JP2004270848A

JP2004270848A - Mobile terminal device

Info

Publication number: JP2004270848A
Application number: JP2003064247A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kenji Abe; 賢治阿部; Tomoaki Nakamura; 智明中村; Ryuji Yamamoto; 龍二山本; Hideya Akaha; 秀哉赤羽
Original assignee: Kyocera Corp
Current assignee: Kyocera Corp
Priority date: 2003-03-10
Filing date: 2003-03-10
Publication date: 2004-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-10
Also published as: JP3947484B2

Abstract

【課題】互いに重ね合わせた第１の筐体と第２の筐体とにおける端部を結合し、前記第１の筐体と第２の筐体におけるそれぞれの所定側の面を同一方向に向けた状態で第１の筐体を第２の筐体に対して相対的に回動可能に構成した回動機構を備えた携帯端末装置を提供することが課題である。
【解決手段】第１の筐体に固定した起伏軸受に挿通させて第１の筐体を傾動させる起伏軸を一端側に有し、他端側を前記第２の筐体に回動可能に保持された回動部材と、前記第１の筐体と第２の筐体とが重なり合う面上に設けた傾斜部とで構成される。
【選択図】図３An end of a first housing and a second housing which are overlapped with each other are joined, and respective surfaces of the first housing and the second housing on predetermined sides are oriented in the same direction. It is an object to provide a portable terminal device provided with a rotating mechanism configured to be able to rotate a first housing relatively to a second housing in a state in which the first housing is rotated.
A first housing has an up / down shaft that is inserted into an up / down bearing fixed to a first housing to tilt the first housing, and the other end is rotatable with respect to the second housing. It is composed of a held rotating member and an inclined portion provided on a surface where the first housing and the second housing overlap.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、第１の筐体と第２の筐体とが連結部を介して連結した携帯端末装置に関するもので、特に、第１の筐体と第２の筐体を回動機構を備えた連結部を用いて連結し、使用者に対して第１の筐体と第２の筐体のそれぞれ所定の面を略同一方向に向けた状態のまま相対的に回動可能に構成した携帯端末装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
現在携帯端末装置には、ＰＤＣ（ＰｅｒｓｏｎａｌＤｉｇｉｔａｌＣｅｌｌｕｌａｒ：携帯電話）、ＰＨＳ（ＰｅｒｓｏｎａｌＨａｎｄｙ−ＰｈｏｎｅＳｙｓｔｅｍ）、ＣＤＭＡ（ＣｏｄｅＤｉｖｉｓｉｏｎＭｕｌｔｉｐｌｅＡｃｃｅｓｓ）、ＧＳＭ（ＧｌｏｂａｌＳｙｓｔｅｍｆｏｒＭｏｂｉｌｅＣｏｍｍｕｎｉｃａｔｉｏｎ）、手帳並みの大きさのＰＤＡ（個人向け小型携帯情報端末：ＰｅｒｓｏｎａｌＤｉｇｉｔａｌＡｓｓｉｓｔａｎｔｓ）や携帯型のパソコンなど、いろいろな種類のものが作られている。そしてこういった携帯端末装置においては、小型化あるいは操作用キーを設けた操作部が一緒に収納した物に押されて誤動作するのを防止するため、図１５に一例として携帯電話の場合を示したように、不使用時は表示部面と操作部面とが相対するよう図１５（Ｂ）のようにヒンジ装置などで折り畳み、使用時に、図１５（Ａ）のように表示部面と操作部面とを開くようにしたものがある。すなわちこの図１５において、６１は表示部筐体、６２は操作部筐体、６３は表示部、６４はキー操作部、６５はヒンジ部、６６はスピーカー、６７はマイク、６８はアンテナである。
【０００３】
しかしながら、前記した現在の各種の携帯端末装置は、高機能化してインターネットや電子メール、スケジュール管理等がおこなえるようになり、この図１５（Ｂ）のように、表示部面と操作部面とが相対するように折り畳んだ状態では、使用者は表示部６３を見ることができない。そのため、例えば電子メール等の着信があった場合や単にスケジュールなどを見る場合、表示部筐体６１と操作部筐体６２を開いた状態にして表示部６３上の電子メールやスケジュール等を見る必要があり、その都度開閉動作が必要であって、携帯端末装置として使用するためには不便であった。
【０００４】
そのため特許文献１乃至３には、表示部筐体と操作部筐体を折り畳んで重ね合わせた状態でも表示部面を見ることができるようにするため、表示部筐体において、操作部筐体と相対した面とは逆の面（表示部筐体における使用者側の面）に表示部を設け、表示部筐体と操作部筐体の端部を回動機構を備えた連結部を用いて連結して表示部面と操作部面とが使用者に対して同一方向を向いた状態で相対的に回動できるようにした携帯端末装置や、表示部筐体を一度開いた後に表示部を回転させ、更に表示部筐体と操作部筐体を折り畳んで重ね合わせることにより、重ね合わせた状態でも表示部を見られるようにした携帯端末装置が提案されている。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
特開平７−２８８８６０号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２００２−１５８７５８公報
【特許文献３】
特許第３１８９８１８号
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら特許文献１から特許文献３には、いずれも回動機構を備えた連結部に関して実用化できるほどの具体的な開示が無く、この連結部を備えた携帯端末装置の製品化のために、新たな連結部の発明創作が求められていた。
【０００７】
尚、特許文献３に記載された装置は、表示部を閉じたままでもメールやスケジュールを見たり通話することが可能であるが、この状態から使用状態にするためには一旦表示部を開いた後、更に回動させる必要があり、余計な動作をさせねばならない分使い勝手が悪い。また、スピーカーやマイクを２対必要とし、表示部筐体と表示部筐体の連結機構も回転軸を２つ設けるなど、複雑で、高価にならざるを得ない。
【０００８】
そのため本発明においては、新たな連結部を備えた携帯端末装置を提供することが課題である。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するため本発明は、
少なくとも表示部を有する第１の筐体と、少なくとも表示部を有する第１の筐体と、少なくとも操作部を有する第２の筐体とを有し、前記第２の筐体の操作部が前記第１の筐体により覆われるように重ねられた状態で、両筐体を貫く方向に延びる第１の軸線回りに回動可能に連結すると共に、前記第１の軸線に直交する第２の軸線回りに前記第１の筐体を前記第２の筐体に対して揺動可能に構成する連結部を介して前記両筐体を連結する携帯端末装置であって、
前記連結部は、
前記他方の筐体に固定される取付穴を備えたベース部材と、
該ベース部材の取付穴に一端側が嵌入され、前記第１の軸線回りに回動可能に取り付けられる回動部材と、
前記第２の軸線を揺動軸として前記回動部材に対して揺動可能に取り付けられ、前記一方の筐体に固定される揺動部材とから構成され、
前記ベース部材にはガイド面を備えると共に、前記第１の筐体側には前記ガイド面と当接する突起部を備え、かつ、前記揺動部材には、前記回動部材の前記第２の軸線を挟んで前記突起部と反対側の位置を付勢する弾性部材を備え、該弾性部材の付勢力によって前記突起部を前記ガイド面に押圧するように構成したことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
このように携帯端末装置の連結部を、ベース部材の取付孔に一端側が嵌入されて第１の軸線回りに回動可能に取り付けられる回動部材と、第２の軸線を揺動軸として一方の筐体に固定される揺動部材と、ベース部材に設けたガイド面と、一方の筐体側に設けたガイド面と当接する突起部と、回動部材の揺動軸線を挟んで前記突起部と反対側の位置を付勢する弾性部材とで構成し、弾性部材の付勢力によって前記突起部を前記ガイド面に押圧するように構成したことにより、簡単、安価な構成で、一方の筐体と他方の筐体とを容易に相対的に回動させられると共に、一方の筐体に固定された揺動部材によって一方の筐体を他方の筐体に対して揺動させることができ、かつ、弾性部材によって突起がガイド面に当接しながら回動するから、第１の筐体と第２の筐体は互いに揺動可能でありながら常時一定の関係を保って回動させることができる。
【００１１】
そして前記ガイド面の好適な実施例は、前記ガイド面が傾斜面であって、前記回動部材の回動に伴って前記突起部を前記傾斜面に沿って移動させることにより、前記傾斜面の傾斜に応じて前記揺動部材が揺動して前記一方の筐体と他方の筐体とのなす角度を徐々に増加するようにすることである。
【００１２】
また、前記ガイド面の更に好適な他の実施例は、前記ガイド面の少なくとも一部が傾斜面であって、前記一方の筐体を前記他方の筐体に対して前記第１の軸線回りに回動させ、前記突起部を前記傾斜面に沿って移動させることにより、前記一方の筐体が前記他方の筐体に対して前記第２の軸線回りに揺動するようにすることである。
【００１３】
また、前記２つの筐体を互いに重ね合わせた状態のとき、前記突起部を収納する凹部を前記ベース部材に備えることにより、しっかり密着させることができる。
【００１４】
また、ガイド面は、前記凹部と前記ガイド面とが曲面によって滑らかに繋がっていることにより、第１の筐体と第２の筐体を相対的に回動させるとき、滑らかに回動させることが可能となる。
【００１５】
そして、前記回動部材の回動に伴って前記突起部が前記凹部から前記ガイド面に移動することにより、前記揺動部材が所定角度分揺動するようにすることができる。
【００１６】
また、前記２つの筐体を互いに重ね合わせた状態から第１の筐体を第２の筐体に対して前記第１の軸線回りに略１８０度回動させたとき、前記第１の筐体が前記第２の筐体に対して徐々に傾斜することが好ましい。
【００１７】
そして、前記弾性体は略コ字状をした線材からなり、その両端に巻き線部を備えるねじりバネであって、前記ねじりバネの巻き線部を前記揺動部材に取着し、かつ前記ねじりバネのコ字状中央部で前記回動部材の揺動軸を挟んで前記突起部と反対側の位置を付勢するようにすることが好ましい。
【００１８】
そして、前記回動部材の一端に突起を備える板バネを固着すると共に、少なくとも前記２つの筐体を互いに重ね合わせた状態のときに前記突起が嵌入される窪みを前記ベース部材に設けたことにより、第１の筐体と第２の筐体を互いに回動させたとき、確実に停止させることができる。
【００１９】
そして前記回動部材を中空とし、この中空部に前記一方の筐体と前記他方の筐体間の配線材を配置したことにより、連結部に接点を設けたりすることなく配線材により、確実に信号や電源を一方の筐体から他方の筐体に伝えることができる。
【００２０】
また、前記第１の筐体の表示部が前記第２の筐体の操作部と略同じ方向を向いているようにすることにより、常時表示部を見ることができ、使い勝手を大きく向上させた携帯端末装置を提供することができる。
【００２１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面に基づいて本発明の実施の形態を例示的に詳しく説明する。但し、この実施の形態に記載されている構成部品の寸法、材質、形状、その相対配置などは、特に特定的な記載がない限りはこの発明の範囲をそれのみに限定する趣旨ではなく、単なる説明例に過ぎない。
【００２２】
以下、第１の実施形態について説明する。図１は本発明の携帯端末装置の一例である携帯電話機を示す図で、同図（Ａ）は閉じた状態を示す平面図、同図（Ｂ）は開いた状態を示す平面図、図２は本発明に係る携帯端末装置の第１の実施形態を説明するための斜視図、図３は本発明に係る携帯端末装置の第１の実施形態の機構を説明するための構成図、図４は本発明の携帯端末装置の第１の実施形態の分解図で、（Ａ）は上方から見た図、（Ｂ）は下方から見た図、図５は本発明の携帯端末装置の第１の実施形態の断面図で、（Ａ）は第１の筐体と第２の筐体が互いに重ね合わされた状態の場合、（Ｂ）は第１の筐体と第２の筐体とを互いに略１８０度回動させた状態の図である。
【００２３】
図中同一構成要素には同一番号を付してあり、１は表示部１３を備えた第１の筐体、２は操作部１５を備えた第２の筐体、３は第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を連結する連結部、１１、１２はスピーカー、１３は液晶表示装置等の表示部、１４はマイク、１５は複数のキーからなる操作部、１６はアンテナ、１０は携帯端末装置である。
【００２４】
本発明に係わる携帯端末装置１０は、図１に示すように、第２の筐体２の操作部１５が第１の筐体１により覆われるように重ねられた状態で、前記連結部３により両筐体１、２を貫く方向に延びる第１の軸線回りに回動可能に連結してある。
第２の筐体２における第１の筐体１との対向面２ａには、操作部１５とマイク１４を備え、マイク１４は連結部３と反対側の端部に配置してある。また、第１の筐体１における第２の筐体２と反対の外面１ｂ側には、表示部１３と、この表示部１３を挟んで配置される２つのスピーカー１１、１２を備え、一方のスピーカー１１は連結部３の近傍に、他方のスピーカー１２は連結部３と反対側の端部にそれぞれ配置してある。そのため、第１の筐体１の表示部１３及びスピーカー１１、１２を有する外面１ｂは、第２の筐体２の操作部１５及びマイク１４を有する対向面２ａと略同じ方向を向いた状態で回動させることができるようになっている。
【００２５】
それ故、本発明の携帯端末装置１０によれば、両筐体１、２を開いた状態だけでなく、両筐体１、２を重ね合わせた閉じた状態においても表示部１３を外部に露出させて情報を見ることができる。なお、第２の筐体２には出し入れ可能にアンテナ１６を収容してあり、連結部３近傍の端面より出し入れすることができるようになっている。
【００２６】
次に、本発明の携帯端末装置１０の回動動作について図２乃至図５を基に詳細に説明する。
【００２７】
１は第１の筐体、２は第２の筐体、７は第１の筐体１に設けられた傾斜部、２０は回動機構、２１は回動機構２０の回動部材４０に対して垂直に設けられた揺動軸たる起伏軸４１の軸受け用孔２２（図３）を有し、第１の筐体１に固定した揺動部材たるブラケット、３０は、前記回動部材４０の揺動軸たる起伏軸４１を挟んで両端がブラケット２１にかけられ、一方の筐体１を他方の筐体２側に付勢する略コ字状をした線材で構成した弾性部材たるバネ、３１は第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２に設けられた回動機構２０を設ける孔、４０は第１の筐体１を傾斜させるためにブラケット２１の軸受け用孔２２に挿通させる揺動軸たる起伏軸４１を有した回動部材、４２は突起部４３と回動止めの凸部５１によって第１の筐体１に固定されるレバー、４４は回動部材４０を回動可能にはめ込んで第２の筐体２の第１の筐体１側に固定され、レバー４２の突起部４３の当接によって第１の筐体１の回動初期に第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を離間させた後、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２に所定の角度を設けるための傾斜面４５ａを備えたガイド面４５と、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２が互いに重ね合わされた時、レバー４２の突起部４３を位置決めする凹部４６を有したベース部材たるスリーブ、４７はフリクションプレート、４８は両筐体１、２を互いに重ね合わせた状態と重ね合わせた状態から一方の筐体１を他方の筐体２に対して略１８０度回動した状態に対応させた位置決め用の係止機構の穴部４８ａを有し、回動部材４０を回動可能にはめ込んで第２の筐体２に固定されているホルダー、４９は板バネにより形成され、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２の位置決め用係止機構を構成する突起５０を有し、回動部材４０に固定されて回動部材４０を第２の筐体２の中で回動できるようにするスプリングプレートである。ここで第１の筐体１と他方の筐体２とを回動可能に連結する連結部３は、回動機構２０と、弾性部材であるバネ３０と、揺動部材たるブラケット２１と、突起部４３を備えたレバー４２により構成される。尚、起伏軸４１の軸が揺動軸となって、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とが揺動しつつ、回動部材４０の回動軸まわりに回動することとなる。
【００２８】
この第１実施形態の携帯端末装置１０は、図２にその開閉状態を示したように、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を互いに重ね合わせた図２（Ａ）の状態における端部を回動機構２０で連結し、前記第１の筐体１と第２の筐体におけるそれぞれの所定の面１ａ、２ａを同一方向に向けた状態で、図２（Ｂ）、（Ｃ）、（Ｄ）のように第１の筐体１を第２の筐体２に対して相対的に回動可能に構成したものである。また、この回動初期に第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を離間させることにより、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２の相対する面をこすったり傷を付けたりするのを防止できるものである。更に、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを重ね合わせた位置から略１８０度回動させたとき、第１の筐体１に対して第２の筐体２が、第１の筐体１における第２の筐体２側に設けられた傾斜部７の角度と略同じ所定角度θを生じるようにしたものである。そのため、図２（Ｄ）の状態において、第１の筐体１に表示部を、第２の筐体２に操作部をそれぞれ視認可能に設けると、回動角度にかかわらず表示部が常時視認できると共に、略１８０度回動した使用状態においては表示部が使用者の方に傾斜しているから操作部の操作がし易く、携帯電話などにおいてはスピーカー（図２には図示せず）とマイク（図２には図示せず）がそれぞれ耳と口に近付いて非常に使いやすくなる。
【００２９】
この図２において２０は、図４、図５に詳細を示した回動機構であり、２１はこの回動機構２０における回動部材４０に設けられた揺動軸たる起伏軸４１を受ける軸受けを有し、第１の筐体１に固定されている揺動部材たるブラケットである。すなわち第１の筐体１は、この揺動部材たるブラケット２１の軸受けに挿通された揺動軸たる起伏軸４１によって、互いに重ね合わせた状態から第１の筐体１を第２の筐体２から離間させる方向に回動、つまり揺動できるようにされ、さらに回動部材４０の軸線を中心として前記図２（Ｂ）に８で示した矢印方向に回動できるようになっている。そしてこの回動機構２０には、後述するように凹部４６、ガイド面４５を有したベース部材たるスリーブ４４が設けられ、第１の筐体１は回動初期に、第１の筐体１の第２の筐体２側が第２の筐体２から離間する方向の力を受け、一方の筐体１側に備えるレバー４２の突起部４３が凹部４６より押し出され、凹部４６と滑らかな曲面で繋がった傾斜面４５ａ上を摺動しながら移動することで、第１の筐体１が第２の筐体２上をこすることなく図２（Ｃ）のように回動してゆき、同時に、回動に伴って第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２の角度が徐々に増大してゆく。そして、図２（Ｄ）のように第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを重ね合わせた位置から略１８０度回動させると、第１の筐体１の第２の筐体２側に設けられた傾斜部７の角度と略同じ所定角度θとなり、一方の筐体１を他方の筐体２に対して傾斜させることができる。
【００３０】
そして第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２、及び回動機構２０は、図３及び図５に示したように、第１の筐体１に揺動部材たるブラケット２１が固定され、回動機構２０が、第２の筐体２の下から第１の筐体１、第２の筐体２に開けられた孔３１に挿入されて、回動機構２０の図４に示したスリーブ４４が第２の筐体２の第１の筐体１側に固定される。またこの回動機構２０は、図４、図５に示したように、起伏軸４１を有した回動部材４０を有し、この回動部材４０の揺動軸たる起伏軸４１がブラケット２１の軸受け用孔２２に差し込まれ、ブラケット２１が上記起伏軸４１を中心に回動することで、一方の筐体１を揺動させることができる。また、弾性部材たるバネ３０が回動部材４０の揺動軸たる起伏軸４１の軸線を挟んで、突起部４３が設けられた側と反対側の位置を付勢することにより（図５（Ａ）、（Ｂ）を参照）、弾性部材たるバネ３０の付勢力によって突起部４３をガイド面４５に押圧するようになっている。このバネ３０は、この起伏軸４１の周りからブラケット２１に装着されて第１の筐体１を第２の筐体２の方に押しつける力を与えている。さらにこの回動機構２０は、突起部４３と回転止めの凸部５１を有し、突起部４３と凸部５１をそれぞれ第１の筐体１の孔３１に設けた回動止め凹部（孔）３３、３２（図３）に嵌め合わせるレバー４２と、取付穴の周囲に設けられたガイド面４５と凹部４６を有し、第２の筐体２の第１の筐体１側に固定されるスリーブ４４、第２の筐体２の第１の筐体１とは反対側に、前記第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを重ね合わせた位置と該位置から略１８０度回動させた位置とのそれぞれに、位置決め用係止機構の穴４８ａを有して固定されるホルダー４８、弾性体であって、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２の位置決め用係止機構を構成する突起５０を有し、回動部材４０に固定されて回動部材４０を第２の筐体２の中で回動できるようにする板バネからなるスプリングプレート４９などで構成される。
【００３１】
