JP2012243111A - Information processor and hinge mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve the smooth rotational operability of a display part by increasing the degree of freedom on design.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: a body part; a display part; and a hinge part. The body part includes an input operation face. The display part includes a screen. The hinge part is configured of a four node link mechanism having a first support point, a second support point, a third support point, a fourth support point, a first support member fixed to the body part for supporting the first support point, a second support member fixed to the body part for supporting the second support point, a third support member fixed to the display part for supporting the third support point and the fourth support point, a first connection member connecting the first support point and the third support point with first link length, and a second connection member connecting the second support point and the fourth support point with second link length different from the first link length.

Description

  The present technology relates to a foldable information processing apparatus in which a display unit is rotatable with respect to a main body unit and a hinge mechanism used therefor.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, information processing apparatuses such as notebook personal computers are mainly connected by a hinge mechanism to a display unit having a display and an apparatus main body on which main computer hardware components such as a keyboard, a CPU, and a storage device are mounted. It is. In this type of information processing apparatus, the position of the display unit with respect to the apparatus main body from the state position covering the upper surface of the apparatus main body, the upper surface of the apparatus main body being opened, and the display surface standing at an optimum angle as viewed from the user Among them, the one that can be freely rotated by the user's manual operation is the mainstream (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The hinge mechanism employed in this type of information processing device is provided with a part of the hinge mechanism exposed at the back end of the device body so that the display unit can be rotated on the device body. It is common that For example, in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1, in order to obtain a required rotation range of the display unit, a support shaft provided in the apparatus body can be rotated by a bearing unit of the display unit. The structure to hold in is adopted.

JP 2006-79265 A (paragraphs [0021], [0022], FIGS. 1 and 2)

  However, as shown in Patent Document 1 and the like, in an information processing apparatus such as a general notebook type PC, a hinge mechanism must be exposed at the back of the upper surface of the main body of the information processing apparatus. This is a factor that hinders the degree of freedom in designing the upper surface of the main body of the processing apparatus. In addition, in this type of notebook PC, stable rotation operability of the display unit with respect to the apparatus main body is required.

  In view of the circumstances as described above, an object of the present technology is to provide an information processing apparatus capable of realizing a smooth rotation operability of a display unit and a hinge mechanism used therefor, with a high degree of design freedom. There is.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a main body portion, a display portion, and a hinge portion.
The main body has an input operation surface.
The display unit has a screen.
The hinge portion includes a first fulcrum, a second fulcrum, a third fulcrum, a fourth fulcrum, and a first support member that supports the first fulcrum and is fixed to the main body. A second support member that supports the second fulcrum and is fixed to the main body, and a third support member that supports the third fulcrum and the fourth fulcrum and is fixed to the display unit. And a first connecting member that connects the first fulcrum and the third fulcrum with a first link length, and the first linking point between the second fulcrum and the fourth fulcrum. A four-link mechanism having a second connecting member that is connected with a second link length different from the link length of the first link.

  In the information processing apparatus, the display unit is rotatably connected to the main body unit by a hinge unit configured by a four-bar linkage mechanism. The hinge portion is connected between the first fulcrum and the third fulcrum and between the second fulcrum and the fourth fulcrum by the first link length and the second link length, respectively. Since they have different turning radii, they can be turned while changing the turning center. That is, when the display unit is rotated with respect to the main body, the center of rotation is variable, so that the hinge portion is not exposed on the input operation surface of the main body. For this reason, the hinge mechanism becomes invisible to the user who is using the information processing apparatus, and the high-quality feeling of the entire information processing apparatus is enhanced. Furthermore, since it is possible to eliminate the need to provide a space for exposing the hinge portion on the input operation surface of the main body portion, the degree of freedom in designing the information processing apparatus can be increased.

  In addition, since the first support member that supports the first fulcrum and the second support member that supports the second fulcrum are fixed to the main body as separate members, the degree of freedom in designing the hinge portion Can be increased. Further, since the influence of the bending moment acting on both support members due to the difference in the link length can be reduced, the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum can be stably supported, and the display unit can be stably rotated with respect to the main body. Dynamic operability can be realized.

  The first fulcrum may be formed by a first shaft member having a first end supported by the first support member and protruding from the first support member in a first direction. . In this case, the second fulcrum has a second end supported by the second support member and extends from the second support member in a second direction opposite to the first direction. It is formed of a protruding second shaft member, and the first support member faces the second support member in the second direction.

