JP2004029988A

JP2004029988A - Portable information processor

Info

Publication number: JP2004029988A
Application number: JP2002182366A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hiroyuki Toki; 土岐　博之; Shunji Ito; 伊藤　俊二; Kuniharu Wakata; 若田　邦治
Original assignee: Axess Corp
Current assignee: Axess Corp
Priority date: 2002-06-24
Filing date: 2002-06-24
Publication date: 2004-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-24
Also published as: AU2003243946A1; JP4125918B2; WO2004001566A1; TWI275949B; TW200401199A

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a constitution incorporating a tilt mechanism excellent in operationality, for a portable information processor in which an information display part for displaying various pieces of information is provided with the part being openable and closable with respect to a body part having an information input part of keyboard or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The portable information processor has the body part 2 equipped with an input part 2a for inputting information; an opening/closing member 3 which is equipped with a display part 3a for displaying the various pieces of information and is provided so that the member is openable and closable with respect to the body part 2; a rotation mechanism 5 which connects the opening/closing member 3 rotatably to the body part 2; and a support member 9 which supports the body part 2 so that its rotation mechanism side can swing with respect to a horizontal plane. Between the rotation mechanism 5 and the support member 9, the tilt mechanism is provided which raises the rotation mechanism side of the body part 2 with respect to the horizontal plane after the opening/closing member 3 is rotated by a predetermined angle with respect to the body part 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、情報を入力する入力部を具備した本体部と、この本体部に対して開閉可能に設けられ、各種情報を表示する表示部とを備えた携帯可能な情報処理装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、上記した携帯可能な情報処理装置に、表示部の視認性、及びキーボード等に代表される入力部の操作性の向上を図るべく、使用時において、本体部後方を上昇させるチルト機構を設けた構成が知られている。
【０００３】
このチルト機構は、様々な構成が知られており、例えば、特開２０００−４７７５５号には、脚片をカードスロット内に収容しておき、必要に応じて脚片を取り出して本体部の底面に装着し、これにより本体部の後方を上昇させるように構成した携帯型情報端末が開示されている。また、特開２００２−１０８５０６号には、本体部に、携帯時に把持されるハンドルを回動可能に設け、実際の使用時には、ハンドルを回動させてチルトスタンドにすることで本体部の後方を上昇させるように構成したノート型パーソナルコンピュータが開示されている。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、上記したような従来のチルト機構は、使用時には、本体部に対して脚片の装着、或いはハンドルを回動し、不使用時には、装着された脚片を本体部から取り外してカードスロットに収容、或いはハンドルを回動する等の操作が必要とされ、取扱いが不便である。
【０００５】
また、地上波デジタル放送が普及するに連れ、携帯電話としての機能に加え、テレビ番組や、Ｗｅｂブラウザにより、インターネットを介して受信されるＷｅｂコンテンツ（テキスト、画像、動画、ゲームプログラム、アプリケーションプログラム等の各種のコンテンツ等（画像情報と総称する）を受信できる機能を備えた携帯型情報端末も研究、開発されているが、このような小型の情報端末の場合、手に持った状態の通話機能と、卓上（水平面）等に置いた状態の閲覧機能が要求される。
【０００６】
しかし、従来の携帯端末の構成では、これら両方の機能を、操作性良く実現することが困難であると共に、このような携帯端末においても、チルト機構を組み込んだ場合、より操作性に優れた構成にすることが望まれている。すなわち、従来の携帯電話では、本体部に対して、液晶画面等を備えた開閉部材を開く構成の場合、両者の開き角度は、顔のラインに沿うように略１６０度程度に設定されているが、このような構成の携帯電話を、そのまま卓上に載置した場合、液晶画面を閲覧するには、角度が開き過ぎて、閲覧し難いか、もしくは安定性が悪いという問題がある。
【０００７】
本発明は、上述した問題に基づいて成されたものであり、キーボード等の情報入力部を有する本体部に対し、各種情報を表示する情報表示部が開閉可能に設けられた携帯型情報処理装置において、操作性に優れたチルト機構を組み込んだ構成を提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
また、本発明は、電話としての機能に加え、画像情報を受信できる機能を備えた携帯型情報処理装置において、両者の機能を操作性良く行える構成を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記した目的を達成するために、本発明の携帯型情報処理装置は、情報を入力する入力部を具備した本体部と、この本体部に対して開閉可能に設けられ、各種情報を表示する表示部を具備した開閉部材と、この開閉部材を前記本体部に対して回動可能に連結させる回動機構と、前記本体部を、水平面に対して回動機構側が揺動可能となるように支持する支持部材とを有しており、前記回動機構と支持部材との間には、前記開閉部材が本体部に対して所定角度回動した後、前記本体部の回動機構側を水平面に対して上昇させるチルト機構が設けられていることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
上記した携帯型情報処理装置は、表示部を具備した開閉部材が、本体部に対して回動機構を介して開閉自在に設けられている。このような携帯型情報処理装置を卓上等、水平面に載置して作動状態にすべく開閉部材を開くと、その回動動作に伴い、チルト機構を介して、本体部は、それを支持している支持部材の支持点を中心に回動機構側が上昇する。すなわち、開閉部材が開いた状態になると同時に、本体部の回動機構側が上昇することから、本体部の入力部が操作者側に傾斜して入力部の操作性が向上する。
【００１１】
また、上記した目的を達成するために、本発明は、少なくとも電話機能、及び画像情報の閲覧機能を有する携帯型情報処理装置であって、情報を入力する入力部を具備した本体部と、この本体部に対して開閉可能に設けられ、前記画像情報を表示する表示部を具備した開閉部材と、この開閉部材を前記本体部に対して回動可能に連結させる回動機構と、前記本体部を、水平面に対して回動機構側が揺動可能となるように支持する支持部材とを有しており、前記回動機構は、電話機能を使用する場合、前記開閉部材の表示部側の表面を本体部の表面に対して所定角度θ１となるように保持し、前記支持部材は、閲覧機能を使用する場合、前記本体部を水平面に載置した状態で、開閉部材の表示部側の表面を水平面に対し所定角度θ２となるように支持し、前記角度θ１は、角度θ２よりも大きくなるように設定されることを特徴としている。
【００１２】
上記した携帯型情報処理装置では、電話機能を使用する場合、操作者は、主に本体部を把持し開閉部材に内蔵されたスピーカ部分に耳を当てるが、このような操作では、回動機構により、開閉部材は本体部に対して角度θ１となるに設定される。また、画像情報を閲覧する場合、操作者は、本体部を卓上等、水平面に載置し、開閉部材を開いた状態にするが、この際、支持部材により、開閉部材は水平面に対して角度θ２となるように設定される。そして、前記角度θ１を、角度θ２よりも大きくなるように設定することで、携帯電話として使用する際にその操作が最も行い易く、かつ画像情報を閲覧する際に開閉部材の表示部が水平面に対し最も閲覧し易くなる。
【００１３】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明に係る携帯型情報処理装置の一実施の形態を添付図面に沿って具体的に説明する。なお、以下に説明する実施の形態では、電話機能、及び各種の画像情報を閲覧できる機能を有する携帯端末を例示して説明する。
【００１４】
図１及び図２は、携帯型情報処理装置１（以下、携帯端末）を示す図であり、それぞれ閉じた状態と開いた状態（使用状態）を示している。
携帯端末１は、その表面部に、電話番号など、各種の情報を入力するキーボードのような入力部２ａを具備した本体部２と、この本体部２に対して開閉可能に設けられ、各種の画像情報を表示する液晶等によって構成された表示部３ａを具備した開閉部材３とを有している。前記本体部２には、携帯電話として使用する場合、音声を入力するマイク２ｂが設けられており、前記開閉部材３には、音声が出力されるスピーカ３ｂが設けられている。また、開閉部材３には、画像情報と共に音声情報が出力される一対のスピーカ３ｃ、及びＣＣＤ撮影素子３ｄ等が設けられている。
【００１５】
なお、入力部２ａは、必要に応じて、表示部３ａに表示された表示内容をスクロールしたり、表示されたボタンのクリック等を行えるようなものであっても良く、その構成、配置、機能等、携帯端末の用途に応じて適宜変更される。
【００１６】
前記本体部２、及び開閉部材３は、端部同士が回動機構５によって連結されており、開閉部材３を本体部２に対して閉じると、本体部２の手前側に設けられ、前記マイク２ｂを内蔵した操作部７が露出するようになっている。また、本体部２には、この本体部を揺動可能となるように支持する支持部材９が係合しており、前記回動機構５と支持部材９との間には、開閉部材３が本体部２に対して所定角度回動した後、更に回動すると、本体部２の回動機構側を水平面（載置面）に対して上昇させるチルト機構１０が設けられている。
