JP2005217817A - Portable telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable telephone for enabling a display unit to be visually recognized even in a folded state, for preventing the erroneous operation of a key operation section, miniaturizing a cellular phone, and for extending the lifetime of a battery. <P>SOLUTION: In portable telephone 100, an operation section side enclosure 104 where a display side enclosure 102 in which a display unit 108 is arranged, and an operation section 118 for inputting information are arranged, can be subjected to folding opening/closing with a hinge 106 as a center. The telephone comprises a display unit circuit connection section 116 for connecting a circuit group that the display unit side enclosure has to a control unit for collective control, and an operation section side circuit connection section 122 for lumping together the connection terminal end of a circuit group that the operation section side enclosure has. In folding the telephone in a direction so that a surface is arranged outside on which the operation section is arranged, the connection between the display side circuit connector and the operation section side circuit connection section is broken. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a configuration of a mobile phone, and more particularly, to a configuration of a foldable mobile phone that includes a display unit side body and an operation unit side body and that can be folded and opened around a hinge.

  In recent mobile phones, the display unit side case and the operation unit side are required to provide a sense of security during telephone calls, market needs for large screen functions, prevention of misoperation of the key operation unit, and convenience of portability when folded. A foldable mobile phone that can be opened and closed by folding the display unit side case and the operation unit side case around the hinge, rather than an integrated phone that is configured by integrating the case into a substantially straight line. Obtaining high instructions, it is continuing to spread. However, in general, the display unit and the operation unit of the mobile phone are mounted so as to be on the same plane, and the display unit and the operation unit are folded inward so that the operation unit is prevented from being operated incorrectly. Thus, there is a problem that the display on the display unit cannot be seen when the cellular phone is folded.

  In order to solve the above problem, a configuration in which a second display unit is provided on the back surface of the display unit side housing on which the display unit is disposed has been developed. However, providing the second display portion separately requires extra labor and cost, and there is a possibility that miniaturization of the mobile phone, which will be increasingly needed in the future, may be hindered.

  For this reason, in order to make it possible to confirm the display content of the display unit even when the cellular phone is folded, the display unit side body can be folded in the longitudinal direction with respect to the operation unit side body. The display unit is displayed by the open / close detection means so that the display unit can be viewed from both the front and back sides by a foldable mobile phone (see, for example, Patent Document 1) whose display unit can be rearranged on the front side. A mobile phone (for example, see Patent Document 2) that can switch the direction between the front and the back is disclosed.

JP 2002-118633 A JP 2001-257754 A

  However, the mobile phones disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 can visually recognize the display unit even when the mobile phone is folded, and it is necessary to provide a separate second display unit in the display unit side housing. Although it disappears, there are many problems of disconnection of the flexible substrate passing through the hinge part connecting the two housings due to the stress of the opening / closing operation of the mobile phone, and there is still a possibility of quality deterioration of the product. In particular, the hinge part of the mobile phone disclosed in Patent Document 2 requires a hinge shape with a diameter of 8 to 10 mm for passing a flexible substrate, and requires glass plates on both the front and back sides of the display unit side body. In addition, it is a configuration that must include an open / close detection means, which increases the number of parts and prevents downsizing of the mobile phone.

  Further, in recent cellular phones, in addition to the original telephone communication function, a mail function, a melody performance function, and recently functions of portable electronic devices such as a camera and a TV tuner are added one after another. The mobile phone disclosed in Patent Document 2 is concerned that standby current is consumed even when these additional functions are not used, which may shorten the battery life.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of conventional mobile phones, and an object of the present invention is to visually recognize the display unit even in a folded state and to prevent erroneous operation of the key operation unit. The present invention also provides a new and improved mobile phone capable of downsizing a mobile phone and extending battery life.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, according to an aspect of the present invention, a display unit side housing in which a display unit is disposed and an operation unit side housing in which an operation unit for inputting information is disposed include a hinge unit. In a mobile phone having a structure that can be folded and opened at the center, a display unit side circuit connection unit that is connected to a control unit that collectively controls a circuit group included in the display unit side unit, and an operation unit side unit are provided. An operation unit side circuit connection unit that collectively collects connection end portions of the circuit group, and when the display unit side circuit is to be folded in a direction in which the surface on which the operation unit is disposed is arranged outside. A mobile phone is provided in which the connection between the connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit is cut off.

  At this time, the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit may be a connection unit that is electrically and mechanically connected. The display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit include a connection unit that electrically connects the display unit side case and the operation unit side case, the display unit side case, and the operation unit side case. It is good also as providing the connection part which connects the connection part with these mechanically. Further, when the mobile phone is opened, the display unit and the operation unit are preferably arranged on the same surface, and when the mobile phone is closed, the display unit and the operation unit are preferably arranged on the outer surface, A power supply source is provided in one of the display unit side casing and the operation unit side casing, the other casing is not provided with a power supply source, and is provided on the other casing side without a power supply source. The circuit group may be connected to the power supply source when the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit are connected by opening the mobile phone.

