United States Patent (19)
`Nishiyama et al.
`
`|||||||||||||III
`US005436954A
`5,436,954
`11
`Patent Number:
`Jul. 25, 1995
`45) Date of Patent:
`
`54. FOLDABLE RADIOTELEPHONE SET WITH
`ROTARY SELECTOR INTEGRAL WITH
`FOLDABLE HINGE ELEMENT
`Takanori Nishiyama, Mitaka;
`75) Inventors:
`Kazunori Yanagisawa,
`Higashiyamoto; Sakae Itakura,
`Ayase, all of Japan
`73 Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
`21) Appl. No.: 117,326
`22 Filed:
`Sep. 7, 1993
`30
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Sep. 8, 1992 JP
`Japan .................................. 4-239735
`(51) Int. Cl. ............................................ H04M 1/00
`52 U.S. Cl. ........................................ 379/58; 379/61;
`379/428; 379/.433; 379/434; 455/89; 455/90
`58) Field of Search ................... 379/58, 61, 428,433,
`379/434; 455/89, 90
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,481,382 11/1984 Villa-Real ............................. 379/61
`4,739,128 4/1988 Grishan ................................ 379/96
`4,845,772 7/1989 Metroka et al. ..
`... 379/61
`5,027,394 6/1991 Ono et al. ........................... 379/434
`
`56
`
`5,260,998 11/1993 Takagi................................. 379/.433
`5,278,993 1/1994 Reiff et al. ...................... 379/.433 X
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0373387A1 6/1990 European Pat. Off. .
`0463856A2 1/1992 European Pat. Off. .
`0463856 1/1992 European Pat. Off. .
`Primary Examiner-Curtis Kuntz
`Assistant Examiner-G. J. Oehling
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Antonelli, Terry, Stout &
`Kraus
`ABSTRACT
`57
`A portable radio telephone set provided with a display
`section includes a rotary selector which turns to select
`various functions. A menu displayed on the display
`section is selected by the rotary selector during a non
`conversation time, and the sound volume can be ad
`justed during the conversation time. The adjusting op
`eration can be performed from both the front and the
`rear sides of the telephone set. The rotary selector and
`button keys are arranged within the operation range of
`the thumb, and ordinary dial functions performed by
`operating these rotary selector and button keys are
`provided.
`
`13 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`sa=4
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`
`Lenovo EX-1029,
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`July 25, 1995
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
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`5,436,954
`
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`Lenovo EX-1029,
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`U.S. Patent
`
`July 25, 1995
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`Lenovo EX-1029,
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`July 25, 1995
`
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`5,436,954
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`U.S. Patent
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`July 25, 1995
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`July 25, 1995
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`Lenovo EX-1029,
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`July 25, 1995
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
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`5,436,954
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`US. Patent
`
`July 25, 1995
`
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`Page 8
`Lenovo EX-1029,
`|PR2021-00681 (Lenovo Inc. v. LiT| LLC.)
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`

`1
`
`FOLDABLE RADIOTELEPHONE SET WITH
`ROTARY SELECTOR INTEGRAL WITH
`FOLDABLE HINGE ELEMENT
`
`15
`
`5,436,954
`2
`It is still another object of the present invention to
`provide a multi-functional telephone set, the number of
`buttons thereof being reduced as much as possible.
`To achieve the above-described objects, a portable
`radio telephone set in accordance with the present in
`vention is provided, which portable radio telephone set
`has a display section, comprising a rotary selector
`which turns to select various functions. A menu of
`various functions displayed on the display section is
`selected when the rotary selector is operated during a
`O
`non-conversation time, sound volume can be adjusted
`during a conversation time, the adjusting operation can
`be performed from both the front and rear sides of the
`telephone set. The rotary selector and button keys are
`arranged within the operation range of the thumb, and
`thus ordinary dial functions, performed by operating
`the rotary selector and the button keys, are provided.
`According to the present invention, since the rotary
`selector is provided as a telephone terminal, it is possi
`ble to easily select a desired function of the telephone
`terminal with one hand by rotating the selector.
`Also, according to the present invention, since the
`rotary selector is provided in a hinge section of a tele
`phone terminal which is foldable so that it can be
`housed, it is possible to select a desired function of the
`telephone terminal by rotating the rotary selector.
`Since the rotary selector is provided in the hinge
`section of the telephone terminal which is foldable so it
`can be housed, the hinge section can be of any size, and
`the mechanical strength of the hinge section is in
`creased. The provision of the rotary selector results in a
`reduction of the number of key buttons for performing
`multiple functions, or the like, making it possible to
`more effectively use the space where the telephone set
`is arranged.
