, and FIGS. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the telephone set, showing a closed state as seen from the lower housing side, and FIGS. 19 and 20 are perspective views showing the configuration of the mobile phone, and the vertical direction as seen from the front side. FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are perspective views showing the configuration of the mobile phone, and are views showing a vertical open state as seen from the back side. FIGS. 23 and 24 are views of the mobile phone. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the mobile phone as viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 25 and 26 are perspective views showing the configuration of the mobile phone, as viewed from the back side. FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile phone, FIG. 28 and FIG. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the upper unit of the mobile phone, viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 30 and 31 are perspective views showing the configuration of the upper unit of the mobile phone, viewed from the rear side. FIGS. 32 and 33 are perspective views showing the configuration of the frame unit of the mobile phone, as viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 34 and 35 show the configuration of the frame unit of the mobile phone. FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 are perspective views showing the configuration of the lower unit of the mobile phone, and are views seen from the front side, and FIGS. 38 and 39. These are the perspective views which show the structure of the lower unit of the same mobile phone, and are the figures seen from the back side.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 to 26, the cellular phone casing 1D according to the sixth embodiment includes an upper unit 2D, a lower unit 3D, and a frame unit 83 positioned between the upper unit 2D and the lower unit 3D. Are combined in three layers, and the upper layer unit 2D and the frame unit 83 are connected to each other along the longitudinal direction (first direction or second direction) by a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable. The 3D and the frame unit 83 are configured so as to be openable and closable along the lateral direction (second direction or first direction).

  As shown in the figure, the hinge mechanism of this example is a longitudinal opening / closing hinge mechanism for opening and closing the upper unit 2D along the longitudinal direction (first direction or second direction) with respect to the frame unit 83. 84 and a lateral opening / closing hinge mechanism 85 for opening and closing the lower unit 3D with respect to the frame unit 83 along the lateral direction (second direction or first direction).

  In the cellular phone casing 1D, the upper unit 2D, the lower unit 3D, and the frame unit 83 are changed from the closed state in which the upper unit 2D, the lower unit 3D, and the frame unit 83 are overlapped to the vertically open state and the laterally open state. By shifting the positional relationship between the two, each can perform a different function.

  As shown in FIGS. 27 to 31, the upper unit 2 </ b> D includes a liquid crystal display device or the like on a flat upper housing (receiver housing) 8 </ b> D, for example, a display unit 9 </ b> D that displays a standby screen, a function setting screen, and the like. And a receiving unit 12D composed of a speaker for outputting the received voice. Cylindrical portions 87a and 87b constituting the bearing portion of the vertical opening / closing hinge mechanism 84 are formed at the center and right end of the lower end of the upper housing 8D. The cylindrical portions 87a and 87b are formed so that both of these central axes are in common with a rotation axis when opening and closing in the vertical direction parallel to the width direction (short direction) of the upper housing 8D. In addition, a cable insertion portion (not shown) is formed at a predetermined position on the lower end.

  As shown in FIGS. 27 and 36 to 39, the lower unit 3D includes a flat lower housing (microphone housing) 35D, a control unit 36D that controls each component of the mobile phone body, and a control unit 36D. 37D for storing a processing program executed by the computer, various data, and the like, and a number of key buttons for performing operation of inputting numbers and characters by exposing the operation surface in the vertically open state and the horizontally open state , An antenna 39D that transmits and receives radio waves, a radio communication unit 41D that is used to transmit and receive radio waves via the antenna 39D and perform telephone calls and data communication according to a predetermined protocol, A transmitter 19D composed of a microphone for inputting voice and a TV receiver 63D for receiving terrestrial digital broadcasting via a small TV antenna 62D are mounted. .