そして、この状態を示した図５の断面図における図５（Ａ）のように、前記第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを重ね合わせた状態（閉じた状態）においては、レバー４２の突起部４３がスリーブ４４の凹部４６にはまり込んでおり、バネ３０の押圧力で回動部材４０の突起部４３と反対側の位置とブランケット２１の距離を広げる方向の力が常に発生しているため、ブラケット２１が起伏軸４１を中心に揺動し、ブラケット２１と共に一体的に動くレバー４２の突起部４３が上記凹部４６内に押し込まれることにより、第１の筐体１が第２の筐体２に押しつけられて、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２が図２（Ａ）のように密着する。次に、この状態で図２（Ｂ）のように第１の筐体１を矢印８方向に回動させると、レバー４２の突起部４３が凹部４６からスリーブ４４の傾斜面４５ａに乗り上げ、第１の筐体１をバネ３０の押圧力に抗して押し上げるため、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２は、一旦、所定距離分離間する。この時、凹部４６とガイド面４５とを曲面によって滑らかにつなげておくことにより、突起部４３の凹部４６からガイド面４５への移動をスムーズに行うことができる。そして、さらに第１の筐体１を矢印８方向に回動させても、第１の筐体１が第２の筐体２の所定の面２ａをこすることなく、図２（Ｃ）のように回動してゆき、同時に、回動に伴ってレバー４２の突起部４３が傾斜面４５ａに添って徐々に押し上げられ、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２の角度が徐々に増大してゆく。そして図２（Ｄ）のように、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを重ね合わせた位置から略１８０度回動させた位置（開いた状態）まで第１の筐体１が回動すると、図５（Ｂ）のようにレバー４２の突起部４３がスリーブ４４の傾斜面４５ａにおける一番高いところにきて、第１の筐体１は、第１の筐体１における第２の筐体２側に設けられた傾斜部７の角度と略同じ所定角度θとなる。
【００３２】
ここで上記したレバー４２の突起部４３が、凹部４６からスリーブ４４のガイド面４５たる傾斜面４５ａに乗り上げることにより、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とが離間する所定距離は、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２の重なり合うそれぞれの面に設けられた操作キー（図示せず）等の筐体表面からの突出量に若干余裕を持った量離間することが好ましい。より具体的には、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２との回動角度が、０〜１０度以内にて揺動角度が５〜１５度変化し、回動角度が更に開くに従って、最終的には（略１８０度開いた状態）、揺動角度が１０〜２０度になるのが好ましい。より好ましくは、回動角度が５度前後にて揺動角度が１０度前後変化し、１８０度開いた状態にて１５度前後の揺動角度が与えられるように設けることが、より使いやすい携帯端末装置を提供するにあたって最適である。
【００３３】
また、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを重ね合わせた状態（閉じた状態）の図５（Ａ）と略１８０度回動させた位置（開いた状態）の図５（Ｂ）においては、スプリングプレート４９に設けられた突起５０がホルダー４８に設けられた位置決め用係止機構の穴４８ａと係合して位置決めされる。そのため第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２は、閉じた状態と開いた状態のそれぞれで、容易に動かないように位置決めされる。尚、この位置決めは、閉じた状態（略０度）と開いた状態（略１８０度）の２カ所において回動位置が容易に動かないよう位置決めされるが、中間の４５度の位置でも位置決めするようにしても良いし、更に細かく、所定角度毎に位置決めするようにしても良い。また、上記実施の形態では、略１８０度まで回動するものを一例として示したが、３６０度近く回動するようにしても良いし、３６０度以上回動するようにしても良い。
【００３４】
なお以上の説明では、スリーブ４４のガイド面４５を傾斜面４５ａとし、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２の少なくとも回動初期に、第２の筐体２と第１の筐体１とが傾斜面４５ａによって離間させられるよう構成した場合を説明したが、例えばこのガイド面５４を傾斜面４５ａとはせず、凹部４６を深くし、この凹部４６から突起部４３を持ち上げたとき、所定角度を第１の筐体１に与えるようにしても良い。
【００３５】
図７に、第１の実施形態における第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２との回動動作に伴う、揺動（傾動）角度の変化を示す。同図Ａに示したラインが上述した第１の実施形態によるものであり、該ラインの（ａ）のポイントでは回動角度が０のため、両筐体が閉じた状態にあり、揺動角度は略０度となる。ここで、わずかに５度程度両筐体１、２が回動すると、（ｂ）のポイントに遷移し、両筐体１、２が所定角度として略１０度揺動することになる。このとき、レバー４２に設けられた突起部４３は、ベース部材たるスリーブ４４に設けられた凹部４６から、傾斜面４５ａの端の位置に移動している。このときの様子を図７の（ａ）、（ｂ）に示す。また更に回動を続けると、１８０度の開ききった状態まで徐々に揺動してゆき、最終的には１５度の揺動角度が与えられるようになる。
【００３６】
このため、回動初期に突起部４３が凹部４６を乗り越える際に、両筐体１、２間に筐体表面等の傷が生じない隙間を作ることができ、その後の回動によって、略１８０度開いた状態にて、最も使いやすい角度までスムーズに回動することができる。ここで図７のラインＡとは異なるラインＢのように、回動初期、または、回動する前に両筐体を必要な角度まで揺動させ、その後は揺動させることなく、同じ揺動角度を保持したまま回動するようにしても良い。具体的には、図９に示すように、傾斜面４５ａに代えて平坦部４５’を設けるようにすればよい。
【００３７】
このように構成することによりラインＡのものと比較し、回動初期においてより確実に筐体表面への傷つきを防止できる他、筐体に設ける図示しない操作キーの筐体表面からの突出量を大きく設計できる等の設計自由度をアップでき、更に連結部の構成を簡略化することができる。
【００３８】
以上種々述べてきたように第１実施形態によれば、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とにおける端部を回動機構２０等からなる連結部によって連結し、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２におけるそれぞれの所定の面１ａ、２ａを同一方向に向けた状態で第１の筐体１を第２の筐体２に対して相対的に回動可能に構成した携帯端末装置１０を簡単な構成にて実現することができる。更に、簡単な構成にもかかわらず、第１の筐体１を第２の筐体２に対して相対的に回動させる回動初期に第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを離間させることができるため、両筐体１、２の重なり合う面１ａ、２ａに突出して操作キー等を配置することができたり、互いの筐体表面がこすられるといった心配が無くなる。また、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを重ね合わせた状態から相対的に回動させた開いた状態（例えば１８０度）に所定の角度（例えば傾斜面の傾き相応角）が生じるから、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２が同一側の面１ａ、２ａを同一方向に向けた状態で回動することと相俟って、使い勝手を大きく向上させられる携帯端末装置１０を提供することができる。
【００３９】
また、前記傾斜面４５ａの傾斜は、前記第１の筐体１の回動に伴って第２の筐体２とのなす角度を徐々に増加させて所定の角度に達するよう構成したことにより、非常に少ない力で第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を相対的に回動させることができる。
【００４０】
また、バネ３０によりブラケット２１を揺動軸をなす起伏軸４０を中心に揺動させ、一方の筐体１の突起部４３がある側を第２の筐体２側に押圧させるようにしたことにより、第１の筐体１が常に第２の筐体２側に押しつけられる形になり、勝手に開いて誤動作したりすることが防止できると共に、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を回動させた開いた状態から互いに重ね合わせた状態（閉じた状態）に戻したとき、第１の筐体１が自動的に第２の筐体２側に押圧されて位置決めすることができるようになる。尚、弾性体としてバネを用いた第１の実施の形態を示したが、ブラケット２１とバネ３０については図３に示したような形状だけでなく、例えば図６に示したように、両端に巻き線部３６を有して略コ字状をした線材からなるねじりバネ３５と、このバネ３５の巻き線部３６を挿通させる軸２７及び起伏軸４１の軸受け用孔２６とを有するブラケット２５とで構成し、ねじりバネ３５のコ字状中央部で前記回動部材４０の揺動軸たる起伏軸４１を挟んで前記突起部４３と反対側の位置を付勢して、この起伏軸４１の周りからブラケット２５に装着された一方の筐体１を他方の筐体２の方に押しつける力を与えるようにしてもよい。このように、巻き線部３６を備えて、ねじりバネ３５を用いることにより、突起部４３のガイド面５４への付勢力を任意に調整することが出来、特に大きな付勢力が必要な場合に好適である。また、本発明の弾性体は、バネに限定されるものではない。
【００４１】
さらに前記回動部材４０を中空とし、この中空部に第１の筐体１内部と第２の筐体２内部とにそれぞれ配置した電子部品間を結ぶ電源線や信号線等の配線材を通せるようにしたことにより、回動部分に接点を設けたりすることなく、信号線等の配線材等により確実に信号や電力を第２の筐体２から一方の筐体１に伝えることができる。また、第１の筐体１側に傾斜部７を備えた例を示したが、第２の筐体２側にのみ傾斜部を設けるようにしてもよく、又、特許文献２の図４のように両筐体１、２に傾斜部を設けたものであってもよい。更に、両筐体１、２共に傾斜部を設けず、閉じた状態にて第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２間の距離を或る程度離しておくことにより、開いた状態で両筐体１、２同士が干渉し合わないようにすることもできる。この場合、両筐体１、２間の距離をより離すことにより、開いた状態での両筐体１、２のなす角度を大きく取ることができる。
【００４２】
また、前記回動機構２０に、少なくとも前記第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを重ね合わせた位置と、該位置から略１８０度回動させた位置とのそれぞれに、位置決め係止機構を設けたことにより、第１の筐体１、または第２の筐体２を回動させても、確実に閉じた位置と開いた位置とで回動を停止させることができる。
【００４３】
次に、図面に基づいて本発明の第２の実施の形態を例示的に詳しく説明する。但し、この実施の形態に記載されている構成部品の寸法、材質、形状、その相対配置などは、特に特定的な記載がない限りはこの発明の範囲をそれのみに限定する趣旨ではなく、単なる説明例に過ぎない。また、前述した第１実施形態と同一符号のものは、同一部材を意味している。
【００４４】
図１０は第２の実施形態に係る携帯端末装置を説明するための図、図１１は第２実施形態に係る携帯端末装置の各筐体間の結合状態を示した図で、（Ａ）は第１の筐体側から見た図、（Ｂ）は第２の筐体側から見た図、図１２は第２実施形態における連結部の斜視図で、（Ａ）は上方から見た図、（Ｂ）は下方から見た図、図１３は第２実施形態の回転ロック機構を説明するための図で、（Ａ）はロック時、（Ｂ）はロック解除時の図、図１４は、第２の実施形態における一方の筐体１と他方の筐体２とを閉じた状態において、所定量揺動させないと、つまり強制離間させないと回動できないようにするロック機構を説明する図で、同図（Ａ）は両筐体が閉じた状態の図、同図（Ｂ）は両筐体が強制離間した状態の図である。
【００４５】
図中１は第１の筐体、２は第２の筐体、７は第１の筐体１に設けられた傾斜部、１３０は回動機構、１４０は回動部材１４１に固定され、さらに第１の筐体１に孔１４９に通したビスなどで固定される回動軸固定部材、１４２は弾性部材等で構成した腕部１４３の先端に位置決め用係止機構のための突起１４４を有し、回動部材１４１を回動可能とすると共に起伏軸１４５で回動部材１４１を揺動又は傾動可能に保持する回動軸傾動保持部材、１４６は孔１５０、１５１で第２の筐体２に固定され、前記クリック機構の突起１４４を携帯端末装置の開いた状態（図７（ｃ）に示す第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を傾動させた状態）と閉じた状態（図７（ａ）に示す同じく重ね合わせた状態）に対応させた位置で位置決めするための凹部１４７、起伏軸１４５を受けるための軸受け部などを有する揺動部材たる回動軸保持部材、１５２は弾性部材等で構成されて回動部材１４１に固定され、回動部材１４１が回動軸傾動保持部材１４２から抜けないようにすると共に回動部材１４１の回転をロックするための突起１４８と、両筐体１、２の開いた状態と閉じた状態に対応した位置に設けられた図示しない凹部でクリックして位置決めするためのクリック用突起１５３、１５４とを有するスプリングプレートである。
【００４６】
第２の実施形態における携帯端末装置は、図１０に示したように、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を互いに重ね合わせた閉じた状態（Ａ）から、図１０（Ｂ）に示したように第１の筐体１を矢印９方向に引き上げ、第１の筐体１における第２の筐体２側に設けられた傾斜部７の所定角度だけ強制離間させる。その後、矢印８のように第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を相対的に略１８０度回動させ、図１０（Ｃ）のような開いた状態にする。そのため、例えば第１の筐体１に表示部を、第２の筐体２上に操作キーなどを設けても、第１の筐体１の回動に伴って第２の筐体２上の操作キーをこするといったことが無く、しかも第１の筐体１は第２の筐体２に対して所定角度θだけ傾動しているから、表示部が使用者の方に傾斜していて入力が非常にし易く、マイクやスピーカーを設けた場合も、口と耳にこれらマイクやスピーカーを近づけることができ、使い勝手を向上させることができる。
【００４７】
そして図１２に示した回動機構１３０は、第１の筐体１側は図１１（Ａ）に示したように、回動軸固定部材１４０が孔１４９に通したビスなどで固定され、第２の筐体２側は図１１（Ｂ）に示したように、回動軸保持部材１４６の一部に設けられた固定用腕の孔１５０、１５１によって第２の筐体２に固定される。そして回動機構１３０は、この回動機構１３０を固定した第２の筐体２の端部側から見た図１２（Ａ）、または第２の筐体２の操作面側から見た図１３（Ａ）のように、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とが重ね合わされた（閉じた状態）においては、回動軸傾動保持部材１４２の腕部１４３の先端に設けられた突起１４４が、図１２（Ａ）に示した２つの凹部１４７のうち、下側の凹部１４７にはまり、すなわち図１２（Ｂ）における右側に図示された腕部１４３の先端に設けた突起１４４の位置で位置決めされ、回動部材１４１は、図１３（Ａ）でも明らかなように第２の筐体２における第１の筐体１と相対した面側に傾斜している。
【００４８】
そのため、図１４（Ａ）に示すように回動部材１４１に固定されたスプリングプレート１５２に設けられた突起１４８が、第２の筐体２側に設けられた孔１６１にはまり、回動部材１４１の回動をロックしている。またこのスプリングプレート１５２に設けられた突起１５３が、回動軸傾動保持部材１４２に設けられた位置決め用凹部（図１２（Ｂ）では突起１５３によって隠されている部分）にはまり、前記した突起１４８による回動ロックと相俟って、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２が重ね合わされた状態（閉じた状態）において、第１の筐体１が何かに押されて動いてしまうのを防いでいる。
【００４９】
そしてこの状態から前記図１０（Ｂ）に示したように、第１の筐体１を矢印９方向に引き上げると、まず、図１４（Ｂ）に示すように回動部材１４１に固定されたスプリングプレート１５２に設けられた突起１４８が、第２の筐体２側に設けられた突起１４８を受けるための孔１６１から抜けると共に、図１２（Ｂ）における腕部１４３の先端に設けた突起１４４が下側の位置決め用凹部１４７から外れ、更に引き上げると、今度は図１２（Ｂ）における腕部１４３の先端に設けた突起１４４が、この図１２（Ｂ）における１４７で示した上側の位置決め用凹部１４１にはまる。そのため回動部材１４１は、図１３（Ｂ）に示したように第２の筐体２に対してほぼ直立した姿勢となり、回動軸固定部材１４０が固定された第１の筐体１は、図１０（Ｂ）に示したように第１の筐体１における第２の筐体２側に設けられた傾斜部７の所定角度θだけ開き、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２が強制離間させられる。
【００５０】
そして、図１０（Ｃ）のように開いた状態まで第１の筐体１を回動させると、閉じた状態の場合と同様、スプリングプレート１５２に設けられた突起１５３が、回動軸傾動保持部材１４２に設けられた図示しない位置決め用凹部にはまり、位置決めされる。この状態では前記図１０（Ｃ）のように、第１の筐体１は第１の筐体１における第２の筐体２側に設けられた傾斜部７の角度と略同じ所定角度θとなっている。そのため、前記したように、第１の筐体１に表示部やスピーカーを、第２の筐体２上に操作キーやマイクなどを設けても、第１の筐体１を回動させるときに第２の筐体２の操作キーなどをこすることなく、表示部が使用者の方に傾斜しているから入力が非常にし易いと共に、スピーカーとマイクがそれぞれ耳と口に近付いて非常に使いやすくなる。
【００５１】
図１４（Ａ）の閉じた状態においては、回動部材１４１の下部のスプリングプレート１４２に設けられた突起１４８が、第２の筐体２側に設けられた孔１６１にはまり込むようになっている。この孔１６１は、第２の筐体２側のシャーシに設けるか、揺動部材たる回動軸保持部材１４６等に設けても良い。また、孔１６１に代わって、突起１４８の回動を阻止するような突出した規制部材を配置しても良い。
【００５２】
図１４（Ｂ）より明らかなように、両筐体１、２が所定量揺動して強制離間した場合は、突起１４８が孔１６１から抜け出て回動部材１４１が自由に回動することができるようになる。また、第２の実施形態である図１２や図１３では設けていない弾性部材１６０、又は１６２のどちらか一方又は両方を図１４に示すように配置しても良い。この弾性部材１６０、１６２は、コイルバネ、板バネ等の弾性体であれば何で構成しても良く、常に両筐体１、２が閉じるよう同方向に付勢力を与えることができる。
【００５３】
なお以上の説明では、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２の強制離間に当たり、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２に所定角度を持たせるよう記載したが、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を平行に離間させるようにしても良い。この場合は、回動部材１４１を伸縮自在、または回動する軸線方向に上下移動自在の機構を具備することで容易に実現することができる。この際、バネ等の弾性部材によって第１の筐体１を第２の筐体２側に押しつける方向に力を加えるようにすると直よい。
【００５４】
以上種々述べてきたように第２の実施形態によれば、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とにおける端部を回動機構１３０等からなる連結部で連結し、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２におけるそれぞれ所定の面を同一方向に向けた状態で回動可能に構成すると共に、連結部に第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を強制離間させる手段と、強制離間後に前記第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を回動させる手段を持たせ、回動開始にあたって第２の筐体２と第１の筐体１とを強制的に離間させられるよう構成したから、回動に当たって操作用キーが回動する筐体にこすられるといった心配が無くなり、かつ、表示部に表示される内容を常時見ることができ、非常に使い勝手の良い携帯端末装置を提供することができる。
【００５５】
また、前記回動機構１３０における回動部材１４１を軸受けに回動可能に保持する部材１４２は、前記第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を重ね合わせた状態で第２の筐体２に設けた突起受け部に嵌挿させる突起１４８を有し、前記第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を重ね合わせた状態で前記回動部材１４１の回転をロックするようにし、前記第１の筐体１における第２の筐体２に対する相対的な強制離間によって前記回動ロックを外して回動可能にするようにしたことにより、非常に簡単な機構で、確実に第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２をロックすることができ、ハンドバックやリュックなどに収納した場合でも不用意に第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２が開いて操作キーが押されるとうに起因する誤動作を引き起こすといったことが防止できる。
【００５６】
そして、前記回動部材１４１の傾動又は揺動角度を規定する位置決め手段は、前記軸受け１４２に設けられ、軸受け保持部材１４６に設けられた位置決め孔１４７に係合させる突起を有した弾性体で構成した腕部１４３としたことにより、第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２を強制離間させたとき、非常に簡単な構成で確実に所定角度もたせることができる。
【００５７】
さらに前記回動部材１４１は中空とし、内部に第１の筐体１内部と第２の筐体２内部とにそれぞれ配置した電子部品間を結ぶ電源線や信号線を通せるようにしたことにより、回動機構１３０に接点を設けたりすることなく、信号線等のハーネスや線材等により確実に信号や電源を第２の筐体から第１の筐体に伝えることができる。
【００５８】
また前記回動機構１３０に、少なくとも前記第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを重ね合わせた位置と、該位置から略１８０度回動させた位置とのそれぞれに、位置決め係止機構を設けたことにより、第１の筐体１、または第２の筐体２を回動させても、確実に開いた位置、閉じた位置で回動を停止させることができる。
【００５９】
【発明の効果】
以上記載の如く本発明によれば、両筐体の回動と揺動の両動作をさせることができる連結部を有することから携帯端末装置を小型化することができる。また、携帯端末装置を構成する筐体同士を重ね合わせた状態から開くとき、筐体表面や操作部の擦れを生じることもないため、外観意匠を損なうことがない。さらに、表示部を操作部と略同じ方向に向ければ、携帯端末装置を閉じた状態でも表示部の情報を見ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１は本発明の携帯端末装置の一例である携帯電話機を示す図で、同図（Ａ）は閉じた状態を示す平面図、同図（Ｂ）は開いた状態を示す平面図である。
