JPH07160364A - Information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the looking performance and the operability for users in regard to the key input operations by providing a rotary support means which rotatably supports an input display part in the vertical/horizontal directions of a display screen and enabling the input display part to take an input operation state where the display part is set approximately in front of a key operating part end in the direction vertical to the display screen. CONSTITUTION:One of both end parts of a coupling arm 3 is rotatably connected to a main body 1 via a 1st hinge mechanism 7, and the arm 3 turns in the 'open' and 'close' directions against the main body a end around its rotational center. Meanwhile the other end of the arm 3 is attached to the arm of a display rotary mechanism part 9 which is placed on the back of an input display part 2. Then the part 2 turns by a 2nd hinge mechanism 8 against the arm 3 end around its rotational center and also turns in the vertical/horizontal directions against the arm 3 and around 8 rotational center C by means of an axial mechanism 15.

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 such as a word processor or a personal computer having a key operation unit such as a keyboard and an input display unit capable of pen input.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, key input with a keyboard has been the mainstream of input in a simplified information processing device. In recent years, however, a pen input technique for a tablet integrated with a display surface has been developed, and the input with a pen Handwriting input, image input, handwriting editing, etc. are also possible.

Generally, when a key input operation is performed, it is preferable to place a display unit in front of the user and a keyboard in front of the display unit to perform touch typing. It is the standard posture to perform the key input operation in this state. Has been done.

On the other hand, when performing a pen input operation, it is preferable to arrange the tablet surface, which is the display surface, upwards, and use the pen to write characters on the paper on the desk. In this state, the pen input operation is performed. It is the standard posture to do.

Further, the simple type information processing apparatus also requires a compact storage form which is convenient for carrying.

Therefore, in the simplified information processing apparatus, a display screen is provided so that the display surface of the display unit is folded so as to face the keyboard provided on the main body and the key input operation can be performed in the standard posture. The display surface of the display unit is placed upward above the keyboard of the main body so that the key input operation state is obtained by arranging the key input operation unit in front while looking at the back and the pen input operation can be performed in the standard posture above. Three states, a pen input operation state, are required.

Therefore, in JP-A-4-188213, JP-A-4-188214, JP-A-4-218820, and JP-A-4-221989, the above-mentioned 3 is described.
A simplified information processing device that can take a form is disclosed.

In the information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-188213, an upper cover rotatably provided with respect to a main body serves as an outer frame, and a display unit is rotatably provided on the upper cover. It has the same configuration. The fulcrum of the display unit rotatably supported exists on the side wall surface portions on both sides.
The display unit at the time of key input operation is a display horizontal screen in which the longitudinal direction is horizontal.

The information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-188214 has a structure in which a display portion is rotatably provided on a relay upper cover rotatably provided with respect to a main body. The rotation axis of the relay upper cover with respect to the main body and the rotation axis of the display unit with respect to the relay upper cover are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, in this information processing apparatus, it is necessary to convert the display address. The fulcrum of the display unit rotatably supported is on the side wall surface. The display unit at the time of key input operation is a display horizontal screen in which the longitudinal direction is horizontal.

In the information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-218820, one end moves along a long groove formed in the side wall of the main body, while the other end moves to the front end of the side wall of the display. By a supporting means consisting of a pivoted first arm and a second arm whose one end is pivotally supported at the rear end of the side wall of the main body while the other end is pivotally supported at the central part of the side wall of the display unit. The display unit is connected to the main body. The display unit at the time of key input operation is a display horizontal screen in which the longitudinal direction is horizontal.

The information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-221989 has a structure in which a display member is rotatably provided on a support member rotatably provided with respect to the main body. The fulcrum of the display unit that is rotatably supported exists on the side wall surface portions on both sides. The display section at the time of key input operation is
It is a display sideways screen which made the longitudinal direction sideways.

However, in the above publications, the storage state,
Although there is a technical disclosure of a mechanism for moving the display unit so as to be able to take three states of a key input operation state and a pen input operation state, the operability is poor because the display unit is movable. It has become a thing.

For example, if the fulcrum of the rotatably supported display portion is on the side wall surface portion, as in the above-described conventional structure, the display portion is rotated 360 °, and the stability is maintained in the key input operation state. There is no. Further, even in the pen input operation state, the input display unit rotates more than necessary and hits the keyboard of the main body. In order to eliminate such inconvenience, another mechanism for restricting the rotation range of the display unit is required.

Further, conventionally, the display section is opened, that is,
When the member connecting the display unit and the main body is rotated to change from the stored state to the key input operation state, and when the member connecting the display unit and the main body is rotated in the opposite direction to the above. When the key input operation state is changed to the pen input operation state or the stored state, the same braking force is applied during rotation. Usually, a friction hinge or the like allows the display unit to be set at an arbitrary angle, so that it feels heavy when the display unit is opened. If the braking force at the time of opening / closing (rotating) is weakened so that the display unit can be opened lightly, the display unit will be closed abruptly when the display unit is closed, and the impact easily causes a failure of the display unit or the main body. Therefore, the applicant of the present application can solve the above-mentioned problems, improve the deterioration of operability associated with the movement of the display unit, and take three states of the stored state, the key input operation state, and the pen input operation state. Japanese Patent Application No. 5-113025 has been proposed for the purpose of improving the degree of perfection of the information processing apparatus.