【００１７】
前記回動機構５は、図２〜図４に示すように、本体部２の端部に設けられ、所定間隔おいて同軸上に設けられた一対の円筒状の保持体５ａと、開閉部材３に設けられ、保持体５ａ間に位置する中間支持部５ｂ及び保持体５ａの両外側に位置する外側支持部５ｃとを有しており、各保持体５ａ内には、内部で回転可能な円筒状の回転体５ｄが配設されている。この場合、回転体５ｄには、中間支持部５ｂに嵌合する非円形の嵌合突部５ｅが形成されており、中間支持部５ｂは、回転体５ｄと一体回転するように構成されている。また、回転体５ｄ内には、回転体５ｄの底面と保持体５ａの底面との間に、回動付勢バネ５ｆが配設されており、中間支持部５ｂ（開閉部材３）を、常時、開く方向に付勢している。そして、開閉部材３は、その基端縁が本体部２に当て付いた状態で回動位置が規制されるようになっている。
【００１８】
本実施の形態では、上記した回動機構５は、開閉部材の基端縁が本体部２に当て付いて開閉部材３が最大限開いた状態、すなわち、携帯電話として使用する場合、本体部２の表面と開閉部材３の表示部３ａ側の表面との間の成す角θ１（図１３参照）が、１５５度になるように設定されている。この角度θ１は、通話のときに最適となるように選択されるが、通話用のマイク２ｂ及びスピーカ３ｂの取付け位置、或いは本体部２及び表示部３ａの長さの比によって変わり得るものであり、９０度〜１８０度の範囲で選択される。なお、図に示すように、開閉部材３が本体部２に対して重なるように折り曲げられ、通話用のマイク２ｂ及びスピーカ３ｂが、夫々の端部に配置されているような構成では、一般人の顔のラインに沿って最も使用し易い角度、具体的には１５０度〜１７０度の範囲内で設定しておくことが好ましい。
【００１９】
前記本体部２と開閉部材３との間には、開閉部材３が本体部２に対して重なるように保持すると共に、この保持状態を解除するロック機構８が設けられており、このロック機構８は、前記本体部２に設けられた操作部７を押圧操作することで駆動されるようになっている。以下、図５及び図６を参照して、ロック機構について説明する。
【００２０】
本体部２の前端内部の表面には、シャフト８ａが配設されており、このシャフト８ａには、一対のアーム８ｂが回動可能に装着されている。各アーム８ｂの先端側には、前記操作部７が一体的に形成されていると共に、その中間位置には、操作部７を押し込み操作した際、アーム８ｂによって押圧される押圧体８ｃが係合している。この押圧体８ｃには、シャフト８ａに隣接配置されたシャフト８ｄによって回動可能に支持されると共に、開閉部材３の前端部に形成された係合凹所８ｅに係合される一対の爪部材８ｆが一体的に形成されている。そして、この押圧体８ｃは、本体部２の前端内部の表面に配設された付勢バネ８ｇによって、図中、シャフト８ｄの回りを常時時計回り方向（爪部材８ｆが係合凹所８ｅに常時係合する方向）に付勢されている。
【００２１】
上記したロック機構８の構成によれば、図６（ａ）に示したロック状態から、操作部７を押し込み操作することで、図６（ｂ）に示すように、アーム８ｂが押圧体８ｃを付勢バネ８ｇの付勢力に抗して押し込み、爪部材８ｆを反時計回り方向に回動させる。そして、更に、操作部７を押し込むことで、爪部材８ｆと係合凹所８ｅとの係合関係が外れ、開閉部材３は、図６（ｃ）に示すようにロックが解除される。
【００２２】
上述したように、本実施の形態では、回動機構５には、回動付勢バネ５ｆが組み込まれていることから、両者の係合が外れると、開閉部材３は自動的に最大開放位置に回動される。すなわち、携帯端末１に、このようなロック機構８、及び上記したような回動付勢バネ５ｆを備えた回動機構５を組み込んでおくことで、操作部７を押し込み操作するだけの単一操作により、画像閲覧状態にすることができ、その操作性の向上が図れる。なお、開閉部材３を閉じる場合、開閉部材３の係合凹所８ｅの下方に形成された曲面８ｈが、爪部材８ｆの表面に形成された曲面８ｋに当接し、爪部材８ｆを付勢バネ８ｇの付勢力に抗して反時計回り方向に回動させることで、爪部材８ｆは係合凹所８ｅに係合可能となり、両者は、図６（ａ）に示す保持状態になる。
【００２３】
次に、上記した本体部２を揺動可能となるように支持する支持部材９と、チルト機構１０について説明する。
支持部材９は、チルト機構１０と協働して、開閉部材３が本体部２に対して所定角度回動した後、更に回動することで、本体部２の回動機構側が水平面（載置面）に対して上昇できるように、本体部２を載置面に支持する部材である。本実施形態の支持部材９は、図１及び図７に示すように、本体部２の両サイドの後方側に沿って装着されるサイドプレート９ａと、本体部２の下面と載置面との間に位置する介在部９ｂとを備えた全体として略コの字形状を成しており、本体部２は、その中間部の下方で、支持点Ｓによって回動可能となるように支持されている。
【００２４】
そして、上記した回動機構５と支持部材９との間には、開閉部材３が本体部２に対して所定角度回動した後、実際に本体部２の回動機構側を水平面に対して上昇させるチルト機構１０が配設されている。チルト機構１０は、前記開閉部材３の回動に伴って回動すると共に、この回動作用を利用して、前記支持部材９によって支持されている本体部２を、支持点Ｓを中心に上昇させる回動部材を備えている。
【００２５】
この回動部材は、図８に示すように、前記開閉部材３の回動と共に一体回動する外側支持部５ｃの端面に、その回転中心Ｘに対して、オフセットして設けられたピン状部材１２によって構成されており、前記サイドプレート９ａには、ピン状部材１２が係合すると共に、開閉部材３の回動と共に移動できるよう円弧状の溝１３が形成されている。
【００２６】
この円弧状の溝１３は、開閉部材３が閉じた際、水平側面視で、ピン状部材１２が略１２時方向に位置すると共に、開閉部材３が略直角位置まで開いた際、略３時方向で突き当たるような角度の円弧状の案内部１３ａを備えている。また、この円弧状の溝１３には、そのような案内部１３ａの他に、開閉部材３が略直立した位置から更に回動した際、ピン状部材１２を上昇方向に案内するように、上昇方向に沿った案内部１３ｂが形成されている。
【００２７】
上記したように構成される支持部材９、及びチルト機構１０の作用について説明する。
図９に示すように、携帯端末１を水平面Ｐに載置した状態で、操作部７を押し込み操作すると、上記したロック機構が外れ、開閉部材３が本体部２に対して開き始める。このとき、最初、溝１３内で、略１２時方向に位置しているピン状部材１２は、開閉部材３の回動動作に伴って、図１０に示すように、案内部１３ａに沿って移動する。
【００２８】
そして、開閉部材３が、本体部２に対して略直角の位置まで回動すると、図１１に示すように、ピン状部材１２は、溝１３の案内部１３ａの下端部（略３時方向）に当て付く。ここからさらに開閉部材３が回動しようとすると、その回動方向の力は、支持部材９がＰ１で支持されていることから、図１２の矢印に示すように、ピン状部材１２を上方に傾斜した案内部１３ｂに沿って上昇させようとする。すなわち、ピン状部材１２が矢印方向に上昇することで、ピン状部材１２が設けられている回動機構５も同方向の力を受け、結果として、図１３に示すように、本体部２は、支持点Ｓを中心に回動機構５側が上昇する。
【００２９】
このように、支持部材９、及びチルト機構１０によって、開閉部材３が最大開放位置に開くと、本体部２の回動機構側が上昇することから、携帯端末１を設置状態としたときに入力部２ａの操作が行い易くなる。また、支持部材９は、チルト機構１０と協働して開閉部材３が最大開放位置となったとき、本体部２の回動機構側を上昇させることから、水平面Ｐに対して開閉部材３の表示部３ａ側の面までの角度θ２が、前記角度θ１よりも小さい角度で保持されるようになっている。この場合、両者の角度差は、１度〜９０度の範囲内に設定されれば良いが、特に、携帯電話としての通話機能、及び画像閲覧機能の両機能が使い勝手良く実現できるように、５度〜３５度の範囲内で定めることが好ましい。
【００３０】
具体的に、本実施形態の構成では、上記した角度θ２は、一般的な卓上に載置した状態で表示部３ａで表示される画像情報が見易いように１４５度となるように設定されている。なお、角度θ２は、携帯端末を水平面に置いて画像、動画等のコンテンツを閲覧するときに最適な状態となるように選択すれば良いが、これは、水平面とユーザの目の高さによっても変わり得る。一般的な使用態様を考慮すると、９０度〜１６０度の範囲内で定めるのが良く、特に、１３５度〜１４５度の範囲内のいずれかの角度となるように、支持部材９及びチルト機構１０を構成しておくことが好ましい。
【００３１】
そして、開閉部材３を閉じると、上記した工程と逆の工程により図９に示した初期状態に戻ることから、チルト機構を解除するための特別な操作が必要とされることもない。
【００３２】
以上、本発明の実施形態について説明したが、上述した実施形態において、チルト機構１０を構成するピン状部材１２及び溝１３は、図７に示すように、蓋部材１５によって閉塞しておくことが見栄え上好ましい。また、支持部材９に形成されている介在部９ｂには、駆動電源を収容する収容部２０を設けておくことが好ましい。このような収容部２０を設けておくことで、開閉部材３を開いたときに、本体部２の下方に重量物が位置するため、水平面Ｐに設置した際の状態の安定化が図れるようになる。また、本体部２は、入力部２ａが設けられている表面が、水平面に対して傾斜する（回動機構側に向けて次第に上昇する）ように形成されていることが好ましい。このように、本体部２の表面が予め傾斜していることで、水平面Ｐに設置してチルト機構によって本体部の回動機構側が上昇した際に、入力部２ａの操作が行い易くなる。
【００３３】
また、上述した支持部材９、チルト機構１０等の構成については、適宜変形することが可能である。例えば、支持部材９は、本体部２から露出するように設けられているが、その一部が本体部に組み込まれていても良いし、チルト機構を構成している案内部が形成された溝形状については、開閉部材３の開閉角度、チルトアップする量等に応じて、適宜変形することが可能である。
【００３４】
さらに、本発明は、上述した携帯端末以外にも、ノートブック型、ラップトップ型、ハンドヘルド型、タブレット型のパーソナルコンピュータや、ＰＤＡ（Ｐｅｒｓｏｎａｌ　Ｄａｔｅ　Ａｓｓｉｓｔａｎｔ）、電子辞書、電卓、ページャ、電子ブック、携帯型音楽再生機、ラジオ等、電話機能を備えていない各種の携帯型情報処理装置に適用することが可能である。
【００３５】
【発明の効果】
以上、本発明によれば、携帯型情報処理装置を水平面に載置して、開閉部材を開く動作をした際、この回動動作に伴ってチルト機構が駆動されて本体部の入力部が上昇することから、操作性に優れたチルト機構を組み込んだ携帯型情報処理装置が得られるようになる。また、本発明によれば、電話機能及び画像情報を受信できる機能を備えた携帯型情報処理装置において、両者の機能を操作性良く扱える構成が得られるようになる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る携帯型情報処理装置の一例を示す図であり、開閉部材を閉じた状態を示す斜視図。
【図２】図１に示す携帯型情報処理装置の開閉部材を開いた状態を示す斜視図。
【図３】回動機構の構成を示す分解斜視図。
【図４】回動機構における本体部の保持体と、開閉部材と一体回転する回転体との係合状態を示す部分断面図。
【図５】開閉部材を本体部に対してロックするロック機構の構成を示す図。
【図６】（ａ）〜（ｃ）を含み、夫々、ロック機構の動作を順に説明する図。
【図７】本体部を支持する支持部材の構成を示す斜視図。
【図８】チルト機構の部分を拡大して示す斜視図。
【図９】本体部に対して開閉部材を閉じた状態を示す側面図。
