WO2000056039A1 - Portable communication device having a cover and a locking device for the cover - Google Patents

Portable communication device having a cover and a locking device for the cover Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000056039A1
WO2000056039A1 PCT/SE2000/000283 SE0000283W WO0056039A1 WO 2000056039 A1 WO2000056039 A1 WO 2000056039A1 SE 0000283 W SE0000283 W SE 0000283W WO 0056039 A1 WO0056039 A1 WO 0056039A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cover
release button
spring mechanism
locking
plunger
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE2000/000283
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Per-Håkan PERSSON
Peter Gredinger
Original Assignee
Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson filed Critical Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson
Priority to AU29559/00A priority Critical patent/AU2955900A/en
Publication of WO2000056039A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000056039A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0206—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings
    • H04M1/0208—Portable telephones comprising a plurality of mechanically joined movable body parts, e.g. hinged housings characterized by the relative motions of the body parts
    • H04M1/0214—Foldable telephones, i.e. with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
    • H04M1/0202—Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets
    • H04M1/0279—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics
    • H04M1/0283—Improving the user comfort or ergonomics for providing a decorative aspect, e.g. customization of casings, exchangeable faceplate

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a portable telecommunication device equipped with a mechanical locking device for simplifying the release and closing of a cover, which protects a substantial section of the portable telecommunication device.
  • a telecommunication device such as a mobile telephone
  • the common way of holding the cover in its closed position is by using a spring mechanism contained in the hinge between the cover and the casing of the telecommunication device.
  • the force from the spring mechanism changes direction, whereby the cover is unfolded to an opened position for usage.
  • Another solution is to use a spring that instead is pushing the cover all the way from the closed to the usage position.
  • the cover is kept in the closed position by a mechanical device, located in the telecommunication device, which engages a plunger in the cover.
  • a release button located on the side of the telecommunication device, the cover opens.
  • the main problem with the first state-of-the-art solution is that the cover is difficult to open by using only one hand, as the cover has to be opened a certain
  • the button has to be small, so that the cover is not opened unintentionally.
  • the plunger is also protruding out from the cover and is thereby being pressed against the cheek of the user. Since the button is placed on the side of the telecommunication device, there is a difference in usage if the left or the right hand is being used.
  • the object of the present invention is to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art solutions described above.
  • a portable telecommunication device having a front side of the casing providing an interface to a user and comprising: a movable cover for protecting, in a first position, a substantial section of the front side of the device; a locking device for releaseably locking the cover in the first position and having a release button, accessible to the user and arranged at a substantially symmetrical position in the centre of the cover, for releasing the cover from the first position; and biasing means for moving the cover from the first position when released.
  • FIG 1 is a perspective front view showing a telecommunication device according to a preferred embodiment with a casing, a cover in a closed position, and a release button;
  • FIG 2 is a perspective front view showing the telecommunication device with its casing in a position for usage (opened position) ;
  • FIG 3 is an exploded perspective front view showing the telecommunication device with the cover in the position for usage and with an insert disassembled to reveal a spring mechanism
  • FIG 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the spring mechanism assembled with the release button.
  • FIG 1-3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a telecommunication device with means for simplifying the handling of a protecting cover.
  • the telecommunication device is a radio telephone, such as a mobile or cellular telephone.
  • the device comprises a casing 1 having a front side providing an interface to a user.
  • the interface comprises a display 8, a microphone (not shown) with microphone openings 12, a loudspeaker (not shown) with speaker openings 10 and a keypad 11 (shown in FIG 2 and 3) .
  • An antenna 9 is located on top of the casing 1.
  • the device further comprises: a movable cover or flip 2, shown in a closed position in FIG 1, for protecting the keypad 11 against damages and unintended input; a cover release button 3, which is assembled on the cover 2 at a substantially symmetrical position in the centre of the cover 2; biasing means in the form of a spring, provided inside a hinge 7 for moving or unfolding the cover 2, when it is released; an insert 6 with a protruding support member 13 ; and a locking device 4 according to the invention, which locks or releases the cover 2 depending on the handling.
  • the cover also comprises a sound channel that guides the sound from one side of the cover to the other, and then through the hinge to the microphone located in the casing.
  • the sound channel is further described in the Swedish Patent Application No. 9700790-0.
  • the locking device 4 is shown in more detail in FIG 4 and comprises aforesaid release button 3 as well as a spring mechanism 15, the spring mechanism 15 being movable with respect to the release button 3, support elements 14 at both ends of the spring mechanism 15, and a plunger 16.
  • the spring mechanism 15 can move in one direction, even if the button 3 is locked in position. Furthermore, it can be made of different materials, but in the preferred embodiment a plastic material has been used.
  • the spring mechanism 15 also has three functions: to exert a spring force on the release button 3, to push the plunger 16 into a hole 5 in the front of the casing 1, and to support the release button 3.
  • the cover 2 can be released by using two different methods.
  • the first alternative is by depressing the release button 3, thereby retracting the plunger 16 of the spring mechanism 15 from the hole 5 in the front of the casing 1, and the second alternative is by seizing the cover 2, in its closed position, and pulling it until the plunger 16 of the spring mechanism 15, due to the pulling force, is retracted and simultaneously snaps out of the hole 5.
  • the cover 2 is locked when the plunger 16 has slid into the hole 5 of the casing 1 after closing the cover 2.
  • the biasing means which constantly exerts a force on the plunger 16 when it locks the cover 2, and on the cover 2, when it is released, can move the cover 2 to the position for usage (opened position) independently of how the cover 2 is released.
  • FIG 1 illustrates the telecommunication device with the cover 2 in its closed position.
  • the release button 3 on the outside of the cover 2 can be depressed (i.e., slid along a short portion of the surface of the cover 2) by the user in order to release the cover, thereby simultaneously retracting the plunger 16 from the hole 5 in the casing 1, whereby the biasing means in the hinge 7 can move the cover 2 to the position for usage (opened position shown in FIG 2) .
  • the arrow, shown near the release button 3 in FIG 1, indicates the directions of movement of the button 3 when it is used.
  • the release button 3 has been depressed, whereby the cover 2 has been released, and the biasing means has moved the cover 2 from the closed position, shown in FIG 1, to the opened position (the position for usage) illustrated in FIG 2.
  • the support member 13 protects the plunger 16 from bending and/or breaking when the cover 2 is opened without using the release button 3, thereby exerting a greater momentary force on the plunger 16.
  • FIG 3 illustrates the telecommunication device in the same position as in FIG 2 but with the insert 6 disassembled to reveal the location of the locking device 4 on the cover 2.
  • the locking device 4 is located on the inside of the cover 2 with the two support elements 14 of the spring mechanism 15 located adjacently to a respective support rib 17 formed on the inside of the cover 2.
  • the arrow, near the locking device 4, indicates the directions of movement of the plunger 16 of the locking device 4 when it is actuated.