  With this configuration, the display unit side case and the operation unit case are electrically connected when opened, and are electrically disconnected when closed. For this reason, even if the display unit and the operation unit are arranged outside when they are closed, the key operation unit disposed in the operation unit is prevented from being erroneously operated. Therefore, the rear side display mounted on the conventional folding cellular phone is installed. The display portion can be visually recognized without providing a separate portion. Further, when closed, power supply to the operation unit housing is also cut off, so that standby current consumption is suppressed and battery life can be extended.

  In addition, as an electrical connection medium between the display unit side housing and the operation unit side housing, a flexible printed circuit board is used to connect the display unit side connection unit and the operation unit side connection unit by contact parts with concave and convex shapes or metal terminal contact. Since it can be configured without using it, the problem of disconnection of the flexible substrate of the hinge portion connecting the two housings is solved, so that the quality of the product can be prevented from deteriorating. Furthermore, the hinge part is configured only as the rotation axis of the display unit side case and the operation unit side case, and the electrical connection between the display unit side case and the operation unit side case is an uneven connection part or a metal terminal. Therefore, unlike the conventional folding cellular phone, it is not necessary to construct a flexible substrate through the hinge portion, so that the cellular phone can be reduced in thickness and size.

  At this time, the display unit side body is further provided with a second operation unit controlled by the control unit, and the operation unit side body has an invalid circuit that disables the second operation unit. Further, when the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit are connected, the control unit and the operation unit disposed in the operation unit side casing are connected, and at the same time, the second operation And the invalid circuit may be connected.

  By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation of the key operation unit disposed in the operation unit in a state in which the cellular phone is folded, and in addition, only the single unit of the display unit side body in a state in which the cellular phone is folded. Thus, telephone communication and easy key input operation by the second operation unit are possible.

  The display unit side body further includes a first additional function circuit that is not controlled by the control unit, and the operation unit side body includes a display unit side circuit connection unit and an operation unit side circuit connection unit. When connected, an effective circuit that enables the use of the first additional function circuit may be provided, and the operation unit side body further includes a second additional function circuit that is not controlled by the control unit. It is also possible to provide an effective circuit that enables the use of the first and second additional function circuits when the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit are connected. At this time, the effective circuit is provided in the display unit side casing so as to be connected to the operation unit side circuit connection unit, or provided in the operation unit side casing so as to be connected to the display unit side circuit connection unit. It is preferable that they are provided in both the display unit side body and the operation unit side body.

  By adopting such a configuration, for example, an additional function circuit such as a camera provided in the display unit side body cannot be used when the cellular phone is folded, and the power supply is separated from the circuit group that is always used for the cellular phone. Therefore, when the additional function circuit such as a camera is not used, no power is supplied to the additional function circuit, and an extra power consumption can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the present invention, erroneous operation of the key operation unit can be prevented even when the display unit is folded so that the back side of the display unit and the back side of the operation unit are aligned so that the display unit can be visually recognized. A mobile phone capable of downsizing the mobile phone and extending the battery life is provided. For this reason, it is not necessary to separately provide the second display unit in the display unit side body, and the display unit can be used as it is even when the display unit is folded. Is possible.

  In addition, since the problem of disconnection of the flexible substrate in the hinge portion connecting the two housings, which is a problem in the foldable mobile phone, is solved, it is possible to prevent the quality of the product from deteriorating. Further, by adopting a configuration in which a flexible substrate is not used for the connection portion between the display unit side body and the operation unit side body, the mobile phone can be miniaturized.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(First embodiment)
The configuration of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the mobile phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment.

  First, the external configuration of the mobile phone according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, in the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment, a display unit side body 102 and an operation unit side body 104 are rotatably coupled by a hinge unit 106 and are folded around the hinge unit 106. It can be opened and closed.

  The display unit side body 102 includes a display unit 108 that displays the state and functions of the mobile phone 100 with a liquid crystal or the like, a receiver unit 110 that outputs a voice of a communication partner, and a caller when there is a call to the mobile phone 100. A notification unit 112 that performs notification to the antenna, an antenna unit 114 that performs transmission and reception of radio waves during wireless communication, and a display unit side circuit connection unit 116 that performs mechanical and electrical connection with the operation unit side housing 104. However, the mobile phone 100 is mounted as a main circuit. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the display unit side body 102 includes a wireless unit that performs wireless communication of the mobile phone 100, a control unit that controls the mobile phone 100, and a secondary power source for the mobile phone 100. A memory for storing setting information and a telephone number of the battery and the mobile phone 100 is provided.

  As a device of the notification unit 112, a speaker for notification by sound, an LED for notification by light, a vibrator for notification by vibration, and the like are generally used, and notification by sound, notification by light, or It is also possible to perform notification by a combination of sound and light. In addition, by operating the notification unit 112 and the display unit 108 at the same time, the content of the notification can be notified to the carrier in detail.

  On the other hand, the operation unit side body 104 is mechanically connected to the operation unit 118 for performing various key input operations from the user to the mobile phone 100, the transmitter 120 for inputting voice, and the display unit side body 102. An operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 for performing electrical connection is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the operation unit 118 is configured with a button type switch, but may be configured with a touch panel type liquid crystal input device or the like.

