JP2008034946A - Folding portable telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a folding portable telephone in which the operating section can be operated easily while viewing a liquid crystal display even in the oblong state and the degree of freedom can be enhanced in the arrangement of a second display. <P>SOLUTION: A liquid crystal display 2 has a first display which is formed on the inside surface opposing the operating section, when the first case 3 and the second case 5 are folded. A support 9 has a mechanism for supporting the liquid crystal display 2 to be switched between longwise state and oblong state, and a second display 11 is formed on the outside surface opposite to the inside surface of the liquid crystal display 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a foldable mobile phone, and more particularly to a mobile phone that supports a liquid crystal display unit so as to be switchable between a vertically long state and a horizontally long state.

  In recent years, mobile phones have many functions such as not only a telephone call function but also an e-mail transmission / reception function, a digital camera function, a recording / playback function, a television reception function, and a schedule management function. On the other hand, the main function of a mobile phone is still a call function, and for its portability, downsizing and weight reduction are important in terms of merchantability. Emphasizing ease of use, mobile phones have a vertically long shape with a low width.

  There is also a trend to watch TV on the go using a foldable mobile phone. However, as described above, the liquid crystal display unit of a foldable mobile phone is generally in a vertically long state, and when the television is viewed in the vertically long state, the entire screen becomes small. For this reason, there is a conflicting demand between making the foldable mobile phone as small as possible and wanting to enlarge the screen of the television.

  If the mobile phone's liquid crystal display is fixed in portrait orientation, when displaying a landscape image, it must be displayed in a reduced size so as to enter a portrait screen, or the entire image must be viewed by a horizontal scroll operation. I had to.

  In addition, it is conceivable to rotate a horizontally long image by 90 degrees on a vertically long liquid crystal display unit and view the image. However, the liquid crystal display unit and the operation unit include a first housing and a second housing. In the case of a folding mobile phone that appears in the open state, the operation unit is also rotated 90 degrees, so the display shown on the operation keys is also rotated 90 degrees. Since the operation keys are arranged differently, there is a problem that the input operation becomes extremely difficult.

  Therefore, in order to solve this problem, for example, in the foldable mobile phone of Patent Document 1, the liquid crystal display unit can be switched from the vertically long state to the horizontally long state while the mobile phone itself is held vertically. It is supported by the case. In this foldable mobile phone, a support shaft is provided at the center of the liquid crystal display unit perpendicular to the liquid crystal display unit, and the liquid crystal display unit is rotated 90 degrees around the support shaft.

  Further, for example, the foldable mobile phone of Patent Document 2 includes a first casing provided with a liquid crystal display unit capable of displaying characters and images, and a second casing provided with a number of key input units. ing. Further, a connecting member that has one end hinged to the second housing so as to be foldable with the second housing and connects the other end so as to contact one region of the first housing; Rotating means is provided between one region of the housing and the other end of the connecting member, and rotates the first housing within a predetermined angle range along the contact surface with the connecting member. is doing. And when the 1st housing | casing rotates by a rotation means, it has a signal processing apparatus which performs the function to convert the image displayed on a liquid crystal display part. As a result, the position of the liquid crystal display unit is changed in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the size of the displayed image is also changed.

  Further, for example, the foldable mobile phone of Patent Document 3 has a support mechanism that supports the liquid crystal display unit to be slidable and rotatable on the first housing. In this foldable mobile phone, the liquid crystal display unit is slid up and down and then rotated around a support shaft provided at the center of the liquid crystal display unit.

By the way, it is generally known to provide a first display unit which is a liquid crystal display on the inner side surface of the liquid crystal display unit, and to provide a second display unit on the outer side surface of the liquid crystal display unit. The backlight unit of the first display unit is also used for the second display unit. By providing the second display unit, information such as the reception status and the current time can be visually recognized by the second display unit even in a standby state where the mobile phone is folded.
JP 2001-156893 A JP 2003-114670 A JP 2003-319043 A

  However, in the conventional foldable mobile phone, since the rotation mechanism is provided on the outer surface of the liquid crystal display unit, when the liquid crystal display unit is folded in a vertically long state, the second folding cell phone is placed in a region that does not overlap the rotation mechanism. There is a problem that two display units must be arranged, and the arrangement thereof is greatly limited.

  Further, it is necessary to arrange the second display unit so that the second display unit is not hidden by being overlapped with the rotation mechanism when the liquid crystal display unit is rotated in the horizontally long state. Furthermore, when the second display unit is formed so as to protrude from the outer surface of the liquid crystal display unit, the second display unit may collide with a rotation mechanism or the like and hinder the rotation of the liquid crystal display unit.

