JP2006115163A - Casing damage prevention structure for foldable information terminal, protection part and foldable information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent reduction in the working efficiency of assembling work and increase of costs and to surely prevent the generation of damage on a casing. <P>SOLUTION: In a foldable cellular phone 100, an external connecting connector cover 5 produced by an elastic material is attached to the external connection part of an operation part side casing 3. A projection part 5a is integrally formed on the external connecting connector cover 5. The projection part 5a can absorb shock when closing the foldable cellular phone 100 and prevent direct contact between the display part side casing 1 and the operation part side casing 3 in the closed state of the foldable cellular phone 100. Since the projection part 5a is formed integrally with the external connecting connector cover 5, increase in the number of parts can be prevented and reduction in the working efficiency of assembling work and increase of costs can be prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a housing damage prevention structure for a foldable information terminal and a protective component for preventing the housing from being damaged when the foldable information terminal is folded. The present invention also relates to a foldable information terminal provided with a housing damage prevention structure.

  In a foldable information terminal such as a foldable mobile phone, when the display unit side case is closed and folded to the operation unit side case, the display unit side case and the operation unit side case are in contact with each other. A protrusion made of an elastic body is provided so as not to be damaged. This protrusion is provided on, for example, the casing surface of either the display unit side casing or the operation unit side casing of the foldable information terminal. Further, for example, the protrusion is formed integrally with a screw concealment for fixing the housing. Further, for example, the protrusion is manufactured as a single component called a scratched cushion and attached to the housing.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 describe a foldable mobile communication device in which a protruding portion is integrally formed on an elastic sheet called a key base on which a plurality of key button portions are formed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-264617 (paragraphs 0021-0025, FIG. 3) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-308753 (paragraphs 0009-0015 and FIGS. 1-3)

  If the protrusion is made as a scratch-proof cushion that is a single component, the number of components of the foldable information terminal increases. In addition, an operation of attaching the scratch prevention cushion to the display unit side casing or the operation unit side casing occurs. Therefore, the work efficiency at the time of assembling a foldable information terminal decreases, and the production cost of the foldable information terminal increases. In addition, since the scratch-proof cushion is merely attached to the housing surface, the housing cannot be prevented from being scratched if the scratch-proof cushion is peeled off.

  In the foldable portable communication device described in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, since the protrusions are integrally formed on the key base, an increase in the number of components can be prevented, and a reduction in work efficiency can be prevented. However, once the foldable information terminal is assembled, the key base cannot be easily replaced. Therefore, when the protrusion is damaged after the information terminal is assembled, there is a possibility that damage to the housing cannot be prevented.

  The key base is an important part for realizing the function of the operation unit of the information terminal, and the hardness of the elastic material used for the key base is an optimum value to ensure the operability of the key button of the operation unit. It is determined as follows. Since the hardness of the elastic material has to be determined on the basis of operability, it is not always possible to form the protrusions so as to have the optimum hardness for absorbing the impact when folding the foldable information terminal. For this reason, if the protrusion is integrally formed with the key base, there is a possibility that damage to the housing cannot be prevented sufficiently.

  Accordingly, the present invention can prevent a reduction in work efficiency of assembly work and an increase in cost, and can also prevent damage to the casing, and prevent damage to the casing of the folding information terminal, folding information An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal protection part and a foldable information terminal.

  The structure for preventing damage to a foldable information terminal according to the present invention includes a first casing (for example, the operation unit side casing 3) and a second casing (for example, the display unit side casing 1). In the foldable information terminal (for example, the foldable mobile phone 100) connected so as to be rotatable, the scratch preventing structure for preventing the casing from being scratched, the first casing portion being An external connection including an external connection connector 9 (for example, an external connection connector 9) is connected to an external device (for example, a cable plug 10 or a charger) on the side facing the side connected to the second housing. And a protective part (for example, a connector cover 5 for external connection) manufactured by using an elastic material (for example, an elastomer such as synthetic rubber) for protecting the connection part is attached to the connection part. And the protective component includes a second casing portion in a state in which the foldable information terminal is folded. A protrusion is provided between the housing surface of the first housing portion and the housing surface of the second housing portion by contacting the housing surface, and the protective component and the protrusion portion are integrally formed. It is characterized by.

