JP2004264930A

JP2004264930A - Support member and electronic equipment

Info

Publication number: JP2004264930A
Application number: JP2003052351A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Hiroshi Nakamura; 博中村
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 2003-02-28
Filing date: 2003-02-28
Publication date: 2004-09-24

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a support member and electronic equipment capable of enhancing the operability for data inputs by freely adjusting the angle of a display part relative to the electronic equipment by means of a simple arrangement. <P>SOLUTION: The display part 3 is held in a condition where it is rotated along a rotation axis X from an open position where a display panel 4 is pointed to the rear of a body 2. With the display part held in that condition, the support member 10 is engaged with a latch 6 of the display part 3 at one end and with an engagement hole 7 in the body 2 at the other so as to maintain the angle of the display part 3 relative to the body 2. Next, the support member is described in details. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、電子機器の表示装置を所定の角度で支持する支持構造に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、タブレットＰＣというカテゴリのノート型パソコンが登場している。タブレットＰＣとは表示部に表示パネルとペン入力用のタブレットとが内蔵されており、データ表示およびペン入力が可能となっている。さらに本体に対して表示部が閉位置、開位置に回動可能であり、更に表示部が開位置において左右何れかに旋回可能である。中には表示部を開位置において１８０度旋回させた（表示面を本体後方向に向かせた状態）状態で本体に重ねあわされる閉位置に折り畳めるものも登場している。ユーザーとしては通常はこの折り畳んだ状態（表示面を露出した状態に閉位置に折り畳んだ状態）でペン入力を行うことになる。
【０００３】
しかしながら、上記表示部が上記状態で机上に置いて操作する場合、表示面からの蛍光灯や太陽光の反射焼、影の移りこみ等ユーザー、にとって見辛くなるケースも多々ある。このような課題を解決する方法として、表示部に支柱やスタンドを設け、表示部を支持されている（特許文献１参照）
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−３２２１５３号公報（コラム２，３、図１−３）
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
特許文献１における支柱は表示部を通常の閉位置から開位置に回動した状態で支柱を机に伸ばし表示部を支持するタイプであるため、表示部へのペン入力時キーボード等の本体がユーザーにとって邪魔な存在となってしまい、ペン有力の操作性を妨げるという問題がある。
【０００６】
また特許文献２におけるスタンドは、ペン入力タイプの電子機器の背面にスタンドを設けている。つまり電子機器全体のスタンドとなっており、重い電池パックや、ハードディスクドライブや、光ディスクドライブ、さらにはメイン基板等を支持する必要があり、かなりスタンドの強度およびスタンドのヒンジ部を強固にする必要があり、コスト的に好ましくない。
【０００７】
本発明は上記課題に鑑みてなされたもので、容易な構成で表示部の電子機器に対する角度を任意に調整し、データ入力の操作性を向上することが可能な支持部材および電子機器を提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、請求項１に係る支持部材においては、電子機器の本体に任意の角度で表示装置を支持する支持部材であって、表示装置に係合する一端を有する第１の基台と、第１の基台に滑動可能に設けられ、上記本体に係合する一端を有する第２の基台と、第１の基台と、上記第１の基台に対して任意の位置に滑動された上記第２の基台との滑動を規制する規制手段と、
【０００９】
を具備することを特徴とする。
【００１０】
また、請求項８に係る電子機器においては、本体と、本体に対して回動可能に接続される表示部と、表示部を上記本体に対して任意の角度に支持する支持部とを具備し、支持部材は、表示装置に係合する一端を有する第１の基台と、第１の基台に滑動可能に設けられ、上記本体に係合する一端を有する第２の基台と、第１の基台と、上記第１の基台に対して任意の位置に滑動された上記第２の基台との滑動を規制することで上記表示部の上記本体に対する角度を任意の位置に設定する規制部材と、を具備することを特徴とする。
このような構成により、表示部の電子機器に対する角度を任意に調整することが可能である。
【００１１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下本発明に係る実施の形態を、図面を参照して説明する。図１は、表示部が開位置の状態の電子機器の斜視図である。図１に示すようにコンピュータ１は本体２を有する。本体２はヒンジ部８を介して表示部３が接続されている。本体２は上面２ａおよび前面２ｂを有している。表示部３の前面３ａには表示パネル４が露出されている。表示部パネル４はＬＣＤとタブレットとを有しており、データ表示および後述するタッチペンによるデータ入力が可能である。表示部３の前面３ａは後述するタッチペンの収容部３ｂを有している。本体２の上面２ａにはキーボード５が設けられている。表示部３はヒンジ部８を介してキーボード５を覆う閉位置とキーボード５を露出する閉位置との間で回動可能である。表示部３のヒンジ部８側とは反対側の一端にはラッチ６が設けられている。本体２の上面２ａには表示部３が閉位置にあるときラッチ６が係脱可能に係合される係合孔７が形成される。
【００１２】
図２は、表示部が閉位置の状態の電子機器の斜視図である。図２に示すように表示部３の裏面３ｃには後述する支持部材を収容するための収容部９が設けられる、収容部９は表示部３の筐体に形成されており、図示しない表示パネル４の背面と裏面３ｃとの間に形成される。また、収容部９は表示部３のラッチ６が形成される一端側に支持部材を挿入するための挿入口９ａが設けられる。
【００１３】
図３は、ペンの着脱を示す図である。図３に示すように、表示部３の前面３ａは後述するタッチペンの収容部３ｂを有している。収容部３ｂは表示パネル４の上下に方向に沿って設けられており、表示パネル４へのデータ入力に使用されるタッチペン９が着脱可能に収容される。収容部からタッチペンを取り出す際は、タッチペンの一端９ａを収容部方向に押すことでタッチペン９の他端９ｂが収容部から押し出されるような構造を有している。なお、この取り出し構造については従来からの取り出し構造と同じであるため説明を省略する。
【００１４】
図４は、表示部の旋回を示す図である。図１、図２に示すように、ヒンジ部８は回動軸Ｘを有している。この回動軸Ｘに沿って、表示部３は開位置（図１の状態）と閉位置（図２の状態）の間で回動可能になっている。さらにヒンジ部８は図４に示すような旋回軸Ｙを有している。表示部３が開位置にある状態において、ユーザーは図４に示すように表示部３の両側部を持ち、表示部３を旋回軸Ｙ方向に旋回させることが可能である。
【００１５】
図５は、表示部を旋回させて閉位置への回動を示す図である。図６は、表示部を表示逆にした状態で閉じた状態の斜視図である。
【００１６】
さらに表示部３を旋回軸Ｙに沿って１８０度旋回させた状態で、さらに回動軸Ｘに沿って表示部３を回動させることが可能である。表示部３には上述したようにラッチ６が設けられている。通常ラッチ６は先端６ａが表示部３の前面３ａ方向に突出するよう状態にある。ラッチ６は図示しない回転軸を介して表示部３に設けられている。ラッチ６は図示しない回転軸を介して、表示部３の前面３ａ方向に突出する第１位の位置と、図示しない回転軸を介して表示部３の裏面３ｃ方向に突出する第２の位置（図５中矢印方向）との間で回動可能に設けられている。
【００１７】
表示部３は旋回軸Ｙに沿って１８０度旋回させ、表示パネル４をコンピュータ本体の後方向に向けた状態で、さらに回動軸Ｘに沿って開位置（表示部３の裏面３ｃが本体２の前部方向に向く状態）から閉位置（表示部３の裏面３ｃがキーボード５を覆う状態）に回動させることが可能であり、ラッチ６を第２の位置に回動させておくことで、ラッチ６は本体２の係合孔７に係合することが可能である。ラッチ６の先端６ａには後述する係合孔７内に設けられるロック部材に係合される孔部６ｂが形成されている。
【００１８】
この状態は表示パネル４が上方に向けて露出される状態となる（図６の状態）。ユーザーは、この表示パネル４が上方を向いた表示部３の閉位置の状態で達しペン９によりペン入力が可能である。
【００１９】
また、ペン入力用のアプリケーションが起動されていれば、表示パネル４へのペン入力は、表示部３が閉位置（表示パネル４がキーボード５を覆っている状態）を除いて可能である。表示パネル４への蛍光灯や太陽の光の移りこみや光の反射を考慮すると、ユーザーは表示パネル４を上方に向けた閉位置よりもむしろ表示部３を本体２に対して任意の角度で開いた状態でペン入力する方が見やすい場合もある。その場合、ペン入力する際、表示パネル４に対してタッチペン９を押し当てるため表示部３を任意の角度に支持する部材が必要になる。図７は、表示部と本体との間に支持部を取り付けた側面図である。
【００２０】
図７に示すように、表示部３は、表示パネル４を本体２の後方に向けた開位置状態から、回動軸Ｘに沿って任意の角度回動させた状態である。この状態で支持部材１０を表示部３のラッチ６と本体２の係合孔７に両端を係合させることで表示部３の本体２に対する角度を維持する。次に支持部材について詳述する。
【００２１】
図８は、第１の実施の形態に係る支持部材の斜視図である。図９は、第１の実施の形態に係る支持部材の断面図である。
【００２２】