  According to the said structure, it becomes possible to arrange | position both support members adjacent to each other, and the design freedom degree of a hinge part is raised. In addition, since the distance between the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum is reduced by arranging both support members close to each other, the bending moment acting on both support members due to the difference in the link length is reduced. The influence can be further reduced.

  The first support member includes a first support plate that supports the first end portion, and a first fixing plate that is fixed to the main body portion and protrudes from the first support plate in the first direction. You may have. In this case, the second support member includes a second support plate that supports the second end portion, and a second support plate that is fixed to the main body portion and protrudes from the second support plate in the second direction. And a fixed plate.

  As a result, the first support member and the second support member are stably fixed to the main body in a state where the first support member and the second support member are arranged close to each other.

The first support plate and the second support plate may be integrally joined to each other.
As a result, the torsional strength of the first and second support members is increased, so that an appropriate and stable rotation operation of the display unit with respect to the main body unit is ensured.

  The first connecting member includes a first cylindrical portion rotatably attached around the first shaft member, and the first cylindrical portion between the first cylindrical portion and the third fulcrum. You may have the 1st connection part connected with link length. In this case, the second connecting member includes a second cylindrical portion rotatably attached to the periphery of the second shaft member, and a gap between the second cylindrical portion and the fourth fulcrum. And a second connecting portion connected with the second link length.

  With the above configuration, the rigidity of the first and second connecting members is increased, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are stably rotated around the first shaft member and the second shaft member, respectively. Therefore, smooth rotation operability of the display unit with respect to the main body unit can be obtained.

  The third fulcrum may be formed of a third shaft member having a third end connected to the first connecting portion. In this case, the fourth fulcrum is formed by a fourth shaft member having a fourth end connected to the second connecting portion. The third support member includes a third tube portion rotatably attached to the periphery of the third shaft member and a fourth tube portion rotatably attached to the periphery of the fourth shaft member. And have.

  With the above configuration, since the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion can be stably rotated around the third shaft member and the fourth shaft member, respectively, the display portion can be smoothly rotated with respect to the main body portion. Dynamic operability can be obtained.

A hinge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a first support member, a second support member, a first connection member, and a second connection member.
The first support member has a first shaft portion and can be attached to the first main body.
The second support member has a second shaft portion that is parallel to the first shaft portion, has a different axial center from the first shaft portion, and can be attached to the first main body. .
The third support member includes a third shaft portion that is parallel to the first shaft portion, and a fourth shaft that is parallel to the first shaft portion and has a different axis from the third shaft portion. And can be attached to the second main body.
The first connecting member connects the first shaft portion and the third shaft portion to each other at a first inter-axis distance, and each of the first shaft portion and the third shaft portion. It can be rotated around an axis.
The second connecting member connects the second shaft portion and the fourth shaft portion to each other at a second inter-axis distance that is different from the first inter-axis distance. It is possible to rotate around the axis of each of the parts and the fourth shaft part.

  As described above, according to the present technology, the degree of freedom in design can be increased, and stable operability of the display unit with respect to the main body unit can be realized.

It is a perspective view in the state where the display part of the information processor concerning an embodiment of this art was opened. It is a perspective view when the display part of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1 exists in the state which covered the upper surface of the main-body part. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the information processing apparatus of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the information processing apparatus in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a hinge mechanism in a state where a display unit is closed in the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the hinge mechanism in a state where the display unit is rotated to a standing state of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the main body unit in the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a hinge mechanism in a state where a display unit is completely opened in the information processing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the hinge mechanism of FIGS. 5A-5C. It is a disassembled perspective view of the hinge mechanism of FIG. It is a perspective view of the 1st and 2nd supporting member in the hinge mechanism of FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third support member in the hinge mechanism of FIG. 7. It is a perspective view of the 1st connection member in the hinge mechanism of FIG. It is a perspective view of the 2nd connection member in the hinge mechanism of FIG. It is a figure which shows the locus | trajectory of rotation of the display part by the hinge mechanism of FIGS. 5A-5C. It is a perspective view which shows the modification of a structure of the hinge mechanism of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, a central processing unit, a main memory, a storage device, a keyboard unit (input operation surface) and other electronic devices for information processing such as a main body unit, a display unit including a display (screen), The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus including a hinge unit that rotatably connects a display unit to a main body unit within a predetermined angle range. Examples of this type of information processing apparatus include a personal computer, a mobile phone, a game machine, and a player device with a display. The hinge mechanism is in a state where the input operation surface of the main body is opened and the display surface of the display stands up at an optimum angle when viewed from the user, from the position where the display portion covers the upper surface of the main body with respect to the main body. It is a mechanism that is pivotably connected to a position.