Cylindrical portions 89a and 89b constituting the bearing portion of the lateral opening / closing hinge mechanism 85 are formed at the center and upper end of the right end portion of the lower casing 35D. The cylindrical portions 89a and 89b are formed so that both of these central axes are in common with a rotation axis at the time of lateral opening and closing parallel to the length direction (longitudinal direction) of the lower casing 35D. In addition, a cable insertion portion (not shown) is formed at a predetermined position on the lower end. A cable insertion portion (not shown) is formed at a predetermined location on the right end.
The upper unit 2D and the lower unit 3D are electrically connected via, for example, a cable passing through the frame unit 83.

  The operation unit 38D has a mail mode selection key, an input mode switching key, an enter key, a cursor key, a browser mode selection key, a menu key, a dial key, a numeric keypad, and an asterisk key as basic operation keys. And a sharp key, a call start key, a clear key, and a power key.

  As shown in FIGS. 32 to 35, the frame unit 83 has an opening 91a for exposing the operation surface of the operation unit 38D in the open state in the vertical direction and the display screen of the display unit 9D in the open state in the horizontal direction. The frame portion 91 has a rectangular outline. Cylindrical portions 92 a and 92 b that constitute a bearing portion of the vertical opening / closing hinge mechanism 84 are formed at the left end portion and the right end portion of the upper end portion (upper short side) of the surface of the frame portion 91. The cylindrical portions 92a and 92b are formed so that both of these central axes are common to a rotation axis when the longitudinal direction is opened and closed parallel to the width direction (short direction) of the frame-shaped portion 91.

  In addition, cylindrical portions 93a, 93b constituting a bearing portion of the lateral opening / closing hinge mechanism 85 are provided on the upper end portion, the central portion, and the lower end portion of the right end portion (right side long side) of the rear surface of the frame-shaped portion 91, respectively. 93c is formed. The cylindrical portions 93a, 93b, and 93c are formed such that their central axes are common to the rotation shaft when the lateral opening / closing is parallel to the length direction (longitudinal direction) of the frame-shaped portion 91.

  The upper unit 2D and the frame unit 83 are coupled to each other by a longitudinal opening / closing hinge mechanism 84 so as to be opened and closed in the longitudinal direction. The vertical opening / closing hinge mechanism 84 has the cylindrical cable 87a and 87b of the upper housing 8D and the cylindrical portions 92a and 92b of the frame unit 83 with their central axes in a state where the cable is passed through the hinge mechanism 84. A shaft member (first shaft member) having a central axis that is common to the rotation shaft at the time of opening and closing in the longitudinal direction is formed in a bearing portion that is arranged so as to be shared with the rotation shaft at the time of opening and closing in the vertical direction. ) Is inserted, and the upper unit 2D and the frame unit 83 are coupled to each other, and can be rotated around the rotation shaft.

  The lower unit 3D and the frame unit 83 are coupled to each other by a lateral opening / closing hinge mechanism 85 so as to be opened and closed in the lateral direction. The horizontal opening / closing hinge mechanism 85 has the cylindrical portion 89a, 89b of the lower casing 35D and the cylindrical portions 93a, 93b, 93c of the frame unit 83 in the center with the cable passing therethrough. A shaft member (second shaft) having a central axis that is common to the rotation axis at the time of lateral opening and closing is formed on a bearing portion that is arranged so that both axes are common to the rotation axis at the time of horizontal opening and closing. A hinge shaft portion as a shaft member) is fitted, the lower unit 3D and the frame unit 83 are coupled to each other, and is configured to be rotatable around the rotation shaft.

Next, the operation of the mobile phone 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, in the closed state in which the upper unit 2D, the lower unit 3D, and the frame unit 83 are overlapped so as to have the same dimensions in plan view, they are compact and carried by the user and wait for reception. To do.

  To open in the vertical direction, from the closed state, the frame unit 83 and the lower unit 3D are pressed with one hand, and the upper unit 2D is moved upward with the other hand as shown in FIGS. Rotate and displace toward. In this vertically open state, as shown in the figure, the display unit 9D of the upper unit 2D is visually recognized, and the operation unit 38D of the lower unit 3D is exposed from the opening 91a of the frame unit 83. Here, the mobile phone 1D is gripped so that the display unit 9D and the operation unit 38D are in the vertically long state, and by the operation unit 38D, a call, creation and transmission of an e-mail, connection to the Internet, and homepage Browsing is performed.