[0015]

However, in the above-described conventional information processing apparatus including the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No. 5-113025, the display surface of the display unit is made to face the keyboard provided in the main body. Folded storage state,
In order to perform the key input operation in the standard posture, the key input operation state in which the display surface of the display unit is opened at a certain angle with respect to the main body and the pen input operation in the standard posture can be performed. The technology for explaining the mechanism for shifting to the three states of the pen input operation state in which the display surface of the display unit is arranged upward is disclosed, but in any case, the display screen is a horizontally long screen ( Display horizontal screen) only.

Therefore, the information written in accordance with the A4 size paper cannot be displayed on the horizontal display screen, and all the data of the entire paper cannot be displayed. As a result, the user's listability cannot be improved and the operability is low.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to improve the operability by increasing the number of display modes and arrange the display surface of the input display unit above the keyboard. This is to improve the degree of perfection of the information processing apparatus with improved operability during pen input operation.

[0018]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an information processing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention has a main body having a key operation part and an input having a data input means on a rectangular display surface. The display unit and the input display unit are switched from the stored state in which the display surface and the key operation unit face each other to the first input operation state in which the key operation unit is in the front and the display surface is in the front side. Movement for moving the rotating means for moving and the input display section from the first input operation state to a second input operation state in which the display surface is placed sideways and upwards above the key operation section. And an information processing device including means,
By providing a first rotation supporting means for rotatably supporting the input display unit in the first input operation state in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, the input display unit can be arranged with the key operation unit in front and the display surface. It is characterized in that it can take a third input operation state in which it is vertically oriented and faces substantially the front.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention is
In order to solve the above problems, a main body having a key operation unit, an input display unit having a data input unit on a rectangular display surface, and a storage state in which the display surface and the key operation unit face each other. From the first input operation state to the first input operation state in which the key operation section is in the front and the display surface is oriented horizontally and the display surface is oriented to the front. An information processing apparatus having a moving means for moving the display surface sideways and upward to a second input operation state above the key operation unit, and further, an input display that takes the first input operation state. Rotation support means for rotatably supporting the display portion in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, and second rotation support means for supporting the input display portion in the second input operation state rotatably in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface. By providing and, the input display section A third input operation state in which the work surface is in the front and the display surface is in the vertical direction and faces substantially the front, and a fourth input operation state in which the display surface is in the vertical direction and faces upward are located above the key operation unit. The feature is that it can be taken.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is
In order to solve the above problems, a main body having a key operation unit and an input display unit having a data input means on a rectangular display surface are attached via a connecting arm, and one end of the connecting arm has the main body. Is rotatably supported by the first hinge means, and the other end is rotatably supported by the rotation support plate by the second hinge means, and the rear surface of the input display unit is rotated by the rotation support plate. It is rotatably supported by the shaft means, the storage state in which the display surface of the input display section and the key operation section of the main body face each other, and the key operation section of the main body is in front,
A first input operation state in which the display surface of the input display section is oriented substantially front, and a second input in which the display surface of the input display section is oriented sideways and upward, above the key operation section of the main body. An operation state, a third input operation state in which the key operation section of the main body is in the front and the display surface of the input display section is vertical and the front surface is substantially front, and the input display section of the input display section is provided above the key operation section of the main body. It is characterized in that the display surface can be set vertically and the fourth input operation state with the display surface facing upward can be taken.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention is
In order to solve the above-mentioned subject, the above-mentioned claim 1, 2 or 3
The information processing apparatus described above is characterized in that a rotation angle regulating means for regulating rotation of the input display section in the vertical and horizontal directions at 90 ° intervals is provided.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention is
In order to solve the above-mentioned subject, the above-mentioned claim 1, 2 or 3
In the information processing device described above, a rotation center of the input display unit is a distance from a rotation center in the first input operation state to a lower end of the input display unit, and a rotation center of the input display unit in the third input operation state. It is characterized in that the distance to the lower end is set to be equal to each other, and the distance is set from the center of the input display unit.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention is
In order to solve the above problems, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is fixed to and released from the connecting arm. It is characterized in that locking means is provided.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention is
In order to solve the above problems, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is fixed to and released from the connecting arm. Also, there are provided lock means in which the fixed portion is shared in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, and lock guide means for guiding the fixed portion of the lock means as the input display portion rotates. It is characterized by being provided.

[0025]

According to the structure of the first aspect, the first rotation support means for supporting the input display section in the first input operation state rotatably in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface is provided. With the key operation part in the front and the display surface in the vertical direction, it becomes possible to take the third input operation state in which it is almost facing the front.
For example, the information written to fit on A4 paper could not be displayed on the conventional horizontal display screen, and it was not possible to display all the data on the entire paper, but this made it possible to display all the data entered on the paper. This makes it possible to improve the listability of the user's operation in key input operation and improve the operability.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the input display section in the second input operation state in which the display surface is arranged above the key operation section of the main body is rotated. Since the second rotation supporting means for supporting the input display portion is provided, the input display portion can take the fourth input operation state in which the display surface is vertical and is upward above the key operation portion of the main body. In the input operation as well, it becomes possible to display all the information written in conformity with the A4 size paper in the same manner as described above, the list at the time of the user's operation can be improved, and the operability can be further improved.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the first body is provided with the first
The other end of the connecting arm rotatably supported by the hinge means is rotatably supported by the second hinge means on the rotation support plate that rotatably supports the back surface of the input display unit by the rotation shaft means. Therefore, this allows the input display unit to rotate with respect to the connecting arm and to rotate in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis. Therefore, the connecting arm is first
By rotating the input display section in the body rear direction with respect to the connecting arm by the second hinge means while rotating the body in the front direction by the hinge means, on the key operation section of the body,
The input display unit can be arranged with the display surface facing upward, and by rotating the input display unit with respect to the connecting arm by the rotating shaft means, the display surface suitable for key input operation is directed to the front. It is possible to switch the display surface of the input display unit in the vertical and horizontal directions from either the open state or from the state in which the display surface faces upward on the key operation unit suitable for data input operation.