  Further, in the structure for preventing damage of the foldable information terminal, the protrusion is integrally formed with the protective component so as to have a substantially symmetric shape with respect to the center line in the longitudinal direction of the first casing. It may be. According to such a structure, the clearance gap between a 1st housing | casing part and a 2nd housing | casing part can be kept constant, and the damage | wound to a housing | casing can be prevented more reliably.

  Further, in the damage prevention structure of the foldable information terminal, the protective component has a fixing portion for fixing to the first housing portion and a lid portion that covers the connection portion of the first housing portion. The cover part of the protective component may be formed so as to be openable and closable in a state where the protective component is attached to the connection part of the first housing part.

  In addition, the structure for preventing damage of the foldable information terminal has a boundary part (for example, a corner part) between the fixing part and the lid part of the protective part in a state where the protective part is attached to the connection part of the first housing part. 5d) and a first housing portion, a hollow portion (for example, clearance 5e) is formed, and when the boundary portion is pushed down, the protective component is pressed toward the hollow portion side and deformed to generate elastic force The lid may be opened. According to such a structure, the cover part of a protection component can be opened easily and the convenience at the time of externally connecting a foldable information terminal to an external device can be improved.

  Further, in the structure for preventing damage of the foldable information terminal, the protective component includes a protrusion and a component other than the protective component manufactured using an elastic material among the components of the foldable information terminal ( For example, a key sheet 8, a screw cap, an earphone jack) may be integrally formed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts more than in the case where the protrusion is integrally formed with the protective component, and to reduce the work efficiency and increase the cost when assembling the foldable information terminal. Can be prevented.

  Further, in the structure for preventing scratches of the foldable information terminal, the protective component includes a protrusion, a key sheet on which each key button portion of the foldable information terminal is formed, a screw cap, or an earphone jack cover. One or a plurality may be integrally formed.

  Further, in the damage prevention structure of the foldable information terminal, the protective component may be a connector cover for protecting the connector portion of the first housing portion.

  Further, in the structure for preventing damage to a foldable information terminal, the foldable information terminal is a foldable mobile phone in which a first casing portion and a second casing portion are rotatably connected. May be.

  The protective component of the foldable information terminal according to the present invention is a protective component of the foldable information terminal in which the first casing portion and the second casing portion are rotatably connected, and is an elastic material. The foldable information terminal is attached to a connecting portion for connecting to an external device, which is manufactured using the first casing portion and is included in a side surface facing the side surface connected to the second casing portion of the first casing portion. The protrusion is integrally formed so as to be in contact with the casing surface of the second casing in a folded state.

  A foldable information terminal according to the present invention is a foldable information terminal in which a first casing and a second casing are rotatably connected, and the first casing is 2 includes a connection portion for connecting to an external device on a side surface opposite to the side surface connected to the housing portion, and the connection portion is made of an elastic material and protects the connection portion. A protective component is attached, and the protective component is in contact with the casing surface of the second casing unit in a state where the foldable information terminal is folded, so that the casing surface of the first casing unit and the second casing The projection part which produces a clearance gap between the housing surfaces of a part is provided, and the protection component and the projection part are integrally molded.

  According to the present invention, the protective component is attached to the connection portion of the first housing portion, and the protruding portion is integrally formed with the protective component. Since the protrusion is made of an elastic material, it can absorb an impact when closing the foldable information terminal. In addition, a gap is generated between the housing surface of the first housing portion and the housing surface of the second housing portion, so that the first housing portion and the second housing portion are not in direct contact with each other. it can. In addition, since the protrusion is integrally formed with the protective component, the increase in the number of parts can be prevented compared to the case where the protrusion is manufactured as a single component, and the work efficiency when manufacturing the foldable information terminal is reduced or manufactured. An increase in cost can be prevented. In addition, since the protrusion is integrally formed with the protective component, it is possible to prevent the housing from being damaged more reliably than when integrally formed with other components. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a reduction in work efficiency and an increase in cost of the assembly work, and it is possible to reliably prevent damage to the housing.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a foldable information terminal provided with a damage preventing structure according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a case where the foldable information terminal is a mobile phone 100 will be described as an example. FIG. 1 corresponds to a state in which the foldable mobile phone 100 is opened. The foldable information terminal is not limited to a mobile phone, and may be, for example, a PDA having a folding structure of a display unit side case and an operation unit side case.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a foldable mobile phone 100 includes a display unit side body 1 including a display unit 2 and an operation unit side body 3 including an operation unit 4 having a plurality of key buttons. The display unit side body 1 and the operation unit side body 3 are made of, for example, a rigid body using synthetic resin or the like. Further, the display unit side body 1 and the operation unit side body 3 are rotatably connected by a hinge part 11 having an opening / closing axis. “Rotation” means that a circular motion can be made in a forward and reverse direction with respect to a certain axis. In the present embodiment, in the foldable mobile phone 100, for example, the display unit side body 1 can be closed or opened on the operation unit side body 3 side with the hinge portion 11 as an axis.