  As described above, in the foldable mobile phone in which the liquid crystal display unit is supported so as to be switched between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state with respect to the first housing, the second display unit is provided on the outer surface of the liquid crystal display unit. Then, there is a problem that a large restriction occurs in the arrangement.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to easily operate the operation unit while looking at the liquid crystal display unit even in the horizontally long state, and to provide flexibility in arrangement of the second display unit. It is in trying to raise.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a support mechanism that supports the liquid crystal display unit so that the liquid crystal display unit can be switched between a vertically long state and a horizontally long state is provided on the support unit, and the second display unit is provided on the outer surface of the support unit To form.

  Specifically, a foldable mobile phone according to the present invention includes a first casing having a liquid crystal display section and a support section that supports the liquid crystal display section, a second casing having an operation section on the surface, A hinge part that foldably connects the support part of the first casing and the second casing so as to be freely opened and closed, and the liquid crystal display unit includes the first casing, the second casing, A first display unit is formed on the inner surface facing the operation unit when the display unit is folded, and the support unit includes a support mechanism that supports the liquid crystal display unit so that the liquid crystal display unit can be switched between a vertically long state and a horizontally long state. And a second display portion is formed on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface of the liquid crystal display portion.

  According to the above configuration, the liquid crystal display unit is normally used in a vertically long state when the main function is used, for example, during a call or during mail transmission / reception. On the other hand, for example, when viewing digital terrestrial television broadcasts or when sending and receiving e-mails in English, make the liquid crystal display part in the landscape state and display a large image on the liquid crystal display part, which is the same as the familiar portrait state It is used while inputting keys on the operation unit in the operation key arrangement state. Thus, when the liquid crystal display unit is switched to the vertically long state or the horizontally long state, it is necessary for the user to switch the liquid crystal display unit supported by the support unit of the first casing. In the switching operation, the liquid crystal display unit is switched while being supported by the support mechanism.

  Further, since the second display portion is formed not on the liquid crystal display portion but on the back side surface of the support portion and disposed on the outermost side of the first housing, the liquid crystal display portion is switched between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state. However, the second display unit is visually recognized without being hidden by the support unit. That is, the degree of freedom of the arrangement and size of the second display unit is increased. In addition, since the second display unit is formed on the back side surface of the support unit, information such as a reception state is displayed from the second display unit in a state where the first casing and the second casing are folded. Can be visually recognized.

  The second display unit is preferably disposed between the support mechanism and the hinge unit.

  According to said structure, the area | region between a support mechanism and a hinge part is utilized effectively, and it becomes possible to arrange | position a 2nd display part to a support part, suppressing the enlargement of a support part. Further, it is preferable in that it does not hinder the operation of the support mechanism.

  The second display unit may be disposed around the support mechanism.

  According to said structure, the increase in the thickness of a support part by providing a 2nd display part is suppressed.

  The second display unit may be arranged to overlap the support mechanism.

  According to said structure, the increase in the external shape in the direction parallel to the back side surface of a support part by providing a 2nd display part is suppressed.

  The support mechanism guides and supports switching of the liquid crystal display unit between a vertically long state and a horizontally long state so that a lower corner portion of the liquid crystal display unit moves along the hinge portion when the liquid crystal display unit is switched. It is desirable to be configured as described above.

  According to the above configuration, when the user performs a switching operation on the liquid crystal display unit, the liquid crystal display unit is switched by the support mechanism while being guided and supported so that the lower end side corner portion moves along the hinge portion. For this reason, the liquid crystal display unit moves while maintaining a gap between the liquid crystal display unit and the liquid crystal display unit without having to round the lower end of the liquid crystal display unit along the radius around the support shaft as in the prior art. Does not interfere with the hinge portion or the bulging portion at the lower end of the first housing.

  The support mechanism is preferably constituted by a cam mechanism.

  According to said structure, a liquid crystal display part is guided by the cam mechanism of a simple structure so that a lower end side corner part may move along a hinge part reliably.

  It is desirable that the left and right center portions of the liquid crystal display portion in the vertically long state and the horizontally long state are respectively positioned substantially at the center in the left and right direction of the first housing.