This makes it possible to easily realize the configurations of claims 1 and 2 and, in this case,
By turning the input display section rearward by the second hinge means and rotating the input display section by the rotating shaft means, it is possible to use it as a display means to the rear side of the main body, further increasing the display form, and further. The operability can be improved.

According to the structure of claim 4, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, the rotation angle restricting means for restricting the rotation of the input display section in the vertical and horizontal directions at 90 ° intervals. Since the input display is
It is fixed every 0 °, so that the input display unit cannot take a halfway angle, and even in the first input operation state in which the display surface is horizontal, the third input in which the display surface is vertical Even in the operating state, the input display section is correctly positioned horizontally and vertically,
You can prevent the screen from tilting halfway. Then, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, the input display unit is provided in the state transition from the first input operation state to the second input operation state and in the state transition from the third input operation state to the fourth input operation state. By controlling the rotation of the input display unit, the vertical and horizontal reference lines of the input display unit move in parallel with the reference line in the front-back direction of the main unit, so the input display unit does not wobble and the state transition is smooth. Can be carried out.

According to the structure of the fifth aspect, in the information processing apparatus according to the first, second or third aspect, the rotation center of the input display section is input from the rotation center in the first input operation state. The rotation center is set to be offset from the center of the input display unit so that the distance to the lower end of the display unit and the distance from the rotation center in the third input operation state to the lower end of the input display unit are equal to each other. Since the positional relationship between the main body and the lower end of the input display section after the input display section is rotated is the same, fixing processing and the like can be easily performed, and the input display section is changed to the third input operation state. It is possible to easily achieve the alignment between the housing of the input display unit and the housing of the main body when the state shifts to. And claim 2
Alternatively, in the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, it is possible to easily achieve alignment between the housing of the input display unit and the housing of the main body when changing the state of the input display unit to the fourth input operation state.

According to the structure of claim 6, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is connected to the connecting arm. Locking means for fixing and releasing the fixation is provided, and therefore, when the input display section is fixed to the connecting arm by the locking means, when the state shifts from the stored state to the first input operation state, the connecting arm and the input display section are provided. Since and are in a fixed state, it is very easy to perform the turning operation. Also,
Since the rotation of the input display section in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also restricted by the locking means, this also prevents the input display section from rotating in the first input operation state and the third input operation state. The condition is kept stable and there is no risk of rattling.

According to the structure of claim 7, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is connected to the connecting arm. Fixed and unfixed, and
Locking means in which the fixing part is shared in the first input operating state and the third input operating state, and the fixing part of the locking means,
Since lock guide means for guiding along with rotation of the input display section is provided, when the input display section is fixed to the connecting arm by the lock means, when the state shifts from the stored state to the first input operation state, Since the connecting arm and the input display section are in a fixed state, it is very easy to perform the turning operation. Further, since the rotation of the input display section in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also restricted by the locking means, the input display in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also suppressed by this. The condition of the parts is kept stable and there is no rattling. Further, the lock guide means can rotate the input display unit without being aware of the fact that the input display unit is fixed to the connecting arm, thereby further improving the operability. In addition, since the fixing is not released at a halfway angle, this also improves the operability. Further, by providing the lock guide means, the rotation operation of the input display unit is stabilized.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS.
The explanation is based on the following.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a main body 1 having a key input operation section (key operation section) 4, and a rectangular input display surface 5 capable of pen input.
The input display section 2 having the above and a connection arm (connection member) 3 for connecting the input display section 2 to the main body 1 are provided.

The input display section 2 is provided with a flat display such as a liquid crystal display, and a transparent tablet as data input means is overlaid on the display surface of the input display section 2 to enable pen input with the pen 6 provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the pen 6 can be housed in a recess 2 a formed on the side of the input display surface 5 of the input display unit 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, one end of the connecting arm 3 has a first hinge mechanism (rotating means, first hinge means).
It is rotatably connected to the main body 1 by 7. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the connecting arm 3 rotates about the rotation center A in the “open” direction and the “closed” direction with respect to the main body 1.

On the other hand, the other end of the connecting arm 3 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the display rotation mechanism unit 9 provided at a predetermined position on the back surface of the input display unit 2 (the surface opposite to the input display surface 5).
Attached to the arm portion 11 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the display rotation mechanism unit 9 includes the arm unit 11 fixed to the connecting arm 3 and the base unit 10 fixed to the back surface of the input display unit 2. And a disc portion (rotation indicating plate) 12 arranged between the base portion 10 and the arm portion 11. The disc portion 12 and the arm portion 11 are rotatably coupled by a second hinge mechanism (second hinge means) 8, while the base portion 10 is attached to the disc portion 12 by a shaft mechanism (first rotation mechanism). Means, second rotation means,
It is rotatably attached by a rotating shaft means) 13. For this reason, the input display unit 2 includes the second hinge mechanism 8
Thus, as shown in FIG. 13, it rotates about the rotation center B with respect to the connecting arm 3, and as shown in FIG. 1B, it is connected about the rotation center C by the shaft mechanism 13. It rotates with respect to the arm 3 in "vertical" and "lateral" directions. In addition, the moving means of the present invention includes the first hinge mechanism 7 and the second hinge mechanism 7.
It comprises a hinge mechanism 8 and a connecting arm 3.

