JP2007158970A - Structure and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a structure and an electronic apparatus with a simple configuration whereby first and second cases can be arranged to desired positions over an opening state and a closing state. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic apparatus 20 is configured to be switched between the closing state wherein a main body unit 22 and a display unit 24 are overlapped with each other and the opening state wherein the main body unit 22 is relatively displaced from the display unit 24 in a width direction Y and a length direction X (e.g. slid obliquely), a part around a middle part of a keyboard 21 of the main body unit 22 in the length direction X and a part around a middle part of a display section 23 in the length direction X can be located nearly at the same position with respect to the length direction X in the opening state, and an operator can obtain an excellent operation sense by locating positions around the middle parts of the display section 23 and the keyboard 21 to nearly the same position with respect to the length direction X even in the case of the electronic apparatus 20 comprising a plurality of units. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a structure including two housings that can be relatively displaced and an electronic device.
In the present invention, the term “substantially orthogonal” includes orthogonal, the term “substantially parallel” includes parallel, and the term “substantially identical” includes the same. Further, in the present invention, the term “rotation” includes an angular displacement of less than 360 degrees and a rotation of 360 degrees or more.

  Various electronic devices in which a housing provided with a display unit or the like is configured to be slidable or angularly displaceable with respect to a housing provided with an operation unit have been put to practical use. FIG. 26 is a front view schematically showing the electronic device 1 of the first conventional technique. The electronic device 1 is configured such that a first housing 3 including a keyboard 2 and a second housing 6 including an operation unit 4 such as direction keys and function keys and a display unit 5 are slidable. .

  As shown in FIG. 26A, in the closed state in which the casings 3 and 6 of the electronic apparatus 1 are overlapped, the operation unit 4 is on the near side when viewed from the operator, and the display unit 5 is viewed from the operator. It is used in the longitudinal direction so that it is on the far side. As shown in FIG. 26B, in the open state in which the first casing 3 of the electronic device 1 is slidably displaced with respect to the second casing 6, the keyboard 2 is on the near side as viewed from the operator. The display unit 5 is used in the landscape orientation so that it is on the back side when viewed from the operator. Therefore, the direction in which the operator holds the electronic device 1 differs between the open state and the closed state.

  FIG. 27 is a simplified front view showing the second prior art electronic device 7. The electronic device 7 is configured such that a first housing 9 having a keyboard 8 on the entire surface, and a second housing 12 having an operation unit 10 such as direction keys and function keys and a display unit 11 are angularly displaceable. Is done. As shown in FIG. 27A, in the closed state where the casings 9 and 12 of the electronic device 7 are overlapped, the operation unit 10 is on the near side when viewed from the operator, and the display unit 11 is viewed from the operator. It is used in the longitudinal direction so that it is on the far side. As shown in FIG. 27B, in the open state where the first housing 9 of the electronic device 1 is displaced by 180 degrees with respect to the second housing 12, the keyboard 8 is in front of the operator. It is used in the landscape direction so that the display unit 11 is on the back side when viewed from the operator. Therefore, the direction in which the operator holds the electronic device 7 differs between the open state and the closed state.

  A portable terminal according to a third conventional technique is configured by a first member including a keyboard and a second member including a display, and each member is configured to be relatively slidable and angularly displaceable. Either one of the first member and the second member is provided with a guide elongated hole extending in the longitudinal direction, is attached so as to be relatively slidable through the guide elongated hole, and the first member and the second member are mounted. The other member is configured to be relatively rotatable in the horizontal direction. In the closed state in which the first member and the second member are overlapped, the second member is used in a vertical screen extending in the longitudinal direction, and is 90 degrees after the second member is slid with respect to the first member. In the rotated open state, it is used on a horizontal screen extending in the width direction (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In a small video camera of the fourth conventional technique, the relay part between the camera body and the display part can be rotated in the opening / closing direction with respect to the display part, and in the mounting surface inward direction with respect to the camera body. It is comprised so that rotation is possible, and the rotation axis with respect to the camera main body of a relay part is offset from the centerline of the width | variety of a display part, and is comprised. Thus, by shifting the pivot axis of the biaxial hinge from the center of the display unit, the display unit can be arranged so as not to protrude from the main unit in the closed state (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-320549 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-243498

  In the first and second conventional techniques, since the operator operates the electronic devices 1 and 7 in two different directions, the display units 5 and 11 can be arranged in the center of the second casings 6 and 12. Can not. Since the keyboards 2 and 8 are arranged in the middle part of the first housings 3 and 9, in the opened state, the middle part of the display parts 5 and 11 and the middle part of the keyboards 2 and 8 are displaced, and the operability is improved. There is a problem of being damaged.