  To open in the lateral direction, from the closed state, the lower unit 3D is pressed with one hand, and the upper unit 2D and the frame unit 83 are directed upward with the other hand as shown in FIGS. To rotate and displace. In this laterally open state, as shown in the figure, the operation unit 38D of the lower unit 3D is visually recognized, and the display unit 9D of the upper unit 2D is exposed from the opening 91a of the frame unit 83.

  Here, the mobile phone 1D is gripped so that the display unit 9D and the operation unit 38D are in the horizontally long state, and the operation unit 38D is operated, for example, to execute a game program including a network game or to watch a 1 SEG broadcast. The creation and transmission of an e-mail when the mailer is activated, the connection to the Internet when the browser is activated, and the browsing of the home page are performed. For example, when the user enjoys a game, for example, the lower layer unit 3D is held with both hands, and each key of the operation unit 38D is operated with both thumbs.

  According to the configuration of this example, the hinge mechanism can be opened and closed (expanded and folded) in two directions orthogonal to each other, so that convenience can be improved. In addition, the frame unit 83 is coupled to the upper unit 2D and the lower unit 3D by the vertical opening / closing hinge mechanism 84 and the lateral opening / closing hinge mechanism 85 provided independently on the front surface side and the back surface side of the frame unit 83, In addition, since the area of the coupling portion between the frame unit 83 and the upper unit 2D and the lower unit 3D can be secured relatively wide, local stress concentration is prevented and the strength of the coupling portion between the casings is maintained. And reliability can be improved.

  Further, the upper unit 2D and the frame unit 83 are connected to each other along the vertical direction by the vertical opening / closing hinge mechanism 84 on the front surface side of the frame unit 83, and the horizontal direction on the back surface side of the frame unit 83. The lower unit 3D and the frame unit 83 are coupled to each other so as to be openable and closable along the horizontal direction by the opening / closing hinge mechanism 85, and the upper unit 2D and the lower unit 3D are coupled via the frame unit 83. Opening / closing operation along the direction (vertical opening / closing operation) and opening / closing operation along the horizontal direction (horizontal opening / closing operation) can be easily performed with one operation (one action). Can be improved.

  The upper unit 2D and the frame unit 83 are connected to each other along the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) by the vertical opening / closing hinge mechanism 84 on the front side of the frame unit 83, and the back surface of the frame unit 83 Since the lower unit 3D and the frame unit 83 are coupled to each other along the lateral direction (short direction) by the lateral lateral opening / closing hinge mechanism 85, the longitudinal opening / closing hinge mechanism 84 and the lateral direction are coupled to each other. The cylindrical portions serving as the respective bearing portions constituting the opening / closing hinge mechanism 85 can be independently arranged without being restricted by each other. Further, by providing the frame unit 83, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom in designing not only the hinged mechanism but also the arrangement of the operation unit, for example.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and there are design changes and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. Are also included in the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a single intermediate layer unit or frame unit is arranged as a combined body has been described. However, a plurality of intermediate layer units or frame units may be combined. Moreover, you may make it couple | bond a some housing | casing like a folding screen using a some coupling body.

  Moreover, you may make it couple | bond a some housing | casing to the one surface or both surfaces of a single coupling body. In addition, although the case where the upper layer unit, the upper unit, the lower layer unit, the lower unit, the intermediate layer unit, and the frame unit have substantially the same shape in plan view has been described, the shapes and dimensions may be different. Further, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the casing can be slidable on one side of the combined body and another casing can be folded on the other side.

  As the casing material, other resin members such as polycarbonate, acrylic resin, and PET may be used in addition to the ABS resin. Moreover, you may use metal and die-cast molded articles, such as a product made from a magnesium alloy. Further, the FPC may be directly connected to the wiring board by solder (thermocompression bonding) without using a connector.