  According to the above configuration, the support mechanism guides the liquid crystal display unit so that the lower end side corner when moving to the vertically long state or the horizontally long state moves along the hinge portion. There is no need to provide it in the center. For this reason, without lowering the upper end side of the liquid crystal display unit in the vertically long state, the liquid crystal display unit is positioned at the center in the left-right direction with respect to the first housing not only in the vertically long state but also in the horizontally long state. As a result, it is located at the center in the left-right direction with respect to the operation unit.

  The second display unit preferably has a liquid crystal display panel.

  According to said structure, information will be liquid-crystal-displayed on the 2nd display part, and will be visually recognized suitably.

  The second display unit may include an organic EL display panel.

  According to said structure, information is organic EL displayed on the 2nd display part, and is visually recognized suitably. Furthermore, since the organic EL emits light, a light source such as a backlight unit is not necessary. That is, an increase in the thickness of the support portion due to the provision of the second display portion is suppressed.

  According to the present invention, a support mechanism for supporting the liquid crystal display unit so that the liquid crystal display unit can be switched between the portrait state and the landscape state is provided on the support unit, and the second display unit is formed on the outer surface of the support unit. By switching the liquid crystal display unit between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state by the support mechanism, the operation unit can be easily operated with the same arrangement of operation keys as the familiar vertically long state while viewing the liquid crystal display unit even in the horizontally long state. In addition, information display such as a reception state can be visually recognized from the second display unit in a state where the first housing and the second housing are folded. Further, since the second display unit is formed not on the liquid crystal display unit but on the back surface of the support unit and disposed on the outermost side of the first housing, the liquid crystal display unit is switched between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state. In addition, the display of the second display unit can be visually recognized without being hidden by the support unit. As a result, the degree of freedom of arrangement and size of the second display unit can be increased.

  If the second display part is arranged between the support mechanism and the hinge part, the area between the support mechanism and the hinge part can be used effectively, and the support part can be enlarged without obstructing the operation of the support mechanism. The second display portion can be arranged on the support portion while suppressing the above.

  If the 2nd display part is arranged around a support mechanism, the increase in the thickness of the support part by providing the 2nd display part can be controlled.

  By disposing the second display unit so as to overlap the support mechanism, it is possible to suppress an increase in outer shape in a direction parallel to the back surface of the support unit by providing the second display unit.

  The support mechanism is configured to guide and support switching between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state of the liquid crystal display unit so that the lower end side corner portion of the liquid crystal display unit moves along the hinge portion when the liquid crystal display unit is switched. be able to. As a result, the liquid crystal display unit can be moved while maintaining a gap between the hinge unit and the lower end of the liquid crystal display unit does not have to be rounded along a radius centered on the support shaft as in the prior art. The liquid crystal display part can be prevented from interfering with the hinge part or the bulging part at the lower end of the first housing.

  If the support mechanism is constituted by a cam mechanism, the liquid crystal display unit can be surely guided so that the lower end corner moves along the hinge portion, and the liquid crystal display unit can be switched while preventing interference. .

  If the center part in the left and right direction in the vertically long state and the horizontally long state of the liquid crystal display part is positioned substantially in the center in the left and right direction of the first housing, the liquid crystal display can be enlarged not only in the vertically long state but also horizontally long. Even in the state, since the liquid crystal display unit can be positioned at the center in the left-right direction as a whole, a foldable mobile phone with good appearance, easy to see the liquid crystal screen and good operability can be obtained.

  If the second display unit is constituted by a liquid crystal display panel, information can be displayed on the liquid crystal on the second display unit.

  If the second display unit is composed of an organic EL display panel, information can be displayed on the organic EL display on the second display unit. Furthermore, since a light source such as a backlight unit is not necessary, an increase in the thickness of the support portion due to the provision of the second display portion can be suppressed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

Embodiment 1 of the Invention
1 to 8 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In each of the following embodiments, the left rear right front direction in FIG. 2 is referred to as “left / right direction”, and the up / down direction is referred to as “up / down direction”.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the foldable mobile phone according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a folded state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the foldable mobile phone with the liquid crystal display unit in the vertically long state in the opened state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the foldable mobile phone when the liquid crystal display unit is in the horizontally long state in the opened state. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the foldable mobile phone in the closed state and the liquid crystal display unit in the vertically long state.

  The foldable mobile phone 1 of the present embodiment includes a first casing 3 having a liquid crystal display section 2 and a support section 9 that supports the liquid crystal display section 2, and a second casing having an operation section 4 on the surface. And a hinge portion 6 that folds and connects the support portion 9 of the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 so as to be freely opened and closed. The first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are electrically connected to each other at the hinge portion 6 by connecting means (not shown). Thus, the foldable mobile phone 1 can be switched to the folded state shown in FIG. 1 or the opened state shown in FIG.