【図２】（Ａ）乃至（Ｄ）は本発明の第１実施形態を説明するための斜視図である。
【図３】本発明に係る携帯端末装置の第１実施形態の機構を説明するための構成図である。
【図４】本発明の携帯端末装置の第１実施形態の分解図で、（Ａ）は上方から見た図、（Ｂ）は下方から見た図である。
【図５】本発明の携帯端末装置の第１実施形態の断面図で、（Ａ）は第１の筐体と第２の筐体が互いに重ね合わされた状態を示し、（Ｂ）は第１の筐体と第２の筐体とを互いに略１８０度回動させた状態を示す。
【図６】本発明の第１の実施形態におけるブラケットとバネの他の実施例を示した分解図である。
【図７】本発明の第１の実施形態、及びその変形例における第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２との回動動作に伴う、揺動（傾動）角度の変化をそれぞれ説明するためのグラフである。
【図８】（Ａ）、（Ｂ）は、本発明の第１実施形態における第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２との回動初期に、レバー４２の突起部４３がスリーブ４４に設けられた凹部４６から、ガイド面４５ａの端の位置に移動する状態を示した図である。
【図９】（Ａ）、（Ｂ）は、本発明の第１実施形態の変形例における第１の筐体と第２の筐体との回動初期にレバー４２の突起部４３がスリーブ４４に設けられた凹部４６からガイド面４５の端の位置に移動する状態を示した図である。
【図１０】（Ａ）乃至（Ｃ）は本発明の第２の実施形態を説明するための斜視図である。
【図１１】本発明の第２実施形態に係る携帯端末装置の各筐体間の結合状態を示した斜視図で、（Ａ）は第１の筐体側から見た図、（Ｂ）は第２の筐体側から見た図である。
【図１２】本発明の第２実施形態における連結部の斜視図で、（Ａ）は上方から見た図、（Ｂ）は下方から見た図である。
【図１３】本発明の第２実施形態の回転ロック機構を説明するための斜視図で、（Ａ）はロック時、（Ｂ）はロック解除時の図である。
【図１４】本発明の第２の実施形態における第１の筐体１と第２の筐体２とを閉じた状態におけるロック機構を説明する図である。
【図１５】従来の携帯端末の開閉機構を説明するための図である。
【符号の説明】
１第１の筐体
２第２の筐体
３連結部
１１、１２スピーカー
１３表示部
１４マイク
１５操作部
１６アンテナ
１０携帯端末装置
２０回動機構
２１ブラケット
２２起伏軸の軸受け用孔
３０バネ
３１回動機構を設ける孔
４０回動部材
４１起伏軸
４３突起部
４４スリーブ
４５ガイド面
４６凹部[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal device in which a first housing and a second housing are connected via a connecting portion, and in particular, includes a rotation mechanism for connecting the first housing and the second housing. Mobile phone that is connected using the connecting portion and that is relatively rotatable with the predetermined surfaces of the first housing and the second housing facing the user in substantially the same direction. It relates to a terminal device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
At present, portable terminal devices include PDC (Personal Digital Cellular: mobile phone), PHS (Personal Handy-Phone System), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). Various types of personal digital assistants (Personal Digital Assistants) and portable personal computers have been produced. In such a portable terminal device, a case of a cellular phone is shown as an example in FIG. 15 in order to prevent the operation unit provided with operation keys from being pressed down by an object housed together and malfunctioning. As shown in FIG. 15B, when not in use, the display unit surface and the operation unit surface are folded by a hinge device or the like as shown in FIG. There is one that opens to the outside. That is, in FIG. 15, reference numeral 61 denotes a display unit housing, 62 denotes an operation unit housing, 63 denotes a display unit, 64 denotes a key operation unit, 65 denotes a hinge unit, 66 denotes a speaker, 67 denotes a microphone, and 68 denotes an antenna.
[0003]
However, the above-mentioned various types of portable terminal devices have become more sophisticated and can perform the Internet, e-mail, schedule management, and the like. As shown in FIG. The user cannot see the display unit 63 in a state where the display unit 63 is folded so as to be opposed to the user. Therefore, for example, when an e-mail or the like is received, or when simply looking at a schedule, it is necessary to open the display unit housing 61 and the operation unit housing 62 to view the e-mail, schedule, and the like on the display unit 63. Opening and closing operations are required each time, which is inconvenient for use as a portable terminal device.
[0004]
For this reason, Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose that the display unit housing includes the operation unit housing so that the display unit surface can be viewed even when the display unit housing and the operation unit housing are folded and overlapped. The display unit is provided on the surface opposite to the facing surface (the surface of the display unit housing on the user side), and the ends of the display unit housing and the operation unit housing are connected using a connecting unit having a rotating mechanism. A portable terminal device that is connected so that the display unit surface and the operation unit surface can relatively rotate in the same direction with respect to the user, or the display unit after opening the display unit housing once 2. Description of the Related Art A mobile terminal device has been proposed in which a display unit can be viewed even in a superimposed state by rotating the display unit housing and the operation unit housing so that the display unit housing is folded and overlapped.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-7-288860
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-158758 A
[Patent Document 3]
Patent No. 3189818
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 3 do not specifically disclose a connection portion provided with a rotating mechanism that can be put to practical use, and in order to commercialize a portable terminal device provided with this connection portion, There was a need for invention creation of a new connection.
[0007]
In the device described in Patent Document 3, it is possible to view e-mails and schedules and talk even when the display unit is closed. After that, it is necessary to further rotate, and it is inconvenient to use the extra operation. In addition, two pairs of speakers and microphones are required, and the connection mechanism between the display housings is provided with two rotating shafts.
[0008]
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a mobile terminal device having a new connection unit.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the present invention
A first housing having at least a display portion, a first housing having at least a display portion, and a second housing having at least an operation portion, wherein the operation portion of the second housing is A second axis orthogonal to the first axis while being rotatably connected about a first axis extending in a direction penetrating both the casings in a state of being overlapped so as to be covered by the first casing. A portable terminal device that connects the two housings via a connecting portion configured to swing the first housing around the second housing,
The connecting portion,
A base member having a mounting hole fixed to the other housing;
A rotating member having one end fitted into the mounting hole of the base member and rotatably mounted around the first axis;
A swing member that is swingably attached to the rotating member with the second axis as a swing axis and is fixed to the one housing;
The base member has a guide surface, the first housing side has a protrusion that contacts the guide surface, and the swing member has the second axis of the rotating member. An elastic member is provided for urging a position on the opposite side of the protrusion with the urging force of the elastic member being configured to press the protrusion against the guide surface.
[0010]
As described above, the connecting portion of the portable terminal device is configured such that one end side is fitted into the mounting hole of the base member and is mounted so as to be rotatable around the first axis, and one of the two rotating axes is the second axis. A swinging member fixed to the housing, a guide surface provided on the base member, a projection abutting on the guide surface provided on one housing side, and the projection portion sandwiching the swinging axis of the rotating member. An elastic member for urging the opposite position, and the projecting portion is pressed against the guide surface by the urging force of the elastic member. The other housing can be easily rotated relatively, and the one housing can be swung with respect to the other housing by a swing member fixed to the one housing, and The first member is rotated by the elastic member while contacting the guide surface. Body and the second housing can be rotated while maintaining a constant fixed relationship while being swingable together.
[0011]
In a preferred embodiment of the guide surface, the guide surface is an inclined surface, and the protrusion is moved along the inclined surface with rotation of the rotating member, whereby the inclined surface is inclined. The swing member swings in accordance with the inclination to gradually increase the angle between the one housing and the other housing.
[0012]
Further, another preferred embodiment of the guide surface is that at least a part of the guide surface is an inclined surface, and the one housing is arranged around the first axis with respect to the other housing. By rotating the protrusion and moving the protrusion along the inclined surface, the one housing swings around the second axis with respect to the other housing.
[0013]
Further, when the two housings are overlapped with each other, the recesses for accommodating the protrusions are provided on the base member, so that the two housings can be firmly adhered to each other.
[0014]
Further, the guide surface may be smoothly rotated when the first housing and the second housing are relatively rotated by the concave portion and the guide surface being smoothly connected by a curved surface. Becomes possible.
[0015]
The projection moves from the recess to the guide surface with the rotation of the rotation member, whereby the swing member can swing by a predetermined angle.
[0016]
Further, when the first housing is rotated about the first axis by about 180 degrees with respect to the second housing from a state where the two housings are overlapped with each other, the first housing Is preferably gradually inclined with respect to the second housing.
[0017]
The elastic body is a substantially U-shaped wire, and is a torsion spring having winding portions at both ends thereof. The winding portion of the torsion spring is attached to the swing member, and the torsion is applied. It is preferable that the U-shaped central portion of the spring urges a position on the opposite side of the protrusion from the swing shaft of the rotating member.
[0018]
Then, a leaf spring having a projection is fixed to one end of the rotating member, and a recess into which the projection is fitted is provided in the base member when at least the two housings are overlapped with each other. When the first housing and the second housing are rotated relative to each other, the first housing and the second housing can be reliably stopped.
[0019]
The rotating member is hollow, and the wiring member between the one housing and the other housing is disposed in the hollow portion, so that the wiring member can be reliably provided without providing a contact point at the connecting portion. Signals and power can be transmitted from one housing to the other housing.