  The details of an embodiment in which the present technology is applied to a so-called notebook type personal computer will be described below.

[Configuration of information processing device]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an information processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology. The figure shows a state when the display unit 2 is open with respect to the main body unit 3. FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the display unit 2 of the information processing apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 covers the upper surface of the main body unit 3. FIG. 3 is a right side view of FIG. Here, the left and right are directions as viewed from the user who uses the information processing apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the information processing apparatus 1 of FIG. In the figure, the X-axis direction (first axial direction) and the Y-axis direction each indicate a horizontal direction, and the Z-axis direction indicates a vertical direction (gravity direction).

  The information processing apparatus 1 includes a display unit 2, a main body unit 3, and a hinge unit 4 (hinge mechanism) that rotatably connects the display unit 2 and the main body unit 3. The hinge unit 4 opens the upper surface (input operation surface) of the main body unit 3 from the position where the display unit 2 covers the upper surface (input operation surface) of the main body unit 3 with respect to the main body unit 3. The display surface is pivotably connected to a position where the display surface stands at an optimum angle as viewed from the user.

  The display unit 2 includes a display unit housing 5 and a display panel (screen) 6 including, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Organic Electro Luminescence) panel, and the like.

  On the upper surface (input operation surface) of the main body unit 3, a touch pad unit 8, a keyboard unit 9, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 10 that displays an operation state of the information processing apparatus 1, and the like are provided. A network cable connector 11, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connector 12, USB (Universal Serial Bus) connectors 13 and 17, headphone output terminal 14, power input terminal 15, and the like are provided on the side surface of the main body 3. Yes. In addition, although not shown, an exhaust port, a display connector, a memory card slot, and the like are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the main body 3. Inside the main body 3, a hardware component group necessary for configuring a computer, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory, a storage device, and a mother board, is incorporated. As the storage device, for example, an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used.

  Two hinge parts 4 are provided on the back of the information processing apparatus 1, one on each side. The configuration of the two hinge parts 4 is the same. The back surface is a surface corresponding to the rear part when viewed from the user who uses the information processing apparatus 1. The opposite direction is called “front”.

  Next, the structure of the hinge attachment part in the main-body part 3 and the display part 2 is demonstrated.

[Configuration of hinge mounting part]
5A to 5C are side views of the hinge portion 4, and the display portion 2 and the main body portion 3 are indicated by broken lines.

  In FIG. 5A, a first hinge accommodating portion 41 capable of accommodating the hinge portion 4 is provided on the back surface 42 (second surface) of the main body portion 3. Specifically, the first hinge accommodating portion 41 is a space secured on the back surface of the main body portion 3. The back surface 42 of the first hinge housing portion 41 is tapered. That is, the back surface 42 of the main body 3 is a tapered surface that gradually recedes from the upper surface side to the lower surface side of the main body portion 3. The angle is, for example, about 45 to 60 degrees with respect to the upper surface of the main body 3. The first hinge accommodating portion 41 is secured at a location retracted from the back surface 42 of the main body portion 3 toward the inside of the main body portion 3 so that the hinge portion 4 can be accommodated behind the tapered rear surface 42. The The first hinge accommodating portion 41 is provided with a first hinge fixing portion 43 for fixing the hinge portion 4.

  On the other hand, the display portion 2 is also provided with a second hinge accommodating portion 51 capable of accommodating the hinge portion 4 in cooperation with the first hinge accommodating portion 41. Specifically, the second hinge accommodating portion 51 is a space provided in a portion on the screen side of the display portion 2. When the display unit 2 is in an open state (see FIG. 5C), the second hinge housing unit 51 is provided in a place hidden behind the main body unit 3 and invisible to the user. The second hinge accommodating portion 51 is provided with a second hinge fixing portion 52 for fixing the hinge portion 4.

[Configuration of hinge part]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hinge part (hinge mechanism) 4. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge portion 4. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing configurations of the first support member 25 and the second support member 26. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the third support member 27. 10 and 11 are perspective views showing configurations of the first connecting portion 28 and the second connecting portion 29, respectively. Hereinafter, the structure of the hinge part 4 is demonstrated, referring FIGS.