  In the third and fourth prior art devices, the display unit is configured to be slidable and angularly displaceable with respect to the operation unit. In such a configuration, the central part of the keyboard and the display unit in the closed state is provided. If the position of is shifted, the central portion of the keyboard and the display unit is shifted even in the open state, and there is a problem that the operability is poor. In addition, since the third and fourth prior art devices have a biaxial hinge structure, there is a problem that the structure is complicated and the manufacturing cost is high.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a structure and an electronic device in which the first housing and the second housing can be arranged at desired positions in the open state and the closed state with a simple configuration. It is.

The present invention includes a first housing,
A second housing;
A structure including engagement means for engaging the first housing and the second housing,
The engaging means includes
A first state in which the first housing and the second housing are superimposed in a predetermined first direction;
A second displacement of the second housing relative to the first housing over a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The structure is configured to be switchable to a state.

  Further, according to the present invention, the engagement means is configured to slide and displace the second housing relative to the first housing in a fourth direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and intersecting the second and third directions. The switching operation can be performed.

  Further, according to the present invention, the engaging means can perform a switching operation by slidingly displacing the second casing relative to the first casing in the second direction and then slidingly displaceing in the third direction. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the engaging means can perform a switching operation by relatively angularly displacing the second housing relative to the first housing around a rotation axis substantially parallel to the first direction. And

In the present invention, the first housing includes an operation input unit,
The second housing includes a display unit,
In the second state, the engaging means arranges the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the third direction of the operation input portion and the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the third direction of the display portion at substantially the same position in the third direction. It is characterized by being installed.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that at least one of the first and second housings further includes an input means or an output means in a specific area exposed outward by displacement in both the second and third directions. To do.

  In the invention, it is preferable that at least one of the first and second housings further includes an input unit or an output unit in a region that is close to the specific region and is exposed in the first state. .

The present invention also includes a first housing,
A second housing electrically connected to the first housing;
An electronic device comprising engagement means for engaging the first housing and the second housing,
The engaging means includes
A first state in which the first housing and the second housing are superimposed in a predetermined first direction;
A second displacement of the second housing relative to the first housing over a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. The electronic device is configured to be switchable to a state.

  According to the present invention, the engaging means includes a first state in which the respective housings are superimposed, and a second state in which the first housing is relatively displaced in the second and third directions with respect to the second housing. It can be switched to. Accordingly, the second housing can be disposed at a position shifted in the second direction and the third direction with respect to the first housing in the second state. Unlike the case where the second casing is disposed in a position shifted in only one predetermined direction with respect to the first casing as in the conventional technique, the second direction and the third direction are different. It can be arranged at a position shifted in the direction. Thereby, the operator can change the relative position of each housing into a suitable arrangement state for using the first and second housings, and convenience is improved. The switching operation from the first state to the second state can be performed with a simple configuration as compared with a conventional structure including a biaxial hinge structure.

  According to the invention, the engaging means slides the second housing relative to the first housing in a fourth direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and intersecting the second and third directions. The switching operation can be performed by displacing. As a result, the engaging means can be switched between the first state and the second state by sliding and displacing in the fourth direction. Therefore, the engaging means can realize the switching operation with a simple configuration, and can reduce the manufacturing cost.

