DE102004037873A1 - Mobile telephone comprising a base unit and an input unit movable relative to the base unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mobile telephone (10) having a base unit (12) which has a display unit (14) on an upper side, and an input unit (20, 30) movable relative to the base unit (12), which has input elements on a top side and which is connected or connectable to the base unit (12) via a hinge (24, 34), further comprising an axis of rotation of the hinge (24, 34) substantially perpendicular to the surface of the base unit (12).

Description

The The present invention relates to a mobile telephone comprising Base unit, which has a display unit on an upper side as well as one opposite the base unit movable input unit which on an upper side Has input elements and which via a rotary joint with the Base unit is connected or connectable.

Such mobile phones are known in the art. For example, the European patent application discloses EP 0 933 908 A2 a mobile phone with a folding keyboard. In the folded state, the keyboard has a numeric keypad, for example, for entering a telephone number, while in the unfolded state, a complete alphanumeric keyboard, for example for writing texts is available.

It is a disadvantage of the cited prior art that, for example the numeric keypad in the unfolded state no longer makes sense is usable and continues when switching from the numeric Keyboard on the alphanumeric keyboard the phone turned 90 ° and thus the display must be switched accordingly.

Therefore It is an object of the present invention, a mobile phone with a Base unit and one of these opposite movable input unit to disposal to provide, which allows a user a more comfortable operation.

These Task is solved from a mobile telephone comprising a base unit which is connected to a Top has a display unit and one opposite to the Base unit movable input unit, which on an upper side Has input elements and which via a rotary joint with the Base unit is connected or connectable, wherein a further Rotational axis of the rotary joint substantially perpendicular to the surface of the Base unit is.

Thereby, that an axis of rotation of the rotary joint substantially perpendicular to surface the base unit and thus is perpendicular to the display unit, is a movement of the input unit substantially parallel to the display unit possible. Such a construction allows, for example, a folding and / or unfolding the input element without the spatial To change the position of the base unit and the display unit. This will be the comfort for one Improved user when using the input unit.

That a rotation axis of the rotary joint substantially perpendicular to the surface the base unit can be realized such that the one axis of rotation of the swivel joint a maximum deviation of 30 degrees from a vertical on the surface the base unit (a surface normal) having. Furthermore, a maximum deviation between the one Rotation axis and the surface normal 20 degrees, 10 degrees or 5 degrees.

The Base unit may include, for example, a radio module. The radio module For example, according to the GSM, the UMTS, the CDMA 2000, the WLAN and / or the Bluetooth standard be educated.

The Display unit can be used, for example, as a liquid crystal display (LCD display). or an OLED display (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode / Organic LED). The display unit may continue, for example also as a combined display input unit, such as a so-called "touch screen" be formed.

The Input elements of the movable input unit may, for example, numeric and / or include alphabetic keys. Furthermore, the input elements can be a numeric, alphabetic and / or alphanumeric keypad include. Furthermore can the input elements one or more programmable keys (so-called "softkeys") or cursor controls (For example, a so-called two- or four-way navigation key (Navi-Key: Navigation button) or a so-called joystick).

The For example, a swivel joint or a swivel joint Ball joint be formed. This has a hinge joint in Essentially a rotation axis, while a ball joint a Rotation around different axes of rotation allows.

In an advantageous embodiment, the base unit may further comprise at least one base unit input element. Base unit input elements may include, for example, numeric keys from 0 to 9, a star and / or a hash key, one or more softkeys, and / or a cursor control key, such as a two or four way navigation key The above-mentioned input elements may, in addition to the mentioned main assignment, also be occupied by further functions, eg for inputting letters Further, the base unit input elements located at the top of the base be unit, limited to the aforementioned input elements. This would then, for example, a currently common keyboard of a mobile phone with numeric keypad, star and hash key and two soft keys and a four- or five-way Navi-Key (a five-way Navi-Key can, for example, as Four-way toggle button with central push button be formed) correspond.

Farther For example, the above-mentioned rotation axis of the hinge substantially perpendicular to the top of the input unit. This is the Top of the input unit substantially parallel to the top the base unit and thus also the display unit, and this orientation remains also during a movement of the input unit about said rotation axis receive. this leads to to a continued increased Comfort for a user, since the top of the input unit with the input elements can be viewed simultaneously with the display unit and the called orientation even with a movement of the input unit to said rotation axis remains constant.