  In the first embodiment, the case of sliding by a combination of a guide member and a sliding member has been described. However, for example, a rack and a pinion may be used to displace each other. In this case, you may comprise so that a slide operation can be performed automatically using a motor. Further, the groove portion of the slide mechanism is not limited to a U-shaped cross section, and may be provided with a retaining function as a wedge shape.

  In the first embodiment, the display unit and the upper layer operation unit are arranged on the surface side of the upper layer unit, the intermediate layer operation unit is arranged on the surface side of the intermediate layer unit, and the lower layer operation unit is arranged on the surface side of the lower layer unit. For example, the display unit may be provided on the front side of the intermediate layer unit or the lower layer unit, or the display unit may be provided on the rear side of the intermediate layer unit and the back side of the lower layer unit. It may be configured such that the same display and operation can be performed in a state where the screen is faced or in a state where the back side is faced.

  In the embodiment, on the both sides of the intermediate layer unit, the upper unit and the lower unit are connected in such a manner that one is slidably connected in the vertical direction and the other is slidably connected in the horizontal direction. Or may be configured to be slidable in the lateral direction.

  In the first embodiment, an application program for document creation / editing, spreadsheet calculation, or the like may be executed in the laterally extended state. Further, in the first embodiment, the case where a pair of sliding members and a pair of guide members for guiding the sliding members is provided has been described, but three or more may be provided, or one each may be provided. Note that a touch panel may be incorporated in the display unit.

  In the second embodiment, the audio output unit may be provided not only in the upper layer unit but also in the lower layer unit and the intermediate layer unit. In the fourth embodiment, a gear mechanism may be used as the power transmission member in place of the ball screw or the like, or it may be simply mechanically locked without using a motor or the like. Further, it may be possible to lock even in a degenerated state. Here, locking (or unlocking) may be performed based on the biological information.

  Further, the lock mechanism of the fourth embodiment may be applied to the third embodiment in addition to the first embodiment. Further, the magnets may be arranged corresponding to the magnetic sensor, not necessarily common. In the fourth embodiment, the stopper member is not limited to one place, and may be provided at two or more places, and the displacement of the upper layer unit relative to the intermediate layer unit and the displacement of the lower layer unit are separately (independently) restricted. You may make it do.

  In the fifth embodiment, the priority activation setting process may be eliminated and a preset program may be activated. In addition, when it is possible to receive 1 SEG broadcast, reception of a pre-selected SEG broadcast may be started in the laterally extended state.

  In the sixth embodiment, the priority activation function of the fifth embodiment may be applied. Further, in the sixth embodiment, not only the hinge part but also a functional unit responsible for the function of the mobile phone such as an operation part may be arranged on the coupling plate. For example, instead of forming an opening in the frame unit, a transparent touch panel may be arranged. Further, instead of the frame unit, a housing may be disposed, and a wiring board or a functional unit may be disposed in the housing.

  In the sixth embodiment, in accordance with the shape of the frame unit or the like, a recess may be formed in the upper unit or / and the lower unit, and at least a part of the frame unit or the like may be embedded to reduce the thickness. In the sixth embodiment, similarly to the fourth embodiment, a lock portion may be provided for restricting simultaneous opening and closing operations in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, or freely in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction at the same time. An opening / closing operation may be performed.

  In the sixth embodiment, an operation key may be further arranged in an area covered by the frame-like portion when the lower housing and the frame unit are overlapped. Here, an operation key (special key) used only when opening and closing in the horizontal direction may be additionally arranged.

  Further, although the case opening / closing structure according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to a mobile phone which is one of electronic devices, the present invention is not limited to this. The electronic device may be other than a mobile phone, and in short, any electronic device that needs to expand the area to be developed may be used.