  The operation unit 4 of the second casing 5 is provided with a plurality of operation keys 7. The operation keys 7 include function keys 7a and input keys 7b. These operation keys 7 are arranged so that key input can be performed when the folding cellular phone 1 is held vertically, and a display is provided on the surface thereof. By operating this operation key 7, many functions of the foldable mobile phone 1 are utilized. The second housing 5 is provided with a microphone 20 for conversation.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the support portion 9 of the first housing 3 is a support mechanism that supports the liquid crystal display portion 2 having a substantially rectangular plate shape so as to be switchable between a vertically long state and a horizontally long state. The cam mechanism 10 is provided.

  Here, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the back cover. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the folding mobile phone 1 with the back cover removed. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line VII-VII of the support portion in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the second display unit in FIG. 6 is removed.

  The support part 9 has a support part main body 9a and a back cover 9b attached to the back side of the support part main body 9a. The support portion main body 9a is formed with the cam mechanism 10 and a pair of boss portions 9c into which shaft portions (not shown) of the hinge portion 6 are inserted on both sides of the base end portion.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the back cover 9b is formed in a substantially rectangular dish shape that covers the support portion main body 9a and the boss portion 9c, and is attached to the support portion main body 9a as shown in FIG. The back cover 9b is formed with a pair of boss cover 9d that covers the boss 9c, and protrudes toward the base end of the back cover 9b. As shown in FIG. 5, a predetermined interval is provided between the pair of boss cover 9d.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the support portion main body 9 a is assembled to the main body plate 19 formed with the boss portion 9 c and swingably attached to the hinge portion 6, and the back surface side of the main body plate 19. And a guide plate 16.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal display unit 2 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a lower end portion in a vertically long state is formed in a linear shape. The liquid crystal display unit 2 is a first display unit on the inner surface facing the operation unit 4 of the second casing 5 when the first casing 3 and the second casing 5 are folded. A rectangular liquid crystal display 2 a is formed so as to occupy most of the surface of the liquid crystal display unit 2. Further, a conversation speaker unit 8, a camera unit 23, and a strobe unit 24 are provided on the upper end side of the liquid crystal display unit 2 in the portrait state. In addition, each corner | angular part of the liquid crystal display part 2 is rounded off from a design or safety viewpoint including the lower end side corner part 2b.

  The liquid crystal display unit 2 and the operation unit 4 are configured to appear when the first housing 3 is opened from the folded state with respect to the second housing 5. Therefore, in this foldable mobile phone 1, regardless of whether the liquid crystal display unit 2 is in the vertically long state or the horizontally long state, the user operates the operation unit 4 in the same vertical state while looking at the liquid crystal display 2 a of the liquid crystal display unit 2. The key 7 can be operated.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the cam mechanism 10 includes a curved left and right guide groove 12 that is provided in the first housing 3 and extends in the left and right directions and is curved in a convex shape, and a first housing. A linear vertical guide groove 14 provided in the body 3 extending in the vertical direction, a first guide pin 13 provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal display unit 2 and slidably engaged with the horizontal guide groove 12, and a liquid crystal display And a second guide pin 15 provided on the back surface of the portion 2 and slidably engaged with the vertical guide groove 14.

  That is, the left-right guide groove 12 and the vertical guide groove 14 are formed in a metal guide plate 16 that constitutes a part of the support body 9a. The left-right direction guide groove 12 is configured by a curvilinear opening curved in a middle convex shape, and when the folding cellular phone 1 is viewed from the back side, the center portion is offset to the right side of the first housing 3. Are arranged. The vertical guide groove 14 is formed by a peripheral edge portion of a linear opening provided vertically above the uppermost portion of the middle convex shape of the horizontal guide groove 12. The guide plate 16 is disposed in the middle portion in the thickness direction of the first housing 3. The guide plate 16 is made of stainless steel sheet metal. As a result, the guide pins 13 and 15 can be smoothly moved in the guide grooves 12 and 14, and rusting can be prevented.

  On the other hand, a metal link plate 18 is mounted on the back surface of the liquid crystal display unit 2. Although not shown in detail, the first guide pin 13 is provided on one end side of the link plate 18 so as to extend vertically to the first housing 3 side. The second guide pin 15 is provided on the other end side of the link plate 18 so as to extend vertically to the first housing 3 side. The guide pins 13 and 15 are tapered so that the tips are inserted into the guide grooves 12 and 14, and the tips are caulked after being inserted into the guide grooves 12 and 14 in this state. Thus, the guide pins 13 and 15 are prevented from coming off from the guide grooves 12 and 14, and the liquid crystal display unit 2 is slidably engaged so as not to be detached from the first casing 3 (support unit 9). ing.