  In the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment, the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104 are rotatably provided around the hinge unit 106, and the display unit side with respect to the surface on which the display unit 108 is provided. A direction in which the back side surface of the housing 102 and the back side surface of the operation unit side housing 104 are aligned with the surface on which the operation unit 118 is disposed, that is, the surface on which the operation unit 118 is disposed is arranged outward. The mobile phone 100 is folded. When the mobile phone 100 is used, the display unit 108 disposed in the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit 118 disposed in the operation unit side body 104 are on the same surface side. In other words, the mobile phone 100 is opened in the direction A shown in FIG.

  Therefore, when the mobile phone 100 is opened, the display unit 108 and the operation unit 118 can be visually operated on the same surface. When the mobile phone 100 is closed, the display unit 108 and the operation unit 118 are mutually connected. The display unit 108 and the operation unit 118 are configured to be visible from the outside when they are back to back and closed. Accordingly, since the display on the display unit 108 can be confirmed even when the cellular phone 100 is closed, the rear display unit serving as the second display unit is not necessary, and the display unit 108 is folded even when the cellular phone 100 is folded. Since it can be used, it is possible to reduce the cost by synergizing the effect of improving the visibility by taking a large screen and by eliminating the need for the second display unit such as an LCD. Furthermore, since the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment has the main circuit of the mobile phone function mounted on the display unit side body 102, the configuration of the operation unit side body 104 is required when the number of model variations is to be increased. By changing the design, it becomes possible to reduce the design cost and the development period.

  Further, the angle formed between the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104 when the mobile phone 100 is opened is the display unit side where the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104 abut. The contact surface 124, the operation unit side contact surface 126, and a vertical surface 128 with respect to the back side surface of the display unit 108 of the display unit side body 102 (in FIG. 1, the back side surface of the operation unit 118 of the operation unit side body 104. This also applies to the vertical plane with respect to). In other words, by changing the sum of the angle ∠R1 formed between the display unit side contact surface 124 and the vertical surface 128 and the angle ∠R2 formed between the operation unit side contact surface 126 and the vertical surface 128. The angle formed between the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104 when the cellular phone 100 is opened and used can be adjusted. For example, if ∠R1 + ∠R2 = 0 °, when the mobile phone 100 is used, the mobile phone 100 can be configured as a straight-type foldable mobile phone. By adjusting the angle of ∠R1 + ∠R2, The mobile phone 100 can be configured at an easy-to-use angle.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 are configured by components that can be connected (fitted) and separated from each other in a concave and convex type electrically and mechanically, One of the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 is configured as a concave portion, and the other is configured as a convex portion. Further, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 is constituted by, for example, a concave connection component, and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 is constituted by an extended end of a printed circuit board (not shown) of the electric circuit in the operation unit side case 104, and the display You may comprise so that it can connect (fitting) by inserting a printed board in the concave connection component of the part side circuit connection part 116. FIG. In other words, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 are characterized in that they are configured to be connected (fitted) and separated electrically and mechanically. Furthermore, the electrical connection does not have to be made of metal, and may be configured using an apparatus that communicates an electrical signal with light.

  As described above, the electrical connection between the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104 is made by the contact parts of the uneven shape provided on the display unit side connection unit 116 and the operation unit side connection unit 122 or the terminal contact by metal. Therefore, the mobile phone 100 can be configured without using a flexible substrate. For this reason, the problem of disconnection of the flexible substrate of the hinge portion connecting the two housings, which has been a problem in the conventional folding cellular phone, is solved, and thus the quality of the product can be prevented from deteriorating. In addition, the hinge unit 106 is configured only as a rotation shaft of the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104, and the electrical connection between the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104 is an uneven connection. Since it is performed with terminals made of parts or metal, there is no need to construct a flexible substrate in the hinge portion unlike a conventional folding cellular phone, and the cellular phone 100 can be made thinner and smaller.

  Next, a circuit configuration of the mobile phone in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment includes a display unit side body 102 and an operation unit side body 104.

  In the display unit side body 102, as described above, the display unit 108 that displays the state and functions of the mobile phone 100 with a liquid crystal or the like, the receiving unit 110 that outputs the voice of the communication partner, and a call to the mobile phone 100 were present. A notification unit 112 for reporting to the user, an antenna unit 114 for transmitting and receiving radio waves during wireless communication, a wireless unit 130 for performing wireless communication of the cellular phone 100, and a memory for storing setting information and a telephone number of the cellular phone 100 132 and a circuit group having various functions such as a secondary battery 134 serving as a power source of the mobile phone 100 are connected to a control unit 136 disposed in the display unit side body 102. The control unit 136 collectively controls the circuit group described above. The control unit 136 is connected to the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 for performing mechanical and electrical connection with the operation unit side body 104.

  On the other hand, as described above, the operation unit side body 104 has various functions such as an operation unit 118 for performing various key input operations from the user to the mobile phone 100 and a transmitter unit 120 for inputting voice. An operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 that collects connection end portions of the circuit groups is provided, and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 is mechanically and electrically connected to the display unit side housing 102 as described above. The

  Next, the operation of mobile phone 100 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main body showing an operation when the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment is used, and FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a state when the mobile phone 100 is opened for use. (B) is the perspective view which looked at the state when the mobile telephone 100 was closed from the display part 102 side, (c) looked at the state when the mobile telephone 100 was closed from the operation part 104 side. It is a perspective view.