  In a case opening / closing structure according to another embodiment of the present invention, a first housing and a second housing are coupled via a coupling body, and the first housing and the coupling body are coupled to each other. And the second casing and the coupling body are coupled to be freely opened and closed along the second direction by the second coupling means. Thus, the convenience can be improved by opening and closing in two directions, and the object of securing a sufficient movable range of the housing at the time of opening and closing may be realized.

  In the opening / closing structure of the housing, the first housing and the coupling body are coupled to each other by the first coupling means so as to be opened and closed along the first direction, and the second housing and the coupling body. Can be opened and closed along the second direction by the second coupling means, so that convenience can be improved by two-way opening and closing, and the strength of the coupling portion between the casings can be improved. It is good also as a structure which implement | achieved the objective of ensuring and obtaining sufficient reliability.

  In the opening / closing structure of the housing, the first housing and the coupling body are coupled to each other by the first coupling means so as to be opened and closed along the first direction, and the second housing and the coupling body. Is connected to the second coupling means so as to be openable and closable along the second direction, so that the convenience can be improved by the two-way opening and closing, and good operability can be obtained. An realized configuration may be used.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an opening / closing structure of a housing in an electronic device in which a first housing and a second housing constituting the electronic device are coupled to be freely opened and closed,
The first casing and the second casing are coupled via a coupling body,
The first casing and the coupling body are coupled to each other by a first coupling means so as to be openable and closable along a first direction, and the second casing and the coupling body are It is good also as a structure couple | bonded by 2 coupling | bonding means so that opening and closing is possible along a 2nd direction.

  In the opening / closing structure of the casing, the first casing and the combined body are connected to each other in a stretchable manner along the first direction by a first sliding means as the first connecting means. In addition, the second casing and the coupling body may be coupled to be extendable along the second direction by a second sliding means as the second coupling means.

  In the opening / closing structure of the casing, the first casing and the combined body are rotated around a rotation axis substantially orthogonal to the first direction by a first hinge means as the first connecting means. A pivot shaft that is pivotally coupled to the second direction and is substantially orthogonal to the second direction by a second hinge means as the second coupling means. It may be rotatably coupled around the.

  In the opening / closing structure of the housing, the first sliding means includes a pair of first sliding members provided on one of a back surface of the first housing and a surface of the combined body, and the other A pair of first guide members for guiding the first slide member provided on the first slide member, and the second slide means includes a front surface of the second housing and a back surface of the combined body. A pair of second sliding members provided on one side and a pair of second guide members for guiding the second sliding member provided on the other side.

  In the opening / closing structure of the housing, the first hinge means includes a pair of hollow first bearing members provided on one of a back surface of the first housing and a surface of the combined body. A pair of hollow second bearing members provided on the other side, the first bearing member arranged with a common shaft, and the first shaft member fitted into the second bearing member. The second hinge means is provided with a pair of hollow third bearing members provided on one of the front surface of the second casing and the back surface of the combined body, and the other. A pair of hollow fourth bearing members formed, the third bearing member arranged with a common shaft, and the second shaft member fitted into the fourth bearing member. Good.

  In the opening / closing structure of the housing, the first housing, the second housing, and the combined body are overlapped in a closed state and have a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and the first direction and the One of the second directions is the length direction of the first casing, the second casing, and the combined body, and the other is the first casing, the second casing, and the combined body. It may be in the width direction.

  In the opening / closing structure of the housing, the combined body may be a third housing or a flat joint frame that is overlapped with the first housing and the second housing in a closed state.

  In the opening / closing structure of the casing, when one of the first casing and the second casing is open with respect to the combined body, a displacement limiting means for limiting the displacement of the other May be provided.

  In the opening / closing structure of the housing, one of the first housing and the second housing is open with respect to the combined body and the other is overlapped with the combined body. In this case, an opening may be formed for exposing a part of the other casing on the side to be joined to the combined body.