Abstract

A portable telecommunication device has a casing (1) with a front side providing an interface to a user, the device further comprising: a cover (2) for protecting, in a first position, a substantial portion of the front side; a locking device (4) for releaseably locking the cover (2) in the first position and having a release button (3), accessible to the user, for releasing the cover (2) from the first position; and biasing means, located in the hinge (7) between the casing (1) and the cover (2), for moving the cover (2) away from the first position when released.

Description

PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE HAVING A COVER AND A LOCKING DEVICE FOR THE COVER
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable telecommunication device equipped with a mechanical locking device for simplifying the release and closing of a cover, which protects a substantial section of the portable telecommunication device.
Description of the Prior Art
In a telecommunication device according to the above, such as a mobile telephone, the common way of holding the cover in its closed position is by using a spring mechanism contained in the hinge between the cover and the casing of the telecommunication device. When the cover is opened, by hand, a certain angle, the force from the spring mechanism changes direction, whereby the cover is unfolded to an opened position for usage.
Another solution is to use a spring that instead is pushing the cover all the way from the closed to the usage position. The cover is kept in the closed position by a mechanical device, located in the telecommunication device, which engages a plunger in the cover. When depressing a release button located on the side of the telecommunication device, the cover opens.
The main problem with the first state-of-the-art solution is that the cover is difficult to open by using only one hand, as the cover has to be opened a certain
(fairly large) angle in order to make the spring work in the opposite direction. This means that the user will, in most cases, have to use both hands to open the cover. The main problem with the second solution is that the button has to be small, so that the cover is not opened unintentionally. The plunger is also protruding out from the cover and is thereby being pressed against the cheek of the user. Since the button is placed on the side of the telecommunication device, there is a difference in usage if the left or the right hand is being used.
Summary of the Invention
The object of the present invention is to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art solutions described above.
This object is achieved for a portable telecommunication device having a front side of the casing providing an interface to a user and comprising: a movable cover for protecting, in a first position, a substantial section of the front side of the device; a locking device for releaseably locking the cover in the first position and having a release button, accessible to the user and arranged at a substantially symmetrical position in the centre of the cover, for releasing the cover from the first position; and biasing means for moving the cover from the first position when released.
By providing a portable telecommunication device with a new release device according to the invention, the following advantages are obtained: the usage of two hands and the difficulties in practical handling when left or right hand is used are remedied, and the problem with a protruding plunger pressing against a user's cheek is also solved.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are described in the subsequent detailed disclosure, and in the drawings as well as in the appended claims . Brief Description of the Drawings
The present invention will now be described in further detail, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG 1 is a perspective front view showing a telecommunication device according to a preferred embodiment with a casing, a cover in a closed position, and a release button;
FIG 2 is a perspective front view showing the telecommunication device with its casing in a position for usage (opened position) ;
FIG 3 is an exploded perspective front view showing the telecommunication device with the cover in the position for usage and with an insert disassembled to reveal a spring mechanism, and
FIG 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the spring mechanism assembled with the release button.
Detailed Description of the Invention FIG 1-3 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a telecommunication device with means for simplifying the handling of a protecting cover. Preferably, the telecommunication device is a radio telephone, such as a mobile or cellular telephone. The device comprises a casing 1 having a front side providing an interface to a user. The interface comprises a display 8, a microphone (not shown) with microphone openings 12, a loudspeaker (not shown) with speaker openings 10 and a keypad 11 (shown in FIG 2 and 3) . An antenna 9 is located on top of the casing 1. The device further comprises: a movable cover or flip 2, shown in a closed position in FIG 1, for protecting the keypad 11 against damages and unintended input; a cover release button 3, which is assembled on the cover 2 at a substantially symmetrical position in the centre of the cover 2; biasing means in the form of a spring, provided inside a hinge 7 for moving or unfolding the cover 2, when it is released; an insert 6 with a protruding support member 13 ; and a locking device 4 according to the invention, which locks or releases the cover 2 depending on the handling.