As a result, the information processing apparatus can take the following six states (1) to (3). That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the input display surface 5 of the input display unit 2
Is stored at a position facing the key input operation unit 4 of the main body 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the key input operation unit 4 is in front of the input display unit 2 so that the key input operation unit 4 can perform the key input operation while looking at the input display surface 5 of the input display unit 2. The input display surface 5 is the main body 1 with the longitudinal direction horizontal.
The first key input operation state (first input operation state) of the display horizontal screen which is almost facing the front.

As shown in FIG. 4, the input display surface 5 faces upward with the longitudinal direction of the input display unit 2 lying on the key input operation unit 4 of the main body 1 so that the pen input operation can be performed. First pen input operation state (second input operation state).

As shown in FIG. 5, the key input operation unit 4 is in front of the input display unit 2 so that the key input operation unit 4 can perform key input operation while looking at the input display surface 5 of the input display unit 2. The input display surface 5 is the main body 1 with the longitudinal direction being vertical.
The second key input operation state (third input operation state) of the display vertical screen that faces almost the front.

As shown in FIG. 6, the input display surface 5 is oriented upward with the longitudinal direction of the input display portion 2 vertically on the key input operation portion 4 of the main body 1 so that the pen input operation can be performed. Second pen input operation state (fourth input operation state).

As shown in FIG. 7, a rear display state in which the input display unit 2 is directed to the rear of the device opposite to the front of the main body 1.

The state transition to each of the above-mentioned states will be described. From the above-mentioned state of being stored, the input display section 2 is rotated in the "open" direction with respect to the main body 1 with the front end side of the input display section 2. It can be moved to the first key input operation state by moving it, and by pulling the input display unit 2 from the first key input operation state to the front of the display horizontal screen. It is possible to shift to the first pen input operation state. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, by rotating the input display unit 2 in the “vertical” direction from the first key input operation state, the second key input operation state of the display vertical screen is obtained. You can move to. Then, like the transition from the above state to the state, by pulling the input display unit 2 from this second key input operation state to the second pen input operation state of the display vertical screen. it can. In addition, from the first pen input operation state of the display horizontal screen,
By rotating the input display unit 2 in the “vertical” direction, it is possible to shift to the second pen input operation state of the display vertical screen. Further, by rotating the input display unit 2 further from the first key input operation state to the rear of the main body 1 and rotating the input display unit 2, it is possible to shift to the rear display state.

In this way, by connecting the back surface of the input display section 2 to one end of the connecting arm 3 by the display rotation mechanism section 9, the input display section 2 is connected about the rotation center B. Since it can be rotated in the "vertical" direction and the "horizontal" direction with respect to the connecting arm 3 about the center of rotation C, it is possible to rotate the first arm while viewing the display horizontal screen. In addition to the key input operation, the second key input operation can be performed while looking at the vertical display screen. This makes it possible to display all the data entered on the paper by changing the display of A4 paper, which could not be displayed on the conventional horizontal display screen, to a vertical display screen. It can be improved to improve operability.

Further, pulling the input display section 2 toward the front from the second key input operation state while looking at the vertical display screen, or rotating the input display section 2 in the "vertical" direction from the first pen input operation state. In addition to the conventional pen input operation using the display horizontal screen (first pen input operation state), it is possible to perform pen input operation using the display vertical screen (second pen input operation state). Also in the input operation, it is possible to improve the listability at the time of the user's operation, and further improve the operability. In order to realize the second key input operation state on the vertical display screen,
Instead of the configuration of the display rotation mechanism unit 9 as described above, the input display unit 2 is directly rotatably attached to the tip end portion of the connecting arm 3 by the shaft mechanism 13, and the first key input operation state is changed to the first state by another mechanism. It may be configured to shift to the pen input operation state.

Further, by mounting the input display section 2 on the connecting arm 3 using the display rotation mechanism section 9, a rear display state in which the input display section 2 is directed to the rear side of the apparatus opposite to the front surface of the main body 1 is provided. Since it can be taken, it can be used as a device for directing the display screen to the rear of the device.

If the pivot point (fulcrum) between the input display section 2 and the connecting arm 3 is on the back surface of the input display section 2 as described above, the connecting arm 3 functions as a stopper, and the input display section 2 The rotation range of the connection arm 3 with respect to the connection arm 3 is restricted to 180 ° or less. That is, when the input display unit 2 is rotated, the rear surface of the input display unit 2 contacts the connecting arm 3 and the input display unit 2 does not rotate 180 ° or more with respect to the connecting arm 3. Therefore, in the first and second key input operation states shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the rear surface of the input display unit 2 is supported by being brought into contact with the connecting arm 3 and its rotation is restricted. In this way, the back surface of the input display unit 2 is supported by the connecting arm 3 and does not rattle, and the state is stably maintained.