  The mobile phone 100 includes a display unit side body 102 and an operation unit side body 104. The display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104 rotate in a direction about the hinge unit 106 as a central axis. That is, they are connected in a form that can be opened and closed in the direction of A shown in FIG. The display unit side body 102 includes a display unit side circuit connection unit 116 for performing mechanical and electrical circuit connection with the operation unit side body 104, and the operation unit side body 104 includes a display unit. The operation unit side circuit connection part 122 for performing mechanical and electrical circuit connection with the part side housing 102 is provided in the vicinity of the hinge part 106, respectively, and when the mobile phone 100 is opened, FIG. As shown to a), the display part side circuit connection part 116 and the operation part side circuit connection part 122 fit mechanically. At this time, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 are electrically connected to each other at the same time.

  When the mobile phone 100 is carried around, the mobile phone 100 is normally closed as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. When there is an incoming call to the mobile phone 100 via the antenna unit 114 and the radio unit 130, the control unit 136 notifies the mobile phone by the notification unit 112 and displays information on the display unit 108. The information displayed here may be, for example, the name, photo, picture, text message, etc. of the called party, and may be displayed without displaying on the display unit 108 in order to reduce current consumption and protect privacy. You may add the function to make a portable person choose whether or not.

  When displaying the name of the called party on the display unit 108, the control unit 136 detects the name of the called party from the memory 132 from the data information received by the antenna unit 114 and the radio unit 130 and displays the name on the display unit 108. I do. Thus, when the mobile phone recognizes the incoming call and makes a call with the other party, the mobile phone 100 in the closed state is shown in FIG. 3 as shown in FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c). Open as shown in (a).

  At this time, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 are mechanically fitted and electrically connected. 2 is connected to the control unit 107 through the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 and the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 so that power can be supplied and electric signals can be transmitted. Thus, the mobile phone 100 can be operated and used, and a call is made with the other party.

  At the end of the call, the opened mobile phone 100 is closed again, so that the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 are mechanically separated and electrically disconnected. At this time, since the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 and the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 shown in FIG. 2 are separated, the operation unit 118 and the transmission unit 120 are electrically disconnected from the control unit 107. For this reason, even if there is an input to the operation unit 118 and the transmission unit 120, power supply and electrical signal transmission cannot be performed. Therefore, the operation unit 118 has the front side with the cellular phone 100 closed. In addition, erroneous operation of the operation unit 118 can be prevented. In addition, since the problem of erroneous operation input or standby current consumption is eliminated, the battery life can be extended.

  As described above, the operation at the time of incoming call has been described. When the user wants to use, the cellular phone 100 is opened from the closed state, and the operation unit 118 is operated to make a telephone communication call. Similarly, when the cellular phone 100 is operated other than telephone communication, the cellular phone 100 is opened, and when not used, it is closed.

  As described above, the configuration and operation of the mobile phone 100 according to the present embodiment have been described in detail. In FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a circuit that operates when the mobile phone 100 mounted on the operation unit side body 104 is opened. Alternatively, the device need not be confined to a key input circuit / device such as the operation unit 118. For example, a camera, an infrared input / output circuit / device, a radio / TV tuner circuit / device, and an external memory may be mounted on the operation unit side body 104. When not in use, power is supplied by closing the mobile phone 100. If the circuit / device is stopped and the operation of the circuit / device is stopped and used, the mobile phone 100 may be opened to supply power or transmit the signal and operate the circuit / device. good.

  Note that the circuit connection portion between the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104 of the mobile phone 100 in this embodiment can be changed. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of a mobile phone 100 ′ that is a modification of the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A mobile phone 100 ′ according to the modification of the present embodiment has a circuit connection between the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104, compared to the configuration of the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The configuration of the parts is different. That is, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 disposed on the display unit side contact surface 124 of the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit disposed on the operation unit side contact surface 126 of the operation unit side housing 104. As shown in FIG. 4, the side circuit connection unit 122 includes circuit connection units 116 a and 122 a that electrically connect the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104, and the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit. Circuit connection portions 116b and 122b for mechanically connecting the connecting portion with the section side housing 104 are separately provided.

  The display unit side circuit connection unit 116 a is disposed on the display unit side contact surface 124 in the vicinity of the hinge unit 106 of the display unit side housing 102, and the operation unit side contact surface in the vicinity of the hinge unit 106 of the operation unit side housing 104. The operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a is electrically connected to the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a. Similarly, the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a is electrically connected to the display unit side circuit connection unit 116a. The connection is made. The display unit side circuit connection unit 116a and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a are each made of a metal made of a conductive material such as copper or nichrome, and when the cellular phone 100 ′ is closed, each circuit connection unit 116a. 122a are configured to contact each other. At this time, in order to reduce contact resistance at the time of contact, it is preferable to perform a gold plating process on metal surfaces that are in contact with each other. Furthermore, the electrical connection does not have to be made of metal, and may be configured using, for example, a device that communicates electrical signals with light.

  Further, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 b is disposed at the end of the display unit side contact surface 124 in the vicinity of the hinge unit 106 of the display unit side body 102, and in the vicinity of the hinge unit 106 of the operation unit side body 104. The operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b is mechanically connected to the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b disposed on the operation unit side contact surface 126. Similarly, the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b is connected to the display unit side circuit connection unit 116b. This is a mechanism connection.

