JP2001084059A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form an information processor as a shape-preceded design and to prevent the generation of flaws due to opening/closing. SOLUTION: A rotational part 61-2 is formed as an approximately cylindrical shape integrally with a display part 3 and allowed to be rotated around a prescribed shaft in accordance with the opening/closing of the display part 3. A fixed part 62-1 is formed as an approximately cylindrical shape integrally with a body 2 and joined to the rotational part 61-2 so as to be optionally rotated through the shaft. A wall 64-2A is formed on the rotational part 61-2. A projected part 54-2 is formed on the fixed part 62-1, and when the display part 3 is rotated from the body 2 up to a prescribed position, the projected part 64-2 is abutted on the wall 64-2A.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus whose display unit can be freely opened and closed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In many information processing apparatuses such as notebook personal computers, a main body provided with a keyboard and the like and a display provided with a display are connected by a rotatable hinge. It is configured to be able to open and close with respect to the main body.

[0003] The range of rotation of the display unit is limited by the contact of the display unit with the main body.

[0004]

However, when the display section is opened, the display section and the main body abut against each other, so that the display section and the main body are easily damaged, and the shapes of the display section and the main body are limited. It had to be taken into account, and it was not possible to make the design a priority.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the display portion and the main body can be formed in a shape giving priority to the design, so that the appearance of the display portion and the main body is not damaged by opening and closing. The purpose is to:

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus, comprising: a first column formed integrally with a display unit and having a substantially columnar shape; The coupling means, the second coupling means formed integrally with the main body into a substantially cylindrical shape, and rotatably coupled to the first coupling means via a shaft, and the first coupling means. A first abutting means, and a second abutting means formed on the second connecting means and abutting on the first abutting means when the display unit is rotated to a predetermined position with respect to the main body. It is characterized by including.

The first abutment means is formed by one of the notch and the convex portion corresponding to the shape of the notch, and the second abutment means is formed by the other of the notch and the convex portion. Can be done.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the first coupling means is formed in a substantially columnar shape integrally with the display unit, and rotates about a predetermined axis as the display unit opens and closes.
The second coupling means is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape integrally with the main body,
The first connecting means is rotatably connected to the first connecting means via a shaft, the first abutting means is formed on the first connecting means, and the second abutting means is formed on the second connecting means. When the display unit is rotated to a predetermined position with respect to the main body, the display unit comes into contact with the first contact unit.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 6 show a configuration example of a portable personal computer to which the present invention is applied. The personal computer 1 is a mini-notebook type personal computer, and basically includes a main body 2 and a display unit 3 which can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 2. 1 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the display unit 3 is opened with respect to the main body 2, FIG. 2 is a plan view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a state in which the display unit 3 is closed with respect to the main body 2. 4 is a right side view showing the display unit 3 opened 180 degrees with respect to the main body 2, FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 3, and FIG.
FIG.

The main body 2 is provided with a keyboard 4 which is operated when inputting various characters and symbols, and a stick type pointing device 5 which is operated when a mouse cursor is moved. Also,
On the upper surface of the main body 2 are further provided speakers 8-1 and 8-2 for outputting sound and a shutter button 10 which is operated when taking an image with the CCD video camera 23 provided on the display unit 3.

The display unit 3 is connected to the main body 2 by hinges 9-1 and 9-2 so as to be openable and closable. A battery 7 is detachably mounted between the hinge 9-1 and the hinge 9-2 of the main body 2.

The display unit 3 has claws 13-1 and 13-
As shown in FIG. 3, when the display unit 3 is closed with respect to the main body 2, the main body 2 at a position facing the claws 13-1 and 13-2 has a claw 1.
Hole 6-1 into which each of 3-1 and 13-2 fits
And 6-2.

A microphone 2 is located next to the imaging unit 22.
4 is attached. This microphone 24
As shown in FIG. 6, sound from the back can also be collected.

On the left side of the main body 2, as shown in FIG.
An exhaust hole 11 is provided.
As shown in FIG. 5, an intake hole 14 is provided. Further, next to the exhaust hole 11, a PCMCIA (Personal Computer)
A slot 12 for inserting a card (PC card) conforming to the standard defined by Memory Card International Association is provided.

An LCD for displaying an image is provided on the front of the display unit 3.
(Liquid Crystal Display) 21 is provided, and an imaging unit 22 is provided at the upper end thereof so as to be rotatable with respect to the display unit 3. That is, this imaging unit 22
It can rotate to any position within a range of 180 degrees between the same direction as D21 and the opposite direction (backward direction). A CCD video camera 23 is attached to the imaging unit 22.