`Also, by arranging the rotary selector provided in the
`terminal so as to be rotatable and slidable along the shaft
`of the hinge, the rotary selector can be used as a cursor.
`Further, by moving the cursor on the display section up
`and down, or from side to side in linkage with the rotary
`selector in this way, various functions of a portable
`telephone set can be performed, and it is made easy to
`perform an operation with one hand.
`The above and further objects and novel features of
`the invention will more fully appear from the following
`detailed description when the same is read in connec
`tion with the accompanying drawings. It is to be ex
`pressly understood, however, that the drawings are for
`the purpose of illustration only and are not intended as
`a definition of the limits of the invention.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appear
`ance of a portable radio telephone set in accordance
`with an embodiment of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a state in
`which the portable radio telephone set shown in FIG. 1
`is used while it is held with one hand;
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in
`which the portable radio telephone set is used during a
`radio conversation state as it is seen from the outer side
`(the rear side) thereof;
`FIG. 4 is an illustration of a one-hand operation
`method in a state in which the radio telephone set is
`held with one hand;
`FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of a joint portion of
`the radio telephone set in accordance with the embodi
`ment of the present invention;
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a portable radio ter
`minal and, more particularly, to a portable radio tele
`phone set having a folding and housing control mecha
`nism and a rotary selector for selecting various func
`tions provided in a hinge section for folding and hous
`ing purpose.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Conventional portable radio telephone sets (hereinaf
`ter referred to simply as telephone sets) are not only
`provided with ordinary telephone functions, but also
`with an electronic telephone directory function by
`which telephone numbers and names can be registered,
`a help function for guiding various functions, an incom
`ing call tone selection function for selecting incoming
`call tone, and the like, thus being formed as a multi
`functional terminal. The conventional portable radio
`telephone set uses function buttons in order to select
`25
`such functions. The operation of some terminals has
`been made easier by making the shape of function but
`tons different from that of the dial buttons.
`When, for example, the electronic telephone direc
`tory function is used, first a telephone set user operates
`a function button for the electronic telephone directory
`function in order to call a telephone number stored in
`the electronic telephone directory onto a display sec
`tion of the portable radio telephone set. Then, the tele
`35
`phone set user operates a function button for selecting
`the telephone number and a function button for scroll
`ing the registered telephone numbers in order to call the
`wanted telephone number shown on the display section
`from among telephone numbers registered in the elec
`tronic telephone directory. When the wanted telephone
`number is confirmed on the display section by the above
`operation, the user operates a function button for start
`ing a conversation in order to call the other party.
`Though the conventional portable radio telephone
`45
`set is multi-functional, the operation procedure thereof
`is complex for a user when the series of operations
`described above is considered. Furthermore, there is the
`possibility that the greater the number of buttons, the
`greater the chances that a button may be depressed
`50
`erroneously when the button arrangement of a present
`portable radio telephone set is considered.
`That is, in view of the complexity off such an opera
`tion procedure, it is not easy, as regards a conventional
`telephone set in which functions are selected by func
`55
`tion buttons, to operate various buttons with only one
`hand while holding the telephone set itself in the same
`hand.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`60
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`telephone set which makes it possible to easily perform
`various operations required particularly for conducting
`a radio telephone conversation with one hand while the
`telephone set itself is being held by the same hand.
`65
`It is another object of the present invention to sim
`plify the procedure for selecting or operating a plurality
`of functions of the telephone set.
`
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`O
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`15
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`5,436,954
`3
`4.
`FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the joint portion
`cally held by the thenar 'c' and the remaining three
`and the receiver portion of the radio telephone set, a
`fingers "d', an accident, such as the main body of the
`display section, and the like;
`telephone set falling from the hand, does not occur even
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partly in cross section,
`if the thumb “a” and the forefinger “b' are separated
`illustrating a state in which the radio telephone set is
`from the main body of the telephone set. Therefore, if
`folded so it is housed;
`the main body of the telephone set is held as shown in
`FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a method for con
`FIG. 2, the telephone set user can operate the selector 8
`trolling the position of a cursor by operating the dials of
`and various operation buttons on the operation section
`the radio telephone set in accordance with the present
`4 with the thumb “a” while simultaneously confirming
`a display on the liquid-crystal display screen 7.