  Further, although not shown, a spring fixing pin (not shown) is provided on the guide plate 16 on the liquid crystal display unit 2 side so as to extend vertically to the liquid crystal display unit 2 side. A torsion coil spring (not shown) as an elastic member is fixed to the spring fixing pin. One end of the torsion coil spring is rotatably fitted to the first guide pin 13 and the other end is rotatably fitted to the spring fixing pin. Thus, the torsion coil spring urges the liquid crystal display unit 2 from changing from the vertically long state to the horizontally long state and urges the liquid crystal display unit 2 from changing from the vertically long state to the horizontally long state by its elastic force.

  Thus, the cam mechanism 10 switches between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state of the liquid crystal display unit 2 so that the lower end side corner portion 2b of the liquid crystal display unit 2 moves along the hinge portion 6 when the liquid crystal display unit 2 is switched. It is comprised so that it may guide and support. Furthermore, the center part in the left-right direction in the vertically long state and the horizontally long state of the liquid crystal display unit 2 is positioned substantially at the center in the left-right direction of the first housing 3.

  Further, the body plate 19 of the support body 9a is made of, for example, magnesium alloy having excellent strength, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, guide grooves 26 for guiding the plurality of electric cords 21 and 25 are formed. ing. The plurality of electric cords 21 and 25 include, for example, a first electric cord 21 and a second electric cord. One end of the first electric cord 21 is connected to the back surface of the liquid crystal display 2a, and the other end is connected to the connecting means of the hinge unit 6, whereby the liquid crystal display unit 2 and the first casing 3 (second casing) are connected. The body 5) is electrically connected. In each figure, only a part of a plurality of electric cords is shown for simplification.

  On the other hand, one end of the second electric cord 25 is connected to the back surface of the liquid crystal display 2 a, and the other end is connected to the second display unit 11 described later via the substrate 29. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the plurality of electric cords 21 and 25 are provided from the back so as not to hinder the movement of the cam mechanism 10 even when the liquid crystal display unit 2 is switched to the vertically long state or the horizontally long state. It is arranged so as to have a substantially inverted U shape when viewed.

  In the foldable mobile phone 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the second display unit 11 is provided on the support unit 9 and on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface of the liquid crystal display unit 2. Is formed. The second display unit 11 includes a liquid crystal display panel 27 mounted on the support body 9a and a back display window 28 formed on the back cover 9b. The second display unit 11 makes it possible to visually recognize information such as the reception status and the current time even in the standby state in which the foldable mobile phone 1 is folded.

  The second display portion 11 is disposed between the cam mechanism 10 and the hinge portion 6 in the support portion 9. That is, the substrate 29 is disposed in an empty space between the cam mechanism 10 and the hinge portion 6 on the proximal end side of the support body 9a, and the liquid crystal display panel 27 is attached to the substrate 29 via the backlight 30. Has been. The empty space is an area that does not hinder the operation of the cam mechanism 10 and the routing of the electric cords 21 and 25. Thus, the liquid crystal display panel 27 is disposed on the back side of the guide plate 16.

  Note that the liquid crystal display panel 27 can also be configured by a reflective liquid crystal display panel that reflects ambient light and performs reflective display. As a result, the backlight 30 can be omitted, so that the second display unit 11 can be thinned.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the rear display window 28 is disposed on the base end side of the rear cover 9b, and includes a rectangular display portion 28a and a frame portion 28b formed around the rectangular display portion 28a. The frame portion 28 b is formed so as to slightly protrude from the surface of the surrounding back cover 9 b, thereby covering the liquid crystal display panel 27. Thus, the second display unit 11 is configured such that the display on the liquid crystal display panel 27 is visually recognized through the display unit 28 a of the rear display window 28.

-Folding mobile phone operation-
Next, the operation of the folding mobile phone 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, when the foldable mobile phone 1 is not used or in a standby state, the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are closed and in a folded state.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when the first casing 3 and the second casing 5 are opened, the liquid crystal display 2a as the first display section and the operation section 4 appear. The liquid crystal display unit 2 is set to the vertically long state shown in FIG. 2 during normal calls or mail transmission / reception, and is used while inputting keys on the operation unit 4.