The cover also comprises a sound channel that guides the sound from one side of the cover to the other, and then through the hinge to the microphone located in the casing. The sound channel is further described in the Swedish Patent Application No. 9700790-0.
The locking device 4 is shown in more detail in FIG 4 and comprises aforesaid release button 3 as well as a spring mechanism 15, the spring mechanism 15 being movable with respect to the release button 3, support elements 14 at both ends of the spring mechanism 15, and a plunger 16. The spring mechanism 15 can move in one direction, even if the button 3 is locked in position. Furthermore, it can be made of different materials, but in the preferred embodiment a plastic material has been used. The spring mechanism 15 also has three functions: to exert a spring force on the release button 3, to push the plunger 16 into a hole 5 in the front of the casing 1, and to support the release button 3.
The cover 2 can be released by using two different methods. The first alternative is by depressing the release button 3, thereby retracting the plunger 16 of the spring mechanism 15 from the hole 5 in the front of the casing 1, and the second alternative is by seizing the cover 2, in its closed position, and pulling it until the plunger 16 of the spring mechanism 15, due to the pulling force, is retracted and simultaneously snaps out of the hole 5. The cover 2 is locked when the plunger 16 has slid into the hole 5 of the casing 1 after closing the cover 2. The biasing means, which constantly exerts a force on the plunger 16 when it locks the cover 2, and on the cover 2, when it is released, can move the cover 2 to the position for usage (opened position) independently of how the cover 2 is released.
FIG 1 illustrates the telecommunication device with the cover 2 in its closed position. The release button 3 on the outside of the cover 2 can be depressed (i.e., slid along a short portion of the surface of the cover 2) by the user in order to release the cover, thereby simultaneously retracting the plunger 16 from the hole 5 in the casing 1, whereby the biasing means in the hinge 7 can move the cover 2 to the position for usage (opened position shown in FIG 2) . The arrow, shown near the release button 3 in FIG 1, indicates the directions of movement of the button 3 when it is used. In the situation shown in FIG 2, the release button 3 has been depressed, whereby the cover 2 has been released, and the biasing means has moved the cover 2 from the closed position, shown in FIG 1, to the opened position (the position for usage) illustrated in FIG 2. The support member 13 protects the plunger 16 from bending and/or breaking when the cover 2 is opened without using the release button 3, thereby exerting a greater momentary force on the plunger 16.
FIG 3 illustrates the telecommunication device in the same position as in FIG 2 but with the insert 6 disassembled to reveal the location of the locking device 4 on the cover 2. The locking device 4 is located on the inside of the cover 2 with the two support elements 14 of the spring mechanism 15 located adjacently to a respective support rib 17 formed on the inside of the cover 2. The arrow, near the locking device 4, indicates the directions of movement of the plunger 16 of the locking device 4 when it is actuated.
The present invention has been described above with reference to one embodiment but is not intended to be a limitation of the concept. Embodiments other than the one explicitly disclosed are possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended independent claim.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A portable telecommunication device with a casing (1) having a front side providing an interface to a user, the device further comprising: a movable cover (2) for protecting, in a first position, a substantial portion of the front side; a locking device (4) for releaseably locking the cover (2) in the first position and having a release button (3), accessible to the user, for releasing the cover (2) from the first position; and biasing means for moving the cover (2) away from the first position when released, characterized in that the release button (3) is arranged at a substantially symmetrical position in the centre of the cover (2) .
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the locking device (4) is arranged in or at the cover (2) .
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the locking device (4) further comprises a spring mechanism (15) , which is movable with respect to the release button (3) .
4. A device according to claim 3 , wherein the spring mechanism (15) has a plunger (16) for releasing the cover (2) by retracting from a hole (5) in the front of the device, and for locking the cover by sliding into the hole (5) .
5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the plunger (16) of the spring mechanism (15) can move in one direction, even if the release button (3) is locked in position.
6. An device according to claim 4 or 5 , wherein the spring mechanism (15) has three functions: to exert a spring force on the release button (3) , to push the plunger (16) of the spring mechanism (15) into the hole (5) in the front of the device, and to support the release button (3) .
7. A device according to any of the claims 3-6, wherein the spring mechanism (15) is made of plastic.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is a radio telephone, preferably a mobile or cellular telephone.
PCT/SE2000/000283 1999-03-15 2000-02-14 Portable communication device having a cover and a locking device for the cover WO2000056039A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU29559/00A AU2955900A (en) 1999-03-15 2000-02-14 Portable communication device having a cover and a locking device for the cover