The Swivel joint can continue relative to the base unit and / or to Input unit be slidably mounted. This increases the range of motion in the movement of the input unit relative to the base unit. By such a slidable mounting of the rotary joint increases the range of motion of the input unit and allows a more flexible arrangement of the input unit.

In a preferred embodiment is in a closed state, the input unit within a Outline of the top of the base unit and in a condition of use the input unit at least partially outside the outline of the top the base unit. Lying the input unit within the outline The top of the base unit may mean that the outline of the Top of the input unit within the outline of the top the base unit is at least flush with the outline of the top the base unit completes. Furthermore, it may be given that parts of the outline of the top the input unit within the outline of the top of the base unit lie and the rest Parts of the top of the input unit flush with the outline of the top the base unit completes.

Of the Closure state may be a state of the input unit in which the input elements of the input unit to a user at least not reasonably accessible are or are inaccessible are, as the input unit then, for example, below, within or above the base unit. The state of use of Input unit may be a state in which the input elements the input unit can be used as intended by a user and / or this accessible are.

Farther can be provided that the display unit arranged such is that they at least in the closed state and / or in the state of use partially usable. Particularly advantageous is an embodiment, in which the display unit both in the closed state and is at least partially usable in the state of use. This embodiment has the advantage that in the closed state and in the use state not different display units must be used or the display unit is accessible only in one of the states. Furthermore, can be provided that the display unit in one of the two states only partially viewable while completely in the other state is viewable. But it can also be provided that the display unit of Base unit both in the closed state and in the use state Completely is viewable.

Especially comfortable for A user is an embodiment of the invention in which the spatial Orientation of the display unit both in the closed state as is also substantially identical in use condition. In order to For example, a user can the mobile phone both when using the Input unit as well as without using the input unit in the use the same location. Another advantage is that in a Bring the input unit from the shutter state to the use state or vice versa the location of the mobile phone or the base unit unchanged can stay.

The Input unit can, for example, by means of a rotary motion or a combined sliding-rotary motion of the shutter state in the use state and / or the use state in the Closure state be brought. This embodiment enables an improved adaptability the mobile phone modules to the respective configuration of the basic and / or the input unit as well as ergonomic aspects.

It further enhances usability when the at least one base unit input member is useable in the closed state and / or in the use state. In particular, it is convenient for a user if the at least one base unit input element can be used both in the closed state and in the state of use. Thus, for example, it may be provided that the base unit is a typical mobile phone key arrangement consisting of numeric keys (which may be multiple times, for example, with letters), a star, a rough te key (which may also be multiple times) and one or more soft keys and a navigation input element, and this mobile phone keypad is usable both in the closed state and in the state of use.

In order to can e.g. avoided that equivalent input options must also be provided on the input unit or, in the other case, are not available to the user when using the input unit. This allows this embodiment, for example, that the input elements of the input unit bigger and so can be made more usable or even that more input elements can be arranged on the input unit or that the input unit even smaller can be designed.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the mobile phone at least two input units, in particular exactly two input units, each of the input units taken separately according to the above Description is formed. Such an embodiment has the Advantage that e.g. Input units provided with different character sets could be (e.g., Latin letters and Greek letters) or that in a larger number of necessary input elements a single too large input unit can be avoided. The latter case, for example, could actually be one unnecessary great Cause mobile phone. When using two or more Input units can the input elements then e.g. divided into these input units become.

there can e.g. be provided that the two or more input units simultaneously in each of the input units associated closure state and / or simultaneously in the respectively assigned use state brought or brought. In particular, in a distribution of a Set of input elements on two or more input units It may be advantageous if the two or more input units simultaneously in the respectively associated closure state and simultaneously can be brought or brought into the respective assigned use state are. This makes it possible the complete set of input elements of the input units for Example together in the "passive" state as well to have in common in the use state. "Simultaneous" does not mean in this context necessarily a simultaneous movement of the input elements but For example, it can only mean that both keyboard elements can be unfolded and / or collapsed at the same time.

A particularly easy operation of two or more input units results when the two or more input units are coupled in such a way are that with a movement of a first input unit also at least a second of the input units automatically moved. Thus, for example, two input units may be provided, that with the movement of an input unit also the other Input unit moves.