  The operation unit side body 3 has an external connection part for connecting an external device such as a cable plug or a charger on the side surface facing the side surface connected to the display unit side body 1 via the hinge unit 11. Including. As shown in FIG. 1, an external connection connector cover 5 for protecting the external connection portion is attached to the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3. In the present embodiment, of the surfaces of the operation unit side body 3, the surface on which the operation unit 4 is included is referred to as the front surface, and the surface facing the surface is referred to as the back surface.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the mobile phone 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone 100 includes an antenna 120 that transmits and receives radio waves, a control unit 121, a storage unit 122, a wireless communication unit 123, an operation unit 4, a display unit 2, a camera unit ( (Hereinafter referred to as “camera”) 126, a ringer generator 127, a ringer driving unit 128, an audio output speaker 129, and an audio input microphone 130.

  The control unit 121 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various peripheral circuits (not shown), and has a function of controlling each unit included in the mobile phone 100.

  The storage unit 122 is configured by a storage medium such as a RAM, and stores various data such as a control program executed by the control unit 121. Note that a part of the storage unit 122 may be constituted by a ROM, and a control program may be stored in the ROM part.

  The wireless communication unit 123 has a function of modulating / demodulating signals according to a predetermined communication protocol. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 123 performs a process of receiving and demodulating a wireless signal via the antenna 120. In addition, the wireless communication unit 123 performs a process of modulating a signal output from the control unit 121 and transmitting a wireless signal via the antenna 120.

  The operation unit 4 includes, for example, key buttons for inputting a telephone number. The operation unit 4 has a function of outputting an input signal corresponding to a user operation to the control unit 121.

  The display unit 2 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Cristal Display), and is disposed at a position inside the housing when the mobile phone 100 is folded. On the display unit 2, for example, a standby screen, a function setting screen, and the like are displayed.

  The camera 126 has various functions provided in the digital camera, for example, and includes an imaging element such as a CCD that images a subject, a circuit that outputs image data obtained by imaging to the control unit 121, and the like.

  The ringer drive unit 128 has a function of outputting a drive signal to the ringer generator 127 according to the control of the control unit 121.

  The ringer generator 127 has a function of outputting a ring tone in accordance with a drive signal from the ringer drive unit 128.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the periphery of the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3 of the foldable mobile phone 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit side body 3 is attached with an external connection connector cover 5 made of an elastic material such as an elastomer. For example, the operation unit side body 3 is provided with an external connection connector cover 5 made of synthetic rubber as an elastic material.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the external connector connector cover 5 alone. In the present embodiment, in the external connection connector cover 5, the side that is not visible in appearance by facing the operation unit side body 3 side in the state of being attached to the operation unit side body 3 is referred to as the back side. The side exposed to the outside is called the front side.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the external connection connector cover 5 includes a fixing portion 5 i for fixing to the operation unit side body 3 and a lid portion that covers the external connection unit in a state of being attached to the operation unit side body 3. 5j. As shown in FIG. 4, the fixing portion 5 i includes two hook portions 5 b for press-fitting and fixing to the operation unit side body 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the two hook portions 5b are formed on one side of the fixing portion 5i. As shown in FIG. 4, a recess 5k is formed on the back side of a boundary portion (hereinafter also referred to as a corner portion) 5d between the fixing portion 5i and the lid portion 5j. The external connection connector cover 5 is formed such that the lid portion 5j can be opened and closed while being attached to the operation unit side body 3 by being bent at the concave portion 5k.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the external connection connector cover 5 includes a protruding portion 5 a for preventing the housing from being damaged on the front side of the fixing portion 5 i. In the present embodiment, when the external connection connector cover 5 is manufactured, the protrusion 5 a is integrally formed with the external connection connector cover 5. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the protrusion 5 a is formed on the surface side of each surface of the external connection connector cover 5 (with the external connection connector cover 5 attached to the operation unit side body 3. , The same side as the surface on which the operation unit 4 of the operation unit side body 3 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the protrusion 5 a is substantially left and right with respect to the longitudinal center line (the wavy line B shown in FIG. 3, hereinafter simply referred to as the center line) of the operation unit side body 3. It is formed to be symmetric. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there is a case where one protrusion 5 a having a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the center line of the operation unit side body 3 is formed integrally with the external connection connector cover 5. Although shown, for example, a plurality of protrusions may be formed on the external connection connector cover 5 so as to be substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line of the operation unit side body 3.