  The display unit side circuit connection unit 116b and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b are configured by rugged parts that can be mechanically fitted and separated, respectively, and the display unit side circuit connection unit 116b, the operation unit side circuit One of the connecting portions 122b is configured as a concave portion and the other is configured as a convex portion. At this time, the configuration of the fitting portion between the display portion side circuit connection portion 116b and the operation portion side circuit connection portion 122b is such that the concave portion is a slit and the convex portion is a hook, and the angle of the mobile phone 100 ′ is fixed at the time of fitting. The display unit side circuit connection unit 116a and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a are reinforced so as not to be disconnected.

  The display unit side circuit connection unit 116b and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b may be configured by magnets. In that case, the hinges of the display unit side body 102 and the operation unit side body 104 so that one of the display unit side circuit connection unit 116b and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b is an N pole and the other is an S pole. By arranging on the contact surfaces 124 and 126 in the vicinity of the unit 106, the angle of the cellular phone body 100 'when the cellular phone 100' is opened is fixed, and the display unit side circuit connection unit 116a and the operation unit side circuit connection are fixed. The electrical connection of the part 122a can be reinforced so as not to be disconnected.

  That is, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116a and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a are electrically connected and separated, and the display unit side circuit connection unit 116b and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b are mechanically connected. The configuration is characterized by being configured to be fitted and separated. Since the configuration other than the circuit connection portions 116a, 116b, 122a, and 122b is the same as that of the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, description of other components is omitted. To do.

  Next, the operation of the mobile phone 100 ′ according to the modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 2. The display unit side body 102 is provided with a mechanical case connection between the display unit side circuit connection unit 116 a for electrical circuit connection with the operation unit side unit 104 and the operation unit side unit 104. The display unit side circuit connection part 116b for performing is disposed on the display unit side contact surface 124 that the display unit side body 102 has on the hinge unit 106 side. In addition, the key operation unit side body 200 includes an operation unit side circuit connection unit 122 b for making an electrical circuit connection with the display unit side body 102 and a mechanical housing of the display unit side body 102. An operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b for performing body connection is disposed on the operation unit side contact surface 126 provided on the hinge unit 106 side of the operation unit side housing 104. With this configuration, when the cellular phone 100 ′ is opened, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116a and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a are electrically connected, and the display unit side circuit connection unit 116b and the operation unit are connected. The side circuit connection part 122b is mechanically fitted.

  When carrying the mobile phone 100 ', it is usually held in a closed state. When there is an incoming call to the mobile phone 100 ′ and the carrier recognizes the incoming call and makes a call with the other party, the mobile phone 100 ′ is opened. At this time, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116b and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b are mechanically fitted, and the display unit side circuit connection unit 116a and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a are electrically connected.

  The operation unit 118 and the transmission unit 120 are connected to the electric circuit in the display unit side body 102 through the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a and the display unit side circuit connection unit 116a, thereby supplying power and transmitting electric signals. Mobile phone 100 'can be operated and used, and a call can be made with the other party. At the end of the call, the display unit side circuit connection unit 116b and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122b are mechanically separated by closing the mobile phone 100 ′ again, and the display unit side circuit connection unit 116a and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 122a. Is electrically disconnected. At this time, the operation unit 118 and the transmission unit 120 are electrically disconnected from the electric circuit having each function disposed in the display unit side body 102. For this reason, even if there is an input to the operation unit 118 and the transmission unit 120, it is impossible to supply power and transmit an electric signal, so that problems such as erroneous operation input and standby current consumption are eliminated.

  As described above, the operation at the time of incoming call has been described. When the user wants to use it, the cellular phone 100 ′ is opened from the closed state and the key operation unit 203 is operated to make a telephone communication call. Similarly, in addition to telephone communication, the mobile phone body 100 'is opened when the mobile phone body 100' is operated, and the mobile phone body 100 'is closed when not used.

  The configuration and operation of the mobile phone 100 ′ in the modification of the present embodiment have been described in detail above. However, as with the mobile phone 100 in the first embodiment, when the mobile phone body 100 ′ is opened, the operation unit An operating circuit or device mounted on the side housing 104 does not have to be confined to a key input circuit / device such as the operation unit 118. For example, a camera, an infrared input / output circuit / device, a radio / TV tuner circuit / device, and an external memory may be provided in the operation unit side body 104. When not in use, power is supplied by closing the mobile phone 100 ′. In the case of using the circuit / device by shutting down the signal transmission and stopping the operation of the circuit / device, the mobile phone 100 ′ is opened to supply power and transmit the signal to operate the circuit / device. Also good.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the mobile phone 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of mobile phone 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment is different from the configuration of the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment in that the second operation is to operate the display unit 208 by key operation on the display unit side body 202. The operation unit 238 and the second transmitter 240 are added. The second operation unit 238 is arranged on the display unit side body 202 and performs a key input operation of the mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment, and performs a simple operation even when the mobile phone 200 is closed. It is provided for this purpose. The second transmitter 240 arranged in the display unit side body 202 is for performing voice input. Specifically, it is for performing operation of the display unit side body 202 such as confirmation of display and voice input even when the cellular phone body 200 is closed. Since the other components are the same as those of the cellular phone 100 in the first embodiment, the description regarding these components is omitted.