  Further, according to the present invention, the engaging means slides the second housing relative to the first housing in the second direction, and then slides the second housing in the third direction to perform the switching operation. obtain. Accordingly, the engaging means can switch between the first state and the second state by sliding the second housing in the third direction from the state in which the second housing is slid in the second direction. Therefore, since the engaging means performs the switching operation from the first state to the second state in two stages, the structure can be used in a state of sliding displacement only in the second direction, and the second and third directions. The structure can be used even in the second state in which the sliding displacement is performed. Therefore, the operator can use the structure in a suitable state, and the versatility can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the engaging means can perform a switching operation by relatively angularly displacing the second housing relative to the first housing around a rotation axis substantially parallel to the first direction. Thereby, the engaging means can be switched between the first state and the second state. Therefore, the engaging means can be realized with a simple configuration, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Further, according to the invention, in the second state, the engaging means is in the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the third direction of the operation input portion of the first housing and in the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the third direction of the display portion of the second housing. Are disposed at substantially the same position in the third direction. As in the prior art, if the first state is displaced only in one predetermined direction, the vicinity of the intermediate part of the display unit and the vicinity of the intermediate part of the operation input unit are shifted with respect to the third direction, and the operational feeling is impaired. However, as in the present invention, by sliding and displacing in the second and third directions, the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the third direction between the operation input unit and the display unit is substantially the same position in the third direction. To be disposed. As a result, the operator can obtain a good operational feeling by disposing the position near the intermediate portion between the display unit and the operation input unit at substantially the same position even in a structure including a plurality of cases. Can do.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, at least one of the first and second housings further includes an input unit or an output unit in a specific region exposed outward by displacement in both the second and third directions. Therefore, the operator can effectively use a specific area that cannot be used by displacement in only one of the second and third directions. Moreover, since an input means and an output means can be added, the convenience can be improved.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, at least one of the first and second housings further includes an input unit or an output unit in a region that is close to the specific region and exposed in the first state. As a result, the area that is difficult to use even if the input means or the output means is provided in the prior art can be used effectively in the second state.

  According to the present invention, the engaging means includes a first state in which the respective housings are superimposed, and a second state in which the first housing is relatively displaced in the second and third directions with respect to the second housing. It can be switched to. Accordingly, the second housing can be disposed at a position shifted in the second direction and the third direction with respect to the first housing in the second state. Unlike the case where the second casing is disposed in a position shifted in only one predetermined direction with respect to the first casing as in the conventional technique, the second direction and the third direction are different. It can be arranged at a position shifted in the direction. Thereby, the operator can change the relative position of each housing into a suitable arrangement state for using the first and second housings, and convenience is improved.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Portions corresponding to the matters described in the preceding forms in each embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description may be omitted. When only a part of the configuration is described, the other parts of the configuration are the same as those described in the preceding section. Not only the combination of the parts specifically described in each embodiment, but also the embodiments can be partially combined as long as the combination does not hinder.

  FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing an electronic device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a main part of the electronic device 20 in the closed state. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 20 in a simplified manner as viewed from the section line S3-S3 in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 20 in a simplified manner as viewed from the section line S4-S4 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a main part of the electronic device 20 in the open state. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 20 in a simplified manner as viewed from the section line S6-S6 in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 20 in a simplified manner as viewed from the section line S7-S7 in FIG. The electronic device 20 includes a main body unit 22 including a keyboard 21, a display unit 24 including a display unit 23, and a slide hinge 25 that engages the main body unit 22 and the display unit 24.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the electronic device 20 includes a closed state, which is a first state in which the main unit 22 and the display unit 24 are disposed at substantially the same position when viewed from one side in the thickness direction Z, and FIG. As shown to b), it is comprised so that it can switch to the open state which is the 2nd state arrange | positioned in the position displaced to the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction X seeing from the thickness direction Z one side. In other words, the display unit 24 can be switched from the closed state in which the display unit 24 is superimposed on the main unit 22 to the open state in which the display unit 24 is moved by a predetermined amount in the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction X relative to the main unit 22. Configured. The electronic device 20 is realized by, for example, a mobile phone, an information terminal device, and a personal computer (abbreviated as Personal Computer: PC).

The main unit 22 and the display unit 24 are configured in a substantially rectangular plate shape, and the units 22 and 24 are configured in substantially the same dimensions. The main unit 22 is a first housing, and has a keyboard 21 as an operation input unit on one end surface in the thickness direction and a light emitting diode (output unit).
Light Emitting Diode (abbreviated as LED) 27 is provided, and a side key 26 serving as input means is provided on one end surface in the width direction so as to protrude in one direction in the width direction Y. The keyboard 21 is provided at the center in the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction X of the one end surface portion in the thickness direction of the main unit 22. In the open state, the LED 27 is provided in a specific area exposed to the outside. Therefore, the LED 27 is covered with the display unit 24 in the closed state. The side key 26 is provided in a region that is close to the specific region and is exposed in the closed state.