An electronic apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention is an electronic apparatus including a casing opening / closing structure in which a first casing and a second casing are coupled in an openable / closable manner,
The first casing and the second casing are coupled via a coupling body,
The first casing and the coupling body are coupled to each other by a first coupling means so as to be openable and closable along a first direction, and the second casing and the coupling body are It may be configured that the two coupling means are coupled so as to be openable and closable along the second direction.

  The electronic device includes a control unit that controls each component of the electronic device, and the control unit has a positional relationship between the first housing, the second housing, and the combined body. In response, a process for performing a predetermined function may be executed.

  In the electronic device, the control means includes a closed state in which the first housing, the second housing, and the combined body are overlapped, an open state along the first direction, and the second In accordance with the open state along the direction, a process for performing a predetermined function may be executed.

  In the electronic apparatus, the combined body may be provided with a functional unit for performing a predetermined function.

  According to the other embodiment of the present invention described above, the first casing and the second casing are coupled via the coupling body, and the first casing and the coupling body are the first coupling means. The second casing and the coupling body are coupled to be opened and closed along the second direction by the second coupling means. Therefore, convenience can be improved by opening and closing in two directions, and a sufficient movable range of the housing can be secured at the time of opening and closing.

  In addition, the first casing and the coupling body are coupled to each other by the first coupling means so as to be openable and closable along the first direction, and the second casing and the coupling body are coupled to the second casing. Since the coupling means is coupled so as to be openable and closable along the second direction, the convenience can be improved by the two-way opening and closing, and the strength of the coupling portion between the casings is ensured and sufficient reliability is ensured. Can be obtained.

  In addition, the first casing and the coupling body are coupled to each other by the first coupling means so as to be openable and closable along the first direction, and the second casing and the coupling body are coupled to the second casing. Since the coupling means is coupled so as to be openable and closable along the second direction, convenience can be improved and good operability can be obtained by two-way opening and closing.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments (and examples). Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

  This application claims the priority on the basis of Japanese application Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-195264 for which it applied on July 27, 2007, and takes in those the indications of all here.

  As a portable electronic device, in addition to a cellular phone, the present invention can be applied to a simple cellular phone (PHS) terminal, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a portable computer.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the slide type mobile telephone which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure which shows a degenerated state. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the extended state along a vertical slide direction. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the extended state along a horizontal slide direction. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the extended state along a horizontal slide direction. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile phone. It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the mobile phone. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the mobile phone. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of TV receiving part of the lower layer unit. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the extended state along a vertical slide direction. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the extended state along a horizontal slide direction. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the extended state along a horizontal slide direction. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile telephone which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the structure of the lock | rock part of the same mobile phone. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the foldable mobile telephone which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the closed state seen from the upper housing | casing side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the foldable mobile telephone which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the closed state seen from the upper housing | casing side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the closed state seen from the lower housing | casing side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the closed state seen from the lower housing | casing side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile phone, and is a figure which shows the vertical direction open state seen from the front side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile phone, and is a figure which shows the vertical direction open state seen from the front side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile phone, and is a figure which shows the vertical direction open state seen from the back side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile phone, and is a figure which shows the vertical direction open state seen from the back side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the horizontal direction open state seen from the front side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the horizontal direction open state seen from the front side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the horizontal direction open state seen from the back side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the mobile telephone, Comprising: It is a figure which shows the horizontal direction open state seen from the back side. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the mobile phone. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the upper unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the front side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the upper unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the front side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the upper unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the back side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the upper unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the back side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the frame unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the surface side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the frame unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the surface side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the frame unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the back side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the frame unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the back side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the lower unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the front side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the lower unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the front side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the lower unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the back side. It is the perspective view which shows the structure of the lower unit of the mobile phone, and is the figure seen from the back side.