Especially advantageous is such a configuration, if at least two input units is provided that during a movement of the first input unit from its shutter state to its use state also the second input unit automatically from their Closing state moved in its state of use. It is it possible for a user to go through Movement of an input unit at least one or more bring the other input units in the use state and thus to allow an input. For example, is a set of input elements, for example an alphabetic or alphanumeric keyboard, on two or more distributed more input units, it is possible for a user by unfolding an input unit automatically the complete set of Input elements available to have.

The The embodiment shown in the preceding paragraph can be conversely, also bringing the input unit from the use state transferred to the closed state. Leave it By moving an input unit, at least one second input unit also in the closed state and thus from the user environment bring a user.

The Coupling of the two input units can, for example, via a Tooth or friction clutch and one or more gears, friction wheels, chains, bands linkage or combinations thereof. You can continue too electrically, wherein an input unit, for example, on the rotation axis, a movement sensor and the second input unit can be moved by means of an electric motor. Furthermore, in the Case of electrical coupling, each input unit both one Motion sensor and an electric motor for moving the input unit include.

In order to let yourself the movement of each other input unit through each of the Reach input units.

Further advantageous embodiments are contained in the subclaims.

in the The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following figures explained in more detail. Show it:

1 Front view of a mobile phone with two unfolded input elements;

2 Back of a mobile phone with folded keyboard element;

3 Back of a mobile phone with two unfolded keyboard elements;

4 schematic sketch of a mobile phone with two unfolded keyboard elements and marked axes of rotation;

5 Side view of a mobile phone with folded keyboard element.

1 shows a mobile phone 10 with a base unit 12 which is a display unit 14 and a keypad 16 having. The keypad 16 includes a ten-digit block, two softkeys, a Navi key, and an asterisk (*) and a hash (#) key. Furthermore, the mobile phone 10 a first keyboard wing 20 , the Indian 1 showing the front of the cellphone 10 shows, left is arranged and a second keyboard wing 30 who in 1 to the right of the base unit. The keyboard units 20 and 30 include a letter keyboard, which allows the entry of texts in the mobile phone. In 1 are the keyboard wings 20 and 30 in a use state, in which the keys arranged thereon can be used by a user. The keyboard wings 20 . 30 can also be used as keyboard elements 20 . 30 and are examples of input units in the sense of the preceding description.

2 puts the mobile phone 10 in a rear view, for reasons of clarity, only the second keyboard wing 30 is drawn. The second keyboard wing 30 is located in 2 in a locked state, in which he is virtually "behind" the base unit 12 is arranged. The second keyboard wing 30 has a fastening part 32 on which the keyboard wing with a rotation axis 34 connects, being about the axis of rotation 34 the connection of the keyboard wing 30 to the base unit 12 will be produced. By turning the keyboard wing 30 with the fastening part 32 around the axis of rotation 34 can the keyboard wing 30 from in 1 illustrated use state in the in 2 shown closure state and vice versa. The movement of the second keyboard grand piano 30 and not in 2 illustrated first keyboard wing 20 is about a gear 40 coupled, so that by movement of one of the keyboard wings from the use state in the closed state and vice versa, the other keyboard wing is also brought into the use or the closure state accordingly. The two keyboard wings are in the respective closed state 20 . 30 arranged side by side on the back of the base unit. Furthermore, it is possible, for example, the mobile phone 10 equipped with a back plate and both keyboard wings 20 . 30 between a device top and the back plate store.

3 puts the mobile phone 10 again in a rear view. Im in 3 example shown are both the first keyboard wing 20 as well as the second keyboard wing 30 in the respective state of use and the respective keys thereon are accessible to a user.

Similar to the second keyboard wing 30 is also the first keyboard wing 20 via a fastening part 22 and a rotation axis 24 with the base unit 12 connected to the mobile phone. The coupling of the first keyboard wing 20 and the second keyboard wing 30 done by the gear 40 each in the provided with corresponding teeth sides of the fasteners 22 . 32 the keyboard wing 20 . 30 intervenes.

4 represents a schematic representation of the mobile phone 10 with the base unit 12 and the keyboard wings 20 and 30 In particular, the construction of the position of the axes of rotation is 24 . 34 which allows in the present example both keyboard wings 20 . 30 at the same time behind the base unit 12 can be brought and at the same time be folded out. This is done at vertices 52 and 54 , which in each case a point of impact of the second keyboard wing 30 and the first keyboard wing 20 to the base unit 12 result. The pivot points 24 and 34 lie on a connecting line 50 between the vertices 52 and 54 , where the axes of rotation 34 . 24 in each case by a quarter of the length of the diagonal 50 from the respective vertices 52 . 54 are removed.