図８に示すように、支持部材１０は第１の基台２１と、この第１の基台２１の下方に重ね合わされる第２の基台２６を有する。第１および第２の基台２１、２６は硬質のゴム材、プラスチック、金属等の湾曲可能な材料で形成されている。第１の基台２１は一端２２と他端２３を有する平板状に形成されている。他端２３には下方に突出する一対の係合ピン２３ａ、２３ｂを有している。一端２２には表示部３のラッチ６に係合するための袋状に形成された係合部２２ａを有している。
【００２３】
第１の基台２１の下方には第２の基台２６が重ね合わされている。第２の基台２６は平板状に形成されている。第２の基台２６の一端２８には、本体２の係合孔７に係合する係合孔２８ａが形成される。第２の基台２６の他端には第１の基台２１を滑動可能に保持する枠部２７が形成されている。枠部２７は第１の基台２１の中央部が滑動可能なように第１の基台２１の断面寸法とほぼ同じ大きさの開口部２７ａを有している。第２の基台２６のほぼ中央部には、第１の基台の一対の係合ピン２３ａ，２３ｂにそれぞれ係合する一対の係合孔２６ａ，２６ｂが複数設けられる。第２の基台２６は、他端の枠部２７において第１の基台２１に保持された状態で、第１の基台２１に対して任意の位置に滑動可能であり、かつ第１の基台２１の一対の係合ピン２３ａ、２３ｂが第２の基台の複数も受けられた一対の係合孔２６ａ，２６ｂの任意の係合孔２６ａ，２６ｂに係合される。この構成により、第１の基台２１と第２の基台２６とは互いに滑動可能であり、かつ任意の位置（任意の長さ）に調整することが可能となる。
【００２４】
第２の基台２６には、第２の基台状を滑動可能なカバー２９が設けられる。カバー２９は枠状に形成されている。カバー２９は第１の基台２１および第２の基台２６が係合ピン２３ａ、２３および係合孔２６ａ，２６ｂの係合により長さ調整（図９中矢印方向）された後に係合ピン２３ａ、２３および係合孔２６ａ，２６ｂの係合状態を保持するために第２の基台２６上を滑動させ（図８中矢印方向）カバーする。このような構成により、第１の基台２１と第２の基台２６との長さ調整した状態を保持することが可能である。
【００２５】
図１０は、第１の実施の形態に係る支持部材を表示部と本体との間に取り付けた側面図である。上記したような構成の支持部材１０を本体２と表示部３との間に取り付ける。支持部材１０を取り付ける際にあらかじめ上述した方法で支持部材の長さを調整しておく。次に第１の基台２１の一端２２の係合部２２ａを表示部３のラッチ６に挿入し係合する。次に第２の基台２６の一端２８の係合孔２８ａを本体２の係合孔７に係合させる。
【００２６】
このように取り付けることで本体２に対して表示部３の角度を維持した状態で表示部３のペン入力時の倒れこみを防止することができる。もちろん表示部の角度を調節する場合は支持部材を本体２および表示部３より取り外し、支持部材の長さ調節を再度行った後に再度本体２および表示部３へ取り付けることで表示部３の角度調節を行うことができる。また、支持部材１０の第１の基台２１および第２の基台２６は互いに湾曲可能な部材で構成されているために、表示部３および本体２への取り付けは容易に行うことができる。勿論支持部材１０を表示部３と本体２とに取り付ける際は、表示部３は表示パネル４がキーボード５とは反対方向（本体２の後方向）に向いた状態で、ラッチ６を表示部３の裏面３ｃ方向に回動させた状態で取り付けることになる。
【００２７】
図１１は、支持部材と係合部との係合を示す断面図である。図１１に示すように、本体２の係合孔７にはロック部材７ａが設けられる。ロック部材７ａは通常表示部３が閉位置状態になったとき表示３のラッチ６に設けられた孔部６ｂに係合されることで表示部３を閉位置に保持する。図１０に示すように支持部材１０を表示部３および本体２に取り付けた場合は、ロック部材７ａは支持部材の第２の基台２６の一端２８にも受けられた係合孔２８ａに係合される。ロック部材２８は係合孔２８あるいは孔部６ｂに係合されるロック部７ｂおよび本体２の外部より操作可能な操作部７ｃを有している。ロック部７ｂと操作部７ｃとの間には回転軸７ｄが設けられている。ロック部材７は図示しないばね等の弾性部材により常にロック部７ｂが係合孔２８あるいは孔部６ｂに係合される係合方向（係合位置）に付勢されている。本体２の外部より操作部７ｃを押すことでロック部材７ａの先端７ｂがロック状態より退避し、係合孔２８あるいは孔部６ｂより係合が解除される。
【００２８】
図１２は、支持部材を収容部に収容した際の電子機器の斜視図である。図に示すように、表示部３の裏面３ｃには支持部材１０を収容するための収容部９が設けられている。支持部材１０は収容部９に収容されることで、未使用時になくなってしまうことがなくなる。また本実施の形態においては収容部９を表示パネル３の裏面３ｃに形成したが、表示パネル３の前面３ａ、本体２の上面、底面、側面、前面等のいずれかに設けてもよい。
【００２９】
次に第２の実施の形態に係る支持部材について説明する。図１３は、第２の実施の形態に係る支持部材の斜視図である。図１４は、第２の実施の形態に係る支持部材の断面図である。
【００３０】
図１３に示すように、支持部材３０は第１の基台３１と第１の基台３１の下方に重ね合わされる第２の基台３４を有する。第１および第２の基台３１，３４は硬質のゴム材、プラスチック、金属等の湾曲可能な材料で形成されている。第１の基台３１は一端３２と他端３３を有する平板状に形成されている。一端３２には表示部３のラッチ６に係合するための袋状に形成された係合部３２ａを有している。第１の基台の３１の他端３３には規制手段である固定ピン３５ａ、固定ピン３５ａを第２の基台３４の下方より支持する固定部３５ｂおよび固定ピン３５ａにネジ締め可能な固定ネジ３５が設けられている。
【００３１】
第１の基台３１の下方には第２の基台３４が重ね合わされている。第２の基台３４は平板状に形成されている。第２の基台３４の一端３６には、本体２の係合孔７に係合する係合孔３７が形成される。第２の基台３４の他端３７には第１の基台３１を滑動可能に保持する枠部３７が形成されている。枠部３７は第１の基台３１の中央部が滑動可能なように第１の基台３１の断面寸法とほぼ同じ大きさの開口部３７ａを有している。第２の基台３４のほぼ中央には一端と他端方向に伸びるスリット３４ａが形成されており、第１の基台３１に取り付けられた際固定ピン３５ａが挿通可能である。固定ネジ３５を緩めた状態で、第２の基台３４は、他端の枠部３７において第１の基台３１に保持された状態で、第１の基台３１に対して任意の位置に滑動可能である。次に、第２の基台３４を第１の基台３１に対して任意の位置に滑動させ、固定ネジ３５をピン３５ａに締め付けることで、第１の基台３１と第２の基台３４とが圧着され、第１の基台３１および第２の基台３４との滑動を規制し、第１および第２の基台３１，３４の長さ調節を規制する。この構成により、第１の基台３１と第２の基台３４とは互いに滑動可能であり、かつ任意の位置（任意の長さ）に調整することが可能となる。
【００３２】
上記のような構成においては、支持部材３０の長さを任意の長さに調節し、表示部３を本体２に対して任意の角度に調節および支持可能であり、ペン入力操作を楽にすることができる。
【００３３】
次に第３の実施の形態に係る支持部材について説明する。図１５は、第３の実施の形態に係る支持部材の斜視図である。図１６は、第３の実施の形態に係る支持部材の断面図である。
【００３４】
図１５に示すように、支持部材４０は第１の基台４１と第１の基台４１の下方に重ね合わされる第２の基台４４を有する。第１および第２の基台４１，４４は硬質のゴム材、プラスチック、金属等の湾曲可能な材料で形成されている。第１の基台４１は一端４２と他端４３を有する短冊状に形成されており、図１６に示すように、一端３２には表示部３のラッチ６に係合するための袋状に形成された係合部４２ａを有している。第１の基台の４１の他端４３には第２の実施形態と同様に、規制手段である固定ピン４７ａ、固定ピン４７ａの一端に固定部４７ｂを有している。固定部４７ｂは第１の基台４１の一端４３の一方の端壁部４３ｂ内に固定されている。さらに固定ピン４７ａの他端にはネジ締め可能な固定ネジ４７が設けられている。また第１の基台４３の一端４４には第２の基台４４の一部を滑動可能に収容可能な収容部４３ａを有している。固定ピン４７ａは収容部４３ａを貫通している。
【００３５】
第１の基台４１の下方には第２の基台４４が重ね合わされている。第２の基台４４は平板状に形成されている。第２の基台４４の一端４５には、本体２の係合孔７に係合する係合孔４５ａが形成される。第２の基台４４の他端４８は第１の基台４１の収容部４３ａに収容される。第２の基台４４のほぼ中央には一端と他端方向に伸びるスリット４４ａが形成されており、第１の基台４１に取り付けられた際固定ピン４７ａが挿通可能である。
【００３６】
固定ネジ４７を緩めた状態で、第２の基台４４は収容部４３ａに収容され、第１の基台４１に対して任意の位置に滑動可能である。次に、第２の基台４４を第１の基台４１に対して任意の位置に滑動させ、固定ネジ４７をピン４７ａに締め付けることで、第１の基台４１と第２の基台４４とが圧着され、第１の基台４１および第２の基台４４との滑動を規制し、第１および第２の基台４１，４４の長さ調節を規制する。この構成により、第１の基台４１と第２の基台４４とは互いに滑動可能であり、かつ任意の位置（任意の長さ）に調整することが可能となる。
【００３７】
上記のような構成においては、支持部材４０の長さを任意の長さに調節し、表示部３を本体２に対して任意の角度に調節および支持可能であり、ペン入力操作を楽にすることができる。
【００３８】
本発明ではその主旨を逸脱しない範囲であれば、上記の実施形態に限定されるものではない。そして、ＰＤＡ、携帯電話、電子手帳等に広く適用できるものである。
【００３９】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述した発明によれば、容易な構成で表示部の電子機器に対する角度を任意に調整し、データ入力の操作性を向上することが可能な支持部材および電子機器を提供することを目的とする。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】表示部が開位置の状態の電子機器の斜視図。
【図２】表示部が閉位置の状態の電子機器の斜視図。
【図３】ペンの着脱を示す図。
【図４】表示部の旋回を示す図。
【図５】表示部を旋回させて閉位置への回動を示す図。
【図６】表示部を表示逆にした状態で閉じた状態の斜視図。
【図７】表示部と本体との間に支持部を取り付けた側面図。
【図８】第１の実施の形態に係る支持部材の斜視図。
【図９】第１の実施の形態に係る支持部材の断面図。
【図１０】第１の実施の形態に係る支持部材を表示部と本体との間に取り付けた側面図。
【図１１】支持部材と係合部との係合を示す断面図。
【図１２】支持部材を収容部に収容した際の電子機器の斜視図。
【図１３】第２の実施の形態に係る支持部材の斜視図。
【図１４】第２の実施の形態に係る支持部材の断面図。
【図１５】第３の実施の形態に係る支持部材の斜視図。
【図１６】第３の実施の形態に係る支持部材の断面図。
【符号の説明】