  Further, the external connection connector cover 5 is formed with a claw hook portion 5c for hooking the claw when opening the external connection connector cover 5 to the lid portion 5j so that the cover can be easily opened.

  Next, an attachment method for attaching the external connection connector cover 5 to the operation unit side body 3 will be described. The work of attaching the external connection connector cover 5 to the operation unit side body 3 is performed by an operator, for example.

  5 and 6 are explanatory views showing an example of a procedure for attaching the connector cover 5 for external connection. FIG. 5 corresponds to a plan view of the periphery of the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3 shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows a state before the external connection connector cover 5 is attached to the operation unit side body 3. FIG. 5B shows a state in the middle of attaching the external connection connector cover 5 to the operation unit side body 3. FIG. 5C shows a state where the attachment of the external connection connector cover 5 is completed.

  6 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3 shown in FIG. 3 taken along a plane (A-A surface shown in FIG. 3) through which the center line of the operation unit side body 3 passes. To do. FIG. 6 corresponds to a view of the attachment procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 6A shows a state before the external connection connector cover 5 is attached to the operation unit side body 3. FIG. 6B shows a state in the middle of attaching the external connection connector cover 5 to the operation unit side body 3. FIG. 6C shows a state where the attachment of the external connection connector cover 5 is completed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit side body 3 of the foldable mobile phone 100 is provided with a notch 3 a for inserting the hook 5 b of the external connection connector cover 5. Further, in the operation unit side body 3, two fixed portions 3 b to which the hook portions 5 b of the external connection connector cover 5 are press-fitted and fixed are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the hook portion 5 b of the external connection connector cover 5 includes an inclined portion 51 at the tip portion. The hook portion 5 b includes a hook portion 52 for hooking on the fixed portion 3 b of the operation unit side body 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 6A, when the hook portion 5b of the external connection connector cover 5 is inserted (press-fitted) into the cutout portion 3a of the operation unit side body 3, the inclined portion 51 is formed. It is in sliding contact with the fixed portion 3b inside the operation unit side body 3. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B, the inclined portion 51 is slidably contacted with the fixed portion 3b, so that the hook portion 5b is deformed so as to be contracted inward, and between the two fixed portions 3b. Pass through. “Sliding contact” means that the inclined portion 51 is in contact with the fixed portion 3b in a sliding state.

  When the hook portion 5b passes between the two fixed portions 3b, as shown in FIG. 5C, the hook portion 5b returns to the state before deformation by the elastic force. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the hook portion 52 of the hook portion 5b is hooked on the fixed portion 3b of the operation portion side body 3, and the external connection connector cover 5 is moved to the operation portion side body 3. It is press-fitted and fixed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3 is provided with a recess 3 c. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the lid portion 5 j of the external connection connector cover 5 is a portion that contacts the concave portion 3 c of the external connection portion in a state where the external connection connector cover 5 is attached to the operation unit side body 3. Convex part 5f is formed in.

  When the external connection connector cover 5 is press-fitted and fixed to the operation unit side body 3, as shown in FIG. 6C, the convex part 5f of the external connection connector cover 5 is replaced with the concave part 3c of the operation unit side body 3. The external connection connector cover 5 is completely attached. Further, by fitting the convex portion 5f into the concave portion 3c, as shown in FIG. 6C, the external connection connector 9 of the external connection portion is covered with the lid portion 5j, and the external connection connector cover 5 is provided. Can be prevented from opening carelessly.

  According to the above procedure, the external connection connector cover 5 is attached to the operation unit side body 3. Further, since the external connection connector cover 5 can be easily attached by press-fitting, it can be easily replaced even if the external connection connector cover 5 is damaged after the folding cellular phone 100 is assembled.

  When a plug or the like is connected to the external connection connector 9 of the external connection portion, the external connection connector cover 5 is recessed 5k by hooking the claw hook portion 5c with the claw and lifting the lid portion 5j to the surface side. Can be folded and the lid portion 5j can be opened.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the foldable mobile phone 100 is closed. FIG. 7 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA along the plane through which the center line of the operation unit side body 3 passes in a state in which the foldable mobile phone 100 is closed.