[0020]
In addition, the display section of the first housing is oriented substantially in the same direction as the operation section of the second housing, so that the display section can always be seen and the usability is greatly improved. A mobile terminal device can be provided.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to them unless otherwise specified, and are merely mere descriptions. This is just an example.
[0022]
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a view showing a mobile phone as an example of the mobile terminal device of the present invention. FIG. 1 (A) is a plan view showing a closed state, FIG. 1 (B) is a plan view showing an open state, FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining a first embodiment of the portable terminal device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram for explaining a mechanism of the first embodiment of the portable terminal device according to the present invention. 5A is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the portable terminal device of the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A is a diagram viewed from above, FIG. 5B is a diagram viewed from below, and FIG. (A) is a state in which the first housing and the second housing are overlapped with each other, and (B) is a cross-sectional view of the first housing and the second housing. It is a figure of the state where it rotated about 180 degrees.
[0023]
In the figure, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, 1 is a first housing provided with a display unit 13, 2 is a second housing provided with an operation unit 15, and 3 is a first housing. 11 and 12 are speakers, 13 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device, 14 is a microphone, 15 is an operation unit including a plurality of keys, 16 is an antenna, and 10 is a connection unit that connects the first and second housings 2. It is a portable terminal device.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal device 10 according to the present invention is configured such that the operation unit 15 of the second housing 2 is overlapped with the first housing 1 so as to be covered by the connection unit 3. The housings 1 and 2 are connected so as to be rotatable around a first axis extending in a direction penetrating the housings 1 and 2.
An operation unit 15 and a microphone 14 are provided on a surface 2 a of the second housing 2 facing the first housing 1, and the microphone 14 is arranged at an end opposite to the coupling unit 3. Further, on the outer surface 1b side of the first housing 1 opposite to the second housing 2, a display unit 13 and two speakers 11 and 12 arranged with the display unit 13 interposed therebetween are provided. The speaker 11 is arranged near the connecting portion 3, and the other speaker 12 is arranged at an end opposite to the connecting portion 3. Therefore, the outer surface 1b having the display unit 13 and the speakers 11 and 12 of the first housing 1 is oriented in substantially the same direction as the facing surface 2a having the operation unit 15 and the microphone 14 of the second housing 2. It can be rotated.
[0025]
Therefore, according to the portable terminal device 10 of the present invention, the display unit 13 is exposed to the outside not only in a state where both the housings 1 and 2 are opened but also in a closed state where the two housings 1 and 2 are overlapped. Let me see the information. In addition, the antenna 16 is housed in the second housing 2 so as to be able to be taken in and out, so that the antenna 16 can be taken in and out from an end face near the connecting portion 3.
[0026]
Next, the turning operation of the portable terminal device 10 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0027]
1 is a first housing, 2 is a second housing, 7 is an inclined portion provided in the first housing 1, 20 is a rotating mechanism, and 21 is a rotating member 40 of the rotating mechanism 20. The bracket 30, which has a bearing hole 22 (FIG. 3) of the undulating shaft 41, which is provided vertically and is a swinging shaft, is fixed to the first housing 1. The spring 31, which is an elastic member made of a substantially U-shaped wire that hangs the bracket 21 at both ends with the up-and-down shaft 41 serving as a swinging shaft interposed therebetween and urges one housing 1 toward the other housing 2 side, A hole provided with the rotation mechanism 20 provided in the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. A swing 40 is inserted into the bearing hole 22 of the bracket 21 to incline the first housing 1. A rotating member having an undulating shaft 41 serving as a shaft, a lever 42 fixed to the first housing 1 by a projection 43 and a projection 51 for preventing rotation. Reference numeral 44 denotes a pivot member 40 which is rotatably fitted to the second casing 2 and is fixed to the first casing 1 side. A guide surface provided with an inclined surface 45a for providing a predetermined angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 after separating the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 at an initial stage. 45, a sleeve as a base member having a concave portion 46 for positioning the projection 43 of the lever 42 when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped with each other, 47 is a friction plate, and 48 is A hole of a locking mechanism for positioning which corresponds to a state in which one of the housings 1 is rotated by approximately 180 degrees with respect to the other housing 2 from a state in which the housings 1 and 2 are overlapped with each other. A housing fixed to the second housing 2 with the rotating member 40 rotatably fitted therein. And 49, formed by a leaf spring, have a projection 50 constituting a locking mechanism for positioning the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and are fixed to the rotating member 40 and Is a spring plate that can be rotated in the second housing 2. Here, the connecting portion 3 that rotatably connects the first housing 1 and the other housing 2 includes a rotating mechanism 20, a spring 30 that is an elastic member, a bracket 21 that is a swinging member, and a projection. It is constituted by a lever 42 having a part 43. In addition, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 swing around the rotation axis of the rotation member 40 while the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 swing. Become.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 2, the portable terminal device 10 according to the first embodiment has a first housing 1 and a second housing 2 in a state shown in FIG. The ends are connected by a rotation mechanism 20, and the predetermined surfaces 1a and 2a of the first housing 1 and the second housing are oriented in the same direction, and FIGS. ) And (D), the first housing 1 is configured to be rotatable relative to the second housing 2. Also, by separating the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 at the initial stage of the rotation, the opposing surfaces of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 may be rubbed or damaged. Can be prevented. Further, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are rotated by approximately 180 degrees from the overlapped position, the second housing 2 is moved relative to the first housing 1 by the first housing 1. A predetermined angle θ substantially equal to the angle of the inclined portion 7 provided on the side of the second housing 2 in the housing 1 is generated. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 2D, if the display unit is provided on the first housing 1 and the operation unit is provided on the second housing 2 so as to be visible, the display unit is always visible regardless of the rotation angle. In addition, the display unit is tilted toward the user in a usage state rotated by approximately 180 degrees, so that the operation unit can be easily operated. In a mobile phone or the like, a speaker (not shown in FIG. 2) is used. Microphones (not shown in FIG. 2) are very close to the ear and mouth, respectively, making them very easy to use.
[0029]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 20 denotes a rotating mechanism shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5, and reference numeral 21 denotes a bearing provided on a rotating member 40 of the rotating mechanism 20 for receiving an undulating shaft 41 serving as a swing shaft. It is a bracket which is a swing member fixed to the first housing 1. That is, the first housing 1 is moved from the state where the first housing 1 is overlapped with the second housing 2 by the up-and-down shaft 41 serving as a swing axis inserted into the bearing of the bracket 21 serving as the swing member. The pivoting member 40 can be pivoted in a direction away from the pivot member, that is, can pivot, and can be pivoted about the axis of the pivoting member 40 in the direction of the arrow indicated by 8 in FIG. The rotating mechanism 20 is provided with a sleeve 44 which is a base member having a concave portion 46 and a guide surface 45 as described later. The second housing 2 side receives a force in a direction away from the second housing 2, and the projection 43 of the lever 42 provided on one housing 1 side is pushed out from the recess 46, and is formed with the recess 46 by a smooth curved surface. By moving while sliding on the connected inclined surface 45a, the first housing 1 rotates as shown in FIG. 2C without rubbing on the second housing 2, and at the same time, The angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 gradually increases with the rotation. Then, as shown in FIG. 2D, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are rotated by approximately 180 degrees from the overlapped position, the second housing of the first housing 1 is rotated. The predetermined angle θ is substantially the same as the angle of the inclined portion 7 provided on the second side, so that one casing 1 can be inclined with respect to the other casing 2.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the first housing 1, the second housing 2, and the rotation mechanism 20 have a bracket 21 serving as a swing member fixed to the first housing 1. The rotation mechanism 20 is inserted from below the second housing 2 into a hole 31 formed in the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, and the sleeve of the rotation mechanism 20 shown in FIG. 44 is fixed to the first housing 1 side of the second housing 2. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the turning mechanism 20 has a turning member 40 having an up / down shaft 41, and the up / down shaft 41 serving as a swing axis of the When the bracket 21 is inserted into the bearing hole 22 and the bracket 21 rotates about the undulating shaft 41, one of the housings 1 can be swung. Also, the spring 30 as an elastic member biases a position on the opposite side to the side on which the protrusion 43 is provided, with the axis of the undulating shaft 41 serving as the swing axis of the rotating member 40 interposed therebetween (see FIG. ) And (B)), the projection 43 is pressed against the guide surface 45 by the urging force of the spring 30 as an elastic member. The spring 30 is attached to the bracket 21 from around the undulating shaft 41 and applies a force for pressing the first housing 1 toward the second housing 2. Further, the rotation mechanism 20 has a projection 43 and a rotation-preventing projection 51, and the projection 43 and the projection 51 are respectively provided in the holes 31 of the first housing 1. It has a lever 42 to be fitted to 33, 32 (FIG. 3), a guide surface 45 provided around the mounting hole, and a concave portion 46, and is fixed to the first housing 1 side of the second housing 2. The sleeve 44 is located on the opposite side of the second housing 2 from the first housing 1 at a position where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped and approximately 180 degrees from the position. A holder 48, which is fixed by having a hole 48a of a positioning locking mechanism at each of the moved positions, is an elastic body, and is a positioning member for the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. A leaf spring having a projection 50 constituting a stop mechanism and fixed to the rotating member 40 to enable the rotating member 40 to rotate within the second housing 2. Consisting of such Ranaru spring plate 49.
[0031]
Then, as shown in FIG. 5A in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 showing this state, in a state where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped (closed state), The projection 43 of the lever 42 fits into the recess 46 of the sleeve 44, and the pressing force of the spring 30 always generates a force in the direction of widening the distance between the blanket 21 and the position opposite to the projection 43 of the rotating member 40. As a result, the bracket 21 swings around the undulating shaft 41, and the projection 43 of the lever 42 that moves together with the bracket 21 is pushed into the recess 46, whereby the first housing 1 is moved 2A, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are brought into close contact with each other as shown in FIG. Next, in this state, when the first housing 1 is rotated in the direction of arrow 8 as shown in FIG. 2B, the protrusion 43 of the lever 42 rides on the inclined surface 45a of the sleeve 44 from the recess 46, and In order to push up the first housing 1 against the pressing force of the spring 30, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are once separated by a predetermined distance. At this time, by smoothly connecting the concave portion 46 and the guide surface 45 by a curved surface, the movement of the projection 43 from the concave portion 46 to the guide surface 45 can be performed smoothly. Then, even if the first housing 1 is further rotated in the direction of arrow 8, the first housing 1 does not rub the predetermined surface 2 a of the second housing 2, and as shown in FIG. At the same time, the projection 43 of the lever 42 is gradually pushed up along the inclined surface 45a with the rotation, and the angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is gradually increased. To increase. Then, as shown in FIG. 2D, the first housing 1 is moved from a position where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped to a position where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are turned by approximately 180 degrees (open state). 5A, the protrusion 43 of the lever 42 comes to the highest position on the inclined surface 45a of the sleeve 44 as shown in FIG. The predetermined angle θ is substantially the same as the angle of the inclined portion 7 provided on the second housing 2 side.
[0032]
Here, the predetermined distance at which the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are separated from each other by the protrusion 43 of the lever 42 riding on the inclined surface 45 a serving as the guide surface 45 of the sleeve 44 from the concave portion 46. The operation keys (not shown) provided on the respective overlapping surfaces of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 may be separated from the housing surface by an amount having a margin. preferable. More specifically, when the rotation angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is within 0 to 10 degrees, the swing angle changes by 5 to 15 degrees, and the rotation angle is further opened. Finally, it is preferable that the swing angle finally becomes 10 to 20 degrees (in a state of being opened by about 180 degrees). More preferably, it is provided that the swing angle changes around 10 degrees when the rotation angle is around 5 degrees, and that the swing angle is around 15 degrees when opened 180 degrees. Ideal for providing terminal devices.
[0033]
Further, FIG. 5A in a state where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped (closed state) and FIG. 5A in a position (open state) rotated by approximately 180 degrees. In (B), the projection 50 provided on the spring plate 49 is engaged with the hole 48a of the positioning locking mechanism provided on the holder 48 for positioning. Therefore, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are positioned so as not to move easily in each of the closed state and the open state. Note that this positioning is performed so that the rotational position does not easily move in two positions, that is, a closed state (approximately 0 degrees) and an open state (approximately 180 degrees). Alternatively, the positioning may be performed more finely at predetermined angles. Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the rotation is performed to approximately 180 degrees is described as an example. However, the rotation may be performed close to 360 degrees, or may be performed by 360 degrees or more.
[0034]
In the above description, the guide surface 45 of the sleeve 44 is the inclined surface 45a, and the second housing 2 and the first housing are at least at the beginning of rotation of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. In the above description, the guide surface 54 is not formed as the inclined surface 45a, but the concave portion 46 is deepened, and the protrusion 43 is lifted from the concave portion 46. Alternatively, a predetermined angle may be given to the first housing 1.
[0035]
FIG. 7 shows a change in the swing (tilt) angle associated with the turning operation of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 in the first embodiment. The line shown in FIG. 7A is according to the above-described first embodiment, and at the point (a) of the line, since the rotation angle is 0, both housings are in the closed state, and the swing angle Is approximately 0 degrees. Here, when the two housings 1 and 2 rotate by about 5 degrees, the state transits to the point (b), and the two housings 1 and 2 swing about 10 degrees as a predetermined angle. At this time, the protrusion 43 provided on the lever 42 has moved from the concave portion 46 provided on the sleeve 44 as the base member to the position of the end of the inclined surface 45a. The situation at this time is shown in FIGS. Further, when the rotation is further continued, the rocker gradually swings to a fully opened state of 180 degrees, and finally a swing angle of 15 degrees is given.
[0036]
For this reason, when the protrusion 43 gets over the concave portion 46 at the initial stage of rotation, it is possible to create a gap between the two housings 1 and 2 so as not to cause scratches on the housing surface or the like. In the open state, it is possible to smoothly rotate to the most convenient angle. Here, like the line B different from the line A in FIG. 7, both the housings are swung to a required angle at the initial rotation or before the rotation, and thereafter, the same swing is performed without the swing. The rotation may be performed while maintaining the angle. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, a flat portion 45 'may be provided instead of the inclined surface 45a.
[0037]
With this configuration, it is possible to more reliably prevent the surface of the housing from being damaged in the initial stage of rotation as compared with the case of the line A, and to reduce the amount of operation keys (not shown) provided on the housing from the surface of the housing. The degree of freedom of design such as large design can be increased, and the configuration of the connecting portion can be simplified.
[0038]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the ends of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected to each other by the connecting portion including the turning mechanism 20 and the like, and the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected to each other. The first housing 1 is configured to be rotatable relative to the second housing 2 with the predetermined surfaces 1a and 2a of the body 1 and the second housing 2 facing in the same direction. The portable terminal device 10 can be realized with a simple configuration. Further, in spite of the simple configuration, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are not rotated at the initial stage of rotating the first housing 1 relatively to the second housing 2. Can be separated from each other, so that operation keys and the like can be arranged so as to protrude from the overlapping surfaces 1a and 2a of the two housings 1 and 2 and that the surfaces of the housings are not rubbed. In addition, a predetermined angle (for example, a tilt angle of a slope) corresponding to an open state (for example, 180 degrees) that is relatively rotated from a state in which the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped. Is caused, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are rotated with the surfaces 1a, 2a on the same side facing in the same direction, and the usability is greatly improved. The terminal device 10 can be provided.
[0039]