１・・・コンピュータ、２・・・本体、３・・・表示部、４・・・表示パネル、５・・・キーボード、６・・・ラッチ、７・・・係合孔、７ａ・・・ロック部材、８・・・ヒンジ部、９・・・タッチペン、１０、３０，４０・・・支持部材、２１、３１、４１・・・第１の基台、２６、３４、４４・・・第２の基台、２２ａ、３２ａ、４２ａ・・・係合部、２３ａ，２３ｂ・・・係合ピン、２６ａ，２６ｂ・・・一対の係合孔、２８ａ、３７・・・係合孔、３５、４７・・・固定ネジ、３５ａ，４７ａ・・・固定ピン、４３ａ・・・収容部、３４ａ、４４ａ・・・スリット[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a support structure for supporting a display device of an electronic device at a predetermined angle.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, notebook personal computers in the category of tablet PCs have appeared. The tablet PC has a built-in display panel and a pen input tablet on a display unit, and can display data and input a pen. Further, the display unit can be turned to the closed position and the open position with respect to the main body, and the display unit can be turned left or right in the open position. In some cases, the display unit is turned to a closed position in which the display unit is turned 180 degrees in the open position (the display surface is directed rearward of the main unit) and overlapped with the main unit. Normally, the user performs pen input in the folded state (the state in which the display surface is exposed and folded to the closed position).
[0003]
However, when the display unit is placed on a desk in the above state and operated, there are many cases in which it is difficult for a user to reflect and burn fluorescent light and sunlight from the display surface and to transfer shadows. As a method for solving such a problem, a column or a stand is provided on the display unit to support the display unit (see Patent Document 1).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-322153 (Columns 2 and 3, FIGS. 1-3)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The support in Patent Document 1 is of a type in which the support is extended to a desk and the display is supported in a state where the display is rotated from a normal closed position to an open position. For this reason, there is a problem that it becomes a hindrance to the user and hinders the operability of the pen.
[0006]
The stand in Patent Document 2 has a stand provided on the back of a pen input type electronic device. In other words, it is a stand for the entire electronic device, and it is necessary to support heavy battery packs, hard disk drives, optical disk drives, and even main boards, and it is necessary to considerably strengthen the stand and the hinges of the stand. Yes, it is not preferable in terms of cost.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a support member and an electronic device that can arbitrarily adjust an angle of a display unit with respect to the electronic device with an easy configuration and improve operability of data input. The purpose is to:
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a support member according to claim 1 is a support member for supporting a display device at an arbitrary angle on a main body of an electronic device, the first member having one end engaging with the display device. A base, a second base slidably provided on the first base and having one end engaged with the main body, a first base, and an optional base with respect to the first base. Regulating means for regulating sliding with the second base slid to the position,
[0009]
It is characterized by having.
[0010]
The electronic device according to claim 8 includes a main body, a display section rotatably connected to the main body, and a support section supporting the display section at an arbitrary angle with respect to the main body. A first base having one end engaged with the display device, a second base slidably provided on the first base, and having one end engaged with the main body; The angle of the display unit with respect to the main body is set to an arbitrary position by restricting the sliding of the first base and the second base slid to an arbitrary position with respect to the first base. And a regulating member that performs the control.
With such a configuration, the angle of the display unit with respect to the electronic device can be arbitrarily adjusted.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic device in a state where a display unit is in an open position. As shown in FIG. 1, the computer 1 has a main body 2. The display unit 3 is connected to the main body 2 via a hinge unit 8. The main body 2 has an upper surface 2a and a front surface 2b. A display panel 4 is exposed on a front surface 3a of the display unit 3. The display unit panel 4 has an LCD and a tablet, and can display data and input data with a touch pen described later. The front surface 3a of the display unit 3 has a touch pen storage unit 3b described later. A keyboard 5 is provided on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. The display unit 3 is rotatable between a closed position that covers the keyboard 5 via the hinge unit 8 and a closed position that exposes the keyboard 5. A latch 6 is provided at one end of the display unit 3 on the side opposite to the hinge unit 8 side. An engagement hole 7 is formed in the upper surface 2a of the main body 2 so that the latch 6 is removably engaged when the display unit 3 is in the closed position.