  The hinge portion 4 has a first fulcrum, a second fulcrum, a third fulcrum, and a fourth fulcrum, which are a first shaft member 21, a second shaft member 22, and a third shaft member, respectively. 23 and a fourth shaft member 24. These axial directions are indicated by L1, L2, L3, and L4, respectively. In addition, the hinge portion 4 includes a first support member 25 and a second support member 26 that are respectively fixed to the main body portion 3, and a third support member 27 that is fixed to the display portion 2. Further, the hinge portion 4 includes a first connecting member 28 that connects the first fulcrum and the third fulcrum with the first link length, and the second fulcrum and the fourth fulcrum with the first link length. Has a second connecting member 29 connected with a different second link length. Thus, the hinge part 4 is comprised by the four-bar linkage mechanism.

(First support member)
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first support member 25 is formed of a metal plate press-formed body, and is fixed to the main body portion 3 and the first support plate 25 a that supports the first shaft member 21. And a first fixing plate 25b.

  The first support plate 25a has a surface parallel to the YZ plane, and supports an end portion (first end portion) 21a of the first shaft member 21 at one end thereof. In the present embodiment, the first shaft member 21 is integrally fixed to the first support plate 25a in a state where the end 21a is engaged with a hole formed in the first support plate 25a. . The first shaft member 21 protrudes from the first support plate 25a in a first direction D1 (FIG. 8) parallel to the X-axis direction.

  The first fixing plate 25b has a surface parallel to the XY plane and protrudes from the first support plate 25a in the first direction D1. The first fixing plate 25 b is provided with a plurality of screw holes 252 corresponding to the individual screw holes provided in the first hinge fixing portion 43 of the main body portion 3. That is, the first fixing plate 25b is fixed to the first hinge fixing portion 43 provided in the first hinge accommodating portion 41 of the main body portion 3 by the screw 44 (see FIG. 5A). As a result, the first support member 25 is fixed to the main body 3 and the hinge 4 and the main body 3 are connected.

(Second support member)
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second support member 26 is formed of a metal plate press-formed body, and is fixed to the main body 3 and a second support plate 26 a that supports the second shaft member 22. And a second fixing plate 26b. The second support member 26 faces the first support member 25 in the X-axis direction and has a substantially symmetric structure with respect to the YZ plane.

  The second support plate 26a has a surface parallel to the YZ plane. The second support plate 26a is disposed in contact with the first support plate 25a. However, the second support plate 26a is not limited thereto, and may be disposed apart from each other. The second support member 26 supports an end portion (second end portion) 22a of the second shaft member 22 at one end thereof. In the present embodiment, the second shaft member 22 is integrally fixed to the second support plate 26a in a state where the end 22a is engaged with a hole formed in the second support plate 26a. . The second shaft member 22 protrudes from the second support plate 26a in a second direction D2 (FIG. 8) that is antiparallel to the X-axis direction.

  The second fixing plate 26b has a surface parallel to the XY plane and protrudes from the second support plate 26a in the second direction D2. The second fixing plate 26 b is provided with a plurality of screw holes 262 corresponding to the individual screw holes provided in the first hinge fixing portion 43 of the main body portion 3. That is, the second fixing plate 26b is fixed to the first hinge fixing portion 43 provided in the first hinge accommodating portion 41 of the main body portion 3 by screws similarly to the first fixing plate 25b. As a result, the second support member 26 is fixed to the main body 3 and the hinge 4 and the main body 3 are connected.

  The first shaft member 21 and the second shaft member 22 are both arranged in parallel with the X-axis direction, but both have different shaft cores L1, L2. The shaft core L1 and the shaft core L2 are separated from each other in the YZ plane, and the distance between the shaft cores is appropriately set according to the design specifications of the hinge portion 4.

  As will be described later, the first shaft member 21 is incorporated in the first sleeve (first tube portion) 210 of the first connecting member 28, and the second shaft member 22 is the second connecting member. 29 second sleeves (second cylindrical portions) 220 are incorporated.

(Third support member)
As shown in FIG. 9, the third support member 27 includes a third sleeve (third tube portion) 230, a fourth sleeve (fourth tube portion) 240, a third fixing plate 27a, And a fourth fixing plate 27b. A third shaft member 23 and a fourth shaft member 24 are incorporated in the third sleeve 230 and the fourth sleeve 240, respectively, so that the third sleeve 230 and the fourth sleeve 240 become the third shaft member. 23 and the fourth shaft member 24 are rotatable around the periphery. In FIG. 9, the third shaft member 23 and the fourth shaft member 24 are indicated by broken lines.

  The third sleeve 230 and the fourth sleeve 240 are formed integrally with the third fixing plate 27a and the fourth fixing plate 27b, respectively, and each end 23a, 23b (third) of the third shaft member 23 is formed. And the end portions 24a and 24b (fourth end portions) of the fourth shaft member 24 have a cylindrical structure with a length that is exposed.