  On the other hand, when viewing a horizontally long image such as when viewing a digital terrestrial television broadcast or creating or reading a mail in English, as shown in FIG. 3, the user rotates the liquid crystal display unit 2 to change from a vertically long state to a horizontally long state. Switch.

  First, the user rotates the liquid crystal display unit 2 clockwise against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring as viewed from the surface, and moves the lower end corner portion 2b to a position substantially in the center in the left-right direction of the hinge portion 6. At this time, the second guide pin 15 located at the lower end of the vertical guide groove 14 as viewed from the back of the foldable mobile phone 1 moves to the upper end, and the first guide pin 13 located at the left end of the left-right direction guide groove 12 is moved. Move to the center.

  Next, when the maximum deflection angle of the torsion coil spring is exceeded, the liquid crystal display unit 2 is switched to the horizontally long state while being assisted by the biasing force. At this time, the second guide pin 15 located at the upper end of the vertical guide groove 14 as viewed from the back of the foldable mobile phone 1 moves to the lower end, and the first guide pin 13 located at the center of the left-right direction guide groove 12 is moved. Move to the right end.

  In this manner, the first guide pin 13 of the liquid crystal display unit 2 slides in the left-right direction guide groove 12 by the cam mechanism 10, and at the same time, the second guide pin 15 of the liquid crystal display unit 2 moves up and down. Slide inside.

  Even in the horizontally long state shown in FIG. 3, the central portion in the left-right direction of the liquid crystal display unit 2 is located substantially at the center in the left-right direction of the first housing 3. Then, a setting is made so that a horizontally long image is displayed large on the liquid crystal display 2a, and a user enters a quiz program from the TV while inputting keys on the operation unit 4, or uses TV shopping or bank transfer through the TV. .

  Further, after use, contrary to the above, the lower end corner 2b on the right side of the liquid crystal display unit 2 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the surface so as to resist the urging force of the torsion coil spring, and twisted. When the coil spring exceeds the maximum deflection angle, the liquid crystal display unit 2 returns to the vertically long state while being assisted by the biasing force.

  Then, the first casing 3 and the second casing 5 are folded into a standby state. In the standby state, the second display unit 11 visually recognizes information such as the reception status and the current time.

-Effect of the embodiment-
Therefore, according to the first embodiment, first, the support unit 9 is provided with the cam mechanism 10 that supports the liquid crystal display unit 2 so as to be able to switch between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state. Since the display unit 11 is formed, the cam mechanism 10 switches the liquid crystal display unit 2 between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state. The operation unit can be easily operated. In addition, in the state where the first housing 3 and the second housing 5 are folded, the information display such as the reception state can be visually recognized from the second display unit 11. Further, since the second display unit 11 is formed not on the liquid crystal display unit 2 but on the back surface of the support unit 9 and arranged on the outermost side of the first housing 3, the liquid crystal display unit 2 is placed in a vertically long state and a horizontally long state. Even if the switching operation is performed, the display on the second display unit 11 can be visually recognized without being hidden by the support unit 9. As a result, the degree of freedom of arrangement and size of the second display unit 11 can be increased.

  That is, assuming that the second display unit is provided in the liquid crystal display unit 2 as in the prior art, the second display unit is arranged so as to be exposed and visible from the support unit 9 in the vertically long state of the liquid crystal display unit 2. However, when the operation is switched to the horizontally long state, the second display unit of the liquid crystal display unit 2 may be hidden behind the support unit 9 and may not be visible. On the other hand, in the first embodiment, since the second display unit 11 is arranged on the support unit 9 which is the outermost side of the first housing 3, such a problem does not occur, and the switching operation of the liquid crystal display unit 2 is performed. Regardless of the case, the second display unit 11 can always be visually recognized.

  Further, since the second display unit 11 is arranged between the cam mechanism 10 and the hinge unit 6 that were originally vacant spaces in the mechanism, the region between the cam mechanism 10 and the hinge unit 6 is reduced. The second display unit 11 is arranged on the support unit 9 while suppressing the increase in the size of the support unit 9, that is, the size of the folding mobile phone 1 without being an obstacle to the operation of the cam mechanism 10. be able to.

  Further, the cam mechanism 10 is switched between the vertically long state and the horizontally long state of the liquid crystal display unit 2 so that the lower end side corner portion 2b of the liquid crystal display unit 2 moves along the hinge portion 6 when the liquid crystal display unit 2 is switched. It can comprise so that it may guide and support. As a result, the liquid crystal display unit 2 can be moved while maintaining a gap between the hinge unit 6 and the lower end of the liquid crystal display unit 2 is rounded along a radius centered on the support shaft as in the prior art. Even without this, the liquid crystal display unit 2 can be prevented from interfering with the hinge unit 6 or the bulging portion at the lower end of the first housing 3.