[0012]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic device with the display unit in a closed position. As shown in FIG. 2, a housing 9 for housing a support member described later is provided on a back surface 3c of the display unit 3. The housing 9 is formed in a housing of the display unit 3 and a display panel (not shown). 4 is formed between the back surface and the back surface 3c. The accommodation section 9 is provided with an insertion port 9a for inserting a support member at one end of the display section 3 where the latch 6 is formed.
[0013]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing attachment and detachment of a pen. As shown in FIG. 3, a front surface 3a of the display unit 3 has a touch pen storage unit 3b described later. The accommodating portion 3b is provided vertically above and below the display panel 4, and detachably accommodates a touch pen 9 used for data input to the display panel 4. When the touch pen is taken out of the housing, the other end 9b of the touch pen 9 is pushed out of the housing by pushing one end 9a of the touch pen toward the housing. Note that this take-out structure is the same as the conventional take-out structure, and therefore the description is omitted.
[0014]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating turning of the display unit. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hinge portion 8 has a rotation axis X. Along the rotation axis X, the display unit 3 is rotatable between an open position (the state shown in FIG. 1) and a closed position (the state shown in FIG. 2). Further, the hinge portion 8 has a pivot axis Y as shown in FIG. In a state where the display unit 3 is in the open position, the user can hold both sides of the display unit 3 as shown in FIG. 4 and can turn the display unit 3 in the turning axis Y direction.
[0015]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the turning of the display unit to the closed position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a state where the display unit is closed with the display reversed.
[0016]
Further, it is possible to further rotate the display unit 3 along the rotation axis X in a state where the display unit 3 is rotated 180 degrees along the rotation axis Y. The display unit 3 is provided with the latch 6 as described above. Normally, the latch 6 is in a state where the tip 6a protrudes in the direction of the front surface 3a of the display unit 3. The latch 6 is provided on the display unit 3 via a rotation shaft (not shown). The first position of the latch 6 protrudes in the direction of the front surface 3a of the display unit 3 via a rotating shaft (not shown), and the second position (the second position protruding in the direction of the back surface 3c of the display unit 3 via the not-shown rotating shaft). 5 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5).
[0017]
The display unit 3 is turned by 180 degrees along the turning axis Y, and the display panel 4 is turned to the rear direction of the computer main body. Of the display unit 3 from the front side of the display unit 3 to the closed position (the state in which the back surface 3c of the display unit 3 covers the keyboard 5), and by turning the latch 6 to the second position. , The latch 6 can be engaged with the engagement hole 7 of the main body 2. A hole 6b is formed at the tip 6a of the latch 6 so as to be engaged with a lock member provided in an engagement hole 7 described later.
[0018]
In this state, the display panel 4 is exposed upward (the state of FIG. 6). The user can reach the closed position of the display unit 3 with the display panel 4 facing upward, and can perform pen input with the pen 9.
[0019]
If the pen input application is activated, pen input to the display panel 4 is possible except when the display unit 3 is closed (the display panel 4 covers the keyboard 5). In consideration of the transfer of the fluorescent light or the light of the sun to the display panel 4 and the reflection of the light, the user places the display unit 3 at an arbitrary angle with respect to the main body 2 rather than the closed position with the display panel 4 facing upward. In some cases, it is easier to read with the pen input in the open state. In this case, when inputting with a pen, a member for supporting the display unit 3 at an arbitrary angle is required to press the touch pen 9 against the display panel 4. FIG. 7 is a side view in which a support unit is attached between the display unit and the main body.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 3 is in a state where the display panel 4 is rotated by an arbitrary angle along the rotation axis X from an open position where the display panel 4 is directed rearward of the main body 2. In this state, the support member 10 is engaged with both ends of the latch 6 of the display unit 3 and the engagement holes 7 of the main body 2 to maintain the angle of the display unit 3 with respect to the main body 2. Next, the support member will be described in detail.