Further, the inclination of the inclined surface 45a is configured such that the angle formed with the second housing 2 is gradually increased with the rotation of the first housing 1 so as to reach a predetermined angle. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be relatively rotated with very little force.
[0040]
Further, the bracket 21 is swung by the spring 30 around the undulating shaft 40 forming the swinging axis, and the side of the one housing 1 where the projection 43 is located is pressed against the second housing 2. As a result, the first casing 1 is always pressed against the second casing 2, preventing the first casing 1 from being opened and malfunctioning, and the first casing 1 and the second casing 2. When the two cases are returned from the opened state in which they have been rotated to the state in which they are overlapped (closed state), the first housing 1 can be automatically pressed toward the second housing 2 to perform positioning. become able to. Although the first embodiment using a spring as an elastic body has been described, the bracket 21 and the spring 30 have not only the shapes shown in FIG. 3 but also, for example, as shown in FIG. A torsion spring 35 made of a substantially U-shaped wire having a winding portion 36, a bracket 25 having a shaft 27 through which the winding portion 36 of the spring 35 is inserted, and a bearing hole 26 of an undulating shaft 41; And urges a position on the opposite side to the protrusion 43 with the U-shaped central portion of the torsion spring 35 sandwiching the up-and-down shaft 41 serving as the swing axis of the rotating member 40, A force for pressing one of the housings 1 mounted on the bracket 25 from the periphery toward the other housing 2 may be applied. As described above, by providing the winding portion 36 and using the torsion spring 35, the urging force of the projection 43 to the guide surface 54 can be adjusted arbitrarily, and is particularly suitable when a large urging force is required. It is. Further, the elastic body of the present invention is not limited to a spring.
[0041]
Further, the rotating member 40 is hollow, and a wiring member such as a power supply line or a signal line for connecting electronic components disposed inside the first housing 1 and the inside of the second housing 2 is passed through the hollow portion. With this configuration, it is possible to reliably transmit a signal or power from the second housing 2 to one of the housings 1 by using a wiring material such as a signal line without providing a contact on the rotating portion. . In addition, although the example in which the inclined portion 7 is provided on the first housing 1 side is shown, the inclined portion may be provided only on the second housing 2 side, and FIG. As described above, both housings 1 and 2 may be provided with inclined portions. Further, the housings 1 and 2 are not provided with an inclined portion, and the distance between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is set to a certain distance in the closed state, so that the housing 1 is opened. The two housings 1 and 2 can be prevented from interfering with each other. In this case, by increasing the distance between the two housings 1 and 2, it is possible to increase the angle between the two housings 1 and 2 in the open state.
[0042]
In addition, the rotation mechanism 20 is provided with a positioning mechanism at each of a position where at least the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped and a position where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are turned by about 180 degrees from the position. By providing the stop mechanism, even if the first housing 1 or the second housing 2 is rotated, the rotation can be reliably stopped between the closed position and the open position.
[0043]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be illustratively described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to them unless otherwise specified, and are merely mere descriptions. This is just an example. Further, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment denote the same members.
[0044]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the portable terminal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a connection state between respective housings of the portable terminal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12B is a view as seen from the first housing side, FIG. 12B is a view as seen from the second housing side, FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the connecting portion in the second embodiment, FIG. B) is a view seen from below, FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the rotation lock mechanism of the second embodiment, (A) is a locked state, (B) is a unlocked state, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a lock mechanism in which the one housing 1 and the other housing 2 in the second embodiment are not allowed to swing unless they are swung by a predetermined amount, that is, forcedly separated in a state where they are closed. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing a state where both housings are closed, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a state where both housings are forcibly separated.
[0045]
In the figure, 1 is a first housing, 2 is a second housing, 7 is an inclined portion provided on the first housing 1, 130 is a rotating mechanism, 140 is fixed to a rotating member 141, A rotating shaft fixing member fixed to the first housing 1 with a screw or the like passing through a hole 149, and 142 has a protrusion 144 for a positioning locking mechanism at the tip of an arm 143 formed of an elastic member or the like. In addition, a rotation axis tilt holding member 146 that enables the rotation member 141 to be rotatable and holds the rotation member 141 so that the rotation member 141 can be swung or tilted by the up-and-down shaft 145 is provided with holes 150 and 151 through the second housing 2. , And the protrusion 144 of the click mechanism is opened (in a state where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are tilted as shown in FIG. 7C) and closed (in FIG. 7C). A concave portion 147 for positioning at a position corresponding to the state shown in FIG. A rotation shaft holding member 152, which is a swing member having a bearing portion for receiving the down shaft 145, is constituted by an elastic member or the like, and is fixed to the rotation member 141. The rotation member 141 is a rotation shaft tilt holding member. Click on a protrusion 148 for preventing the slide member 142 from falling out and locking the rotation of the rotating member 141, and a concave portion (not shown) provided at a position corresponding to the open state and the closed state of both housings 1 and 2. It is a spring plate having click projections 153 and 154 for positioning.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 10, the portable terminal device according to the second embodiment changes from a closed state (A) in which the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped with each other to FIG. As shown in (1), the first housing 1 is pulled up in the direction of arrow 9 and is forcibly separated by a predetermined angle of the inclined portion 7 provided on the second housing 2 side of the first housing 1. Thereafter, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are relatively rotated by approximately 180 degrees as shown by an arrow 8 to bring them into an open state as shown in FIG. Therefore, for example, even if the display unit is provided on the first housing 1 and the operation keys are provided on the second housing 2, the display unit on the second housing 2 is rotated with the rotation of the first housing 1. Since the operation keys are not rubbed, and the first housing 1 is tilted by the predetermined angle θ with respect to the second housing 2, the display unit is tilted toward the user and the input is performed. When a microphone and a speaker are provided, the microphone and the speaker can be brought close to the mouth and the ear, and the usability can be improved.
[0047]
In the rotating mechanism 130 shown in FIG. 12, the first housing 1 side is fixed with a screw or the like in which the rotating shaft fixing member 140 passes through the hole 149 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11B, the side of the second housing 2 is fixed to the second housing 2 by holes 150 and 151 of fixing arms provided in a part of the rotation shaft holding member 146. . 12A as viewed from the end of the second housing 2 to which the turning mechanism 130 is fixed, or FIG. 13 as viewed from the operation surface side of the second housing 2. As shown in (A), when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped (in a closed state), the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are provided at the tip of the arm 143 of the rotation axis tilt holding member 142. The protrusion 144 fits into the lower recess 147 of the two recesses 147 shown in FIG. 12A, that is, the protrusion 144 provided at the tip of the arm 143 shown on the right side in FIG. 12B. The rotation member 141 is positioned at the position, and is inclined toward the surface of the second housing 2 facing the first housing 1 as is clear from FIG.
[0048]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14A, the projection 148 provided on the spring plate 152 fixed to the rotating member 141 fits into the hole 161 provided on the second housing 2 side, and the rotating member 141 The rotation of is locked. Further, the projection 153 provided on the spring plate 152 fits into the positioning concave portion (the portion hidden by the projection 153 in FIG. 12B) provided on the rotation axis tilt holding member 142, and the projection 148 described above. When the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped (closed state), the first housing 1 is pushed by something and moves in a state where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped. Preventing it from getting lost.
[0049]
Then, as shown in FIG. 10 (B), when the first housing 1 is pulled up in the direction of arrow 9 as shown in FIG. 10 (B), first, the spring fixed to the rotating member 141 as shown in FIG. 14 (B). The projection 148 provided on the plate 152 comes out of the hole 161 for receiving the projection 148 provided on the second housing 2 side, and the projection 144 provided on the tip of the arm 143 in FIG. 12B, the projection 144 provided at the tip of the arm 143 in FIG. 12B is replaced with the upper positioning recess 147 shown in FIG. 12B. It fits into 141. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13B, the rotating member 141 is in a substantially upright posture with respect to the second housing 2, and the first housing 1 to which the rotating shaft fixing member 140 is fixed is As shown in FIG. 10B, the first housing 1 and the second housing 1 are opened by a predetermined angle θ of the inclined portion 7 provided on the second housing 2 side. 2 are forcibly separated.