  The display unit 24 is a second casing, and is provided with a display unit 23 as output means, an operation unit 28 such as direction keys and function keys, and a speaker 29 on one end surface in the thickness direction. The display unit 23 is provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the display unit 24, and the operation unit 28 is provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction.

  The slide hinge 25 is an engagement means, and is configured to be able to slide and displace one unit relative to the other unit. The slide hinge 25 is engaged with the main unit 22 and the display unit 24 stacked in the thickness direction Z. The slide hinge 25 includes a slide pin 30 and a guide groove 31. Two slide pins 30 projecting in the thickness direction Z other side are provided on the other end surface portion of the main body unit 22 in the thickness direction Z in pairs along the oblique direction T. The oblique direction T, which is the fourth direction, is a direction substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction Z, which is the first direction, and the width direction Y, which is the second direction substantially orthogonal to the thickness direction Z, and the thickness direction Z and the width direction Y. This is a direction that intersects the longitudinal direction X, which is a third direction substantially orthogonal to. A guide groove 31 that is concave in the thickness direction Z is provided along the oblique direction T on the other end surface in the thickness direction of the display unit 24, and the slide pin 30 can be fitted into the guide groove 31.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the closed state, the slide pin 30 is in contact with the other side of the guide groove 31 in the oblique direction T, and the slide pin 30 is in the open state, as shown in FIG. A slide pin 30 closer to one side in the oblique direction T abuts against one side of the guide groove 31 in the oblique direction T.

  Therefore, the electronic device 20 is closed by the slide hinge 25 so that the main unit 22 and the display unit 24 overlap each other in the thickness direction Z (see FIG. 1A), and the display unit 24 is wider than the main unit 22. It is configured to be switchable to an open state (see FIG. 1B) that is relatively displaced in the direction Y and the longitudinal direction X.

  When the main body unit 22 and the display unit 24 are arranged so as to overlap in the thickness direction Z, when viewed from both the thickness direction Z, the outer edge of one unit and the other unit can be arranged at substantially the same position. . The keyboard 21 can be exposed in the open state by sliding and displacing one unit and the other unit in an oblique direction T from the overlapped closed state.

  When the electronic device 20 is in the closed state, the operation unit 28 is used in the longitudinal direction so that the operation unit 28 is on the near side when viewed from the operator and the display unit 23 is on the back side when viewed from the operator. When the electronic device 20 is in the open state, the keyboard 21 is used in the landscape direction so that the keyboard 21 is on the near side when viewed from the operator and the display unit 23 is on the back side when viewed from the operator. Therefore, the direction in which the operator holds the electronic device 20 is different between the open state and the closed state, and the display direction of the information displayed on the display unit 23 is controlled to be the direction in which the operator visually recognizes.

  The slide hinge 25 includes a signal cable 32 that electrically connects the main unit 22 and the display unit 24, and is configured to be electrically connectable by the signal cable 32. The signal cable 32 has flexibility and is configured so that the main unit 22 and the display unit 24 can be electrically connected continuously even in the open state and the closed state.

The inclination of the oblique direction T with respect to the width direction Y is defined so that, in the open state, the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 21 and the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the display portion 23 are substantially the same. Is done. For example, in the closed state, the distance D1 in the longitudinal direction X between the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 21 and the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the display portion 23 is 20 mm, and the width necessary for exposing the keyboard 21 in the open state. When the slide amount H1 in the direction Y is 40 mm, the slide angle θ with respect to the width direction Y in the oblique direction T is an arctangent of the value obtained by dividing the interval D1 by the slide amount H1, as shown in the following equation (1). Calculated from the function.
θ = arctan (D1 / H1) (1) By defining the oblique direction T using the slide angle θ calculated by the equation (1), the vicinity of the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 21 in the open state, and the display unit The vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction 23 can be made substantially the same with respect to the longitudinal direction X. In the present embodiment, by defining the oblique direction T using the calculated slide angle θ, the length between the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 21 and the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the display unit 23 in the open state is determined. The distance D1 in the direction X can be about 0 mm.