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9900904A SE516077C2 (en) 1999-03-15 1999-03-15 Portable communication device with a door and a locking device for the door
SE9900904-5 1999-03-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000056039A1 true WO2000056039A1 (en) 2000-09-21

Family

ID=20414827

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE2000/000283 WO2000056039A1 (en) 1999-03-15 2000-02-14 Portable communication device having a cover and a locking device for the cover

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2955900A (en)
SE (1) SE516077C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2000056039A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1478162A2 (en) * 2003-05-12 2004-11-17 LG Electronics Inc. Cover replacement assembly for a mobile communication terminal
GB2388487B (en) * 2002-01-09 2005-11-09 Nec Technologies Method of opening folding mobile equipment

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5436625A (en) * 1992-01-30 1995-07-25 Sony Corporation Folding electronic device
US5615259A (en) * 1995-05-25 1997-03-25 Motorola, Inc. Integral flap housing, switch actuator and detent mechanism for a foldable telephone
US5636275A (en) * 1995-03-31 1997-06-03 Fujitsu Limited Hinge mechanism and foldable portable telephone having the hinge mechanism

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5436625A (en) * 1992-01-30 1995-07-25 Sony Corporation Folding electronic device
US5636275A (en) * 1995-03-31 1997-06-03 Fujitsu Limited Hinge mechanism and foldable portable telephone having the hinge mechanism
US5615259A (en) * 1995-05-25 1997-03-25 Motorola, Inc. Integral flap housing, switch actuator and detent mechanism for a foldable telephone

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2388487B (en) * 2002-01-09 2005-11-09 Nec Technologies Method of opening folding mobile equipment
EP1478162A2 (en) * 2003-05-12 2004-11-17 LG Electronics Inc. Cover replacement assembly for a mobile communication terminal
EP1478162A3 (en) * 2003-05-12 2010-09-29 LG Electronics Inc. Cover replacement assembly for a mobile communication terminal

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2955900A (en) 2000-10-04
SE9900904D0 (en) 1999-03-15
SE9900904L (en) 2000-09-16
SE516077C2 (en) 2001-11-12

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