  Next, a circuit configuration provided in the mobile phone 200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit included in the mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment includes a display unit side body 202 and an operation unit side body 204, similarly to the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment. The mobile phone 200 according to the present embodiment is different from the mobile phone 100 according to the first embodiment in that the display unit side body 202 includes a second operation unit 238 and a second transmitter 240. However, an invalid circuit 242 is added to the operation unit side body 204.

  The second operation unit 238 and the second transmission unit 240 are both connected to the control unit 236. The control unit 236 can also control the mobile phone body 200 by a key operation input from the second operation unit 238. In addition, the control unit 236 controls an audio signal in response to an input from the second transmitter unit 240 when the mobile phone body 200 performs telephone communication. Therefore, even when the cellular phone 200 is closed, telephone communication and key operation input can be performed. The operation unit side body 204 is provided with an invalid circuit 242 that invalidates the operation of the connected circuit and function. The invalid circuit 242 is connected to the operation unit side connection unit 222.

  With this configuration, when the mobile phone body 200 is opened, the second operation unit 238 and the second transmitter unit 240 are connected to the invalid circuit 242 connected to the operation unit side connection unit 222. Therefore, the operation of the second operation unit 238 and the second transmitter 240 can be stopped. Note that the configuration other than the second operation unit 238 and the second transmission unit 240 provided in the display unit side body 202 and the invalid circuit 242 provided in the operation unit side case 204 is the first configuration. Since it is the same as that of the mobile phone 100 in the embodiment, description of other components is omitted.

  Next, the operation of mobile phone 200 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile phone 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the second operation unit 238 and the second transmission unit 240 are connected to the control unit 236 and the display unit side connection unit 216, respectively, and when the cellular phone 200 is opened, It is configured to be connected to the invalid circuit 242 through the operation unit side connection unit 232.

  When carrying the mobile phone 200, the mobile phone 200 is usually held in a closed state. When there is an incoming call to the mobile phone 200 and the carrier recognizes the incoming call, the carrier uses the second operation unit 238 installed in the display unit side body 202 and is displayed on the display unit 208. It is possible to check the details of the information, stop the notification operation of the notification unit 212, perform key operations to respond to incoming calls, and perform simple operations on the display unit side body 202 alone. Become. When a call is made with the called party, telephone communication can be performed using the second transmitter 240 mounted on the display unit side body 202.

  At this time, the mobile phone 200 can be opened and operated. As shown in FIG. 7, when the mobile phone 200 is opened, the second operation unit 238 and the second operation unit 238 of the display unit side body 202 are opened. The transmitter section 240 is connected to an invalid circuit 242 provided in the operation section side housing 204, and the operations of the second operation section 238 and the second transmitter section 240 become invalid, and at the same time, the operation section side casing. The operation unit 218 and the transmission unit 220 mounted on the body 204 are connected to the control unit 236 mounted on the display unit side body 202 through the operation unit side circuit connection unit 222 and the display unit side circuit connection unit 216. Power supply and electric signal transmission can be performed, and the mobile phone body 200 can be operated and used, and a call can be made with the called party.

  At the end of the call, the mobile phone body 200 is closed again, so that the display unit side circuit connection unit 216 and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 222 are mechanically and electrically separated and disconnected. At this time, the operation unit 218 and the transmission unit 220 are electrically disconnected from the electric circuit in the display unit side body 202. For this reason, even if there is an input to the operation unit 218 and the transmission unit 220, it is impossible to supply power and transmit an electric signal, thereby eliminating problems such as erroneous operation input and standby current consumption.

  At the same time, the second operation unit 238 and the second transmission unit 240 provided in the display unit side body 202 are cut off from the invalid circuit 242 so that the second operation unit 238 and the second transmission unit 240 are disconnected. The operation of the unit 240 becomes effective, and the operation of the display unit side body 202 alone can be performed again.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, it is possible to perform telephone communication even when the cellular phone 200 is closed and perform simple key input operations and perform telephone communication even when the cellular phone 200 is open. This makes it possible to perform more complicated key input operations.

  That is, the same function and the same circuit as the operation of the mobile phone body 200 are mounted on the display unit side body 202 and the operation unit side body 204, and the mobile phone 200 is mounted on the display unit side body 202 when the mobile phone 200 is closed. The functions and circuits mounted on the display unit side body 202 are operated when the functions and circuits mounted on the operation unit side body 204 are operated, the functions and circuits mounted on the operation unit side body 204 are not operated, and the mobile phone 200 is opened. It is possible to operate the functions and circuits mounted on the operation unit side body 204.

  In the second embodiment, the second operation unit 238 and the second transmission unit 240 have been described as examples. However, when the cellular phone body 200 is closed, circuits and functions that can be used are If the mobile phone body 200 is configured to be disabled by opening the mobile phone body 200, the display unit side body 202 and the operation unit side body 204 may have the same functions and circuits as the operations provided in the mobile phone body 200. Alternatively, a function or a circuit other than the second operation unit 238 or the second transmitter 240 may be used. Note that the components other than the second operation unit 238, the second transmitter 240, and the invalidation circuit 242 have the same configuration and operation as the mobile phone 100 in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. To do.