`invention; and
`FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a selection of various
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable radio
`functions by using the rotary selector of the radio tele
`telephone set as it is seen from the outer side (the rear
`phone set.
`side) thereof, illustrating a state in which the radio tele
`phone set is used during a radio telephone conversation.
`DETALEED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`As shown in FIG. 3, the forefinger “b' is separated
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`from one end of the joint portion 3, and the selector 8 is
`operated by the forefinger “b'. As a result, the selector
`Preferred embodiments of the present invention will
`be explained below with reference to the accompanying
`8 can be operated by the thumb “a” from the inner
`drawings of FIG. 1 through FIG. 9.
`surface thereof, and also by the forefinger “b” from the
`The appearance of a telephone set in accordance with
`outer surface thereof.
`20
`the present invention will be explained first. FIG. 1
`Therefore, the selector 8 is provided in the joint por
`illustrates in perspective the overall appearance of the
`tion 3 so as to select various functions (to be specific,
`call origination/reception, telephone number, secrecy,
`main body of the telephone set when the folded state
`thereof is released and it is placed in a use state. In this
`input, output, storage, calculation, time, remote control,
`schedule, call, clear, calendar, dictionary, map, charac
`case, a receiver section 1 and a display section 2 are
`25
`freely flexed and engaged with each other via a hinge 5.
`ters, numerals, or the like) during a non-radio telephone
`These sections are engaged with an operation section 4
`conversation time, and so as to function to adjust the
`via a joint portion 3 by which the telephone set is folded
`volume of the received voice sound during a radio
`telephone conversation time. The selector 8 is provided
`and rotated so as to be housed. A receiver (speaker for
`outputting received voice sound) 6 is provided in the
`in such a way that the selector 8 is rotatable and can be
`30
`central portion of the receiver section 1. When this
`operated from both the inner and outer surfaces.
`receiver is brought into contact with the ear of a party
`FIG. 4 illustrates a one-hand operation method in a
`(user) during a radio telephone conversation, a voice
`state in which the radio telephone set is held with one
`hand. As shown in the figure, in the main body of the
`sound from the other party is heard. Since, as shown in
`the figure, the hinge 5 is flexed to form a V shape, it is
`telephone set, the right and left ends of the operation
`35
`easy to operate the telephone set during the radio tele
`section 4 are held by the thenar 'c' and the three fin
`phone conversation state. The joint portion 3 maintains
`gers "d'. If the push-button 9 is depressed by the thumb
`the state in which the telephone set is rotated after the
`'a', the folded and housed telephone set can be shifted
`main body of the telephone set is folded and housed,
`to a stable use state, i.e., a radio telephone conversation
`that is, from the use state, and is provided with a selec
`state, by rotating the receiversection 1 and the display
`40
`tor 8 for selecting functions, a rotation operation mech
`section 2 via the joint portion 3.
`anism, and a push-button 9. A set button 11 for storing
`An example of a case in which a radio telephone
`?retrieving and inputting/outputting information, a call
`conversation is conducted in this use state will be ex
`origination (re-origination) button 12 for starting a con
`plained. First, the telephone set user selects by using the
`Versation, a ten-key portion 13, and a termination button
`selector 8 a list display function (one function of the
`45
`14 for terminating a conversation are provided in the
`telephone set) for displaying a list of names and their
`operation section 4, a microphone 10 being contained in
`telephone numbers. The available selection methods
`the front end portion of the main body. With this con
`include a method in which a list of functions is dis
`played beforehand on the liquid-crystal display screen
`struction, when a radio telephone conversation function
`is selected by the selector 8, a telephone set user brings
`and a cursor which is moved in linkage with the rota
`50
`the receiver 6 into contact with the ear, and the user's
`tion of the selector 8 or the like is moved up and down
`mouth is brought close to the microphone 10 as in a
`to identify any one of the functions, a method in which
`handset of a conventional telephone set, a radio tele
`the selector itself is provided with a change-over switch
`phone conversation with the other party then being
`corresponding to multiple functions, the selector being
`conducted. Keyed-in information and necessary infor
`switched to select any one of the functions. The func
`55
`mation from among stored information are called and
`tions can be more easily selected by using the selector 8
`displayed on a liquid-crystal display screen 7 disposed
`in addition to the key buttons. Next, a list of the pre
`in the central portion of the display section 2.