[0021]
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the support member according to the first embodiment.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 8, the support member 10 has a first base 21 and a second base 26 superimposed below the first base 21. The first and second bases 21 and 26 are formed of a bendable material such as a hard rubber material, plastic, or metal. The first base 21 is formed in a flat plate shape having one end 22 and the other end 23. The other end 23 has a pair of engagement pins 23a and 23b projecting downward. The one end 22 has a bag-shaped engaging portion 22 a for engaging with the latch 6 of the display unit 3.
[0023]
A second base 26 is overlaid below the first base 21. The second base 26 is formed in a flat plate shape. At one end 28 of the second base 26, an engagement hole 28a that engages with the engagement hole 7 of the main body 2 is formed. At the other end of the second base 26, a frame 27 for slidably holding the first base 21 is formed. The frame portion 27 has an opening 27a having substantially the same size as the cross-sectional dimension of the first base 21 so that the center of the first base 21 can slide. At a substantially central portion of the second base 26, a plurality of pairs of engagement holes 26a and 26b that respectively engage with the pair of engagement pins 23a and 23b of the first base are provided. The second base 26 is slidable to an arbitrary position with respect to the first base 21 in a state where the second base 26 is held by the first base 21 at the frame portion 27 at the other end, and the first base 21 is slidable. The pair of engagement pins 23a and 23b of the base 21 are engaged with arbitrary engagement holes 26a and 26b of the pair of engagement holes 26a and 26b of the second base, which are also received. With this configuration, the first base 21 and the second base 26 can slide with respect to each other, and can be adjusted to an arbitrary position (arbitrary length).
[0024]
The second base 26 is provided with a cover 29 slidable on the second base. The cover 29 is formed in a frame shape. After the first base 21 and the second base 26 are adjusted in length (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 9) by the engagement of the engagement pins 23a and 23 and the engagement holes 26a and 26b, the cover 29 The second base 26 is slid on the second base 26 (in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8) to cover the second base 26 in order to keep the engagement state of the engagement holes 23a, 23 and the engagement holes 26a, 26b. With such a configuration, it is possible to maintain the state where the lengths of the first base 21 and the second base 26 are adjusted.
[0025]
FIG. 10 is a side view in which the support member according to the first embodiment is attached between the display unit and the main body. The support member 10 configured as described above is attached between the main body 2 and the display unit 3. When attaching the support member 10, the length of the support member is adjusted in advance by the method described above. Next, the engaging portion 22a of the one end 22 of the first base 21 is inserted into and engaged with the latch 6 of the display unit 3. Next, the engagement hole 28 a of the one end 28 of the second base 26 is engaged with the engagement hole 7 of the main body 2.
[0026]
By attaching in this way, it is possible to prevent the display unit 3 from falling down when the pen is input with the display unit 3 maintained at an angle with respect to the main body 2. Of course, when adjusting the angle of the display unit, the support member is detached from the main body 2 and the display unit 3, the length of the support member is adjusted again, and then the support member is attached to the main body 2 and the display unit 3 again. It can be performed. In addition, since the first base 21 and the second base 26 of the support member 10 are formed of members that can bend each other, the first base 21 and the second base 26 can be easily attached to the display unit 3 and the main body 2. Of course, when attaching the support member 10 to the display unit 3 and the main body 2, the display unit 3 operates the latch 6 with the display panel 4 facing the opposite direction to the keyboard 5 (backward direction of the main body 2). Is attached in a state of being rotated in the direction of the back surface 3c.
[0027]