【図１０】本体部に対して開閉部材が少し開いた状態を示す側面図。
【図１１】本体部に対して開閉部材が略直角に開いた状態を示す側面図。
【図１２】本体部に対して開閉部材がさらに開き、本体部がチルトアップする状態を示す図。
【図１３】本体部に対して開閉部材が最大開放位置に開き、本体部がチルトアップした状態を示す図。
【符号の説明】
１　携帯端末（携帯型情報処理装置）
２　本体部
２ａ　入力部
３　開閉部
３ａ　表示部
５　回動機構
７　操作部
８　ロック機構
９　支持部材
１０　チルト機構[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable information processing apparatus including a main body provided with an input section for inputting information, and a display section provided to be capable of opening and closing the main body and displaying various information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in order to improve the visibility of the display unit and the operability of the input unit represented by a keyboard, etc., the portable information processing device described above is provided with a tilt mechanism that raises the rear of the main unit during use. Known configurations are known.
[0003]
Various configurations of this tilt mechanism are known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-47755 discloses that a leg piece is housed in a card slot, and the leg piece is taken out as needed, and the bottom face of the main body is removed. A portable information terminal is disclosed, which is configured to be attached to a personal computer and thereby to raise the rear of the main body. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-108506, a handle that is gripped when being carried is provided on the main body in a rotatable manner. A notebook personal computer configured to be raised is disclosed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional tilt mechanism described above, the legs are attached to the main body portion or the handle is rotated when in use, and when not in use, the attached legs are removed from the main body portion and inserted into the card slot. Operation such as accommodation or turning of a handle is required, and handling is inconvenient.
[0005]
With the spread of terrestrial digital broadcasting, in addition to functions as a mobile phone, TV programs and Web contents (texts, images, moving images, game programs, application programs, etc.) received via a Web browser and the Internet. A portable information terminal equipped with a function that can receive various types of content (collectively referred to as image information) has been researched and developed. In the case of such a small information terminal, a call function in a hand-held state is provided. And a browsing function in a state of being placed on a table (horizontal surface) or the like is required.
[0006]
However, in the configuration of the conventional mobile terminal, it is difficult to realize both of these functions with good operability, and even in such a mobile terminal, when a tilt mechanism is incorporated, a configuration with more excellent operability is provided. It is desired to be. That is, in the conventional mobile phone, when the opening / closing member provided with the liquid crystal screen or the like is opened with respect to the main body, the opening angle of both is set to about 160 degrees along the face line. However, when the mobile phone having such a configuration is placed on a desktop as it is, there is a problem that the angle is too wide to view the liquid crystal screen, making it difficult to view or having poor stability.
[0007]
The present invention has been made based on the above-described problem, and has a main body having an information input section such as a keyboard, and a portable information processing apparatus provided with an information display section for displaying various information that can be opened and closed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a configuration incorporating a tilt mechanism excellent in operability.
[0008]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable information processing apparatus having a function of receiving image information in addition to a function as a telephone, and a configuration capable of performing both functions with good operability.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a portable information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a main body having an input unit for inputting information, and a display which is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the main body and displays various information. Opening / closing member having a portion, a rotating mechanism for rotatably connecting the opening / closing member to the main body portion, and supporting the main body portion so that the rotating mechanism side can swing with respect to a horizontal plane. Between the rotation mechanism and the support member, after the opening and closing member is rotated by a predetermined angle with respect to the main body, the rotation mechanism side of the main body is set to a horizontal plane. It is characterized in that a tilt mechanism is provided for raising it.
[0010]