[0050]
Then, when the first housing 1 is rotated to the open state as shown in FIG. 10C, the projection 153 provided on the spring plate 152 holds the rotation shaft tilting similarly to the case of the closed state. It fits into a positioning recess (not shown) provided in the member 142 and is positioned. In this state, as shown in FIG. 10C, the first housing 1 has a predetermined angle θ substantially equal to the angle of the inclined portion 7 provided on the second housing 2 side of the first housing 1. Has become. Therefore, as described above, even when the display unit and the speaker are provided on the first housing 1 and the operation keys and the microphone are provided on the second housing 2, even when the first housing 1 is rotated, The display is tilted toward the user without rubbing the operation keys of the second housing 2 so that input is very easy and the speaker and microphone are very close to the ear and mouth, respectively. It will be easier.
[0051]
In the closed state of FIG. 14A, the projection 148 provided on the spring plate 142 below the rotating member 141 fits into the hole 161 provided on the second housing 2 side. I have. The hole 161 may be provided in the chassis on the second housing 2 side, or may be provided in the rotation shaft holding member 146 serving as a swing member. Further, instead of the hole 161, a protruding restricting member that prevents the rotation of the protrusion 148 may be provided.
[0052]
As is clear from FIG. 14B, when the two housings 1 and 2 swing by a predetermined amount and are forcibly separated, the protrusion 148 comes out of the hole 161 and the rotating member 141 can freely rotate. become able to. In addition, one or both of the elastic members 160 and 162, which are not provided in FIGS. 12 and 13 of the second embodiment, may be arranged as shown in FIG. The elastic members 160 and 162 may be made of any elastic body such as a coil spring or a leaf spring, and can always apply a biasing force in the same direction so that both the housings 1 and 2 are closed.
[0053]
In the above description, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are set to have a predetermined angle when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are forcedly separated from each other. The first housing 2 and the second housing 2 may be separated in parallel. This case can be easily realized by providing a mechanism that allows the rotating member 141 to expand and contract or move up and down in the direction of the rotating axis. At this time, it is preferable to apply a force in a direction in which the first housing 1 is pressed against the second housing 2 by an elastic member such as a spring.
[0054]
As described variously, according to the second embodiment, the ends of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected by the connecting portion including the rotating mechanism 130 and the like, and the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are connected to each other. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are configured to be rotatable in such a manner that predetermined surfaces of the housing 1 and the second housing 2 are oriented in the same direction, and the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are forcibly separated from each other by a connecting portion. Means for rotating the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 after the forced separation, and forcibly holding the second housing 2 and the first housing 1 at the start of rotation. The configuration is such that the operation keys are rubbed against the rotating housing during rotation, and the contents displayed on the display unit can be always viewed, which is very convenient to use. A good portable terminal device can be provided.
[0055]
A member 142 of the rotating mechanism 130 for rotatably holding a rotating member 141 on a bearing is a second housing in a state where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped. 2 has a projection 148 to be inserted into a projection receiving portion, and locks the rotation of the rotating member 141 in a state where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped, The first housing 1 can be rotated by releasing the rotation lock by the forced separation of the first housing 1 with respect to the second housing 2, so that the first housing 1 can be reliably rotated with a very simple mechanism. The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 can be inadvertently opened and the operation keys depressed even when stored in a handbag or a backpack. It is possible to prevent a malfunction caused by the failure.
[0056]
The positioning means for defining the tilt or swing angle of the rotating member 141 is formed of an elastic body provided on the bearing 142 and having a projection for engaging a positioning hole 147 provided on the bearing holding member 146. By using the arm portion 143 described above, when the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are forcibly separated from each other, a predetermined angle can be reliably provided with a very simple configuration.
[0057]
Further, the rotating member 141 is hollow, and a power supply line and a signal line connecting between electronic components respectively disposed inside the first housing 1 and inside the second housing 2 can be passed therethrough. Thus, a signal or power can be reliably transmitted from the second housing to the first housing by a harness such as a signal line, a wire, or the like without providing a contact to the rotating mechanism 130.
[0058]
In addition, the rotation mechanism 130 is positioned and locked at at least a position where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are overlapped and a position where the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are rotated by approximately 180 degrees from the positions. By providing the mechanism, even if the first housing 1 or the second housing 2 is rotated, the rotation can be reliably stopped at the open position and the closed position.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the portable terminal device can be downsized because it has the connecting portion that can perform both the rotation and the swinging operation of the two housings. In addition, when the housings constituting the portable terminal device are opened from the overlapped state, the surface of the housing and the operation unit are not rubbed, so that the appearance design is not spoiled. Furthermore, if the display unit is oriented in substantially the same direction as the operation unit, information on the display unit can be viewed even when the portable terminal device is closed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing a mobile phone as an example of a mobile terminal device according to the present invention. FIG. 1 (A) is a plan view showing a closed state, and FIG. 1 (B) is a plan view showing an open state. FIG.
FIGS. 2A to 2D are perspective views for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram for explaining a mechanism of the first embodiment of the portable terminal device according to the present invention.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are exploded views of the first embodiment of the portable terminal device of the present invention, wherein FIG. 4A is a diagram viewed from above, and FIG.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of the first embodiment of the portable terminal device of the present invention, wherein FIG. 5A shows a state in which a first housing and a second housing are overlapped with each other, and FIG. And the second housing are rotated substantially 180 degrees with each other.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing another example of the bracket and the spring according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a change in a swing (tilt) angle associated with a rotation operation of a first housing 1 and a second housing 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a modified example thereof. It is a graph for doing.
FIGS. 8A and 8B show a state in which the projection 43 of the lever 42 is attached to the sleeve 44 at the initial rotation of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which the guide surface 45a moves from a concave portion 46 provided at a position of an end of a guide surface 45a.
FIGS. 9A and 9B show a state in which the projection 43 of the lever 42 is attached to the sleeve 44 at the initial stage of rotation of the first housing and the second housing in the modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the guide surface 45 moves from a concave portion 46 provided to the position of an end of a guide surface 45.
FIGS. 10A to 10C are perspective views for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are perspective views showing a connection state between respective housings of the mobile terminal device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 11A is a view from the first housing side, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a view as seen from the side of a second housing.
FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of a connecting portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 12A is a view from above and FIG. 12B is a view from below.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views illustrating a rotation lock mechanism according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 13A is a view when locked and FIG. 13B is a view when unlocked.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a lock mechanism in a state where a first housing 1 and a second housing 2 are closed according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a conventional portable terminal opening / closing mechanism.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 First housing
2 Second housing
3 Connecting part
11, 12 speakers
13 Display
14 microphone
15 Operation unit
16 Antenna
10 Mobile terminal device
20 Rotating mechanism
21 Bracket
22 Bearing hole of undulating shaft
30 spring
31 Hole for providing rotation mechanism
40 Rotating member
41 Undulating axis
43 Projection
44 sleeve
45 Guide surface
46 recess