  Furthermore, since the support mechanism is constituted by the cam mechanism 10, the liquid crystal display unit 2 is reliably guided so that the lower end side corner portion 2b moves along the hinge unit 6 to prevent interference while preventing the liquid crystal display unit. 2 can be switched.

  Furthermore, since the center part in the left-right direction in the vertically long state and the horizontally long state of the liquid crystal display unit 2 is positioned substantially in the center in the left-right direction of the first housing 3, the liquid crystal display is enlarged as much as possible while being in the vertically long state. Not only in the horizontally long state, the liquid crystal display unit 2 can be positioned at the central portion in the left-right direction, so that a foldable mobile phone with good appearance, easy to see the liquid crystal screen and good operability can be obtained.

  In addition, since the second display unit 11 is configured to include the liquid crystal display panel 27, information can be displayed in detail on the second display unit 11.

<< Embodiment 2 of the Invention >>
9 to 12 show Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the following embodiments, the same portions as those in FIGS. 1 to 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the folding mobile phone according to the second embodiment of the present invention in a folded state. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the back cover. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the folding mobile phone with the back cover removed. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line XII-XII of the support portion in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the second display portion 11 is disposed between the cam mechanism 10 and the hinge portion 6 in the support portion 9, whereas in the second embodiment, the second display portion 11 is arranged around the cam mechanism 10. It is different in that it is arranged in

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second display unit 11 is disposed, for example, at the upper left corner on the tip side of the support unit 9. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the guide plate 16 of the second embodiment is extended to the distal end side (upper side in FIG. 11), and a substrate 29 is provided at the extended portion. The substrate 29 is connected to the liquid crystal display 2 a by a third electric cord 31. That is, the third electric cord 31 has one end connected to the back surface of the liquid crystal display 2 a and the other end connected to a terminal of the substrate 29. Thus, the liquid crystal display panel 27 and the backlight 30 are mounted on the substrate 29.

  The second display unit 11 is opposed to the display unit 28a of the rear display window 28 by attaching the rear cover 9b to the support unit main body 9a. Thus, the second display unit 11 is disposed on the front end side of the support unit 9 relative to the cam mechanism 10.

-Effect of Embodiment 2-
Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the second display unit 11 is arranged around the cam mechanism 10, the second display unit 11 can be provided without overlapping the cam mechanism 10. Therefore, an increase in the thickness of the support portion 9 due to the provision of the second display portion 11 can be suppressed.

  If the small second display unit 11 is acceptable, the support unit 9 may be relatively small. Conversely, when it is desired to increase the size of the second display unit 11, the support unit 9 may be increased, so that the degree of freedom in design can be expanded.

<< Embodiment 3 of the Invention >>
13 to 16 show Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

  FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the folding mobile phone according to the third embodiment of the present invention in a folded state. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the back cover. FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a foldable mobile phone with the back cover removed. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section taken along line XVI-XVI of the support portion in FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the second display portion 11 is disposed between the cam mechanism 10 and the hinge portion 6 in the support portion 9, whereas in the second embodiment, the second display portion 11 is connected to the cam mechanism 10. The difference is that they are arranged so as to overlap.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the second display unit 11 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the support unit 9. That is, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the substantially rectangular substrate 29 covers the empty space between the hinge portion 6 and the cam mechanism 10 and a part of the cam mechanism 10, respectively. It is attached to the main body 9a.

  One end of the second electric cord 25 is connected to the back surface of the liquid crystal display 2 a and the other end is connected to a terminal of the substrate 29. Thus, the liquid crystal display panel 27 and the backlight 30 are mounted on the substrate 29.

  The second display unit 11 is opposed to the display unit 28a of the rear display window 28 by attaching the rear cover 9b to the support unit main body 9a. Thus, the second display unit 11 is disposed so as to overlap the cam mechanism 10 at a substantially central portion of the support unit 9.

-Effect of Embodiment 3-
Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since the second display unit 11 is arranged so as to overlap the cam mechanism 10, an increase in the outer shape in the direction parallel to the back side surface of the support unit 9 due to the provision of the second display unit 11 is suppressed. can do.