  As described above, in the electronic device 20 of the present embodiment, the slide hinge 25 is in the closed state in which the units 22 and 24 overlap each other, and the body unit 22 is in the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction with respect to the display unit 24. It is configured to be switchable to an open state that is relatively displaced over X. Accordingly, the display unit 24 can be disposed at a position shifted in the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction X with respect to the main body unit 22 in the open state. Unlike the case where the display unit 24 is disposed at a position shifted in only one predetermined direction with respect to the main body unit 22 as in the conventional technique, the display unit 24 is arranged in two different directions, ie, the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction X. It can be disposed at a shifted position. Accordingly, the operator can change the relative positions of the units 22 and 24 to a suitable arrangement state for using the units 22 and 24, and convenience is improved. The switching operation from the first state to the second state can be performed with a simple configuration as compared with a conventional structure including a biaxial hinge structure.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the slide hinge 25 can perform a switching operation by sliding the display unit 24 relative to the main body unit 22 in the oblique direction T. As a result, the slide hinge 25 can be switched between a closed state and an open state by sliding and displacing in the oblique direction T. Therefore, the slide hinge 25 can realize the switching operation with a simple configuration, and can reduce the manufacturing cost.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the open state, the slide hinge 25 has an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction X of the keyboard 21 of the main unit 22 and an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction X of the display unit 23 with respect to the longitudinal direction X. Arranged at substantially the same position. As in the prior art, if the displacement is made only in one predetermined direction from the closed state, the vicinity of the intermediate part of the display unit 23 and the vicinity of the intermediate part of the keyboard 21 are shifted with respect to the longitudinal direction X, and the operational feeling is impaired. However, as in the present invention, by sliding and displacing in the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction X, the vicinity of the intermediate portion of the keyboard 21 and the display unit 23 in the longitudinal direction X is substantially the same position with respect to the longitudinal direction X. To be disposed. As a result, even if the electronic device 20 is composed of a plurality of units, the operator can obtain a good operational feeling by disposing the position near the intermediate portion between the display unit 23 and the keyboard 21 at substantially the same position. Can do.

  Further, in the present embodiment, at least one of the units 22 and 24 further includes an LED 27 in a specific region exposed outward by displacement in both the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction X. In other words, the specific area is an area that is not exposed only by being displaced in the width direction Y, and is exposed when the area is further displaced in the longitudinal direction X in addition to the displacement in the width direction Y. Therefore, the operator can effectively use a specific area that cannot be used only by displacing in a predetermined direction from the closed state as in the prior art. In addition to the LED 27, input / output means such as an additional key, a small display, a microphone and a speaker 29 can be added, so that convenience can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, at least one of the units 22 and 24 further includes a side key 26 in a region that is close to the specific region and exposed in the closed state. In other words, the side key 26 is provided in a region on one end face in the width direction in the vicinity of the specific region. As a result, as in the prior art, in the open state that is displaced only in one predetermined direction from the closed state, an area that is difficult to use even if the side key 26 is provided can be used effectively. In other words, since the display unit 24 and the main unit 22 are shifted from side to side, the operator can easily press the side key 26 even in the open state. Further, when an input / output terminal is provided in the region on one end face in the width direction adjacent to the specific region, for example, the jack can be easily inserted into and removed from the input / output terminal.

  Next, another example of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a front view showing a simplified example of the electronic device 20a of another example of the present embodiment. The electronic device 20a shown in FIG. 8 is configured such that the shape of each unit 22a, 24a viewed from the thickness direction Z is a substantially parallelogram. The inclinations θ of the side portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction are set to be substantially the same as the oblique direction T. With this configuration, the display unit 24a and the main unit 22a can have a sense of unity in the closed state shown in FIG. 8A and the open state shown in FIG. 8B.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a simplified front view showing an electronic apparatus 20b according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a main part of the electronic device 20b in the closed state. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 20b in a simplified manner as viewed from the section line S11-S11 in FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 20b in a simplified manner as viewed from the section line S12-S12 in FIG. FIG. 13 is a front view showing a main part of the electronic device 20b in an intermediate state that shifts between a closed state and an open state. FIG. 14 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20b as seen from the section line S14-S14 in FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 20b in a simplified manner as viewed from the section line S15-S15 in FIG. FIG. 16 is a front view showing the main part of the electronic device 20b in the open state. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 20b in a simplified manner as viewed from the section line S17-S17 in FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the electronic device 20b in a simplified manner as viewed from the section line S18-S18 in FIG. The slide hinge 25 constituting the electronic device 20b of the present embodiment is switched from the closed state to the intermediate state by sliding the display unit 24 relative to the main unit 22 in the width direction Y, and then to the longitudinal state. It is characterized in that it can be slid in the direction X and switched to the open state.