Also in the first and second pen input operation states shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the back surface of the input display section 2 is supported by abutting against the connecting arm 3 and the rotation thereof is restricted. In this case as well, the back surface of the input display unit 2 is supported by the connecting arm 3 without rattling, and the state is stably maintained.

In the information processing apparatus, the rotation center C of the input display section 2 is from the rotation center C in the display horizontal screen state to the lower end of the input display section 2 as shown in FIG. 1 (a). The distance a, the distance b from the rotation center C in the display horizontal screen state to the upper end of the input display unit 2, and the distance a ′ to the lower end of the input display unit 2 in the vertical display screen state shown in FIG. It is set so as to be equal to each other by being shifted to the right side of the drawing from the center of the input display unit 2 (when the rotation direction is clockwise).

By thus displacing the rotation center C and making the distance a equal to the distance a ', the fixed position when the input display unit 2 is fixed to the connecting arm 3 is the horizontal display screen and the vertical display screen. In any of the above cases, it becomes constant, and the lock mechanism 16 described later can share the lock member in the display horizontal screen state and the display vertical screen state (see FIG. 13). Also, when the housing of the main body 1 is provided with a fixing means for supporting the lower end of the housing of the input display unit 2, the alignment thereof becomes easy.

Also, the center of rotation C is shifted and the distance b,
By setting the distance a and the distance a ′ equal to each other, the rotation center C of the input display unit 2 during rotation is h> a√2.
If they are separated from each other, the input display unit 2 can be rotated without coming into contact with the housing of the main body 1.

Further, by shifting the center of rotation C and making the distance b, the distance a, and the distance a ′ equal, only when the state is changed from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state. Also, when the state is changed from the second key input operation state to the second pen input operation state, the edge portion of the input display portion 2 which is the casing of the main body 1 and regulates the gap shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to prevent key input from occurring due to the input display section 2 coming into contact with the key input operation section 4.

That is, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation state by the user when changing from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state.
There is a possibility that the input display unit 2 becomes slanted and the lower end of the input display unit 2 comes into contact with the key input operation unit 4 to cause key input. Therefore, in this device, as shown in FIG.
On both sides of the key input operation unit 4 in the housing of the main body 1, the brim unit 1 which is higher than the input keys 4a of the key input operation unit 4 is provided.
c is formed so that the distance between the input display unit 2 and the key input operation unit 4 when the state is changed from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state is regulated. There is. In this case, when shifting from the second key input operation state of the display vertical screen to the second pen input operation state, if the rotation center C is not set by being swung as described above, the lower end of the input display unit 2 is It does not hit the brim portion 1c, and a key input occurs.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, by setting the position of the center of rotation C as described above, the front end portion of the housing of the main body 1 remains in the first pen input operation state and the second pen input operation state. Therefore, the input display section 2 can be received in a stable state, and the contact with the key input operation section 4 can be reliably prevented.

At the same time, the center of rotation C is set so that the operator can see the print portion 30 of the printer on the rear side of the main body 1 even in the second pen input operation state of the vertical display screen. This is to improve the workability such as positioning of the print start position during printing, and the convenience of confirming the print status and print results.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the present information processing apparatus is provided with a rotation angle regulation mechanism (rotation angle regulation means) 14 for regulating the rotation angle of the input display section 2 every 90 °. There is. The rotation angle regulation mechanism 14 includes a disc portion 12 of the display rotation mechanism portion 9 and a fixing mechanism 15 provided on the back surface of the input display portion 2, and the disc portion 1
2 has notches 12a, 12b, 12c at 90 ° intervals.
・ 12d are formed respectively. On the other hand, the fixing mechanism 1
Reference numeral 5 denotes a fixed claw 15a that engages with any of the cutouts 12a, and a coil spring 15b that biases the fixed claw 15a.
And the guide 15c of the fixed claw 15a and the coil spring 15b, and the notch 12a by pushing down the fixed claw 15a.
Consisting of a slide knob 15d for releasing the engagement with
The fixed claw 15a and the notches 12a and 12 of the disc portion 12
By engaging with b ..., the connecting arm 3 of the input display unit 2
It is designed to regulate and fix the rotation with respect to.

FIG. 12 shows the state of the rotation angle regulating mechanism 14 in the first key input operation state on the horizontal display screen.
The fixed claw 15a engages with the notch 12a of the disc portion 12, and the input display portion 2 is fixed at this position. In order to shift from this state to the second key input operation state of the display vertical screen, the slide knob 15d is once pushed down to release the engagement between the fixed claw 15a and the notch 12a of the disc portion 12 and the input display is performed. When the part 2 is made rotatable and then the input display part 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, when the input display part 2 is rotated by 90 °,
The fixing mechanism 15 reaches the position of the notch 12b of the disk portion 12, and the fixing claw 15a biased by the coil spring 15b is fitted into and engaged with the notch 12b. With this, the second key input operation state of the display vertical screen is set, and the input display unit 2 is fixed at this position.