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement between the support member and the engagement portion. As shown in FIG. 11, a lock member 7a is provided in the engagement hole 7 of the main body 2. The lock member 7a normally holds the display unit 3 in the closed position by being engaged with the hole 6b provided in the latch 6 of the display 3 when the display unit 3 is in the closed position state. When the support member 10 is attached to the display unit 3 and the main body 2 as shown in FIG. 10, the lock member 7a engages with the engagement hole 28a also received at one end 28 of the second base 26 of the support member. Is done. The lock member 28 has a lock portion 7b engaged with the engagement hole 28 or the hole portion 6b and an operation portion 7c operable from outside the main body 2. A rotating shaft 7d is provided between the lock portion 7b and the operation portion 7c. The lock member 7 is constantly urged by an elastic member such as a spring (not shown) in the engagement direction (engagement position) in which the lock portion 7b is engaged with the engagement hole 28 or the hole 6b. By pushing the operation unit 7c from outside the main body 2, the tip 7b of the lock member 7a is retracted from the locked state, and the engagement is released from the engagement hole 28 or the hole 6b.
[0028]
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the electronic device when the support member is housed in the housing. As shown in the drawing, a housing 9 for housing the support member 10 is provided on the back surface 3 c of the display unit 3. Since the support member 10 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 9, it does not disappear when not in use. Further, in the present embodiment, the housing portion 9 is formed on the back surface 3c of the display panel 3, but may be provided on any one of the front surface 3a of the display panel 3, the top surface, the bottom surface, the side surface, and the front surface of the main body 2.
[0029]
Next, a support member according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a support member according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the support member according to the second embodiment.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 13, the support member 30 has a first base 31 and a second base 34 superimposed below the first base 31. The first and second bases 31, 34 are formed of a bendable material such as a hard rubber material, plastic, or metal. The first base 31 is formed in a flat plate shape having one end 32 and the other end 33. One end 32 has an engagement portion 32 a formed in a bag shape for engaging with the latch 6 of the display unit 3. The other end 33 of the first base 31 has a fixing pin 35a serving as a regulating means, a fixing portion 35b for supporting the fixing pin 35a from below the second base 34, and a fixing screw which can be screwed to the fixing pin 35a. 35 are provided.
[0031]
A second base 34 is overlaid below the first base 31. The second base 34 is formed in a flat plate shape. An engagement hole 37 that engages with the engagement hole 7 of the main body 2 is formed at one end 36 of the second base 34. At the other end 37 of the second base 34, a frame portion 37 for slidably holding the first base 31 is formed. The frame portion 37 has an opening 37a having substantially the same size as the cross-sectional dimension of the first base 31 so that the center of the first base 31 can slide. A slit 34a extending in the direction of one end and the other end is formed substantially at the center of the second base 34, and the fixing pin 35a can be inserted when the second base 34 is attached to the first base 31. In a state where the fixing screw 35 is loosened, the second base 34 is held at the first base 31 at the frame portion 37 at the other end, and is at an arbitrary position with respect to the first base 31. It is slidable. Next, the second base 34 is slid to an arbitrary position with respect to the first base 31, and the fixing screws 35 are tightened to the pins 35a, so that the first base 31 and the second base 34 are slid. Are crimped to restrict the sliding with the first base 31 and the second base 34 and the length adjustment of the first and second bases 31 and 34. With this configuration, the first base 31 and the second base 34 are slidable with each other, and can be adjusted to an arbitrary position (arbitrary length).
[0032]
In the configuration as described above, the length of the support member 30 can be adjusted to an arbitrary length, and the display unit 3 can be adjusted and supported at an arbitrary angle with respect to the main body 2 to facilitate pen input operation. Can be.
[0033]