`stored names and their telephone numbers is displayed
`FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which the telephone set is
`on the liquid-crystal display screen 7, and a wanted
`telephone number is retrieved by scrolling the display
`being used while it is held by one hand (the left hand in
`60
`this embodiment). The telephone set user grasps both
`screen using the selector 8. In the above display and
`end portions of the joint portion 3 between the thumb
`retrieval method, only the selector 8 needs to be oper
`“a” and the forefinger “b'. The push-button 9 is de
`ated. As a result, an operation for switching the selector
`pressed by the thumb “a” in order to rotate the display
`8 at a thumb position “f” is possible. Further, when the
`Section 2 and the receiversection 1 via the joint portion
`telephone number of the other party is confirmed, a set
`65
`3, thereby shifting the state of the telephone set from the
`button 11 is depressed at a thumb position "g', and a
`call origination (re-origination) button 12 is operated,
`state in which it is folded and housed to a stable use
`state. Since the main body of the telephone set is basi
`allowing a radio telephone conversation to start. When
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`25
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`5,436,954
`6
`5
`on the display screen 7 and are set by the selector 8 as
`the radio telephone conversation is terminated, a termi
`nation button 14 is depressed at a thumb position “i' in
`a result of the turning thereof, and set by the set button
`11, making it possible to proceed to the subsequent
`order to complete the series of operations necessary for
`conducting a radio telephone conversation. That is, the
`functions.
`Although in the above-described operation, functions
`range in which the liquid-crystal display screen 7 can be
`visually confirmed and in which the thumb 'a' can be
`are determined by the set button 11, the selector 8 may
`moved to operate the selector 8, the call origination
`be moved axially so as to have the same functions as
`(re-origination) button 12, and the termination button 14
`those of the set button 11 as in a joystick 29 (FIG. 5)
`is assumed to be the range defined by the broken lines A
`which will be described later. In such a case, the ease
`and B shown in the figure. In this range, necessary
`with which the telephone set is operated with one hand
`10
`operations can be performed by the thumb “a”. In other
`is enhanced even more.
`FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view of the joint portion
`words, this range is a range in which the thumb “a” is
`3 of the radio telephone set in accordance with the
`rotated, turned, moved back and forth, and bent in a
`present invention. The joint portion 3 is formed of a
`combined manner at a joint “e' about the base of a
`human's phalanx in the thumb"a'. Therefore, when the
`case 15 and a button shaft 19 and is fixed to the opera
`selector 8 and various buttons required for a radio con
`tion section 4. A boss shaft 16 is formed in the central
`versation are arranged in the range defined by the bro
`end surface portion of the case 15, and the boss shaft 16
`and a hollow flange 18 are rotatably engaged with each
`ken lines A and B, since the selector 8 and the buttons
`are operated with one hand, the ease with which the
`other. Similarly, a sleeve shaft 22 is formed in the button
`telephone set is operated with one hand is enhanced.
`shaft 19, and the sleeve shaft 22 and a sleeve flange 20
`20
`are rotatably engaged with each other. The rotatable
`An example in which these various functions are
`hollow flange 18 and the sleeve flange 20 are fixed by a
`selected by the selector 8 will now be explained with
`chassis 17 which is stably fixed inside the display section
`reference to the flowchart in FIG. 9. When the tele
`2. In this way, the operation section 4 and the display
`phone set is opened for use from the state in which it is
`housed because the push-button 9 is depressed by the
`section 2 are freely engaged with each other in such a
`thumb “a”, the power supply is turned on, and the initial
`way that they can be folded on one another via the joint
`portion 3.
`screen appears on the liquid-crystal display screen 7, on
`The push-button 9 can be movably inserted into the
`which screen date, time, and the like are displayed.
`When the set button 11 is depressed, a function screen
`end surface of the button shaft 19. Ashank 23 formed on
`appears on the display screen 7. The displayed function
`the push-button 9 is slidably fitted into the inside of the
`sleeve shaft 22. A stopper piece 24 is disposed on the
`setting and the memory dial are cursor-moved by turn
`shank 23 and is engaged with notches 25 and 26 formed
`ing the selector 8. Then, a function is selected, and the
`function is determined by operating the set button 11.