As described above, by providing the rotation angle restricting mechanism 14 and fixing the rotation of the input display unit 2 every 90 °, the input display unit 2 cannot take a halfway angle and the display surface 5 can be moved horizontally. Even in the first input operation state in which the display surface 5 is turned on or in the third input operation state in which the display surface 5 is turned vertically, the input display section 2 is accurately positioned horizontally and vertically, and it is possible to prevent the screen from being inclined halfway. Then, in the state transition from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state and the state transition from the second key input operation state to the second pen input operation state, rotation of the input display unit 2 is restricted. As a result, the vertical / horizontal reference lines of the input display unit 2 move in parallel with the front-back direction reference line of the main body 1, the input display unit 2 does not wobble, and the state transition is smoothly performed. be able to.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the information processing apparatus is provided with a lock mechanism (lock means) 16 capable of fixing and releasing the input display section 2 to the connecting arm 3. The lock mechanism 16 includes a lock spring 17 provided on the input display unit 2 and a lock claw (fixing unit) 18 provided on the connecting arm 3. The figure shows a state in which the lock mechanism 16 is released.

As shown in FIG. 14 (a), the lock spring 17 has a fixing portion 17 a for fixing the lock spring 17 to the input display portion 2 and the fixing portion 17 a.
This is a configuration in which the locking portion 17c is formed on the two spring portions 17b, 17b protruding from a. Also, the lock claw 18
Has a fixing portion 18a for fixing the lock claw 18 to the connecting arm 3 and a screw head-shaped tip portion, and the locking receiving portion 18b with which the locking portion 17c of the lock spring 17 is engaged. It consists of and.

In this information processing apparatus, the lock claw 18
Is the lower end side of the connecting arm 3, and the lock spring 17
The mounting positions are provided at positions corresponding to the lock claws 18 when the input display unit 2 is in the display horizontal screen state and at positions corresponding to the lock claws 18 in the display vertical screen state. That is, one lock claw 18 is commonly used for fixing the input display unit 2 and the connecting arm 3 in the display horizontal screen state and the display vertical screen state. In this embodiment, two lock claws 18 are provided to ensure the fixation, and a total of four lock springs 17, two lock claws 18, are provided at predetermined positions.

In the first or second key input operation state shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, the user pulls the lower end portion of the input display portion 2 toward the front (that is, the input display portion 2 with the rotation center B as the center). 14 with respect to the connecting arm 3).
From the fixed state shown in (a), the lock spring 17 is bent and the locking portion 17c is disengaged from the locking receiving portion 18b of the lock claw 18, and the fixing of the input display unit 2 to the connecting arm 3 is released.
On the contrary, when the input display unit 2 is pressed against the connecting arm 3, the lock spring 17 bends from the released state shown in FIG. 14B to receive the lock receiving portion 18b, whereby the lock portion 17c of the lock spring 17 is received. And the lock receiving portion 18b of the lock claw 18
Are engaged with each other and the input display unit 2 is fixed to the connecting arm 3.

As described above, by providing the lock mechanism 16 and fixing the input display section 2 to the connecting arm 3, when the state shifts from the stored state to the first key input operation state, the connecting arm 3 and the input display section. Since 2 and 2 are in a fixed state, it is very easy to perform a turning operation. Further, since the rotation of the input display section 2 in the first key input operation state and the second key input operation state is restricted by the lock mechanism 16, this also allows the first key input operation state and the second key input state. The state of the input display unit 2 in the operating state is stably maintained.

Further, since the lock mechanism 16 can be easily released by pulling the lower end portion of the input display portion 2 toward you,
The state can be changed smoothly and the operability is excellent.

Further, in this information processing apparatus, one lock claw 18 is commonly used for fixing the input display section 2 and the connecting arm 3 in the display horizontal screen state and the display vertical screen state, and each lock claw 18 is separately provided. The structure is simpler than the structure in which the lock mechanism 16 is provided.

Further, when shifting from the first key input operation state to the second key input operation state, by pulling the lower end portion of the input display section 2 toward the front side, the input display section 2 and the connecting arm 3 can be easily fixed. However, in the present information processing apparatus, by providing the lock guide mechanism 19 shown in FIG. 15, the fixed state can be released without releasing the fixed state.
The state can be changed from the first key input operation state to the second key input operation state.

The lock guide mechanism (lock guide means) 19 is, as shown in FIG.
Lock claw 18 and the lock receiving portion 18 of the lock claw 18
It comprises a lock guide groove 2b for guiding the tip of b, and a lock spring 17 of a lock mechanism 16 is provided at the above-mentioned predetermined position in the lock guide groove 2b. When the input display unit 2 is rotated, the tip of the lock claw 18 is guided in the lock guide groove 2b,
The state can be changed from the first key input operation state to the second key input operation state without releasing the fixed state of the lock mechanism 16.

That is, when the input display section 2 is pressed against the connecting arm 3 in the first key input operation state shown in FIG. 3, the lock claws 18 and 18 are locked to the lock springs 17e and 17f shown in FIG. 15, respectively. The input display unit 2 is fixed to the connecting arm 3. In this state, when the input display unit 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the tip ends of the lock claws 18 are guided to the lock guide groove 2b of the input display unit 2 without releasing the fixed state of the lock mechanism 16. The state shifts to the second key input operation state shown in FIG. At this position, the lock state of the input display unit 2 and the connecting arm 3 can be released by using the lock springs 17g and 17h shown in FIG.

As described above, by providing the lock guide mechanism 19, the input display section 2 can be rotated without being aware of the fact that the input display section 2 is fixed to the connecting arm 3, so that the operability is improved. Is improved. In addition, since the fixing is not released at a halfway angle, this also improves the operability. Further, by providing the lock guide mechanism 19, the rotation operation of the input display unit 2 is stabilized, and the function of the rotation angle regulation mechanism 14 described above becomes more effective.