Next, a support member according to a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a support member according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the support member according to the third embodiment.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 15, the support member 40 has a first base 41 and a second base 44 superimposed below the first base 41. The first and second bases 41 and 44 are formed of a bendable material such as a hard rubber material, plastic, or metal. The first base 41 is formed in a strip shape having one end 42 and the other end 43. As shown in FIG. 16, one end 32 is formed in a bag shape for engaging with the latch 6 of the display unit 3. The engaging portion 42a is provided. Similarly to the second embodiment, the other end 43 of the first base 41 has a fixing pin 47a as a regulating means, and a fixing portion 47b at one end of the fixing pin 47a. The fixing portion 47b is fixed in one end wall portion 43b of one end 43 of the first base 41. Further, a fixing screw 47 that can be screwed is provided at the other end of the fixing pin 47a. In addition, one end 44 of the first base 43 has a housing portion 43a that can slidably house a part of the second base 44. The fixing pin 47a passes through the housing 43a.
[0035]
Below the first base 41, a second base 44 is overlaid. The second base 44 is formed in a flat plate shape. At one end 45 of the second base 44, an engagement hole 45a that engages with the engagement hole 7 of the main body 2 is formed. The other end 48 of the second base 44 is housed in the housing 43 a of the first base 41. A slit 44a extending in the direction of one end and the other end is formed substantially at the center of the second base 44, and the fixing pin 47a can be inserted when the second base 44 is attached to the first base 41.
[0036]
With the fixing screw 47 loosened, the second base 44 is housed in the housing portion 43a, and can slide to an arbitrary position with respect to the first base 41. Next, the second base 44 is slid to an arbitrary position with respect to the first base 41, and the fixing screws 47 are tightened to the pins 47a, whereby the first base 41 and the second base 44 are slid. Are pressed, restricting the sliding with the first base 41 and the second base 44, and regulating the length adjustment of the first and second bases 41 and 44. With this configuration, the first base 41 and the second base 44 are slidable with each other, and can be adjusted to an arbitrary position (arbitrary length).
[0037]
In the configuration as described above, the length of the support member 40 can be adjusted to an arbitrary length, and the display unit 3 can be adjusted and supported at an arbitrary angle with respect to the main body 2 to facilitate pen input operation. Can be.
[0038]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment as long as it does not depart from the gist of the present invention. And it can be widely applied to PDAs, mobile phones, electronic organizers and the like.
[0039]
【The invention's effect】
According to the invention described in detail above, it is an object to provide a support member and an electronic device that can arbitrarily adjust an angle of a display unit with respect to an electronic device with an easy configuration and improve operability of data input. I do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of an electronic apparatus in a state where a display unit is in an open position;
FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of the electronic apparatus in a state where a display unit is in a closed position;
FIG. 3 is a view showing attachment and detachment of a pen.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing turning of a display unit.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which the display unit is turned to turn to a closed position.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a state where the display unit is closed with the display reversed.
FIG. 7 is a side view in which a supporting unit is attached between the display unit and the main body.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a support member according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the support member according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a side view in which the support member according to the first embodiment is attached between the display unit and the main body.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the engagement between the support member and the engagement portion.
FIG. 12 is an exemplary perspective view of the electronic apparatus when the supporting member is accommodated in the accommodation unit.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a support member according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a support member according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a support member according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a support member according to a third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Computer, 2 ... Body, 3 ... Display part, 4 ... Display panel, 5 ... Keyboard, 6 ... Latch, 7 ... Engagement hole, 7a ... Lock member, 8 hinge part, 9 touch pen, 10, 30, 40 support member, 21, 31, 41 first base, 26, 34, 44 first 2 base, 22a, 32a, 42a ... engaging part, 23a, 23b ... engaging pin, 26a, 26b ... a pair of engaging holes, 28a, 37 ... engaging hole, 35 , 47: fixing screw, 35a, 47a: fixing pin, 43a: accommodation portion, 34a, 44a: slit