  The third shaft member 23 and the fourth shaft member 24 have flange portions at their respective one ends 23a and 24a. The third shaft member 23 is incorporated into the third sleeve 230 from the D2 direction so as to be supported by the third support member 27, and the fourth shaft member 24 is supported by the D1 with respect to the fourth sleeve 240. It is supported by the third support member 27 by being incorporated from the direction.

  The third shaft member 23 and the fourth shaft member 24 are both arranged in parallel with the X-axis direction, but both have different shaft cores L3 and L4 (FIG. 6). The shaft core L3 and the shaft core L4 are separated from each other in the YZ plane, and the distance between the shaft cores is appropriately set according to the design specifications of the hinge portion 4.

  The third fixing plate 27a and the fourth fixing plate 27b are each formed parallel to the X-axis direction. The third fixing plate 27 a is provided with a plurality of screw holes 272 corresponding to the individual screw holes provided in the second hinge fixing portion 52 of the display unit 2. The fourth fixing plate 27b is provided with a plurality of screw holes 274 corresponding to the individual screw holes provided in the second hinge fixing portion 52 of the display unit 2. The third support member 27 is fixed to the second hinge fixing part 52 of the display unit 2 via the screw hole 274 and the screw hole 272, whereby the hinge part 4 and the display part 2 are connected.

(First connecting member)
As shown in FIG. 10, the first connecting member 28 is a first rotatably attached around the arms (first connecting portions) 28 a and 28 b having the same shape and the first shaft member 21. Sleeve (first tube portion) 210.

  The first sleeve 210 has a cylindrical structure with such a length that the end portion 21 b opposite to the end portion 21 a of the first shaft member 21 is exposed in the state where the first sleeve 210 is incorporated in the first shaft member 21. . The arm 28a and the arm 28b are connected to both ends of the first sleeve 210, respectively. Openings 281 and 283 through which the first shaft member 21 passes are respectively formed at one end of each of the arms 28a and 28b on the first sleeve 210 side, and at the other end of each of the arms 28a and 28b, Openings 282 and 284 through which the third shaft member 23 passes are formed.

  The first connecting member 28 defines an inter-axis distance between the axis L1 of the first shaft member 21 and the axis L3 of the third shaft member 23. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, one end of the arms 28 a and 28 b is assembled to the first shaft member 21 together with the first sleeve 210, and the other end of the arms 28 a and 28 b is the third sleeve together with the third sleeve 230. The shaft member 23 is assembled. Accordingly, the first shaft member 21 and the third shaft member 23 are connected to each other by the first link length R1 (FIG. 10). The relative position of the first connecting member 28 relative to the first shaft member 21 is regulated by a nut 211 screwed onto the tip of the first shaft member 21.

(Second connecting member)
As shown in FIG. 11, the second connecting member 29 is a second rotatably attached around the arms (second connecting portions) 29 a and 29 b having the same shape and the second shaft member 22. Sleeve (second tube portion) 220.

  The second sleeve 220 has a cylindrical structure with a length that exposes an end 22 b opposite to the end 22 a of the second shaft member 22 in a state where the second sleeve 220 is incorporated in the second shaft member 22. . An arm 29a and an arm 29b are connected to both ends of the second sleeve 220, respectively. Openings 291 and 293 through which the second shaft member 22 penetrates are formed at one end of each of the arms 29a and 29b on the second sleeve 220 side, and at the other end of each of the arms 29a and 29b, Openings 292 and 294 through which the fourth shaft member 24 passes are formed.

  The second connecting member 29 defines an inter-axis distance between the axis L2 of the second axis member 22 and the axis L4 of the fourth axis member 24. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, one end of the arms 29 a and 29 b is assembled to the second shaft member 22 together with the second sleeve 220, and the other end of the arms 29 a and 29 b is the fourth together with the fourth sleeve 240. The shaft member 24 is assembled. As a result, the second shaft member 22 and the fourth shaft member 24 are connected to each other with a second link length R2 (FIG. 11) shorter than the first link length R1. The relative position of the second connecting member 29 with respect to the second shaft member 22 is regulated by a nut 221 screwed to the tip of the second shaft member 22.