  Moreover, although the thickness of the support part 9 becomes comparatively large, the 2nd display part 11 can be arrange | positioned anywhere on the surface of the support part 9, and the magnitude | size can also be formed freely. In order not to increase the thickness of the support portion 9, only the second display portion 11 may be convex.

<< Other Embodiments >>
The present invention may be configured as follows with respect to the first embodiment.

  In other words, in each of the above embodiments, the liquid crystal display panel 27 is applied as the second display unit 11, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other display panels can be applied. For example, an organic EL display panel may be applied as the second display unit 11. The organic EL display panel emits self light, consumes less power, has a wider viewing angle than a liquid crystal display, and does not require a backlight, and thus can be thinned. However, the liquid crystal display panel 27 is preferable in that it is cheaper and has a longer life than the organic EL display panel.

  In addition, the above embodiment is an essentially preferable illustration, Comprising: It does not intend restrict | limiting the range of this invention, its application thing, or a use.

  As described above, the present invention is useful for a foldable mobile phone that supports the liquid crystal display unit so that the liquid crystal display unit can be switched to a vertically long state or a horizontally long state. This is suitable for increasing the degree of freedom of arrangement of the second display section.

It is a perspective view which shows the folding type mobile telephone of Embodiment 1 of this invention in a folding state. It is a perspective view which shows the foldable mobile phone in a state where the liquid crystal display unit is in the vertically long state in the opened state. It is a perspective view which shows a folding-type mobile telephone when a liquid crystal display part is in a horizontally long state in the open state. It is a top view which shows the foldable mobile phone in a state where the liquid crystal display unit is in a vertically long state in the closed state. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a back cover according to the first embodiment. It is a top view which shows the foldable mobile telephone 1 which shows the state which removed the back cover. It is sectional drawing which shows the VII-VII line cross section of the support part in FIG. It is a top view which shows the state which removed the 2nd display part in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the folding type mobile telephone of Embodiment 2 of this invention in a folding state. 6 is a plan view showing a back cover of Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a top view which shows the folding type mobile telephone which shows the state which removed the back cover. It is sectional drawing which shows the XII-XII line cross section of the support part in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the folding type mobile telephone of Embodiment 3 of this invention in a folding state. 6 is a plan view showing a back cover of Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a top view which shows the folding type mobile telephone which shows the state which removed the back cover. It is sectional drawing which shows the XVI-XVI line cross section of the support part in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Folding-type mobile phone 2 Liquid crystal display part 2a Liquid crystal display (1st display part)
2b Lower end side corner portion 3 First housing 4 Operation portion 5 Second housing 6 Hinge portion 7 Operation key 9 Support portion 9a Support portion main body 9b Back cover 10 Cam mechanism 11 Second display portion 12 Left and right direction guide groove 13 First guide pin 14 Vertical guide groove 15 Second guide pin 16 Guide plate 18 Link plate 19 Main plate 26 Guide groove 27 Liquid crystal display panel 28 Rear display window

Claims (9)

A first housing having a liquid crystal display section and a support section for supporting the liquid crystal display section;
A second housing having an operation portion on the surface;
A hinge portion that foldably connects the support portion of the first housing and the second housing so as to be foldable;
The liquid crystal display unit has a first display unit formed on an inner surface facing the operation unit when the first casing and the second casing are folded,
The support portion has a support mechanism that supports the liquid crystal display portion so that the liquid crystal display portion can be switched between a vertically long state and a horizontally long state, and a second display portion is formed on the outer surface opposite to the inner surface of the liquid crystal display portion. A foldable mobile phone characterized by being. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 1,
The foldable mobile phone, wherein the second display portion is disposed between the support mechanism and the hinge portion. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 1,
The foldable mobile phone, wherein the second display unit is arranged around the support mechanism. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 1,
The foldable mobile phone, wherein the second display unit is disposed so as to overlap the support mechanism. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 1,
The support mechanism guides and supports switching of the liquid crystal display unit between a vertically long state and a horizontally long state so that a lower corner portion of the liquid crystal display unit moves along the hinge portion when the liquid crystal display unit is switched. A foldable mobile phone characterized by being configured as described above. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 5,
The foldable mobile phone, wherein the support mechanism is constituted by a cam mechanism. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 1,
A foldable mobile phone, characterized in that the center part in the left-right direction in the vertically long state and the horizontally long state of the liquid crystal display part is positioned substantially in the center in the left-right direction of the first casing. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 1,
The foldable mobile phone, wherein the second display unit has a liquid crystal display panel. The foldable mobile phone according to claim 1,
The foldable mobile phone, wherein the second display unit has an organic EL display panel.

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