As described above, the lock claw 18 is commonly used,
To provide the lock guide mechanism 19, as described above,
The rotation center C of the input display unit 2 is the distance a from the rotation center C in the display horizontal screen state to the lower end of the input display unit 2 and the distance a ′ to the lower end of the input display unit 2 in the display vertical screen state. It is necessary that they are set to be equal and the fixed positions of the input display unit 2 and the connecting arm 3 are constant.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments are merely to clarify the technical contents of the present invention, and should not be construed in a narrow sense by limiting to such specific examples.
Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

[0073]

As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes the main body having the key operation portion, the input display portion having the data input means on the rectangular display surface, and the input display portion. A rotating means for rotating the housing from the stored state in which the display surface and the key operation portion face each other to the first input operation state in which the key operation portion is in front and the display surface lies sideways, and the first input operation state. An information processing apparatus including a moving unit that moves the input display unit from the first input operation state to a second input operation state above the key operation unit with the display surface lying sideways and facing upward. In addition, by further providing a first rotation support means for supporting the input display unit in the first input operation state so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, the input display unit is
The third input operation state is such that the key operation portion is in the front and the display surface is vertical, and the third input operation state is substantially front.

Therefore, it becomes possible to take the third input operation state in which the key operation portion is in the front and the display surface is vertical and the display surface is vertically oriented. Therefore, for example, the information written in accordance with A4 paper is It was not possible to display all the data on the entire paper because it could not fit on the conventional display horizontal screen, but this allows all the data entered on the paper to be displayed, allowing the user to perform key input operations. There is an effect that the listability at the time of operation can be improved and the operability can be improved.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention is
As described above, in the configuration of claim 1,
By providing the second rotation supporting means for rotatably supporting the input display unit in the second input operation state in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, the display surface is made vertical above the key operation unit and It is a configuration that can take the fourth input operation state facing upward.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, even in the data input operation, it is possible to display all the information written on the A4 paper in the same manner as described above, and the user's operation can be performed. There is an effect that it is possible to improve the time listing and further improve the operability.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention is
As described above, the main body having the key operation unit and the input display unit having the data input means on the rectangular display surface are attached via the connecting arm, and one end of the connecting arm has the first hinge on the main body. Is rotatably supported by means, and the other end is rotatably supported by the rotation support plate by the second hinge means, and the back surface of the input display unit is rotated by the rotation shaft means on the rotation support plate. It is supported so that the display surface of the input display unit and the key operation unit of the main unit face each other, and the key operation unit of the main unit is facing you, with the display surface of the input display unit horizontal and almost the front. The first input operation state facing,
A second input operation state, in which the display surface of the input display unit is horizontal and facing upward, above the key operation unit of the main body, and the key operation unit of the main body is facing you, the display surface of the input display unit is set vertically. And a fourth input operation state in which the display surface of the input display section is vertical and faces upward, above the key operation section of the main body. is there.

Therefore, the structures of claims 1 and 2 can be easily realized, and in this case, the input display portion is directed rearward by the second hinge means and the input display portion is rotated by the rotary shaft means. By rotating the, it can be used as a display means on the rear side of the main body, and the display form is further increased, and the operability is further improved.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention is
As described above, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3 is further provided with a rotation angle restricting unit that restricts rotation of the input display unit in the vertical and horizontal directions by 90 °. .

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, 2 or 3, the input display section cannot take a halfway angle, and the display is made even in the first input operation state in which the display surface is horizontal. Even in the third input operation state in which the surface is vertical, the input display unit is accurately positioned horizontally and vertically, and it is possible to prevent the screen from tilting halfway. Then, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, the input display unit is provided in the state transition from the first input operation state to the second input operation state and in the state transition from the third input operation state to the fourth input operation state. By controlling the rotation of the input display unit, the vertical and horizontal reference lines of the input display unit move in parallel with the reference line in the front-back direction of the main unit, so the input display unit does not wobble and the state transition is smooth. There is an effect that it can be carried out.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention is
As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, the rotation center of the input display unit is the first
The distance from the rotation center in the input operation state to the lower end of the input display unit is equal to the distance from the rotation center in the third input operation state to the lower end of the input display unit, so that the distance from the center of the input display unit is the same. The configuration is set to be shifted.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, 2 or 3, the positional relationship between the main body after the rotation of the input display section and the lower end of the input display section becomes the same, and the fixed processing is performed. And the like. Moreover, it is possible to easily perform the positioning of the housing of the input display unit and the housing of the main body when the input display unit shifts to the third input operation state. . Further, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, it is easy to align the housing of the input display unit with the housing of the main body when the input display unit shifts to the fourth input operation state. It has the effect of being able to achieve it.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention is
As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, a lock unit that locks and unlocks the input display unit with respect to the connecting arm. Is provided.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 3, by fixing the input display portion to the connecting arm by the lock means, when the state is changed from the stored state to the first input operation state, the connection state is changed. Since the arm and the input display section are in a fixed state, it is very easy to perform the turning operation. Further, since the rotation of the input display section in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also restricted by the locking means, the input display in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also suppressed by this. The effect that the state of the part is stably maintained is obtained.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 7 of the present invention is
As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is fixed to and released from the connecting arm, and , The fixed part is the first input operation state,
And a lock guide means that is commonly used in the third input operation state and a lock guide means that guides the fixed portion of the lock means as the input display portion rotates.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 3, when the input display portion is fixed to the connecting arm by the lock means, when the storage state is changed to the first input operation state, the connection state is changed. Since the arm and the input display section are in a fixed state, it is very easy to perform the turning operation. Further, since the rotation of the input display section in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also restricted by the locking means, the input display in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also suppressed by this. The effect that the part is stably held is obtained. further,
The input display unit can be rotated without being aware that the input display unit is fixed to the connecting arm, and the operability can be further improved. In addition, since the fixing is not released at a halfway angle, this also improves the operability. Further, by providing such a lock guide means, the rotation operation of the input display section is stabilized.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a front view showing a first key input operation state of an information processing apparatus, and (b) is a second key operation state from the first key input operation state. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition state to a key input operation state.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a stored state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first key input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first pen input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second key input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second pen input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a rear display state of the information processing apparatus.

