JP2002222026A - Portable information processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable information processor that the position of its display part movable to/from its main body part is changed according to as many usages as possible. SOLUTION: This portable information processor is equipped with the main body part 12 provided with an input part 11 at its upper part, an arm part 14 which is fitted to the center part of the back of the upper part of the main body part 12 through a 1st hinge 13, and a display part 16 whose back is fitted to the arm part 14 through a 2nd hinge 15. The arm part 14 is made freely expandable.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable information processing apparatus mounted so that a display unit can move with respect to a main unit, and more particularly to a mechanism capable of changing the direction and position of the display unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A portable information processing device such as a small portable computer and a small word processor is generally provided with a main unit provided with an input keyboard and a pointing device, as represented by a notebook computer. Thus, for example, a display unit of a liquid crystal panel is attached so as to be openable and closable, so that the display unit can be carried with the display unit closed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in a portable information processing apparatus such as a notebook computer which is generally used, a display unit 3 is provided to be openable and closable via a hinge unit 4 with respect to a main unit 2 on which a keyboard 1 is arranged. Have been.

When a portable information processing apparatus is used, when the display unit 3 is opened around the hinge unit 4, the liquid crystal screen 5 of the display unit 3 is turned to a person who operates the keyboard 1.
In addition, by adjusting the angle X of the display unit 3 with respect to the main body unit 2 via the hinge unit 4 arbitrarily, the display unit 3 can be set in accordance with the position of the operator's line of sight. In addition, the hinge part 4 can firmly maintain the set angle of the display part 3 with respect to the main body part 2 without being changed by the weight of the display part 3.

[0004]

As shown in FIG. 8, in a portable information processing apparatus in which a display unit is openably and closably attached to a main unit, the direction in which the display unit is moved is around the hinge unit. Only the direction of rotation.

[0005] The use of a notebook-type personal computer as shown in FIG.
In recent years, it has become diversified, such as showing a display screen to a plurality of people to give a presentation and enjoying music and DVD. However, since the direction in which the display unit is moved is limited to the opening and closing direction, the user cannot be satisfied in any usage. For example, in order to show the screen to a person sitting next to the user, the user has to move the main body itself and point the display screen at the neighbor, which is inconvenient. Also, when watching music or video images, an input unit such as a keyboard in the main unit in front of the display screen enters the field of view, so that many people who are accustomed to watching on a television monitor feel uncomfortable.

[0006] Also, the height of each person (the height of the sitting height) and the height of the desk on which the information processing device is placed are different from each other. Therefore, even if the screen of the display unit can be adjusted to the operator's line of sight, there is also a problem that for a certain operator, the position of the main unit is relatively low, so that the operator becomes stooped when looking at the display screen and is easily tired. I do.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a portable information apparatus capable of setting a display unit which can be moved with respect to a main body to a position where music and images can be enjoyed like a television, in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a processing device.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a display which can be moved with respect to the main body in order to freely adjust the height or direction of a person or people looking at the screen. It is to provide a portable information processing device that can be changed.

A further object of the present invention is to achieve the above-mentioned first and second objects, and adjust the position of the display unit which can be moved with respect to the main body unit as much as possible. It is to provide a portable information processing device that can be changed.

[0010]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a main body having an input portion provided on an upper portion thereof, and a display attached to the upper portion of the main body so as to be openable and closable. A portable information processing device having a main unit, an arm unit attached to the main unit unit behind the input unit via a first hinge, and a back surface of the display unit attached to the arm unit via a second hinge. It is characterized by having been done.

In the device having such a configuration, the display section is opened through the arm section with respect to the main body section, and the rotation angle (opening angle) of the arm section with respect to the main body section is adjusted, whereby the display screen of the display section is displayed. Can be adjusted to the operator's line of sight. When the user enjoys music or video using the portable information processing device, the rotation angle of the arm unit about the first hinge with respect to the main body unit and the display unit unit with the second hinge as the axis unit with respect to the arm unit. By adjusting the rotation angle, the position of the display unit is moved from the rear of the main unit to the front of the main unit. Thereby, the input unit on the upper part of the main unit is hidden behind the display unit, and it is possible to enjoy music and video viewing by the portable information processing device as if it were a TV, without any discomfort.

In the above portable information processing apparatus, it is preferable that a foldable support member is provided so as to extend between the back surface of the display unit and the arm unit. By providing such a support member, the arm portion can be placed in the second position.
Since the rotation angle of the display unit around the hinge can be restricted to a range in which the display unit does not hit the arm, it is possible to prevent the device from being destroyed. In addition, the support member, together with the second hinge, also plays a role of firmly fixing the set position of the display unit.