On the front side of the main body 2, there are provided a power lamp PL, a battery lamp BL, a message lamp ML, and other lamps composed of LEDs. Note that reference numeral 40 shown in FIG.
Is a power switch provided next to the shutter button 10, and reference numeral 25 shown in FIG.
This is an adjustment ring for adjusting the focus. Further, reference numeral 26 shown in FIG. 6 is a lid for covering an opening for mounting an additional memory in the main body 2.

As shown in FIG. 7, a cover 51-1 is attached to the hinge 9-1 on the display unit 3 side, and a cover 52-1 is attached to the main body 2 side. A cover 51-2 is attached to the hinge 9-2 on the display unit 3 side, and a cover 52-2 is attached to the main body 2 side.

Next, the structure of the hinges 9-1 and 9-2 will be described. FIG. 8 shows hinges 9-1 and 9-2 in a state where cover 51-1 and 51-2, covers 52-1 and 52-2, and battery 7 are removed and display unit 3 is closed with respect to main body 2. FIG. FIG. 8 (A)
8B is a right side view, and FIG. 8C is a rear view.

FIG. 9 shows covers 51-1 and 51-2,
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating hinges 9-1 and 9-2 in a state where the cover 52-1 and 52-2 and the battery 7 are removed, and the display unit 3 is opened with respect to the main body 2. FIG. 9 (A)
9 (B) is a right side view, and FIG. 9 (C) is a rear view.

The hinge 9-1 comprises a fixed portion 62-1 formed integrally with the main body 2, and a rotating portion 61-1 formed integrally with the display portion 3. Rotating part 6
1-1 is rotatably fixed to the shaft 65-1.

A groove 64-1 is provided on the outer periphery of a surface of the rotating portion 61-1 in contact with the fixed portion 62-1 within a predetermined range of the outer periphery. At a predetermined position of the fixing portion 62-1, a groove 64-
1 having a predetermined shape corresponding to the shape of the cross section of FIG.
-1 is provided.

The hinge 9-2 includes a fixed portion 62-2 formed integrally with the main body 2, and a rotating portion 61-2 formed integrally with the display portion 3. Rotating part 6
1-2 is rotatably fixed to the shaft 65-2.

A groove 64-2 is provided in a predetermined range on the outer periphery of a surface of the rotating portion 61-2 in contact with the fixed portion 62-2. At a predetermined position of the fixing portion 62-2, a groove 64-
2 having a predetermined shape corresponding to the shape of the cross section of FIG.
-2 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, the rotating portion 61-2 includes:
It is formed in a substantially columnar shape, and is formed integrally with the display unit 3 together with a predetermined arm that connects the rotating unit 61-2 and the display unit 3. The fixed part 62-2 has a circular part
-2 is formed in a substantially columnar shape having substantially the same size as
It is formed integrally with the main body 2 together with a predetermined arm for connecting the fixing portion 62-2 and the main body 2.

When the display unit 3 is opened with respect to the main body 2 from the state where the display unit 3 is closed with respect to the main unit 2, the rotation unit 61-2 is substantially at the center of the rotation unit 61-2. It rotates about the provided shaft 65-2 with respect to the fixed part 62-2. Since the shaft 65-2 is fixed substantially at the center of the fixed portion 62-2, even if the rotating portion 61-2 rotates with respect to the fixed portion 62-2, the shaft 65-2 is fixed to the rotating portion 61-2. The portion 62-2 forms one substantially columnar shape.

As shown in FIG. 11A, when the display unit 3 is opened with respect to the main body 2 from the state where the display unit 3 is closed with respect to the main unit 2, a predetermined rotation of the display unit 3 is performed. In the range, the rotating portion 61-2 does not contact the convex portion 63-2 of the fixed portion 62-2 due to the groove 64-2.
Can be freely rotated with respect to the main body 2.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the hinge 9-2
When the display unit 3 is opened until the main body 2 and the display unit 3 become, for example, 180 degrees around the center, the wall 64-2A of the groove 64-2 of the rotating unit 61-2 is fixed to the fixing unit 62-2. Convex part 63
-2, the rotation of the display unit 3 is restricted so that the display unit 3 cannot be opened at an angle larger than that of the main body 2.

The hinge 9-1 has the same configuration as the hinge 9-2, and limits the range of rotation of the display unit 3 with respect to the main body 2, so that the description is omitted.

As described above, the groove 64-1 of the rotating portion 61-1
And the convex portion 63-1 of the fixed portion 62-1 and the rotating portion 6
1-2 groove 64-2 and the convex portion 63- of the fixing portion 62-2.
2, the range of rotation of the display unit 3 with respect to the main body 2 is limited. Therefore, the exterior of the display unit 3 and the exterior of the main body 2 are not damaged by the opening and closing of the display unit 3 without the exterior of the display unit 3 hitting the exterior of the main body 2.