  In this embodiment, for comparison with the first embodiment, the operation unit side connection unit 222 and the invalid circuit 242 are separately configured. However, the operation unit side connection unit 222 is provided with a GND terminal in advance. In addition, the terminal portion of the display unit side connection unit 216 is configured to be able to contact two or more terminals by increasing the width of one terminal, and the function of the invalid circuit 242 is built in the operation unit side connection unit 222. May be. Furthermore, the second embodiment may be configured in combination with the above-described modification of the first embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the configuration of the mobile phone 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a mobile phone 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a mobile phone 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit side housing in which a display unit 308 is provided, compared to the configuration of the mobile phone 100 of the first embodiment. A camera unit 338 is further provided in 302 for performing camera shooting. In FIG. 8, the camera unit 338 is disposed on the side surface of the display unit side body 302, but the position where the camera unit 338 is disposed is not limited to the side surface of the display unit side body 302. As long as it is mounted on the side housing 302, it may be anywhere regardless of the side. Since the other components are the same as those of the cellular phone 100 in the first embodiment, the description regarding these components is omitted.

  Next, a circuit configuration provided in the mobile phone 300 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the mobile phone 300 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the cellular phone 300 according to the present embodiment is further provided with a camera unit 338 in the display unit side body 302 with respect to the configuration of the first embodiment. The camera unit 338 is connected to the display unit side connection unit 316.

  The operation unit side body 304 is provided with an effective circuit 340 that enables the operation of circuits and functions. The effective circuit 340 is connected to the operation unit side connection unit 322. Since the camera unit 338 is connected to the display unit side connection unit 316 and the mobile phone body 300 is opened, the camera unit 338 is connected to the effective circuit 340 connected to the operation unit side connection unit 322. The power supply and operation of the camera unit 338 can be performed. That is, the camera unit 338 is an additional function circuit that is not controlled by the control unit 336 provided in the display unit side body 302, and the effective circuit 340 provided in the operation unit side body 304 is connected to the display unit side circuit connection unit 316 and the operation unit. By connecting the side circuit connection unit 322, the camera unit 338 which is an additional function circuit can be used. Note that the components other than the camera unit 338 and the effective circuit 340 have the same configuration and operation as those of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the mobile phone 300 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile phone 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the camera unit 338 is connected to the display unit side connection unit 316 so that when the mobile phone 300 is opened, the camera unit 338 is connected to the effective circuit 340 through the operation unit side connection unit 322. It is configured. As shown in FIG. 10, the effective circuit 340 includes a control unit 336 that communicates with the display unit side connection unit 316 installed in the display unit side body 302 and the display unit side body 302 in the operation unit side connection unit 322. The camera unit 338 is connected to the display unit side connection unit 316 installed in the camera.

  When carrying the mobile phone 300, the mobile phone 300 is normally held in a closed state. When the user wants to use the camera unit 338, the mobile phone body 300 is opened. As shown in FIG. 10, when the mobile phone 300 is opened, the camera unit 338 of the display unit side body 302 is connected to the effective circuit 340 of the operation unit side body 304 so that the camera unit 338 can operate. It is said. That is, when the mobile phone body 300 is opened, the control unit 336 and the camera unit 338 mounted on the display unit side body 302 side are passed through the display unit side connection unit 316 and the operation unit side connection unit 322 by the effective circuit 340. By being electrically connected, power can be supplied to the camera unit 338 and signal communication with the control unit 336 can be performed. Therefore, the control unit 336 can control the camera unit 338 to control the camera operation of the wearer.

  When the use of the camera unit 338 is stopped, the display unit side circuit connection unit 316 and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 322 are electrically disconnected by closing the mobile phone body 300 again. At this time, the camera unit 338 It is electrically disconnected from the control unit 336 of the display unit side body 302. For this reason, the power supply to the camera unit 338 and the transmission of electrical signals cannot be performed, so that problems such as malfunctions and standby current consumption are eliminated.

  That is, the camera unit 338 mounted on the display unit side body 302 is mounted on the display unit side body 302 when the cellular phone 300 is opened by the effective circuit 340 mounted on the operation unit side body 304. When the camera unit 338 is operated and the cellular phone 300 is closed, the camera unit 338 can be deactivated. This facilitates the power control of the additional function circuit, and increases the ease of design of the mobile phone 300 including the other additional function circuit.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the camera unit 338 has been described as an example of the additional function circuit. However, the additional function circuit may not be bound by the camera, and the display unit, the notification unit, the speaker, the infrared input / output It may be a circuit / device, a radio / TV tuner circuit / device, or an external memory. At this time, when not in use, the power supply and signal transmission are shut off by closing the cellular phone to stop the operation of the circuit / device, and when used, the cellular phone is opened to supply power and signal transmission. And the circuit / device may be operated. Thus, it is possible to reduce waste of current consumption by separating the power supply for the circuit that is always used and the circuit that is used when the operation is performed.