  Two slide pins 30 are provided on the other end surface in the thickness direction of the main body unit 22 so as to protrude to the other side in the thickness direction, and are provided in pairs along the width direction Y. The guide groove 31 has a first guide groove 31a extending along the width direction Y and a second guide line extending along the longitudinal direction X on the other end surface in the thickness direction of the display unit 24. The guide groove 31b is included. In other words, the guide groove 31 is formed in a substantially L shape when viewed from one side in the thickness direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 10, when the slide pin 30 is in the closed state, the slide pin 30 closer to one side in the width direction contacts the one side in the width direction of the first guide groove 31a. In the closed state, the slide pin 30 is only allowed to be displaced in the other width direction. When the display unit 24 is slid in one direction in the width direction with respect to the main unit 22 from the closed state, the intermediate state shown in FIGS. 9B and 13 is obtained. In the intermediate state, the slide pin 30 from the other side in the width direction contacts the other side in the width direction of the first guide groove 31a. In the intermediate state, the slide pin 30 is allowed to be displaced in one direction in the longitudinal direction and in one direction in the width direction. When the display unit 24 is slid in one longitudinal direction relative to the main unit 22 from the intermediate state, the open state shown in FIGS. 9C and 16 is obtained. When the slide pin 30 is in the open state, the two slide pins 30 come into contact with one side in the longitudinal direction of the second guide groove 31b. In the open state, the slide pin 30 is only allowed to be displaced in the other longitudinal direction.

  The dimension of the first guide groove 31a in the width direction Y is set based on a dimension H2 necessary for exposing the keyboard 21 in the open state. The dimension D2 in the longitudinal direction X of the second guide groove 31b is a dimension such that in the opened state, the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 21 and the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the display unit 23 are substantially the same in the longitudinal direction X. Set to

  The display unit 24 is the other end surface in the thickness direction, and a hidden switch 33 is further provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the other end in the width direction. The hidden switch 33 is provided in a specific region exposed to the outside in the open state, and is covered with the main unit 22 in the closed state and the intermediate state.

  The display unit 23 is configured to be able to output function information for explaining the function of the keyboard 21. The display unit 23 is provided in the area 34 closest to the keys on the keyboard 21 corresponding to each key. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, there are three pieces of function information from function A to function C. In the intermediate state, function A is assigned to the number 5 key, and sequentially, function B is the number 6 key, And function C is assigned to the number 7 key.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, when the state is switched from the intermediate state to the open state, the positional relationship between the area 34 where the function information is output and the adjacent key changes, so that the key to be assigned is controlled to be changed. . For example, as shown in FIG. 9C, the function information is assigned to the number 4 key, the function B is assigned to the number 5 key, and the function C is assigned to the number 6 key.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the slide hinge 25 slides the display unit 24 in the width direction Y relative to the main unit 22 from the closed state, and then slides in the longitudinal direction X. It can be displaced and switched to the open state. As a result, the slide hinge 25 can be switched between a closed state and an open state by sliding the display unit 24 in the longitudinal direction X from the state in which the display unit 24 is slid in the width direction Y. Therefore, since the slide hinge 25 is switched between the closed state and the open state in two stages, the electronic device 20b can be used in an intermediate state in which the slide displacement is performed only in the width direction Y, and the width direction Y and the longitudinal direction can be used. The electronic device 20b can be used even in the open state slid to X. Therefore, the operator can use the electronic device 20b in a suitable state, and the versatility can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, since the function information displayed on the display unit 23 is changed between the intermediate state and the open state, the operator may use function keys to which functions are assigned without making a mistake depending on the position of the display unit 23. it can. This function key may be configured to be assigned to, for example, the side key 26 and the hidden switch 33. For example, only when the function key is in the open state, the function key is displayed in the display area of the display unit 23 corresponding to the position of the side key 26 and the hidden switch 33. The display unit 23 may be controlled to display the function information assigned to the side key 26 and the hidden switch 33.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a simplified front view showing an electronic apparatus 20c according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a front view showing a main part of the electronic device 20c in the closed state. FIG. 21 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20c in the closed state. FIG. 22 is a front view showing a main part of the electronic device 20c in the open state. FIG. 23 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the electronic device 20c in the open state. The electronic device 20c of the present embodiment is configured to include a rotary hinge 35, and the rotary hinge 35 causes the display unit 24 to be relative to the main unit 22 around a rotation axis L1 substantially parallel to the thickness direction Z. It is characterized in that it is configured to be angularly displaceable.