  The magnitude | size of 1st link length R1 and 2nd link length R2 is not specifically limited, The display part 2 is suitably set so that a desired rotation locus may be obtained with respect to the main-body part 3. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of spring washers W are assembled to the second shaft member 22, thereby reducing a predetermined rotation resistance of the second connecting member 29 with respect to the second shaft member 22. It is trying to grant. Thereby, inadvertent rotation of the display unit 2 can be restricted. The spring washer W may be provided on the first shaft member 21 side.

(Hinge operation)
The hinge part 4 is configured as described above. Here, the positional relationship between the four shafts (the first shaft member 21, the second shaft member 22, the third shaft member 23, and the fourth shaft member 24) will be described again.

  The directions of the shaft cores L1 to L4 of the first to fourth shaft members 21 to 24 are all in the X-axis direction. L1 and L2 are shifted from each other in the YZ plane, and L3 and L4 are also shifted from each other in the YZ plane. As a result, L1 to L4 are parallel to each other and shifted from each other. Here, L1 to L4 are selected so that a desired rotation trajectory of the display unit 2 can be obtained.

5A to 5C show a process in which the display unit 2 is rotated with respect to the main body unit 3.
FIG. 5A shows a state in which the display unit 2 is closed.
FIG. 5B shows a state in which the display unit 2 is rotated to a standing state of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the main body unit 3.
FIG. 5C shows a state in which the display unit 2 is completely opened.

  As shown in these drawings, the hinge unit 4 employed in the present embodiment rotates the display unit 2 so that the display unit 2 draws a predetermined locus in the YZ plane.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a trajectory of rotation of the display unit 2.
P 1 is the axial center position of the first shaft member 21, P 2 is the axial center position of the second shaft member 22, P 3 is the axial center position of the third shaft member 23, and P 4 is the axial center of the fourth shaft member 24. Position. Since the first shaft member 21 and the third shaft member 23 are connected to each other by the first connecting portion 28, the axial center position P3 of the third shaft member 23 in the turning process of the display portion 2 is The first shaft member 21 moves so as to draw a locus of a first circle indicated by reference numeral C1 around the axial center position P1. On the other hand, since the second shaft member 22 and the fourth shaft member 24 are connected to each other by the second connecting portion 29, the shaft center position P4 of the fourth shaft member 24 is rotated during the rotation of the display portion 2. Moves around the axis position P2 of the second shaft member 22 so as to draw a locus of a second circle indicated by reference numeral C2.

  Here, P1 and P2 are set to be shifted from each other, and the distance between P1 and P3 (first link length) R1, the distance between P2 and P4 (second link length) R2 are set to be different. Therefore, the first circle C1 and the second circle C2 are two circles having different radii with the center point shifted from each other. Then, by selecting the positions and sizes of these two circles C1 and C2, the rotation trajectory of the display unit 2 and the posture for each rotation position can be controlled.

  In other words, in FIG. 12, the line segments indicated by reference numerals A0, A1, and A2 indicate the axial position P3 of the third shaft member 23 on the display unit 2 side and the fourth shaft member 24 as the display unit 2 rotates. This is an imaginary line connecting the axial center position P4. The positions of the virtual lines A0 to A2 indicate the positions of the display unit 2 on the YZ plane, and the inclinations of the virtual lines A0 to A2 indicate the attitude of the display unit 2 (inclination on the YZ plane).

The line segment A0 is when the display unit 2 is closed as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the line segment A1 is in a state where the display unit 2 is rotated to a standing state of about 90 degrees with respect to the main body unit 3.
The line segment A2 is when the display unit 2 is fully opened as shown in FIG. 5C.
belongs to.

  Next, the characteristics of the turning locus of the display unit 2 will be described.

  1. In the hinge mechanism having a typical structure in which the main body side axis and the display side axis are provided coaxially, the center of rotation of the display unit is not displaced in the YZ axis direction. On the other hand, in the information processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the hinge portion 4 connects the shaft members 21 and 22 on the main body portion 3 side and the shaft members 23 and 24 on the display portion 2 side by connecting portions 28 and 29. Accordingly, the center of rotation of the display unit 2 can be displaced in the YZ axis direction during the rotation process of the display unit 2 (feature 1 of the rotation locus).