8A is a plan view of a display rotation mechanism unit provided in the information processing apparatus, and FIG. 8B is a front view thereof.
(C) is a side view.

FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of a transition from a first key input operation state to a first pen input operation state in an information processing device including a brim portion for spacing regulation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an operation state by the user when the information processing apparatus is changed from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing the alignment between the front end housing of the input display unit and the main housing when the information processing apparatus is in the first pen input operation state.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration and an operation of a rotation angle regulation mechanism provided in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the lock mechanism is released in the first key input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

14A is a sectional view showing a fixed state of the lock mechanism, and FIG. 14B is a sectional view showing a released state.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a lock guide mechanism provided in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a lock claw of the lock mechanism in a state of being guided by the lock guide mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 main body 1c collar part 2 input display part 2b lock guide groove (lock guide means) 3 connecting arm (connecting member) 4 key input operating part (key operating part) 5 input display surface 6 pen 7 first hinge mechanism (rotating means) , 1st hinge means) 8 2nd hinge mechanism (2nd hinge means) 9 Display rotation mechanism part 13 Shaft mechanism (1st rotation support means, 2nd rotation support means, rotation axis mechanism) 14 Rotation angle regulation mechanism (rotation angle) Regulation means) 16 Lock mechanism (lock means) 17 Lock spring 18 Lock claw (fixing part) 19 Lock guide mechanism (lock guide means)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A main body having a key operation section, an input display section having a data input means on a rectangular display surface, and the input display section from a storage state in which the display surface and the key operation section face each other. A rotating means for rotating the display portion sideways and the display surface sideways to a first input operation state in which the display surface is oriented substantially frontward;
Information processing including a moving unit that moves the input display unit from the first input operation state to a second input operation state above the key operation unit with the display surface sideways and facing upward. The apparatus further includes a first rotation supporting means for supporting the input display section in the first input operation state so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, so that the input display section is in front of the key operation section. The information processing apparatus is capable of taking a third input operation state in which the display surface is vertical and the front surface is substantially front. 2. A main body having a key operation unit, an input display unit having a data input means on a rectangular display surface, and the input display unit from a stored state in which the display surface and the key operation unit face each other. A rotating means for rotating the display portion sideways and the display surface sideways to a first input operation state in which the display surface is oriented substantially frontward;
Information processing provided with a moving means for moving the input display section from the first input operation state to a second input operation state above the key operation section with the display surface sideways and facing upward. The apparatus further includes a first rotation support unit that supports the input display unit that takes the first input operation state so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, and an input display unit that takes the second input operation state. By providing the second rotation support means for rotatably supporting in the vertical and horizontal directions of the surface, the input display section is a third input operation in which the key operation section is in the front and the display surface is vertical and the front surface is substantially front. State and above the key operation unit, the fourth with the display surface vertical and upward.
An information processing apparatus, which can take an input operation state. 3. A main body having a key operation portion and an input display portion having a data input means on a rectangular display surface are attached via a connecting arm, and one end portion of the connecting arm has a first hinge on the main body. Is rotatably supported by means, and the other end is rotatably supported by the rotation support plate by the second hinge means, and the back surface of the input display unit is rotated by the rotation shaft means on the rotation support plate. It is supported so that the display surface of the input display section and the key operation section of the main body face each other, and the key operation section of the main body is facing you, and the display surface of the input display section is horizontal and almost the front With the first input operation state facing, the second input operation state with the display surface of the input display section lying sideways and facing upward above the key operation section of the main body, with the key operation section of the main body facing , With the display surface of the input display section vertical, face almost the front. An information processing apparatus capable of having a third input operation state and a fourth input operation state in which the display surface of the input display section is vertical and faces upward above the key operation section of the main body. . 4. Rotation of the input display section in the vertical and horizontal directions is 90 °.
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a rotation angle restricting means for restricting each is provided. 5. The center of rotation of the input display unit is a distance from the center of rotation in the first input operation state to the lower end of the input display unit, and the center of rotation in the third input operation state to the lower end of the input display unit. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance is set to be equal to each other, and the information display apparatus is set to be displaced from the center of the input display unit. 6. The locking means for locking and unlocking the input display unit to and from the connecting arm in the first input operation state and the third input operation state. 3. The information processing device according to item 3. 7. In the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display section is fixed to and released from the connecting arm, and the fixing section is in the first input operation state.
And a lock guide means for guiding the fixed portion of the lock means in accordance with the rotation of the input display portion. 3. The information processing device according to item 3.