5 puts the mobile phone 10 in side view, again for clarity, only the second keyboard wing 30 is shown. In the side view you can see how the connecting element 32 of the second keyboard grand piano 30 and the rotation axis 34 as well as the gear 40 in a different spatial plane like the keyboard wing 30 itself is located. By an appropriate construction of in 5 not shown first keyboard wing 20 the possibility is created, both keyboard wings 20 . 30 simultaneously both in the use state and in the closed state behind the base unit 12 bring to. He continues allows this construction, the movement of both keyboard wings 20 . 30 by means of the gear 40 to pair so that when bringing one of the keyboard wings 20 . 30 from the use state to the closed state and vice versa, the other keyboard wing 20 . 30 moves accordingly automatically.

The The present invention discloses a mobile telephone comprising a Base unit with a display unit on its top as well one opposite the base unit movable input unit, wherein the input unit is connected by means of a hinge with the base unit and an axis of rotation of the hinge substantially perpendicular to the surface of the Base unit is. Such a mobile phone allows a flexible and user-friendly Construction of the input unit, what the use of the mobile phone For example, with different key sets considerably simplified.

10

mobile phone

12

base unit

14

Display / display unit

16

keypad

20

first Keyboard unit (left)

22

fixing part the first keyboard unit

24

swivel the first keyboard unit

30

second Keyboard unit (right)

32

fixing part the second keyboard unit

34

swivel to the second keyboard unit

40

gear

50

diagonal

52

first vertex

54

second vertex

Claims (15)

Mobile phone ( 10 ), comprising: - a base unit ( 12 ), which on a top side a display unit ( 14 ), - one opposite the base unit ( 12 ) movable input unit ( 20 . 30 ), which has input elements on a top side and which are connected via a swivel joint ( 24 . 34 ) with the base unit ( 12 ) is connected or connectable, characterized in that an axis of rotation of the rotary joint ( 24 . 34 ) substantially perpendicular to the surface of the base unit ( 12 ). Mobile telephone according to claim 1, characterized in that the base unit ( 12 ) comprises at least one base unit input element. Mobile telephone according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axis of rotation of the rotary joint ( 24 . 34 ) substantially perpendicular to the top of the input unit ( 20 . 30 ). Mobile telephone according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the swivel joint ( 24 . 34 ) relative to the base unit ( 12 ) and / or to the input unit ( 20 . 30 ) is slidably mounted. Mobile telephone according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in a closed state the input unit ( 20 . 30 ) within an outline of the top of the base unit ( 12 ) and in a use state the input unit ( 20 . 30 ) at least in sections outside the outline of the upper side of the base unit ( 12 ) lies. Mobile telephone according to claim 5, characterized in that the display unit ( 14 ) is at least partially usable in the closed state and / or in the state of use. Mobile telephone according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the spatial orientation of the display unit ( 14 ) is substantially identical in the closed state and in the use state. Mobile telephone according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the input unit ( 20 . 30 ) can be brought or brought into the closure state by means of a rotational movement from the closure state into the use state and / or from the use state. Mobile telephone according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the input unit ( 20 . 30 ) can be brought or brought into the closure state by means of a combined sliding / twisting movement from the closure state to the use state and / or from the use state. Mobile telephone according to claim 2 and one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the at least one base unit input element in Closure state and / or in the use state is usable. Mobile phone with at least two input units ( 20 . 30 ), each input unit per se being designed according to one of the preceding claims. Mobile telephone according to claim 11 and one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the at least two input units ( 20 . 30 ) can be brought or brought into the respectively assigned closure state and / or at the same time into the respective assigned use state. Mobile telephone according to claim 11 or 12 and one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the at least two input units ( 20 . 30 ) are coupled such that during a movement of a first of the at least two input units ( 20 . 30 ) a second of the at least two input units ( 20 . 30 ) also moves automatically. Mobile telephone according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least two input units ( 20 . 30 ) are coupled such that when moving the first input unit ( 20 . 30 ) from its closure state to its use state, the second input unit ( 20 . 30 ) automatically also moves from its closure state to its use state. Mobile telephone according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the at least two input units ( 20 . 30 ) are coupled such that when bringing the first input unit ( 20 . 30 ) from its use state into its closure state, the second input unit ( 20 . 30 ) automatically also moves from its use state to its closed state.