In the portable information processing device described above, the opening / closing member having the display unit is provided to be freely openable and closable with respect to the main body via a rotating mechanism. When the portable information processing device is placed on a horizontal surface, such as a tabletop, and the opening / closing member is opened so as to be in an operating state, the main body supports the portable information processing device via a tilt mechanism with the turning operation. The rotation mechanism rises about the support point of the supporting member. That is, at the same time as the opening / closing member is opened, the rotation mechanism side of the main body unit is raised, so that the input unit of the main body unit is inclined to the operator side, and the operability of the input unit is improved.
[0011]
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable information processing apparatus having at least a telephone function and a function of browsing image information, and a main body including an input unit for inputting information. An opening / closing member that is provided to be openable and closable with respect to the main body, and includes a display unit that displays the image information; a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects the opening / closing member to the main body; And a supporting member for supporting the rotating mechanism so that the rotating mechanism can swing with respect to a horizontal plane. When the telephone function is used, the rotating mechanism has a surface on the display unit side of the opening / closing member. Is held at a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the surface of the main body, and the support member, when the browsing function is used, the surface of the opening / closing member on the display unit side when the main body is placed on a horizontal surface. At a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the horizontal plane. The angle θ1 is set to be larger than the angle θ2.
[0012]
In the portable information processing apparatus described above, when using the telephone function, the operator mainly grips the main body and puts his / her ear on a speaker part built in the opening / closing member. Thus, the opening / closing member is set at an angle θ1 with respect to the main body. When browsing image information, the operator places the main body on a horizontal surface such as a tabletop and keeps the opening / closing member open. At this time, the opening / closing member is angled with respect to the horizontal surface by the support member. θ2 is set. By setting the angle θ1 to be larger than the angle θ2, the operation is most easily performed when used as a mobile phone, and the display unit of the opening / closing member is positioned on a horizontal plane when browsing image information. On the other hand, it is most easily viewed.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a portable information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, a portable terminal having a telephone function and a function of browsing various types of image information will be described as an example.
[0014]
1 and 2 are views showing the portable information processing device 1 (hereinafter, portable terminal), and show a closed state and an opened state (used state), respectively.
The portable terminal 1 is provided on its surface with a main unit 2 having an input unit 2a such as a keyboard for inputting various information such as a telephone number, and is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main unit 2. An opening / closing member 3 having a display section 3a formed of a liquid crystal or the like for displaying image information. When used as a mobile phone, the main unit 2 is provided with a microphone 2b for inputting sound, and the opening / closing member 3 is provided with a speaker 3b for outputting sound. Further, the opening / closing member 3 is provided with a pair of speakers 3c for outputting audio information together with image information, a CCD imaging element 3d, and the like.
[0015]
The input unit 2a may be configured to scroll the display content displayed on the display unit 3a or to click a displayed button, if necessary. And the like are appropriately changed according to the use of the portable terminal.
[0016]
The main body 2 and the opening / closing member 3 are connected at their ends to each other by a rotating mechanism 5. When the opening / closing member 3 is closed with respect to the main body 2, the main body 2 and the opening / closing member 3 are provided on the near side of the main body 2. The operation unit 7 having the built-in 2b is exposed. The main body 2 is engaged with a support member 9 that supports the main body so as to be able to swing. An opening / closing member 3 is provided between the rotation mechanism 5 and the support member 9. A tilt mechanism 10 is provided that raises the rotation mechanism side of the main body 2 with respect to a horizontal plane (mounting surface) when the main body 2 is further rotated after rotating by a predetermined angle with respect to the main body 2.