  In addition, when the second additional function circuit that is not controlled by the control unit 336 is further mounted on the operation unit side body 304 and the display unit side circuit connection unit 316 and the operation unit side circuit connection unit 322 are connected, both additions are made. An effective circuit 340 that enables the functional circuit may be provided. At this time, the effective circuit 340 is provided in the display unit side housing 302 so as to be connected to the operation unit side circuit connection unit 322 or is connected to the display unit side circuit connection unit 316. Or provided on both the display unit side body 302 and the operation unit side body 304.

  In the present embodiment, for comparison with the first embodiment, the operation unit side connection unit 322 and the effective circuit 340 are separately configured. However, the operation unit side connection unit 322 is provided with a short-circuit terminal in advance. The terminal portion of the display unit side connection unit 316 may be configured such that two or more terminals can be brought into contact with each other, and the function of the effective circuit 340 may be incorporated in the operation unit side connection unit 322. . Note that the other components are the same in configuration and operation as those of the mobile phone 100 in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Further, the third embodiment may be configured in combination with the above-described modification of the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to the example which concerns. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, in each of the embodiments of the present invention, description has been made mainly using a mobile phone as an example, but the mobile phone of the present invention performs key operations with a display unit of a portable personal computer, a PDA, a digital camera, or the like. Any electronic device may be used as long as it has an operation unit and the display unit and the operation unit are arranged in separate housings and are configured to be rotated and opened and closed by a hinge unit.

  The present invention can be applied to an electronic device in which a display unit side housing having a screen display unit and an operation unit side housing are connected by a hinge that can be rotated, and is particularly applicable to a foldable mobile phone. .

1 is an external perspective view of a mobile phone according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit included in the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. It is a main body perspective view which shows operation | movement when using the mobile telephone in the embodiment, (a) is a perspective view which shows a state when opening in order to use a mobile telephone, (b) It is the perspective view which looked at the state when a mobile telephone is closed from the display part side, (c) is the perspective view which looked at the state when a mobile telephone is closed from the operation part side. It is an external appearance perspective view of the modification of the mobile phone in the embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of the mobile telephone in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit included in the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. It is an external appearance perspective view of the mobile telephone in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit included in the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile phone according to the embodiment. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100, 100 ', 200, 300 Mobile phone (main unit)
102, 202, 302 Display unit side case 104, 204, 304 Operation unit side case 106 Hinge unit 108, 208, 308 Display unit 110 Receiver unit 112, 212 Notification unit 114 Antenna unit 116, 216, 316 Display unit side circuit Connection unit 118, 218, 318 Operation unit 120 Transmission unit 122, 222, 322 Operation unit side circuit connection unit 124 Display unit side contact surface 126 Operation unit side contact surface 128 Vertical surface 130 Radio unit 132 Memory 134 Secondary battery 136, 236, 336 Control unit 238 Second operation unit 240 Second transmission unit 242 Invalid circuit 338 Camera unit 340 Valid circuit

Claims (9)

In the mobile phone in which the display unit side housing in which the display unit is arranged and the operation unit side housing in which the operation unit for inputting information is arranged can be folded and opened around the hinge portion,
A display unit side circuit connection unit connected to a control unit that collectively controls a circuit group provided in the display unit side body;
An operation unit side circuit connection unit that collectively collects connection end portions of the circuit group provided in the operation unit side body;
The connection between the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit is cut off when the surface on which the operation unit is arranged is folded in a direction so as to be arranged outside. A mobile phone characterized by the above.   The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit are connection units that are electrically and mechanically connected.   The display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit include a connection unit that electrically connects the display unit side case and the operation unit side case, the display unit side case, and the operation. The mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising a connection portion that mechanically connects a connection portion with the portion side housing. The display unit side body is further provided with a second operation unit controlled by the control unit,
The operation unit side housing is further provided with an invalid circuit that disables the second operation unit,
When the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit are connected, the control unit and the operation unit disposed in the operation unit side casing are connected, and at the same time, the second The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein an operation unit and the invalid circuit are connected. The display unit side body is further provided with a first additional function circuit that is not controlled by the control unit,
The operation unit side body is provided with an effective circuit that enables the first additional function circuit when the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit are connected. The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the mobile phone is characterized in that The display unit side body is further provided with a first additional function circuit that is not controlled by the control unit,
The operation unit side body is further provided with a second additional function circuit that is not controlled by the control unit, and when the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit are connected, the first operation circuit is connected. 5. The mobile phone according to claim 1, further comprising an effective circuit that enables the use of the second additional function circuit.   The effective circuit is provided in the display unit side casing so as to be connected to the operation unit side circuit connection unit, or is provided in the operation unit side casing so as to be connected to the display unit side circuit connection unit. The mobile phone according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the mobile phone is provided in both the display unit side body and the operation unit side body.   When the mobile phone is opened, the display unit and the operation unit are arranged on the same surface, and when the mobile phone is closed, the display unit and the operation unit are arranged on the outer surface. The mobile phone according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that A power supply source is provided in one of the display unit side case and the operation unit side case, and the power supply source is not provided in the other case.
The circuit group provided on the other housing side not provided with the power supply source is configured such that when the display unit side circuit connection unit and the operation unit side circuit connection unit are connected by opening the mobile phone, the power supply source The mobile phone according to claim 1, wherein the mobile phone is connected to the mobile phone.

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