1,1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Mobile phone (electronic equipment)
2, 2B Upper layer unit 2D Upper unit 3, 3B Lower layer unit 3D Lower unit 4, 4B Middle layer unit 6 Longitudinal slide mechanism (first coupling means or second coupling means, first sliding means or second slide means)
7 Lateral slide mechanism (second coupling means or first coupling means, second sliding means or first sliding means)
8,8B Upper case (case, first case or second case)
8D upper casing (casing, first casing or second casing)
17, 17B Middle layer housing (combined body, housing, third housing)
18 Middle layer operation unit (functional unit)
29, 31 sliding member (first sliding member or second sliding member)
32, 33 Guide member (first guide member or second guide member)
35, 35B Lower layer casing (casing, second casing, or first casing)
35D Lower housing (housing, second housing, or first housing)
36 Control part (control means)
49, 51 sliding member (second sliding member or first sliding member)
52, 53 Guide member (second guide member or first guide member)
68 Locking part (part of displacement limiting means)
83 Frame unit (combined body)
84 Longitudinal opening / closing hinge mechanism (first coupling means or second coupling means, first hinge means or second hinge means)
85 Lateral open / close hinge mechanism (second coupling means or first coupling means, second hinge means or first hinge means)
87a, 87b Cylindrical portion (first bearing member or second bearing member)
89a, 89b Cylindrical portion (third bearing member or fourth bearing member)
91a Opening 92a, 92b Cylindrical portion (second bearing member or third bearing member)
93a, 93b, 93c Cylindrical portion (fourth bearing member or third bearing member)

Claims (15)

A casing opening / closing structure for opening and closing a casing of an electronic device,
The casing is composed of units combined in three layers,
Through the first and second coupling means provided on the front and back of the unit located in the intermediate layer formed by a frame-shaped part having a rectangular outline with the central part opened as a pair of the two adjacent units And one unit of the set is connected to the other unit of the set so as to be openable and closable,
A display unit is incorporated in one of the units forming the set, and an operation unit for operating the display unit is incorporated in the other unit .
An opening / closing structure for a housing, characterized in that a lock portion is provided for restricting simultaneous opening of two adjacent units to a unit located in an intermediate layer. The casing opening and closing structure according to claim 1, wherein the unit unit is slidably attached to the other unit by first and second coupling means including a slide mechanism, with the unit set as a unit.   The opening / closing structure of the housing according to claim 2, wherein sliding directions by the slide mechanism for each set are different. 2. The casing opening / closing structure according to claim 1, wherein said unit unit is pivotally supported by said first unit and said second unit by first and second coupling means comprising a hinge mechanism with said unit set as a unit. .   The case opening / closing structure according to claim 4, wherein a rotation direction of the hinge mechanism for each set is different.   The case opening / closing structure according to claim 1, wherein the three-layer units are stored in a closed state. An electronic device having a case opening and closing structure for opening and closing a case,
The casing of the open / close structure is composed of units combined in three layers,
Through the first and second coupling means provided on the front and back of the unit located in the intermediate layer formed by a frame-shaped part having a rectangular outline with the central part opened as a pair of the two adjacent units And one unit of the set is connected to the other unit of the set so as to be openable and closable,
A display unit is incorporated in one of the units forming the set, and an operation unit for operating the display unit is incorporated in the other unit .
An electronic device having a casing, wherein a lock unit is provided for restricting a unit located in an intermediate layer from being opened simultaneously by two adjacent units. 8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the unit set is slidably attached to the other unit by first and second coupling means including a slide mechanism, with the unit set as a unit.   The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein a sliding direction by the slide mechanism for each set is different. 8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said one unit is pivotally supported by said first unit and said second unit by first and second coupling means comprising a hinge mechanism with said group of units as a unit.   The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein a rotation direction of the hinge mechanism for each set is different.   The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the three-layer units are stored in a stacked state in a closed state. Comprising control means for controlling each component of the electronic device;
The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit executes a process for performing a predetermined function in accordance with the positional relationship of the three-layer units.   The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit executes processing for performing a predetermined function according to a closed state and an open state in which the units are overlapped.   The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein a functional unit for performing a predetermined function is provided in one of the units.

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