Regardless of the shape of the display unit 3 itself excluding the rotating parts 61-1 and 61-2, and the shape of the main body 2 itself excluding the fixing parts 62-1 and 62-2,
Wall 64-1A of groove 64-1 of rotating portion 61-1 and fixing portion 6
2-1 projecting portion 63-1 abuts on a plane, and the rotating portion 6
The wall 64-2A of the groove 64-2 of 1-2 and the convex part 63-2 of the fixing part 62-2 abut on a plane.

Compared to the case where the display unit 3 itself and the main body 2 are abutted, the response when the rotation of the display unit 3 is limited is better, and the user can limit the rotation of the display unit 3. You can know clearly that. Therefore, since the user does not forcibly open the display unit 3, when the display unit 3 is opened, no excessive force is applied to the display unit 3 and the main body 2.

Further, there is no limitation (requirement) on the shape of the display unit 3 and the shape of the main unit 2 itself due to the collision between the display unit 3 and the main unit 2 itself, and no other special parts are required. Therefore, the display section 3 and the main body 2 can be formed in a shape giving priority to the design, and can be formed inexpensively and compactly.

The range of the groove 64-1 of the rotating portion 61-1 and the position of the convex portion 63-1 of the fixed portion 62-1 and the range of the groove 64-2 of the rotating portion 61-2 and the fixed portion 62-2
By adjusting the position of the projection 63-2, the range of rotation of the display unit 3 with respect to the main body 2 can be arbitrarily set.

The groove 64-1 of the rotating portion 61-1 and the convex portion 63-1 of the fixed portion 62-1 and the groove 6 of the rotating portion 61-2.
Since the projection 4-2 of the fixing portion 62-2 and the convex portion 63-2 are hard to be seen from the outside, the hinges 9-1 and 9-2 can be formed into a shape that is good in appearance.

Further, if the covers 51-1 and 51-2 and the covers 52-1 and 52-2 are mounted, the user can make the groove 64-1 of the rotating portion 61-1 and the fixing portion 62-1.
, And the groove 64-2 of the rotating portion 61-2 and the convex portion 63-2 of the fixed portion 62-2 cannot be seen, so that the hinges 9-1 and 9-2 are more A good-looking shape can be obtained.

Note that the groove 64-1 or the groove 64-2 is not limited to the outer peripheral side of the rotating portion 61-1 or the rotating portion 61-2, but the rotating portion 61-1 or the rotating portion 61-2. May be provided at a position closer to the center of rotation.

Further, the rotating part 61-1 and the rotating part 61-
2 is provided with a convex portion, and the fixing portions 62-1 and 62-2
May be provided with a groove.

[0039]

According to the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the first coupling unit is formed in a substantially columnar shape integrally with the display unit. Rotating about a predetermined axis with opening and closing of the part, the second coupling means is formed in a substantially columnar shape integrally with the main body, and rotatably coupled to the first coupling means via the shaft; When the first contact means is formed on the first coupling means, and the second contact means is formed on the second coupling means, and the display is rotated to a predetermined position with respect to the main body. Since the first contact means is brought into contact with the first contact means, the display unit and the main body can be formed in a shape giving priority to the design, and the appearance of the display unit and the main body can be prevented from being damaged by opening and closing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the external appearance of a personal computer 1. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the external appearance of the personal computer 1.

FIG. 3 is a left side view showing the external appearance of the personal computer 1.

FIG. 4 is a right side view showing an appearance of the personal computer 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the external appearance of the personal computer 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing the external appearance of the personal computer 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating covers 51-1 and 51-2 attached to hinges 9-1 and 9-2, and covers 52-1 and 52-2.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the structure of hinges 9-1 and 9-2.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the structure of hinges 9-1 and 9-2.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating rotation of a rotation unit 61-2.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a restriction on rotation of the display unit 3 by a groove 64-2 and a projection 63-2.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Personal computer, 9-1 and 9-2
Hinge, 51-1 and 51-2 cover, 52-
1 and 52-2 cover, 61-1 and 61-2
Rotating part, 62-1 and 62-2 Fixed part, 63
-1 and 63-2 convex, 64-1 and 64-2
Grooves, 64-1A and 64-2A walls, 65-1 and 65-2 axes

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a main body; and a display portion rotatable with respect to the main body, wherein the information processing device is formed in a substantially columnar shape integrally with the display portion. A first coupling means that rotates about an axis of the first body; and a second coupling means that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape integrally with the main body and that is rotatably coupled to the first coupling means via the shaft. A first abutting means formed on the first connecting means, and a second contacting means formed on the second connecting means, wherein the display unit is rotated to a predetermined position with respect to the main body. An information processing apparatus comprising: a second contact unit that contacts the first contact unit. 2. The first contact means is formed by one of a notch and a protrusion corresponding to the shape of the notch, and the second contact means is formed by the notch and the protrusion. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is formed by the other of the units.