  The rotary hinge 35 is disposed at a position shifted from the center line of the main unit 22 and the display unit 24. For example, when the distance D3 in the longitudinal direction X between the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 21 and the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the display unit 23 is 20 mm in the closed state, 35 rotation axes L1 are arranged. The position in the width direction Y of the rotation axis L1 is arranged at a position necessary for exposing the keyboard 21 in the open state.

  By disposing the rotation axis L1 at such a position, when the display unit 24 is angularly displaced by 180 degrees around the rotation axis L1 with respect to the main body unit 22 from the closed state, the opened state as shown in FIG. Thus, the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 21 and the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the display unit 23 can be made substantially the same with respect to the longitudinal direction X.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the rotary hinge 35 switches the display unit 24 by angularly displacing the display unit 24 relative to the main unit 22 around the rotation axis L1 substantially parallel to the thickness direction Z. Can be operated. As a result, the rotary hinge 35 can be switched between a closed state and an open state. Therefore, the rotary hinge 35 can realize the electronic device 20c of the present invention with a simple configuration, and can reduce the manufacturing cost.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described. FIG. 24 is a simplified front view showing an electronic device 20d according to still another embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 20d of the present embodiment is characterized in that the display unit 23 is configured to be slidable with respect to the display unit 24.

  As shown in FIG. 24A, in the closed state, the units 22 and 24 are arranged at the overlapping positions, and the display unit 24 is slid relative to the main body unit 22 in the width direction from the closed state. Thus, as shown in FIG. 24B, the state is switched to the intermediate state. In the intermediate state, when the display unit 23 is slid relative to the display unit 24 in the longitudinal direction, the open state shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the display unit 23 functions as the second housing and is configured to be slidable in the longitudinal direction X with respect to the main unit 22 that is the first housing. As a result, only the display unit 23 is displaced without displacing the entire display unit 24 with respect to the main unit 22, so that the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the keyboard 21 and the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the display unit 23 are The longitudinal direction X can be substantially the same. As a result, in the open state, when viewed from one side in the thickness direction, the shape is substantially rectangular. Therefore, the shape is uniform, and it is possible to prevent the designability from being impaired in the open state.

  Next, still another embodiment will be described. FIG. 25 is a simplified front view showing an electronic apparatus 20e according to still another embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 20e of the present embodiment is characterized in that the display unit 24 includes a speaker 29a and the main unit 22 includes a speaker 29b.

  The display unit 24 is formed with a through hole 36 penetrating in the thickness direction Z at one end portion in the longitudinal direction and passing through both end portions in the width direction Y. The display unit 24 has one end surface portion in the thickness direction and the other end portion in the longitudinal direction. One speaker 29a is provided. The main unit 22 is provided with a second speaker 29b at one end surface in the thickness direction and at one end portion in the longitudinal direction. The sound output from the first speaker 29a and the second speaker 29b can be controlled to be different from each other, thereby enabling, for example, stereo output.

  In the closed state shown in FIG. 25 (a), the second speaker 29 b is covered with one end in the width direction of the display unit 24, but the second speaker 29 b is provided facing the through hole 36. As a result, the sound output from the second speaker 29 b can be output to the outside through the through hole 36. Therefore, even in the closed state, audio information can be output using the first and second speakers 29a and 29b.

  In the intermediate state shown in FIG. 25 (b), the second speaker 29b is covered by the other end in the width direction of the display unit 24. As described above, the second speaker 29b is provided facing the through hole 36. It is done. As a result, the sound output from the second speaker 29 b can be output to the outside through the through hole 36. Therefore, even in the intermediate state, audio information can be output using the first and second speakers 29a and 29b. In the open state shown in FIG. 25 (c), since the second speaker 29b is exposed, audio information can be output using the first and second speakers 29a, 29b.