Claims

A support member that supports the display device at an arbitrary angle on the main body of the electronic device,
A first base having one end engaged with the display device;
A second base slidably provided on the first base and having one end engaged with the main body;
Regulating means for regulating sliding of the first base and the second base slid to an arbitrary position with respect to the first base;
A support member comprising:

The first base has an engaging portion at the other end located opposite to the one end, and the second base has a plurality of engaging holes with which the engaging portions are engaged. Wherein the engaging portion adjusts the amount of protrusion of the second base with respect to the first base by being engaged with an arbitrary one of the plurality of engaging holes. The support member according to claim 1,

The first and second bases are each formed in a flat plate shape, and the other end of the second base opposite to one end has a support portion for supporting the first base. 3. The support member according to claim 2, wherein the support portion has an opening formed to slidably pass through the first base.

The restriction member is slidably provided on the second base so as to surround the first base and the second base. The support member according to claim 1, wherein the support member is a holding member that holds the engagement with the engagement hole.

The second base is provided with a slit extending in the longitudinal direction, and the restricting means is provided at the other end of the first base opposite to one end, and is inserted through the slit. A pin for guiding the sliding of the second base, and the other end of the first base being crimped to the second base while being fastened to the pin. 2. A supporting member according to claim 1, further comprising: a fixing member for restricting sliding with respect to said first base.

The second base has another end located opposite to one end of the second base, and the first base is located opposite to one end of the first base. The other end and the other end of the first base have a receiving portion into which the other end of the second base is slidably inserted. After the end is slid to an arbitrary position in the accommodation portion, the second base is slid by pressing the first other end against the second base. The support member according to claim 1.

The display of the electronic device is rotatable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the main body, the main body has an engaging portion, and the display is in the closed position when the display is in the closed position. Having a latch engaged with the engaging portion of
The support according to claim 1, wherein one end of the first base is engaged with a latch of the display unit, and one end of the second base is engaged with an engagement part of the main body. Element.

Body and
A display unit rotatably connected to the main body,
A supporting portion for supporting the display portion at an arbitrary angle with respect to the main body,
The support member,
A first base having one end engaged with the display device;
A second base slidably provided on the first base and having one end engaged with the main body;
The angle of the display unit with respect to the main body is set at an arbitrary position by restricting the sliding of the first base and the second base slid to an arbitrary position with respect to the first base. A regulating member to be set to
An electronic device comprising:

The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit or the main body has a storage unit that can store the support member.

The first base has an engaging portion at the other end located opposite to the one end, and the second base has a plurality of engaging holes with which the engaging portions are engaged. Wherein the engaging portion adjusts the amount of protrusion of the second base with respect to the first base by being engaged with an arbitrary one of the plurality of engaging holes. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein

The first and second bases are each formed in a flat plate shape, and the other end of the second base opposite to one end has a support portion for supporting the first base. 11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said support portion has an opening formed to slidably pass through said first base.

The restriction member is slidably provided on the second base so as to surround the first base and the second base. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein the electronic device is a holding member that holds the engagement with the engagement hole.

The second base is provided with a slit extending in the longitudinal direction, and the restricting means is provided at the other end of the first base opposite to one end, and is inserted through the slit. A pin for guiding the sliding of the second base, and the other end of the first base being crimped to the second base while being fastened to the pin. 9. The electronic device according to claim 8, further comprising: a fixing member that restricts sliding with respect to the first base.

The second base has another end located opposite to one end of the second base, and the first base is located opposite to one end of the first base. The other end and the other end of the first base have a receiving portion into which the other end of the second base is slidably inserted. After the end is slid to an arbitrary position in the accommodation portion, the second base is slid by pressing the first other end against the second base. An electronic device according to claim 8.

The display of the electronic device is rotatable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the main body, the main body has an engaging portion, and the display is in the closed position when the display is in the closed position. Having a latch engaged with the engaging portion of
9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein one end of the first base is engaged with a latch of the display section, and one end of the second base is engaged with an engagement section of the main body. machine.