Claims

A first housing having at least a display portion and a second housing having at least an operation portion, wherein the operation portion of the second housing is overlapped so as to be covered by the first housing; In this state, the first housing and the second housing are connected to each other so as to be rotatable about a first axis extending in a direction penetrating both the housings and the second housing is rotated around a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. A portable terminal device that connects the two housings via a connecting portion configured to be swingable with respect to the housing,
The connecting portion,
A base member having a mounting hole fixed to the other housing;
A rotating member having one end fitted into the mounting hole of the base member and rotatably mounted around the first axis;
A swing member that is swingably attached to the rotating member with the second axis as a swing axis and is fixed to the one housing;
The base member includes a guide surface, the first housing side includes a protrusion that contacts the guide surface, and the swing member includes the second axis of the rotation member. A portable terminal device, comprising: an elastic member for urging a position opposite to the protrusion with the urging force of the elastic member pressing the protrusion against the guide surface.

The guide surface is a slope, and the swing member swings according to the slope of the slope by moving the protrusion along the slope with the rotation of the rotation member. 2. The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein an angle between the one housing and the other housing is gradually increased.

At least a part of the guide surface is an inclined surface, and the one housing is rotated around the first axis with respect to the other housing, and the protrusion is moved along the inclined surface. The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the one housing is configured to swing about the second axis with respect to the other housing.

The mobile terminal device according to claim 1, wherein when the two housings are overlapped with each other, a concave portion for housing the protrusion is provided in the base member.

The mobile terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the concave portion and the guide surface are smoothly connected by a curved surface.

6. The swing member according to claim 4, wherein the swing member swings by a predetermined angle when the protrusion moves from the recess to the guide surface with rotation of the rotation member. Mobile terminal device.

When the first housing is rotated approximately 180 degrees around the first axis with respect to the second housing from a state where the two housings are overlapped with each other, the first housing is 7. The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the portable terminal device is gradually inclined with respect to the second housing.

The elastic body is a substantially U-shaped wire material, and is a torsion spring having winding portions at both ends thereof.The winding portion of the torsion spring is attached to the swinging member, and the torsion spring is provided. The portable terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a position opposite to the protrusion is urged across a swing shaft of the rotating member at a U-shaped central portion. apparatus.

A plate spring having a projection is fixed to one end of the rotating member, and a depression into which the projection is fitted is provided in the base member when at least the two housings are overlapped with each other. The mobile terminal device according to claim 1.

10. The portable terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member is hollow, and a wiring member between the one housing and the other housing is arranged in the hollow portion.

The mobile terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the display unit of the first housing faces substantially the same direction as the operation unit of the second housing.