`in the end Surfaces of the sleeve shaft 22 and the sleeve
`flange 20. As a result, the rotation of the sleeve flange
`When a function setting is selected in such function
`20 is stopped, and consequently the rotation of the dis
`selection, functions “Set/Release', 'Select', 'Adjust',
`"Command input' and "Display only” are successively
`play section 2 is stopped stably. The notch 26 of the
`sleeve shaft 22 does not allow the engagement of the
`displayed as a result of the turning of the selector 8,
`making scrolling retrieval possible and allowing these
`stopper piece 24 to be released for the maximum axial
`stroke of the push-button 9. In contrast, the engagement
`selected functions to be confirmed. When these func
`of the notch 25 of the sleeve flange 20 can be released
`tions are selected and set by the set button 11, call origi
`and freely rotated. The notch 25 of the sleeve flange 20
`nation restriction is set or released in "Set/Release',
`is formed at an open position where the telephone set is
`turning on/off of number announcement is selected by
`being used and at a housing position (not shown) where
`the cursor movement caused by the turning of the selec
`tor 8 and determined by the set button 11, and the
`it is folded and housed.
`Further, a torsion coil spring 21 is disposed inside the
`screen returns to the initial screen. When the function
`45
`case 15. One end of the torsion coil spring 21 is con
`"Select” is selected and set, the selectable range of ring
`ing tone quality is displayed, and it is possible to select
`nected and fixed to the case 15, and the other end
`the tone quality by turning the selector 8 while display
`thereof is extended from the case 15 and engaged with
`a spring hole formed in the hollow flange 18. As a re
`ing the current situation. After the tone quality is deter
`sult, if the push-button 9 is depressed, the stopper piece
`mined by the set button 11, the screen returns to the
`50
`24 releases the stoppage at the notch 25 (not shown)
`initial screen. When the function "Adjust' is selected
`and set, the selectable range of the receiver tone volume
`when it is housed, and the elastic force of the torsion
`coil spring 21 is released, causing the hollow flange 18
`is displayed, and it is possible to select the tone volume
`by turning the selector 8 while displaying the current
`to rotate. Therefore, the receiver section 1 and the
`display section 2 are rotated, becoming ready for use.
`situation. After the receiver tone volume is determined
`55
`by the set button 11, the screen returns to the initial
`Since some elastic force still remains in the torsion
`coil spring 21 in the above connection in the use state, a
`screen. When the function “Command input' is se
`lected and set, a display screen for inputting four digits
`rotational force is given continuingly in the direction in
`of a personal identification number appears, making it
`which the remaining elastic force is released. This
`possible to input the number by using the buttons of a
`means that unwanted jarring, which may occur when
`the telephone set is used, is prevented by the rotational
`the ten-key section 13. The number is set by the set
`button 11 after it is input, and the screen returns to the
`force thereof.
`Further, when a selector shaft 28 engaging with the
`initial screen. When the function "Display only' is se
`lected and set, the amount of the remaining memory of
`selector 8 moves along the axis thereof when the me
`chanical position thereof is read, the stroke stops at the
`the memory dial is displayed, and the screen returns to
`end surface of the shank 23 so as to serve as a stopper.
`the initial screen.
`The press fitting between the shank 23 and a shaft 27 is
`When the memory dial is selected in the function
`not released by such an operation force acting on the
`selection, "Store”, “Update', and "Clear” are displayed
`
`35
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`Lenovo EX-1029,
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`5
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`5,436,954
`8
`7
`the flex position as indicated by the solid line by the
`Selector shaft 28. The selector shaft 28 and the shaft 27
`action of the elastic spring 33. When an unnecessary
`are able to slide axially and turn around the shaft thereof
`on one shaft. The shaft 27 is supported so as to be slid
`force acts on the receiver section 1, since the receiver
`section 1 is turned as indicated by the broken line, the
`able and turnable inside the selector shaft 28, and the
`telephone set itself is protected, and the receiversection
`other end reaches the joystick 29. Further, the selector
`1 contacts the user's ear with elastic properties during a
`shaft 28 extends close to the center of the joint portion
`3, and the selector 8 is press-fitted to the end. The selec
`non-radio telephone conversation. Thus, received voice
`tor 8 is able to smoothly slide axially and turn around
`can be heard in a satisfactory manner. When the tele
`the shaft thereof without contacting other components.
`phone set is folded and housed, the receiver section 1
`Next, the joystick 29 will be explained. Disposed
`and the display section 2 are folded via the joint portion
`inside the joystick 29 are a power-supply switch (not
`3 as indicated by the broken line. Since, at that time, the
`slide pin 31 engages with a notch 35 of the slide ring 30,
`shown) working with the shaft 27, a volume control (for
`formed at the position at which the telephone set is
`adjusting the receiver tone volume) which operates in
`response to the movement of the selector shaft 28, a
`housed, the receiversection 1 and the display section 2
`are folded stably. At the folded time, the hinge piece 32
`sensor (for selecting functions), and the like. Examples
`15
`which works with the slide pin 31 is retracted into the
`of the sensor are a mechanical sensor, an electrical sen
`display section 2. Therefore, the receiver section 1,
`sor, or an optical sensor. In short, the sensor detects the
`which is flexed with respect to the display section 2, is
`rotational position of the selector shaft 28 and the slid
`ing operation along the rotational shaft, and sends a
`flexed to a state in which it is aligned linearly so as to be
`along the display section 2.