[0017]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the rotating mechanism 5 is provided at an end of the main body 2, and a pair of cylindrical holders 5 a provided coaxially at predetermined intervals, and an opening / closing member 3. And an intermediate support portion 5b located between the holders 5a and outer support portions 5c located on both outer sides of the holder 5a. Each of the holders 5a has a cylindrical rotatable inside. A rotating body 5d is provided. In this case, a non-circular fitting protrusion 5e fitted to the intermediate support portion 5b is formed on the rotating body 5d, and the intermediate support portion 5b is configured to rotate integrally with the rotating body 5d. . Further, in the rotating body 5d, a rotation urging spring 5f is disposed between the bottom surface of the rotating body 5d and the bottom surface of the holding body 5a, and the intermediate supporting portion 5b (opening / closing member 3) is always kept. , Biasing in the opening direction. The rotation position of the opening / closing member 3 is regulated in a state where the base end edge thereof is in contact with the main body 2.
[0018]
In the present embodiment, the rotating mechanism 5 is configured such that the base end of the opening / closing member abuts on the main body 2 and the opening / closing member 3 is opened to the maximum, that is, when the main body 2 is used as a mobile phone. And the angle θ1 (see FIG. 13) between the surface of the opening and closing member 3 and the surface of the display unit 3a side is set to 155 degrees. The angle θ1 is selected so as to be optimal during a call, but can be changed depending on the mounting position of the microphone 2b and the speaker 3b for the call, or the ratio of the length of the main body 2 and the display 3a. , 90 degrees to 180 degrees. As shown in the figure, in a configuration in which the opening / closing member 3 is folded so as to overlap the main body 2 and the microphone 2b and the loudspeaker 3b for communication are arranged at respective ends, a common person's It is preferable to set the angle along the face line that is most easy to use, specifically, within the range of 150 to 170 degrees.
[0019]
A lock mechanism 8 is provided between the main body 2 and the opening / closing member 3 to hold the opening / closing member 3 so as to overlap the main body 2 and release the holding state. Is driven by pressing an operation unit 7 provided on the main body 2. Hereinafter, the lock mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0020]
A shaft 8a is provided on a surface inside the front end of the main body 2, and a pair of arms 8b is rotatably mounted on the shaft 8a. The operating portion 7 is integrally formed on the distal end side of each arm 8b, and a pressing body 8c pressed by the arm 8b when the operating portion 7 is pushed is operated at an intermediate position. are doing. The pressing member 8c is rotatably supported by a shaft 8d disposed adjacent to the shaft 8a, and a pair of claw members engaged with an engaging recess 8e formed at the front end of the opening / closing member 3. 8f are integrally formed. The pressing body 8c is always rotated clockwise in the figure around the shaft 8d by the biasing spring 8g disposed on the inner surface of the front end of the main body 2 (the claw member 8f is in the engagement recess 8e). (The direction in which it is always engaged).
[0021]
According to the configuration of the lock mechanism 8 described above, by pushing the operation unit 7 from the locked state shown in FIG. 6A, the arm 8b pushes the pressing body 8c as shown in FIG. 6B. It pushes in against the urging force of the urging spring 8g, and rotates the claw member 8f counterclockwise. When the operating portion 7 is further pushed in, the engagement relationship between the claw member 8f and the engagement recess 8e is released, and the lock of the opening / closing member 3 is released as shown in FIG.
[0022]
As described above, in the present embodiment, since the rotation urging spring 5f is incorporated in the rotation mechanism 5, when the two are disengaged, the opening / closing member 3 automatically moves to the maximum open position. Is rotated. In other words, by incorporating the lock mechanism 8 and the rotation mechanism 5 having the rotation urging spring 5f as described above into the portable terminal 1, a single operation that only requires the operation unit 7 to be pushed in is performed. An image can be brought into a browsing state by an operation, and the operability can be improved. When the opening / closing member 3 is closed, the curved surface 8h formed below the engagement recess 8e of the opening / closing member 3 comes into contact with the curved surface 8k formed on the surface of the claw member 8f, and the claw member 8f is biased by a spring. By rotating counterclockwise against the biasing force of 8g, the claw member 8f can be engaged with the engagement recess 8e, and both are brought into the holding state shown in FIG. 6A.
[0023]
Next, the support member 9 that supports the main body 2 so as to be swingable and the tilt mechanism 10 will be described.