  2. As shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the display unit 2 avoids the upper end of the back surface 42 of the main body unit 3 (the front end on the back side of the upper surface) during the rotation period from when the display unit 2 is closed to when it stands up. And passes through the separated positions (feature 2 of the rotation trajectory). Thereby, the parts of the hinge part 4 on the main body part 3 side can be structured to be connected to the parts of the hinge part 4 on the display part 2 side only on the back side of the main body part 3. That is, it can be set as the structure which the hinge part 4 does not expose to the upper surface 3F (input operation surface) of the main-body part 3 (refer FIG. 1). Since the hinge part 4 is not exposed on the upper surface of the main body part 3, the hinge part 4 cannot be seen by a user who is using the information processing apparatus 1, and the high-quality feeling of the entire information processing apparatus is enhanced. Further, since it is possible to eliminate the need to provide a space for exposing the hinge portion 4 on the upper surface 3F of the main body portion 3, it is possible to increase a space for arranging other target parts such as an LED lamp and a button. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing an information processing apparatus for which miniaturization is pursued can be increased.

  3. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, during the rotation period from when the display unit 2 is closed to when it stands up, the display unit 2 passes through a position separated so as to avoid the upper end of the back surface 42 of the main body unit 3. At the same time, it descends with respect to the height position of the main body 3 (feature 3 of the turning trajectory). Accordingly, as the screen is made visible to the user by rotating the display unit 2 from the closed state, the part provided with the parts of the hinge unit 4 on the display unit 2 side is the upper surface of the main body unit 3. It sinks below 3F, and as a result, the components of the hinge unit 4 on the display unit 2 side are hardly visible to the user while rotating. This also increases the sense of quality of the information processing apparatus 1.

  4). As shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, during the rotation period until the display unit 2 stands up with respect to the main body unit 3 and completely opens, the second hinge housing portion 51 of the display unit 2 Approaching the tapered back surface 42. Then, a part (not shown) that functions as a stopper on the main body 3 side and a stopper for the display unit 2 in a state where the screen-side surface 2F of the display unit 2 faces the taper-shaped back surface 42 substantially in parallel with each other. The working part (not shown) interferes with the rotation of the display unit 2 and is localized in the state in which the display unit 2 is completely opened (FIG. 5C) (rotation trajectory feature 4).

  Further, when the display unit 2 is fully opened, the components of the hinge mechanism 4 can be accommodated in the first hinge housing unit 41 and the second hinge housing unit 51 provided in the display unit 2 and the main body unit 3, respectively. Thus, the tapered rear surface 42 of the main body 3 and the screen-side surface 2F of the display unit 2 are overlapped with each other through a minimum clearance without being hindered by the components of the hinge mechanism 4. This also improves the design of the information processing apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be further obtained.

  In the hinge part 4 of the present embodiment, the main body part 3 includes a first support member 25 that supports the first shaft member 21 and a second support member 26 that supports the second shaft member 22 as separate members. Therefore, the design freedom of the hinge part 4 can be increased.

  Further, the above configuration reduces the influence of bending moment (or torsional moment) acting on the first and second support members 25 and 26 due to the difference between the first and second link lengths R and R2. Can do. Thus, the first and second shaft members 21 and 22 can be stably supported, and stable rotation operability of the display unit 2 with respect to the main body unit 3 can be realized.

  In the hinge portion 4 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the first shaft member 21 protrudes from the first support member 25 in the D1 direction, and the second shaft member 22 extends from the second support member 26. It protrudes in the direction D2 opposite to D1. Thereby, it becomes possible to arrange | position the 1st and 2nd support members 25 and 26 mutually close, and the design freedom degree of the hinge part 4 is raised. In addition, since both the support members 25 and 26 are disposed close to each other, the distance between the first shaft member 21 and the second shaft member 22 is reduced. The influence of the bending moment acting on the members 25 and 26 can be further reduced. Further, by integrally joining the support members 25 and 26, the rigidity of the support members 25 and 26 is increased, and the rotation of the display unit 2 can be further stabilized.

  In the hinge part 4 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the first support member 25 has a first fixing plate 25b protruding in the D1 direction, and the second support member 26 protrudes in the D2 direction. And a second fixing plate 26b. Accordingly, the first support member 25 and the second support member 26 are stably fixed to the main body 3 in a state where the first support member 25 and the second support member 26 are disposed close to each other. The

  Furthermore, in the hinge part 4 of this embodiment, the 1st-4th shaft members 21-24 are supported by the 1st-4th sleeve 210,220,230,240, respectively. Thereby, the tilting and rattling of each axis during the rotation operation of the display unit 2 are suppressed, and the rigidity of the first and second connecting members 28 and 29 is increased, so that the display unit 2 can be smoothly moved with respect to the main body unit 3. Rotational operability can be realized.

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the degree of freedom in design can be increased, and stable rotation operability of the display unit 2 with respect to the main body unit 3 can be realized.