  As described above, even in the electronic device 20e in which the positional relationship between the units 22 and 24 is changed, the positional relationship between the output means such as the through hole 36 and the speaker 29 is disposed in a specific area, and is unnecessary. The output means can be used effectively without increasing the output means. In the open state, the distance between the first speaker 29a and the second speaker 29b is larger than that in the closed state, so that the operator can hear more realistic sound as a stereo.

  In the above-described embodiment, the units 22 and 24 are electrically connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Electronic devices that are not electrically connected, in other words, the first housing and the second housing. Similar effects can be achieved even with a structure including a body.

It is a front view which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20 of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the electronic apparatus 20 in a closed state. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20 seen from the S3-S3 cut surface line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20 seen from the S4-S4 cut surface line of FIG. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the electronic device 20 in an open state. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20 seen from the S6-S6 cut surface line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20 seen from the S7-S7 cut surface line of FIG. It is a front view which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20a of the other example of this Embodiment. It is a front view which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20b of the other embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the electronic apparatus 20b in a closed state. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20b seen from the S11-S11 cut surface line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20b seen from the S12-S12 cut surface line of FIG. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the electronic device 20b in the intermediate state which transfers to a closed state and an open state. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20b seen from the S14-S14 cut surface line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20b seen from the S15-S15 cut surface line of FIG. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the electronic device 20b in an open state. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20b seen from the S17-S17 cut surface line of FIG. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20b seen from the S18-S18 cut surface line of FIG. It is a front view which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20c of further another form of implementation of this invention. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the electronic apparatus 20c in a closed state.

It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20c in a closed state. It is a front view which shows the principal part of the electronic device 20c in an open state. It is sectional drawing which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20c in an open state. It is a front view which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20d of further another form of implementation of this invention. It is a front view which simplifies and shows the electronic apparatus 20e of further another form of implementation of this invention. It is a front view which simplifies and shows the electronic device 1 of the 1st prior art. It is a front view which simplifies and shows the electronic device 7 of the 2nd prior art.

Explanation of symbols

20 Electronic Device 21 Keyboard 22 Main Unit 23 Display Unit 24 Display Unit 25 Slide Hinge 26 Side Key 27 LED
28 Operation Unit 29 Speaker 30 Slide Pin 31 Guide Groove 32 Signal Cable 33 Hidden Switch 34 Area 35 Rotary Hinge 36 Through-hole

Claims (8)

A first housing;
A second housing;
A structure including engagement means for engaging the first housing and the second housing,
The engaging means includes
A first state in which the first housing and the second housing are superimposed in a predetermined first direction;
A second displacement of the second housing relative to the first housing over a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. A structure characterized in that it can be switched to a state.   The engaging means performs a switching operation by relatively slidingly displacing the second casing with respect to the first casing in a fourth direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and intersecting the second and third directions. The structure according to claim 1 obtained.   The engagement means may be slidably displaced in the second direction relative to the first housing, and then slidably displaced in the third direction to perform a switching operation. The structure according to claim 1.   2. The engaging means can be switched by angularly displacing the second housing relative to the first housing around a rotation axis substantially parallel to the first direction. The structure described. The first housing includes an operation input unit,
The second housing includes a display unit,
In the second state, the engaging means arranges the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the third direction of the operation input portion and the vicinity of the intermediate portion in the third direction of the display portion at substantially the same position in the third direction. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the structure is provided.   The at least one of the 1st and 2nd cases is further provided with an input means or an output means in the specific field exposed outside by displacement to both directions of the 2nd and 3rd directions. The structure according to any one of 5.   7. At least one of the first and second housings further includes input means or output means in a region that is close to the specific region and exposed in the first state. The structure according to any one of the above. A first housing;
A second housing electrically connected to the first housing;
An electronic device comprising engagement means for engaging the first housing and the second housing,
The engaging means includes
A first state in which the first housing and the second housing are superimposed in a predetermined first direction;
A second displacement of the second housing relative to the first housing over a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and a third direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. An electronic device characterized in that it can be switched to a state.

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