`signal to the liquid-crystal display screen 7 so that func
`tion selection/setting shown in FIG. 9 is performed and
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partly in cross section,
`illustrating a state in which the telephone set is folded so
`the screen is switched. Examples of methods performed
`by the power-supply switch are a method in which the
`as to be housed. As shown in the figure, since the slide
`pin 31 built into the display section 2 is engaged with
`position of the selector shaft is detected by the sensor
`and the power supply is turned on/off, and a method in
`the notch 35 formed in a part of the outer periphery of
`25
`the joint portion 3 (equivalent to the slide ring 30), the
`which simply one end of the selector shaft 28 and the
`telephone set is stably folded and housed. In this folded
`surface which the one end contacts are formed into an
`and housed state, if the push-button 9 is operated, the
`electrical contact point, and it is made to work with the
`depressing of the push-button 9. If the turning on/off of
`receiver section 1 and the display section 2 are turned
`the push-button 9 is made to work in linkage with the
`for use, and the slide pin 31 is slidingly released from the
`30
`turning on/off of the power-supply switch as in these
`notch 35. As a result, the receiver section 1 is flexed
`methods, the telephone set user depresses the push-but
`with respect to the display section 2.
`Finally, controlling the position of the cursor by
`ton 9 in order to make the telephone set in a folded and
`housed state shift to a use state, the power supply of the
`using the selector 8 will be explained. FIG. 8 illustrates
`telephone set can be turned on, making it unnecessary to
`a method for controlling the position of the cursor. As
`35
`provide a key button exclusively used for the power
`shown in the figure, the selector 8, disposed in the joint
`supply switch in the operation section 4. More specifi
`portion 3, is used to update the position of the noticed
`display on the liquid-crystal display screen 7, i.e., the
`cally, when the telephone set is shifted to a state in
`position of a cursor 37. When that position is updated,
`which it is placed in a use state from the folded and
`housed state, the power supply of the telephone set can
`the thumb 'a' is operated at will from side to side in the
`be inevitably turned on without operating a key button
`direction of the arrow A or up and down in the direc
`exclusively used for the power supply. The sensor in
`tion of the arrow B in a state in which the thumb 'a'
`side the joystick 29 works not only with the selector
`contacts at a position 'i' on the selector 8. That is,
`shaft 28, but also with the operation of the function
`when the selector 8 is in a free state, the selector 8
`button in the operation section 4, and functions can be
`stabilizes while maintaining clearances 36a and 36b of
`45
`selected from the operation section 4.
`the same size toward the right and left, respectively.
`The functions selected in this way reach a display
`The operation using the thumb 'a' in the direction of
`processing circuit (not shown) via a cord E, and various
`the arrow A changes the size of these clearances 36a
`displays necessary for performing the functions are
`and 36b. This change is sensed by a sensor inside the
`above-mentioned joystick 29. If, for example, the selec
`made. Although in the embodiment the selector 8 works
`50
`for controlling the position of a cursor, a selector exclu
`tor 8 is operated to the right, the cursor 37 is moved to
`sively used for controlling the position of the cursor, in
`the right on the liquid-crystal display screen 7. If the
`addition to the selector 8, may be disposed near the
`thumb 'a' is released from the selector 8, the selector 8
`is automatically made to return to the central position.
`selector 8.
`FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the joint portion
`The upward and downward operation of the selector 8
`55
`3, the receiver section 1, and the display section 2. As
`by using the thumb “a” causes the selector 8 to rotate up
`shown in the figure, the display section 2 is able to turn
`and down. The direction and the amount of the rotation
`along a slide ring 30 which serves as a part of the joint
`at that time is sensed by the knob or sensor inside the
`portion 3 fixed to the operation section 4. Inside the
`joystick 29, and the cursor 37 moves up and down on
`display section 2, one end of a fine slide pin 31 is always
`the liquid-crystal display screen 7. What is meant by
`60
`pressed against and built onto the slide ring 30. The
`"sensed by the knob' here is