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this technique was described, this technique is not limited only to the above-mentioned embodiment, Of course, in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this technique, various changes can be added.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the first support member 25 that supports the first shaft member 21 and the second support member 26 that supports the second shaft member 22 are brought into close contact with each other to the main body 3. A fixed example has been described. Instead, the first support member 25 and the second support member 26 may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction, for example, like a hinge mechanism 40 shown in FIG. In FIG. 13, the same components as those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the first support member 25 and the second support member 26 may be provided with projecting pieces 25 c and 26 c that overlap each other in the Z-axis direction. As a result, even if a torsional moment is applied to the support members 25 and 26 during the rotation operation of the display unit 2, the relative positions of the support members 25 and 26 can be restrained by the engaging action of the protruding pieces 25c and 26c. A stable rotation operability of the display unit 2 can be obtained.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the hinge mechanism according to the present technology is applied to the hinge unit that connects the main body unit and the display unit of the information processing apparatus has been described. The present technology can also be applied to hinge parts such as lids and doors that can be freely attached.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing apparatus 2 ... Display part 3 ... Main-body part 4 ... Hinge part 21 ... 1st shaft member 22 ... 2nd shaft member 23 ... 3rd shaft member 24 ... 4th shaft member 25 ... 1st Support member 25a ... 1st support plate 25b ... 1st fixing plate 26 ... 2nd support member 26a ... 2nd support plate 26b ... 2nd fixing plate 27 ... 3rd support member 28 ... 1st connection Member 28a, 28b ... Arm 29 ... Second connecting member 29a, 29b ... Arm 210 ... First sleeve 220 ... Second sleeve 230 ... Third sleeve 240 ... Fourth sleeve L1-L4 ... Shaft core R1 ... 1st link length R2 ... 2nd link length

Claims (7)

A main body having an input operation surface;
A display unit having a screen;
A first fulcrum, a second fulcrum, a third fulcrum, a fourth fulcrum, a first support member that supports the first fulcrum and is fixed to the main body, and the second fulcrum A second support member that supports a fulcrum and is fixed to the main body; a third support member that supports the third fulcrum and the fourth fulcrum and is fixed to the display; and the first The first link member connecting the fulcrum and the third fulcrum with a first link length, and the first link length between the second fulcrum and the fourth fulcrum An information processing apparatus comprising: a hinge portion configured by a four-bar linkage mechanism, having a second coupling member coupled with a different second link length. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The first fulcrum is formed by a first shaft member that has a first end supported by the first support member and protrudes in a first direction from the first support member;
The second fulcrum has a second end supported by the second support member, and protrudes from the second support member in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Formed of two shaft members,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the first support member faces the second support member in the second direction. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The first support member includes a first support plate that supports the first end portion, and a first fixed plate that is fixed to the main body portion and protrudes from the first support plate in the first direction. And
The second support member includes a second support plate that supports the second end portion, and a second fixed plate that is fixed to the main body portion and protrudes from the second support plate in the second direction. An information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the first support plate and the second support plate are integrally joined to each other. An information processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The first connecting member includes a first cylinder part rotatably attached around the first shaft member, and the first cylinder part between the first cylinder part and the third fulcrum. A first connecting portion connected by a link length;
The second connecting member includes a second cylindrical portion rotatably attached to the periphery of the second shaft member, and the second cylindrical portion between the second cylindrical portion and the fourth fulcrum. An information processing apparatus comprising: a second coupling unit coupled by a link length. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5,
The third fulcrum is formed by a third shaft member having a third end connected to the first connecting portion,
The fourth fulcrum is formed by a fourth shaft member having a fourth end connected to the second connecting portion,
The third support member includes a third tube portion rotatably attached to the periphery of the third shaft member and a fourth tube portion rotatably attached to the periphery of the fourth shaft member. An information processing apparatus. A first support member having a first shaft portion and attachable to the first body;
A second support member which is parallel to the first shaft portion and has a second shaft portion having a different axis from the first shaft portion, and is attachable to the first body;
A second shaft portion that is parallel to the first shaft portion, and a fourth shaft portion that is parallel to the first shaft portion and has a different axial center from the third shaft portion. A third support member attachable to the body;
The first shaft portion and the third shaft portion are connected to each other at a first inter-axis distance, and the first shaft portion and the third shaft portion are rotatable around the respective axes. 1 connecting member;
The second shaft portion and the fourth shaft portion are connected to each other with a second inter-axis distance different from the first inter-axis distance, and the second shaft portion and the fourth shaft portion. And a second connecting member rotatable about each axis.

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