The support member 9 cooperates with the tilt mechanism 10 to rotate the opening / closing member 3 at a predetermined angle with respect to the main body 2 and further rotate, so that the turning mechanism side of the main body 2 is placed on a horizontal plane (mounting position). This is a member that supports the main body 2 on the mounting surface so that the main body 2 can be lifted with respect to the mounting surface. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the support member 9 of the present embodiment includes a side plate 9 a mounted along the rear side of both sides of the main body 2, and a lower surface of the main body 2 and a mounting surface. The main body 2 has a substantially U-shape as a whole including an intervening portion 9b positioned therebetween, and the main body 2 is supported by a support point S so as to be rotatable below a middle portion thereof. I have.
[0024]
Then, after the opening / closing member 3 has rotated by a predetermined angle with respect to the main body 2 between the above-described rotation mechanism 5 and the support member 9, the rotation mechanism side of the main body 2 is actually moved relative to a horizontal plane. An ascending tilt mechanism 10 is provided. The tilt mechanism 10 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the opening / closing member 3, and uses this rotating action to raise the main body 2 supported by the support member 9 around the support point S. And a rotating member for causing the rotation.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 8, this rotating member is a pin-shaped member provided on the end face of the outer support portion 5c which rotates integrally with the rotation of the opening / closing member 3, offset with respect to the rotation center X. An arc-shaped groove 13 is formed in the side plate 9a so that the pin-shaped member 12 is engaged with the side plate 9a and is movable with the rotation of the opening / closing member 3.
[0026]
When the opening / closing member 3 is closed, the pin-shaped member 12 is positioned at approximately 12:00 when viewed horizontally, and when the opening / closing member 3 is opened to a substantially right angle position. An arc-shaped guide portion 13a having an angle that abuts in the direction is provided. In addition to such a guide portion 13a, the arc-shaped groove 13 is raised so that when the opening / closing member 3 is further rotated from a substantially upright position, the pin-shaped member 12 is guided in a rising direction. A guide portion 13b is formed along the direction.
[0027]
The operation of the support member 9 and the tilt mechanism 10 configured as described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, when the operation unit 7 is pushed in with the portable terminal 1 placed on the horizontal plane P, the lock mechanism is released and the opening / closing member 3 starts to open with respect to the main body 2. At this time, first, the pin-shaped member 12 located at about 12:00 in the groove 13 moves along the guide portion 13a as shown in FIG. I do.
[0028]
When the opening / closing member 3 rotates to a position substantially perpendicular to the main body 2, the pin-shaped member 12 is moved to the lower end of the guide portion 13 a of the groove 13 (in the approximately 3 o'clock direction), as shown in FIG. Guess. When the opening / closing member 3 further attempts to rotate from this point, the force in the direction of rotation causes the pin-shaped member 12 to move upward as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 12 because the support member 9 is supported by P1. An attempt is made to ascend along the inclined guide portion 13b. That is, when the pin-shaped member 12 moves up in the direction of the arrow, the rotating mechanism 5 provided with the pin-shaped member 12 also receives a force in the same direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. The rotation mechanism 5 is raised around the support point S.
[0029]
As described above, when the opening / closing member 3 is opened to the maximum open position by the support member 9 and the tilt mechanism 10, the rotation mechanism side of the main body 2 is raised. Operation 2a becomes easier. In addition, the support member 9 raises the rotation mechanism side of the main body 2 when the opening / closing member 3 reaches the maximum open position in cooperation with the tilt mechanism 10. The angle θ2 to the surface on the display section 3a side is maintained at an angle smaller than the angle θ1. In this case, the angle difference between the two may be set within a range of 1 degree to 90 degrees. In particular, the angle difference is set to 5 so that both the call function as a mobile phone and the image browsing function can be realized easily. It is preferable to set the angle within the range of degrees to 35 degrees.
[0030]
Specifically, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the angle θ2 is set to 145 degrees so that the image information displayed on the display unit 3a when placed on a general desk is easy to see. . Note that the angle θ2 may be selected so as to be in an optimal state when the mobile terminal is placed on a horizontal plane and the content such as an image and a moving image is browsed. However, the angle θ2 also depends on the horizontal plane and the height of the eyes of the user. Can change. In consideration of a general use mode, it is preferable to set the angle within the range of 90 degrees to 160 degrees. In particular, the support member 9 and the tilt mechanism 10 are set at any angle within the range of 135 degrees to 145 degrees. It is preferable to configure