It is preferable that the portable information processing apparatus as described above further includes an adjusting means for adjusting the length of the arm. By providing such an adjusting means, the length of the arm portion can be expanded and contracted, and the viewer of the screen can adjust the position of the display unit to a comfortable eye level.

[0014] It is preferable that the portable information processing apparatus as described above further includes a rotating means for rotating the first hinge about an axis perpendicular to an installation surface of the main body. By providing such a rotation means, the display screen is displayed to a person who wants to rotate only the display unit without moving the main unit when showing the screen to a person sitting at the desk near him / her. It is possible to turn.

[0015] Further, in the portable information processing apparatus as described above, it is preferable that the arm section is provided at the center of the display section. When arms are arranged at both ends of a display unit as in the device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-292932, when the display unit is moved up and down with respect to the arms at both ends, the display unit is symmetrically moved with both hands. If not operated, there is a high possibility that problems will occur such as twisting, breakage of the arm unit, and damage of the display unit. On the other hand, when the arm is arranged at the center as in the present invention,
When adjusting the height of the display unit up and down, stress is not applied to the display unit and the arm unit even if the display unit is not symmetrically moved symmetrically.

It is preferable that the first hinge and the second hinge used in the above-mentioned portable information processing apparatus have a strong torque that supports the display unit and prevents the display unit from falling by its own weight.

[0017]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view best showing a main part of an embodiment of a portable information processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a normal use mode in which only a display section is opened when viewed from the front of the apparatus. FIG. 7B shows a normal use mode in which only the display unit is opened, as viewed from the rear of the apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 1, the portable information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a main body 12 provided with an input section (operation section) 11 such as a keyboard and a pointing device at the top,
An arm 14 is attached to the rear central portion of the upper portion of the main body 12 via a first hinge 13, and a display unit 16 is attached to the arm 14 with a back attached via a second hinge 15. The electric cables of the display unit 16, the inverter and the sound source are connected through the arm unit 14.

The display section 16 can be opened and closed with respect to the upper part of the main body section 16 like a notebook, and is closed when the apparatus is carried. When the display unit 16 is opened around the first hinge 13 to set the display unit 16 to the normal use state as shown in FIG. 1, a screen 17 such as a liquid crystal display system or a plasma display system of the display unit 16 is displayed.
Is directed to a person who operates the input unit 11. The screen 17 can be adjusted to the position of the operator's line of sight by arbitrarily adjusting the opening angle of the display unit 16 with respect to the main unit 12 via the first hinge 13. At this time, since the first hinge 13 must support the display unit 16, the display unit 16 is prevented from falling under its own weight by using one having a strong axial torque.

In the present embodiment, the main unit 12 of the display unit 16
In addition to the first hinge 13 whose opening angle with respect to can be adjusted,
By providing the second hinge 15 that can adjust the angle of the display section 16 with respect to the arm section 14, the display section 16 can be moved not only by opening and closing the upper part of the main body section 12, but also by moving the display section 16 to the front of the apparatus. Was also possible.

For example, when listening to music or a movie, the user inclines the arm 14 toward the upper part of the main body 12 around the first hinge 13 from the normal use state as shown in FIG. The display unit 16 is raised with respect to the arm unit 14 around the hinge 2 to move the position of the display unit 16 from the rear of the main unit to the front surface 12a of the main unit.

As described above, the display section 16 is moved to the main body front face 12a.
When the display unit 16 is moved, the arm unit 14 is installed at the center of the display unit 16, so that the display unit 16 does not crack or warp without moving the display unit 16 symmetrically.

FIG. 2 shows a state in which the display unit 16 is set on the front surface 12a of the main body, as viewed from the front surface 12a of the apparatus.
2 shows a view of the same state as viewed from the right side surface 12b of the apparatus. By setting the state shown in these figures, the input unit 11
Is hidden behind the display unit 16, so that music and images can be enjoyed with a sense of television without discomfort. Screen 17
Can look bigger. Further, after the input operation, it is preferable from the viewpoint of aesthetics to place the device on the desk in the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, a foldable support member 18 is provided between the back of the display 16 and the arm 14.
May be provided so as to span between them. By providing such a support member 18, the rotation angle A of the display unit 16 about the arm unit 14 about the second hinge 15 is limited.

The reason why the rotation of the display section 16 with respect to the arm section 14 is limited is to prevent the device from being destroyed. That is, if the user opens the display unit 16 with respect to the arm unit 180 by 180 degrees or more, the display unit 16
Corresponds to the arm portion 14, and the arm portion 14, the second hinge 1
5 and the display section 16 are damaged by stress. Therefore, the rotation angle A of the display unit 16 is set in the range where the display unit 16 does not hit the arm unit 14 (the rotation angle A is 1
(Less than 80 degrees).

The support member 18 is provided on the front surface 1 of the main body 12.
The rotation angle A may be limited so that the display unit 16 is not moved before 2a. With this restriction, it is possible to prevent the display section 16 from dropping from the main body section 12.

Further, the supporting member 18 in combination with the second hinge 15 also plays a role of firmly fixing the position of the display unit 16 set as shown in FIG. At this time, the display unit 16
Need to be fixed at the set position, the second hinge 1
5. It is preferable that the folding shaft of the support member 18 has a high axial torque.

As shown in FIG. 4, the support member 18 has two ends connected to each other by a folding shaft 18a and is rotatable about the shaft 18a. Therefore, when the display unit 16 is moved to the front surface 12a of the apparatus, the support member 18 moves so as to widen the angle formed by the two rod members.

From the state shown in FIG.
When the display unit 16 is closed, the display unit 16 is rotated about the second hinge 15 with respect to the arm unit 14 by pushing the display unit 16 backward, and the support member 18 is folded. Thereafter, the display unit 16 is closed with respect to the main unit 12 by rotating the arm unit 14 about the first hinge 13.

The device according to the present embodiment has the
And a mechanism for adjusting the height of the display unit 16 by expanding and contracting the length of the display unit 16. Hereinafter, the height adjusting mechanism will be described.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view for explaining the height adjusting mechanism of the portable information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the arm part 14 has a first arm 14a and a second arm 14a.
It has an arm 14b. The second arm 14b has a built-in mechanism for fixing the first arm 14a.

With respect to this fixing mechanism, the second arm 14
b, guides 26 for guiding two parallel rods (posts) 20, 21 fixed with screws inside the first arm 14a,
27 are attached. A plurality of depressions 28, 29 are formed at predetermined intervals in each of the rods (posts) 20, 21. Stoppers 24 and 25 are slidably disposed in the guides 26 and 27. And the stoppers 24, 25
Are the rods 20, 2 inserted into the holes of the guides 26, 27
1 is urged by springs 22 and 23,
The first arm 14a can be fixed by hooking on the depressions 28, 29 of the rods 20, 21.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the movement of the stopper shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG.
Two rods (posts) 2 fixed inside the arm 14a
The stoppers 24 and 25 in the second arm 14b are moved in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 6 by pulling 0 and 21 in the direction of arrow a in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the lower ends of the depressions 28, 29 formed in the rods (posts) 20, 21 and the tips of the stoppers 24, 25 hooked here are cut obliquely. Therefore, when the rods 20, 21 are pulled in the direction of arrow a, the rods 20, 21 move easily. Conversely, in the direction opposite to the arrow a, the stopper 2
The rods 20, 21 will not move unless 4, 25 is removed.
When the rods 28, 29 are moved in the direction of arrow a or in the direction opposite thereto, the stoppers 24, 25 are moved to the next depression by the rods 2, 25.
The first arm 14a is fixed to the first arm 14a.

Then, as shown in FIG.
A display unit 16 is fixed to 4 a via a second hinge 15, and a second arm 14 b is fixed to the main body 12 via a first hinge 13.

Thus, for example, from the state shown in FIG.
To raise the position of the display unit 16 upward, the user must
It is raised simply by pulling up the first arm 14a together with the display unit 16. Conversely, to lower the height, the lock release mechanism 19 is operated to operate the stoppers 24 and 25 and the depressions 28 and 2.
9 and the first arm 14a together with the display 16
Should be lowered. Through such an operation, the position of the display unit 16 can be adjusted to a height that matches the user's eyes. Adjustment is possible by the number of depressions 28, 29 formed in the rods 20, 21.

When the display unit 16 is moved up and down in this manner, the arm unit 14 is installed at the center of the display unit 16, so that the arm unit 14 is installed at both ends of the display unit 16. Even if the user does not move the display 16 with both hands in a well-balanced manner, the display unit 16 is not broken or distorted.

Further, assuming an operation of closing the display unit 16 and expanding and contracting the length of the arm unit 14, the input unit at the upper part of the main unit 12 as shown in FIG. The depressions 30 may be provided on both sides of the portion 11.

Further, the apparatus of this embodiment has a mechanism capable of rotating the display unit about an axis perpendicular to the apparatus installation surface. FIG. 7 shows a portable information processing apparatus provided with this rotation mechanism. As shown in this figure, the first hinge 13 at the base of the arm portion 14 is rotated by a rotating means 31 that allows the first hinge 13 to rotate around an axis c perpendicular to the installation surface of the main body portion 12. It is attached to the upper rear of the part 12. By providing such a rotation means 31, when the screen is shown to a person sitting at a desk near the user, the display screen can be turned to a person who wants to rotate and display only the display unit.

In the present embodiment described above, in addition to the normal mechanism for opening and closing the display with respect to the main body, the first mechanism for moving the display to the front of the main body, and the second mechanism for adjusting the height of the display. Although the apparatus including all the mechanisms and the third mechanism capable of rotating the display unit about an axis perpendicular to the apparatus installation surface has been described, the present invention may be any apparatus provided that at least the first mechanism is added. Of course, the first mechanism and the second mechanism may be added, the first mechanism and the third mechanism may be added, or the second mechanism and the third mechanism may be added according to the purpose of use.

The present invention is applicable not only to a so-called notebook personal computer but also to a DVD player whose screen cannot be moved to the front.

[0042]

According to the present invention, in a portable information processing apparatus having a display unit which can be opened and closed with respect to an upper part of a main body, an arm is provided behind the main body via a first hinge. By attaching the rear surface of the display unit to the arm unit via the second hinge, the position of the display unit can be moved from the rear of the main unit to the front of the main unit. As a result, the keypad and the like at the top of the main unit are hidden behind the display unit, and it is possible to enjoy music and video viewing by the portable information processing device as if it were a TV, without any discomfort.

In the above portable information processing apparatus, the foldable support member is provided so as to extend between the back surface of the display section and the arm section, so that the second section can be provided with respect to the arm section.
The rotation angle of the display unit about the hinge can be restricted to a range where the display unit does not hit the arm, so that the device can be prevented from being broken. Further, the support member can also play a role of firmly fixing the set position of the display unit in combination with the second hinge.

In the portable information processing apparatus as described above, an adjusting means for adjusting the length of the arm portion is further provided, so that the length of the arm portion can be expanded or contracted to make it easier for a viewer to see the screen. The position of the display unit can be adjusted to the height of the line of sight.

In the portable information processing apparatus as described above, a rotating means for rotating the first hinge about an axis perpendicular to the installation surface of the main body is further provided, so that a desk near one's own is provided. It is possible to turn the display unit and turn the display screen toward a person who wants to show the display unit without moving the main unit when the user sits at the display screen.

Further, in the portable information processing apparatus as described above, since the arm section is installed at the center of the display section, the display section can be easily rotated left and right, and the height of the display section can be adjusted vertically. Even if the display unit is not operated in a well-balanced manner, no stress is applied to the display unit and the arm unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram best illustrating a main part of an embodiment of a portable information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a display unit is set on a front surface of a main body of the portable information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a display unit is set on a front surface of a main body of the portable information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from a right side of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the movement of a support member shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining a height adjustment mechanism of a display unit of the portable information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the stopper shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a rotation mechanism of a display unit of the portable information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a portable information processing apparatus such as a notebook computer generally used.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Input part 12 Main body part 12a Front surface 12b Right side surface 13 First hinge 14 Arm part 14a First arm 14b Second arm 15 Second hinge 16 Display part 17 Screen 18 Support member 18a Folding shaft 19 Lock release mechanism 20, 21 Rod 22 , 23 spring 24, 25 stopper 26, 27 guide 28, 29, 30 recess 31 rotating means

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A portable information processing apparatus comprising: a main body having an input portion provided on an upper portion thereof; and a display portion attached to the upper portion of the main body so as to be openable and closable. A portable information processing apparatus, wherein an arm unit is attached to the display unit via a first hinge, and a back surface of the display unit is attached to the arm unit via a second hinge. 2. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a foldable support member is provided so as to extend between a back surface of the display unit and the arm unit. 3. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising adjusting means for adjusting a length of said arm portion. 4. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising rotating means for rotating said first hinge around an axis perpendicular to an installation surface of said main body. 5. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arm is provided at a center of the display. 6. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge have a strong torque that supports the display unit and prevents the display unit from falling by its own weight. apparatus.