  In the present embodiment, since the external connection connector cover 5 is provided with the projections 5a, when the display unit side body 1 is closed to the operation unit side body 3 with the hinge portion 11 as an axis, an operation is performed. The surface of the display unit side body 1 where the display unit 2 is located is in contact with the protrusion 5a. In the present embodiment, since the external connection connector cover 5 is formed using an elastic material, when the display unit side body 1 hits the protrusion 5a, the folding cellular phone 100 is closed. Can be absorbed by the protrusion 5a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, since the protrusion 5a protrudes from the surface of the operation unit side body 3 where the operation unit 4 is provided by a predetermined height, the display is shown with the foldable mobile phone 100 closed. A certain gap 12 is formed between the unit side housing 1 and the operation unit side housing 3. Therefore, when the operation of closing the foldable mobile phone 100 is performed, the surface on which the display unit 2 of the display unit side body 1 is located and the surface on which the operation unit 4 of the operation unit side body 3 is not in direct contact with each other. Can be. Therefore, by providing the protrusion 5a, it is possible to prevent the housing from being damaged.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the external connection connector cover 5 is attached to the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3, and the protruding portion 5 a is integrally formed on the external connection connector cover 5. Yes. Since the protrusion 5a is made of an elastic material, the protrusion 5a can absorb an impact when closing the foldable mobile phone 100. Further, since the protrusion 5a causes the gap 12 to be formed between the display unit side body 1 and the operation unit side body 3 in a state in which the foldable mobile phone 100 is folded, the display unit side body 1 and the operation unit It is possible to prevent direct contact with the side housing 3.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the protruding portion 5a is integrally formed with the external connection connector cover 5, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of components compared to the case where the protruding portion is manufactured as a single component, and the folding portable It is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency and an increase in manufacturing cost when assembling the telephone 100. Further, by integrally forming the protruding portion 5a on the external connection connector cover 5, it is possible to prevent the protruding portion from being peeled off from the housing surface. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency of the assembling work and an increase in production cost, and it is possible to prevent damage to the housing.

  In addition, it is conceivable to integrally form the protrusions for preventing scratches on the key sheet on which the key button part is formed, but in general, once the folding cellular phone 100 is assembled, the key sheet is easily replaced. I can't. Therefore, if the protrusion is damaged after the folding cellular phone 100 is assembled, it may not be possible to prevent the casing from being damaged. In the present embodiment, the protrusion 5a is formed on the external connection connector cover 5 that allows for easy component replacement as compared with the key sheet. Therefore, even if the protrusion 5a is damaged, the protrusion 5a can be easily repaired by replacing the connector cover 5 for external connection. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the housing from being damaged as compared with the case where the protrusion is formed integrally with the key sheet.

  Moreover, generally, the hardness of the elastic material used for manufacture will be restrict | limited for a key sheet | seat in order to ensure the operativity of an operation part. The external connection connector cover 5 is only intended to cover and protect the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3, so that there is generally no restriction on the hardness of the elastic material used for production. Therefore, the external connection connector cover 5 can be produced by selecting an elastic material having the optimum hardness to absorb the impact when folding the foldable mobile phone 100.

  For example, the key sheet is often manufactured using an elastic material having a soft hardness in order to ensure the operability of the key button portion. However, if the hardness of the protrusion is too soft, the protrusion is liable to be damaged by an impact when the operation of closing the foldable mobile phone 100 is performed. Therefore, if the protrusion is formed integrally with the key sheet, the protrusion is liable to be damaged, and it may not be possible to prevent the housing from being damaged.

  On the other hand, since there is no restriction on the hardness of the external connection connector cover 5, for example, the external connection connector cover 5 in which the protrusion 5 a is integrally formed using an elastic material having a hardness higher than that of the key sheet. Can be produced. Therefore, the protrusion is less likely to be damaged than the key sheet, and the housing can be more reliably prevented from being damaged. Therefore, as compared with the case where the protrusions are integrally formed with the key sheet, it is possible to prevent a decrease in work efficiency of the assembling work and an increase in manufacturing cost, and it is possible to more reliably prevent damage to the housing.