[0031]
Then, when the opening / closing member 3 is closed, the initial state shown in FIG. 9 is returned by a process reverse to the above-described process, so that a special operation for releasing the tilt mechanism is not required.
[0032]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, in the above-described embodiment, the pin-shaped member 12 and the groove 13 constituting the tilt mechanism 10 may be closed by the lid member 15 as shown in FIG. Good for appearance. Further, it is preferable to provide a housing portion 20 for housing a driving power supply in the intervening portion 9b formed in the support member 9. By providing such an accommodating portion 20, when the opening / closing member 3 is opened, a heavy object is located below the main body portion 2, so that the state when installed on the horizontal plane P can be stabilized. Become. Further, it is preferable that the main body 2 is formed so that the surface on which the input unit 2a is provided is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane (gradually rises toward the rotation mechanism side). As described above, since the surface of the main body 2 is inclined in advance, the input section 2a can be easily operated when the main body 2 is set on the horizontal plane P and the rotation mechanism side of the main body is raised by the tilt mechanism.
[0033]
The configurations of the above-described support member 9, tilt mechanism 10, and the like can be appropriately modified. For example, the support member 9 is provided so as to be exposed from the main body 2, but a part of the support member 9 may be incorporated in the main body, or a groove in which a guide part forming a tilt mechanism is formed. The shape can be appropriately changed according to the opening / closing angle of the opening / closing member 3, the amount of tilt-up, and the like.
[0034]
Further, in addition to the above-described portable terminals, the present invention provides notebook, laptop, handheld, and tablet personal computers, PDAs (Personal Date Assistant), electronic dictionaries, calculators, pagers, electronic books, and mobile phones. The present invention can be applied to various portable information processing apparatuses that do not have a telephone function, such as a portable music player and a radio.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the portable information processing device is placed on a horizontal surface and the opening / closing member is opened, the tilt mechanism is driven along with the turning operation, and the input unit of the main body unit is raised. Therefore, a portable information processing device incorporating a tilt mechanism having excellent operability can be obtained. Further, according to the present invention, in a portable information processing apparatus having a telephone function and a function of receiving image information, a configuration capable of handling both functions with good operability can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a portable information processing apparatus according to the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a state in which an opening / closing member is closed.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view showing a state where an opening / closing member of the portable information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is opened;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a rotating mechanism.
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an engagement state between a holding body of a main body in the rotating mechanism and a rotating body that rotates integrally with the opening / closing member.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a lock mechanism that locks an opening / closing member with respect to a main body.
FIG. 6 includes (a) to (c) and sequentially illustrates the operation of the lock mechanism.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a support member that supports the main body.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of a tilt mechanism.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which the opening / closing member is closed with respect to the main body.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state where the opening / closing member is slightly opened with respect to the main body.
FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the opening / closing member is opened at a substantially right angle with respect to the main body.
FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which the opening / closing member is further opened with respect to the main body, and the main body is tilted up.
FIG. 13 is a view showing a state where the opening / closing member is opened to a maximum open position with respect to the main body and the main body is tilted up.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 portable terminal (portable information processing device)
2 Main unit 2a Input unit 3 Opening / closing unit 3a Display unit 5 Rotation mechanism 7 Operation unit 8 Lock mechanism 9 Support member 10 Tilt mechanism