  In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 5 a is formed on the external connection connector cover 5. Therefore, the protrusion 5a can be formed at a location away from the hinge 11 in the operation unit side body 3. In the present embodiment, the external connection connector cover 5 is formed with the protrusions 5 a so as to be substantially symmetric with respect to the center line of the operation unit side body 3. Therefore, the gap 12 between the display unit side body 1 and the operation unit side body 3 can be symmetrical with respect to the center line of the operation unit side body 3. Therefore, the gap 12 between the display unit side body 1 and the operation unit side body 3 can be kept constant, and the housing can be more reliably prevented from being damaged.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the configuration and function of the foldable mobile phone 100 are the same as the configuration and function shown in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the attachment method for attaching the external connection connector cover 5 to the operation unit side body 3 is the same as the attachment method shown in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the method of opening the external connection connector cover 5 in a state of being attached to the operation unit side body 3 is different from that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3 attached with the external connection connector cover 5 according to the present embodiment, cut along a plane through which the center line of the operation unit side body 3 passes. . As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the external connection connector cover 5 is attached to the operation unit side body 3 and the external connection connector cover 5 and the operation unit side body 3 are interposed. A cavity 5e having a predetermined size is formed. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a cavity 5e is formed on the back side of the corner 5d of the connector cover 5 for external connection. Hereinafter, the cavity 5e formed on the back side of the corner 5d is referred to as clearance.

  Next, a procedure for opening the external connection connector cover 5 with the external connection connector cover 5 attached to the operation unit side body 3 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure for opening the external connection connector cover 5. FIG. 9A shows a state before the external connection connector cover 5 is opened. FIG. 9B shows a state in the middle of opening the external connection connector cover 5. FIG. 9C shows a state where the external connection connector cover 5 has been opened. 9 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3 to which the external connection connector cover 5 is attached, cut along a plane through which the center line of the operation unit side body 3 passes.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9A, the corner 5d of the external connection connector cover 5 is pushed. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the corner 5d is pressed toward the clearance 5e, and the corner 5d is bent and deformed. When the corner portion 5d is deformed, the elastic force generated by the deformation of the external connection connector cover 5 is perpendicular to the lid portion 5j of the external connection connector cover 5 (Y direction shown in FIG. 9B). ). The convex portion 5f of the external connection connector cover 5 is detached from the concave portion 3c of the operation unit side body 3 and the external connection connector cover 5 is opened by the elastic force generated by the deformation of the external connection connector cover 5. Become. Then, as shown in FIG. 9C, the plug 10 can be inserted into the external connection connector 9 of the operation unit side body 3.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the clearance 5 e is formed between the operation unit side body 3 and the boundary portion 5 d of the external connection connector cover 5. When the boundary portion 5d is pressed, the lid portion 5j of the external connection connector cover 5 is opened by the elastic force generated by the external connection connector cover 5 being pressed and deformed toward the clearance 5e.

  Since the lid portion 5j is opened simply by pushing the boundary portion 5d of the external connection connector cover 5 from the outside, the lid portion 5j of the external connection connector cover 5 is opened compared with the case where the claw hook portion 5c is hooked and opened. It can be opened easily. Therefore, the external connection connector cover 5 can be easily opened, and usability when the foldable mobile phone 100 is externally connected to the plug 10 or the like can be improved.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a foldable mobile phone having a scratch prevention structure. FIG. 10 corresponds to a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3 to which the external connection connector cover 5 is attached, cut along a plane through which the center line of the operation unit side body 3 passes.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where the protrusion 5a is formed integrally with the external connection connector cover 5 has been described. However, as shown in FIG. The key sheet 8, which is an elastic sheet including the external connection connector cover 8b, and the housing damage prevention protrusion 8a are integrally molded as one elastic body part.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the external connection connector cover 8b and the housing damage prevention protrusion 8a, the key sheet 8 is further integrally formed. Therefore, compared with the case where the protrusion 5a is integrally formed with the connector cover 5 for external connection, an increase in the number of parts can be prevented, and work efficiency and cost increase when assembling the foldable mobile phone 100 are reduced. Can be prevented.

  The key sheet 8, the housing damage prevention projection 8a, and the external connection connector cover 8b are not limited to being integrally formed, and other elastic parts may be integrally formed. For example, in addition to the housing damage prevention protrusion 8a and the external connection connector cover 8b, elastic parts such as a screw cap and an earphone jack may be integrally formed. Further, for example, in addition to the housing damage prevention protrusion 8a and the external connection connector cover 8b, any two or more of a screw cap, an earphone jack, or a key sheet 8 may be combined and integrally molded.

  The present invention can be applied to a foldable information terminal having a foldable structure such as a foldable mobile phone. In particular, by using the present invention, it is possible to prevent the foldable information terminal from being damaged.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of a foldable information terminal provided with the damage prevention structure by this invention. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a mobile phone 100. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged view of the periphery of an external connection portion of an operation unit side body 3 of the foldable mobile phone 100 shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the connector cover 5 for external connection. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the attachment procedure of the connector cover 5 for external connection. It is sectional drawing which cut | disconnected and showed the attachment procedure shown in FIG. 5 by the AA surface. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which closed the foldable mobile telephone 100. FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the periphery of the external connection portion of the operation unit side body 3 to which the external connection connector cover 5 is attached according to the present embodiment cut along a plane through which the center line of the operation unit side body 3 passes. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the procedure of how to open the connector cover 5 for external connection. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the folding-type mobile phone provided with the damage prevention structure.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Display part side body 2 Display part 3 Operation part side body 3a Notch part 3b Fixed part 3c Concave part 4 Operation part 5 Connector cover 5a for external connection Projection part 5b Hook part 5c Claw hook part 5d Corner part 5f Convex part 5i Fixed part 5j Cover part 100 Folding type mobile phone 120 Antenna 121 Control part 122 Storage part 123 Wireless communication part 126 Camera 127 Ringer generator 128 Ringer drive part 129 Speaker 130 Microphone

Claims (10)

In the foldable information terminal in which the first housing part and the second housing part are rotatably connected, a scratch preventing structure for preventing the housing from being scratched,
The first housing portion includes a connection portion for connecting to an external device on a side surface facing a side surface connected to the second housing portion,
A protective component for protecting the connection portion, which is manufactured using an elastic material, is attached to the connection portion,
The protective component is in contact with the housing surface of the second housing portion in a state where the foldable information terminal is folded, so that the housing surface of the first housing portion and the second housing portion are Protrusions that create a gap with the housing surface are provided,
The protective part and the protrusion are integrally formed. A structure for preventing damage to a foldable information terminal.   The structure for preventing damage to a foldable information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is integrally formed with the protective component so as to have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the longitudinal center line of the first casing. . The protective component has a fixing portion for fixing to the first housing portion, and a lid portion that covers the connection portion of the first housing portion,
The foldable information terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover part of the protection part is formed to be openable and closable in a state where the protection part is attached to the connection part of the first casing part. Damage prevention structure. In a state where the protective component is attached to the connection portion of the first housing portion, a hollow portion is formed between the boundary portion between the fixing portion and the lid portion of the protective component and the first housing portion. ,
The structure for preventing damage to a foldable information terminal according to claim 3, wherein when the boundary portion is pressed, the lid portion is opened by an elastic force generated when the protective component is pressed and deformed toward the cavity portion.   5. The protective component is integrally formed with a projection and a component other than the protective component manufactured using an elastic material among the components of the foldable information terminal. The damage prevention structure of the foldable information terminal according to any one of the above.   6. The protective component is integrally formed with one or more of a key sheet, a screw cap, or an earphone jack cover on which each key button portion of the foldable information terminal is formed together with the protrusion. Scratch prevention structure for foldable information terminals.   The damage prevention structure for a foldable information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the protective component is a connector cover for protecting the connector portion of the first housing portion.   8. The foldable information terminal is a foldable mobile phone in which a first casing and a second casing are rotatably connected. 8. The structure for preventing damage to the foldable information terminal according to 1. A protective component for a foldable information terminal in which a first casing and a second casing are rotatably connected,
Made using elastic material,
Attached to a connecting portion for connecting to an external device, included in a side surface facing the side surface connected to the second casing portion of the first casing portion,
The projection part is integrally formed so that the folding information terminal may be in contact with the casing surface of the second casing part in a folded state. The protective component for a folding information terminal. A foldable information terminal in which a first housing part and a second housing part are rotatably connected,
The first housing portion includes a connection portion for connecting to an external device on a side surface facing a side surface connected to the second housing portion,
A protective component for protecting the connection part, which is manufactured using an elastic material, is attached to the connection part,
The protective component is in contact with the housing surface of the second housing portion in a state where the foldable information terminal is folded, so that the housing surface of the first housing portion and the second housing portion are Protrusions that create a gap with the housing surface are provided,
The protective component and the protrusion are integrally formed. A foldable information terminal.

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