Claims

A main unit having an input unit for inputting information;
An opening / closing member that is provided to be able to open and close with respect to the main body and has a display unit that displays various information;
A rotation mechanism for rotatably connecting the opening and closing member to the main body,
A support member that supports the main body so that the rotation mechanism side can swing with respect to a horizontal plane,
A tilt mechanism is provided between the rotation mechanism and the support member, after the opening and closing member has rotated a predetermined angle with respect to the main body, and then raises the rotation mechanism side of the main body with respect to a horizontal plane. A portable information processing device.

The support member may be configured such that, when the opening / closing member is rotated to the maximum open position with respect to the main body, the surface of the opening / closing member on the display unit side is any one within a range of 135 degrees to 145 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is supported so as to have an angle of?

The rotation mechanism is configured such that when the opening / closing member is rotated to a maximum open position with respect to the main body, the angle between the surface of the main body and the surface of the opening / closing member on the display unit side is changed. 3. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information is held so as to have an angle within a range of 150 degrees to 170 degrees.

The tilt mechanism includes a rotation member that rotates with the rotation of the opening and closing member and that engages with an engagement portion formed on the support member.
A guide portion is formed on the engagement portion, the guide portion configured to guide the rotating member movably along a rising direction of the main body portion after the opening / closing member rotates a predetermined angle with respect to the main body portion. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

The rotation mechanism has a cylindrical holding body provided in the main body, and a rotating body that rotates integrally with the opening and closing member and that can rotate within the holding body,
The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the pivot member of the tilt mechanism is a pin-shaped member provided to be offset with respect to a rotation center of the rotating body.

6. The portable type according to claim 5, wherein a rotation biasing spring is disposed between the holding body and the rotating body, and biases the opening / closing member in a direction to always open. Information processing device.

7. A lock mechanism for holding the opening / closing member so as to overlap the main body and for releasing the holding state is provided between the main body and the opening / closing member. The portable information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is formed such that a surface on which the input unit is provided is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. .

The support member includes an intervening portion located between the lower surface of the main body and the mounting surface, and the intervening portion is provided with an accommodating portion for accommodating a driving power supply. A portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

A portable information processing device having at least a telephone function and a function of browsing image information,
A main unit having an input unit for inputting information;
An opening / closing member that is provided to be capable of opening and closing with respect to the main body and includes a display unit that displays the image information;
A rotation mechanism for rotatably connecting the opening and closing member to the main body,
A support member that supports the main body so that the rotation mechanism side can swing with respect to a horizontal plane,
When using the telephone function, the rotating mechanism holds the surface of the opening / closing member on the display unit side at a predetermined angle θ1 with respect to the surface of the main unit,
When using the browsing function, the support member supports the surface of the opening / closing member on the display unit side at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the horizontal plane in a state where the main body is placed on a horizontal plane,
The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the angle θ1 is set to be larger than the angle θ2.

The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a difference between the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 is determined within a range of 5 degrees to 35 degrees.

A tilt mechanism is provided between the rotation mechanism and the support member, after the opening and closing member has rotated a predetermined angle with respect to the main body, and then raises the rotation mechanism side of the main body with respect to a horizontal plane. The portable information processing apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein