JP4845029B2 - Electronic device having slide mechanism and tilt mechanism, and associated method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic device having a sliding mechanism and a tilting mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic device may include a first electronic component having a portable display, a second electronic component having a portable keyboard, and a coupling for slidably and rotatably connecting the first and the second electronic components. By this configuration, the first and the second electronic components can rotate with respect to each other so as to be slidable each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  [0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device having a slide mechanism and a tilt mechanism. In particular, aspects of the present disclosure relate to mobile communication devices and / or computer devices having a slide mechanism and a tilt mechanism.

background

  [0002] Current mobile communication devices and / or computing devices typically include a display and a keyboard that can be rotated or slid relative to each other. For example, in a foldable mobile phone, the display can be rotated with respect to the keyboard, or in a portable terminal (PDA) or smartphone, the display can be slid with respect to the keyboard. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical mobile communication / computer device 10 that includes a display 12 that supports a screen 18. The display 12 is attached to a base 14 that supports a keyboard 16. The display 12 can slide with respect to the base 14 to release the keyboard 16.

  [0003] Current mobile communication / computer devices have several drawbacks. For example, one drawback associated with mobile communication / computer device 10 is that the viewing angle of screen 18 cannot be adjusted relative to keyboard 16. As a result, the user must look up to read the screen 18 and look down to see the keyboard 16. Such a repetitive operation places a burden on the user's neck and may cause the user to lose the willingness to use the mobile device 10. Therefore, there is a need for a mobile communication / computer device that allows the user to adjust the viewing angle of the screen relative to the keyboard while making the overall arrangement compact.

Detailed description

A. Overview
[0019] This disclosure describes slide and tilt mechanisms and related methods for electronic devices. Some details set forth below are provided to illustrate the following embodiments in a manner sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed embodiments, but are not It goes without saying that it may not be necessary to implement the embodiment. The invention may also include other embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to FIGS.

  [0020] One particular aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to a mobile communication device having a slide mechanism and a tilt mechanism. The mobile communication device combines a first electronic component (eg, a display) having a first slide member, a second electronic component (eg, a keyboard) having a guide member, and the first and second electronic components. And a hinge. The hinge can support the second slide member. The first and second slide members are positioned to engage the guide member. In this case, when the first and second slide members are axially aligned with each other, at least one of the first and second electronic components can slide relative to each other. When the guide member engages with the second slide member, at least one of the first and second electronic components can rotate with respect to the other.

[0021] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first and second slide members 130, 140 can form a discontinuous path, and the first and second electronic components 102 can be formed. , 104 are in a first configuration (eg, pulled out), at least one of the guide member 142 and the discontinuous path can slide relative to the other. As shown in FIG. 2C, when the first and second electronic components 102, 104 are in the second configuration (eg, tilted configuration), the guide member 142 is the first and second slide members 130, Slides to 140 are at least limited.

  [0022] In other embodiments, the mobile communication device can include sliding means (eg, rails) that slide the first electronic component relative to the second electronic component along a sliding path. The slide means can include a first slide member and a second slide member positioned to engage the guide member when axially aligned with each other. In addition, the mobile communication device has a rotating means (for example, a hinge) that rotates the first electronic component relative to the second electronic component when the first electronic component is restricted from sliding relative to the second electronic component. Can also be included. Further, the mobile communication device allows the first electronic component to slide relative to the second electronic component when the first electronic component is in a predetermined position relative to the second electronic component along the slide path. Limiting means for limiting at least can be included.

  [0023] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a slide and tilt module for an electronic device that includes a first electronic component and a second electronic component. The module combines the first slide member supported by the first electronic component, the guide member supported by the second electronic component, and the first and second electronic components and the second slide member. And a hinge supporting the same. When at least one of the first and second electronic components is slidable with respect to the other, the first and second slide members are axially aligned with each other and are positioned to engage the guide member. The The guide member is engaged with the second slide member when at least one of the first and second electronic components is rotatable with respect to the other.

  [0024] Yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiment has a first front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a display disposed on the front surface, and a first slide member disposed on the rear surface. A portable electronic mail device that can include a first electronic component. The portable email device may also include a second electronic component having a second front surface, a keyboard, and a guide member, the keyboard and the guide member being disposed on the second front surface. In addition, the portable electronic mail device may include a hinge that couples between the rear surface of the first electronic component and the second front surface of the second electronic component and supports the second slide member. The first and second slide members are positioned to engage the guide member. In this case, at least one of the first and second electronic components can slide relative to the other when the first and second slide members are axially aligned with each other. When the guide member is engaged with the second slide member, at least one of the first and second electronic components can rotate with respect to the other.

  [0025] A further aspect relates to a method of operating an electronic device that includes a first electronic component and a second electronic component. For example, one method can include sliding a first electronic component relative to a second electronic component along a slide path. The method also includes sliding the first electronic component relative to the second electronic component when the first electronic component is in a first position relative to the second electronic component along the slide path. It can also include limiting. Further, the method can include rotating the first electronic component relative to the second electronic component when the first electronic component is restricted from sliding relative to the second electronic component.

B. Electronic device having slide mechanism and tilt mechanism
[0026] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of electronic device 100 in a closed configuration configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 100 can include a first electronic component 102 and a second electronic component 104 that is movably engaged with the first electronic component 102. The first and second electronic components 102, 104 can slide and tilt relative to each other to provide a desired viewing angle for the user. In the position shown in the figure, the second electronic component 104 is arranged substantially side by side so as to face the first electronic component. 2B-2D, for example, the first and second electronic components 102, 104 can be offset from each other and / or tilted with respect to each other.

  [0027] The first electronic component 102 is a first housing 101 and various electronic and / or mechanical components supported by or attached to the first housing 101. Can be included. For example, the first electronic component 102 can include a display 106 (eg, a liquid crystal display), a faceplate 107, input buttons 108, and / or other types of electronic subcomponents. The first housing 101 can include a structure that is appropriately sized and formed to support these electronic and / or mechanical subcomponents.

  [0028] The second electronic component 104 can include a second housing 103 that supports input / output components and is configured substantially the same as the first housing 101. The second electronic component 104 can include input components such as a camera button 118 and a voice recorder button 122 to accept input from the user. The second electronic component 104 can also include a communication port 112 for connection to an external device (eg, a personal computer not shown). The communication port 112 may be, for example, a universal serial bus port or other suitable communication port. Furthermore, the second electronic component 104 can include various output components such as a headphone port 114 and a speaker 116 for providing feedback to the user. The electronic device 100 also includes computer components commonly found in other computer components, such as PDA devices, cell phones, laptop computers, tablet PCs, smartphones, portable email devices, or other mobile communication / computer devices. You can also In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be an email device or may be used to send / receive email.

  [0029] In one mode of operation, the user uses the input button 108 on the first electronic component 102 and / or the buttons 118, 122 on the second electronic component 104 to place the electronic device 100 in the closed position. It can be operated. A user can obtain feedback from the electronic device 100 through the display 106, the headphone port 114, the speaker 116, or a combination of these subcomponents. As described further below, in other modes of operation, the electronic device can be operated in any of several open positions.

  [0030] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 2A in an extended configuration. The first electronic component 102 can slide in the sliding direction S with respect to the second electronic component 104 and can be retracted in the opposite direction. In the withdrawal position, the first electronic component 102 can be offset from the second electronic component 104 to exit the input device 126 of the second electronic component 104. Also, the first electronic component 102 can be retracted to the closed position shown in FIG. 2A to hide the input device 126. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device 126 includes a keyboard (eg, a QWERTY keyboard, a QWERTZ keyboard, an AZERTY keyboard, a DVORAK keyboard). In other embodiments, input device 126 may include a touchpad, handwritten tablet, or other suitable input component. The keyboard-type input device 126 is particularly useful because it is simple and efficient to type a message to the electronic device 100. The second electronic component 104 can also include additional electronic and / or mechanical subcomponents (eg, push buttons and / or magnetic card readers) located proximate to the input device 126. .

  [0031] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the electronic device 100 of FIG. 2A in a tilted configuration. When the first electronic component 102 is offset from the second electronic component 104, the first electronic component 102 can rotate in the tilt direction T with respect to the second electronic component 104. Accordingly, the major surface of the first electronic component 102 can form a non-zero angle with respect to the major surface of the second electronic component 104. For example, the first and second electronic components can be pivoted relative to each other to form an angle that is greater than 0 ° and less than 180 °.

  [0032] FIG. 2C also illustrates typical feature features that facilitate the aforementioned sliding and tilting operations. For example, the first electronic component 102 includes a first channel 128 and a first slide member 130 received within the first channel 128 on or near the surface 105 of the first electronic component 102. be able to. The first slide member 130 can extend substantially the entire length of the first channel 128 and can be first within the first channel 128 using bolts, rivets, clips, pins, adhesives, or other fasteners. It can be fixedly attached to one electronic component 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the first slide member 130 includes a rail having a generally U-shaped cross section, as will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. In other embodiments, the first slide member 130 may include a bar, shaft, rod, or other type of slide structure.

  [0033] The electronic device 100 may include a hinge 134 and a second channel 132 on or near the surface 105 of the first electronic component 102. The second channel 132 can be positioned adjacent to the first channel 128 and can be sized and formed to receive a corresponding portion of the hinge 134. The hinge 134 can slidably and pivotably connect the first electronic component 102 and the second electronic component 104 so that both the first and second electronic components 102, 104 can be connected. It can slide with respect to each other and can rotate. An embodiment of the hinge 134 is further described below with reference to FIG.

  [0034] The electronic device 100 may also include a second slide member 140 that is at least partially housed within each hinge 134. The second slide member 140 can be formed in substantially the same manner as the first slide member 130. In some embodiments, the second slide member 140 may be longer than the first slide member 130. In other embodiments, the second slide member 140 may be shorter or equal in length to the first slide member 130.

  [0035] The electronic device 100 may also include a resilient lock 138 supported by the second electronic component 104. The elastic locks 138 are releasably engaged with the hinges 134 so that they can be positioned in the vicinity of the individual hinges 134. As described in detail below with reference to FIG. 2D, when the elastic lock 138 engages the hinge 134, the elastic lock 138 causes the first and second electronic components to slide in the sliding direction S relative to each other. Can be prevented.

  [0036] FIG. 2D is an enlarged partial cutaway perspective view of a portion of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 2C. As shown in FIG. 2D, the second electronic component 104 can include a guide member 142 for guiding the first and second slide members 130, 140 (FIG. 2C). The guide member 142 can be attached and fixed to the second electronic component 104 and can be continuously engaged with the first and second slide members 130 and 140. For example, when the first electronic component 102 and the second electronic component 104 are in the illustrated positions with respect to each other, the second slide member 140 substantially houses the guide member 142 and the first electronic component is the second. Can be tilted with respect to the electronic component 104. When the first and second electronic components 102, 104 are in other positions relative to each other (eg, when these components are directly facing towards each other), the guide member 142 is in the second slide. The member 140 can be moved outwardly to engage the first slide member 130 (FIG. 2C), thereby facilitating the sliding motion of the first electronic component 102.

  [0037] The relative sliding movement of the first electronic component 102 can be selectively stopped by the elastic lock 138. One of the elastic locks is shown in FIG. 2D. The elastic lock 138 can include a plate 137, a first protrusion 133, and a second protrusion 135, both of which are supported by the plate 137. The plate 137 allows the first and second protrusions 133 and 135 to move together. The elastic lock 138 can also include a coil spring 131 disposed in the recess of the second electronic component 104. The coil spring 131 can bias the plate 137 away from the second electronic component 104. The second protrusion 135 can be sized and formed to fit within the notch 136 in the hinge 134.

  [0038] When the first and second electronic components 102, 104 are arranged substantially side-by-side so as to face each other (FIGS. 2A-2B), the substantially flat surface 105 of the first electronic component 102 becomes the first. The first protrusion 133 is pushed downward, whereby the second protrusion 135 is detached from the notch 136 downward. As a result, the hinge 134 and / or the guide member 142 can freely slide in the sliding direction S with respect to each other. When the notch 136 of the hinge 134 is again aligned with the second protrusion 135 and the first electronic component 102 is tilted upward, the push-down force on the elastic lock 138 is released. As a result, the coil spring 131 can bias the second protrusion 135 into the notch 136, thereby preventing the hinge 134 and the guide member 142 from sliding away from each other.

  [0039] The overall operation of the electronic device 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. To open the electronic device 100, the user can slide the first electronic component 102 relative to the second electronic component 104, as indicated by the arrow S in FIG. The user can then tilt the first electronic component 120 as shown by arrow T in FIG. The hinge 134 allows the first electronic component 102 to pivot relative to the second electronic component 104. This is because the first slide member 130 is free from the second slide member 140. At this time, the user can adjust the viewing angle of the display 106 (FIG. 2A) with respect to the input device 126 by rotating at least one of the first and second electronic components with respect to the other. Since some components are visible in FIGS. 2C and 2D but not in FIG. 2B, additional aspects of both sliding and tilting operations will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2C and 2D. These aspects are described in the situation where the electronic device 100, shown in the unfolded and open position in FIGS. 2C and 2D, is folded and closed. Therefore, if the following steps are simply reversed, the electronic device 100 is opened and expanded.

  [0040] The sliding operation will be described in the situation where the first component 102 is slid relative to the second component 104. It should be understood that the same general operational features apply when moving the second component 104 relative to the first component 102. Prior to the sliding motion, the user folds down the first electronic component 102 so that the first and second slide members 130, 140 are axially aligned to form a discontinuous path. A hinge 134 is received in the second channel 132 of the first component 102. At this point, the guide member 142 (FIG. 2D) is engaged with the second slide member 140. When the first electronic component 102 slides in a direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow S with respect to the second electronic component 104 at the beginning of the sliding operation, the second slide member 140 slides with respect to the guide member 142. To do. As the slide continues, the guide member 142 is disengaged from the second slide member 140 and engages with the first slide member 130. The guide member 142 remains engaged with the first slide member 130 throughout the occlusion process. When the guide member 142 is engaged with the first slide member 130, the first and second electronic components 102, 104 are restricted (eg, prevented) from rotating relative to each other.

  [0041] One anticipated advantage of some embodiments of the electronic device 100 shown in FIGS. 2A-D is that the user can move the display 106 to a wide variety of arbitrary viewing angles. . Thus, the user can easily view both the display 106 and the input device 126 simultaneously without having to look up to read the display and then look down to see the input device 126, as in a conventional device. Can see. As a result, the user can operate the electronic device 100 with a more comfortable posture.

  [0042] Another anticipated advantage of some embodiments of the electronic device 100 shown in FIGS. 2A-D is that the user can operate the device in different ways, depending on the manner in which the user places the device. It is. For example, if the user places the device in a closed configuration as shown in FIG. 2A, the user can operate the device using the button 108 (FIG. 2A) and get feedback from the display 106 (FIG. 2A). Can do. When the user places the device in a pulled-out configuration as shown in FIG. 2B, the user can operate the device using the keyboard 126 (FIGS. 2B to 2D). 2C-2D, when the user places the device in a tilted configuration, the user can operate the device using the keyboard 126 (FIGS. 2B-2D) and move the display 106 (FIG. 2A). Thus, a desired viewing angle can be obtained.

  [0043] FIGS. 3-7 illustrate further details of various components of the electronic device 100 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. For example, FIG. 3 is a partially exploded bottom view of the first electronic component 102 of the electronic device 100. In this case, the second electronic component 104 has been removed for clarity. The hinges 134 (shown separately as the first hinge 134a and the second hinge 134b) can be disposed on the first housing 101 and the first housing 144 is used for the first housing. 101 can be mounted rotatably. Each hinge 134 can also include housing portions 156a-b that can rotate relative to the first electronic component 102 about a rotational axis 146. In FIG. 3, the housing portion 156a of the first hinge 134a is rotated so as to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first electronic component 102, and the housing portion 156b of the second hinge 134b is Is shown rotated into the plane of the first electronic component 102 to be received in the second channel 132. In actual operation, the housing portions 156a and 156b rotate together. The first and second slide members 130, 140 are adapted to receive and releasably engage a guide member 142 (FIG. 2D), as will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. A configured clip device 148 may further be included.

  [0044] When the housings 156a-b are rotated into the plane of FIG. 3 and received in the corresponding second channel 132, each of the first slide members 130 will have its corresponding second slide member 140. Are aligned in a substantially axial direction. However, each of the first slide members 130 is separated from its corresponding second slide member 140 by a cut 139. The cut 149 can include a slit or other type of cut. The cut 149 allows the second slide member 140 to rotate with respect to the first slide member 130 when the first electronic component 102 is tilted with respect to the second electronic component 104 (FIG. 2C). If the first and second slide members 130 and 140 are coaxial, they form a discontinuous path through which the guide member 142 (shown in FIG. 6) slides along the path. it can.

  [0045] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one hinge 134 of the electronic device 100. FIG. Hing 134 may include a first hinge portion 144, a second hinge portion 152 configured to receive first hinge portion 144, and a housing portion 156 extending from second hinge portion 152. . The first hinge portion 144 can include different types of pivoting components. For example, the first hinge portion 144 may include a free stop hinge (model number FP001-05F05-100) manufactured by Simula Technology, Taiwan, or other type of pivoting component. The second hinge portion 152 can be formed and dimensioned to accommodate the first hinge portion 144.

  [0046] The housing portion 156 can be attached and fixed to the second hinge portion 152 so as to extend away from the rotation shaft 146. The housing portion 156 can be formed and dimensioned to receive the second slide member 140. The housing portion 156 includes a first wall 158, second walls 160 and 162 attached to the first wall 158, and third walls 166 and 168 attached to the second walls 160 and 162, respectively. And a substantially rectangular shape. The third walls 166 and 168 form a pair of inner lips that face each other across the slot 164. In other embodiments, the housing portion 156 can have other shapes including, for example, a U shape or an L shape.

  [0047] FIGS. 5A-5B are bottom views of the first and second slide members 130, 140 in a first position and a second position, respectively. 5A-5B, the first and second slide members 130, 140 are shown engaged with a guide member 142 (shown in dotted lines). For illustration purposes, FIGS. 5A-5B do not show other related components. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5B, the first and second slide members 130 and 140 are substantially aligned with each other along the slide shaft 151 to form a slide path including a cut 149. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the first and second slide members 130 and 140 are in the first position, the first slide member 130 accommodates the guide member 142. At least one of the first slide member 130 and the second slide member 140 can slide relative to the other along the slide path. When the first slide member 130 and the second slide member 142 slide relative to each other along the slide shaft 151, the guide member 142 can get over the cut 149 and engage with the second slide member 140. As a result, at least one of the second slide member 140 and the guide member 142 can slide relative to the other along the slide shaft 151, whereby the second slide member 140 moves the guide member 142. Approximately accommodated. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the first and second slide members 130 and 140 are in the second position, the guide member 142 is removed from the first slide member 130. As a result, the first slide member 130 can be rotated with respect to the guide member 142, whereby the device 100 (FIG. 2C) can assume the position shown in FIG. 2C.

  [0048] FIG. 5C is an end view of the first slide member 130 shown in an upright position. The second slide member 140 has substantially the same shape. The first slide member 130 includes a first wall 170, second walls 172 and 174 attached to the first wall 170, and third walls attached to the second walls 172 and 174, respectively. 176, 178. Slot 175 separates a pair of opposing third walls 176, 178 extending towards each other. Optional clip device 148 is located in slot 175 and can extend into space 184 formed by first wall 170, second wall 172, 174 and third wall 176, 178. . Referring to FIG. 5A, opposing pairs of clip devices 148 can be located in both the first slide member 130 and the second slide member 140 and can be separated by a gap 80. In certain embodiments, the clip device 148 can be omitted, or the first and second slide members 130, 140 can incorporate other types of elastic locks. The operation of clip device 148 will be further described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view of the second electronic component 104 of the electronic device 100. In this case, the first electronic component 102 has been removed for clarity. The guide member 142 can be attached and fixed to the second electronic component 104 using a fixture 185. Fixture 186 can include bolts, rivets, clips, pins, or other types of fasteners. The guide member 142 may optionally include a notch 188 configured to engage a clip device 148 described in detail below with reference to FIG.

  [0050] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of guide member 142 engaged with clip device 148 of first slide member 130 for relative sliding motion. It should be understood that the guide member 142 can slide along the second slide member 140 in a similar manner. The guide member 142 has a substantially rectangular cross section formed by the first wall 190, the second walls 192 and 194, and the third walls 196 and 198 attached to the second walls 192 and 194, respectively. Can have. Third walls 196, 198 extend opposite each other. After assembly, the third walls 196, 198 of the guide member 142 can be placed on the third walls 176, 178 of the first slide member 130 and slide relative to the first slide member 130. can do.

  [0051] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 together, the clip device 148 is releasable with the guide member 142 to resist relative sliding movement between the guide member 142 and the first slide member 130. Can be engaged. In particular, when the notch 188 of the guide member 142 is substantially aligned with the clip device 148 of the first guide member 130, the clip device 148 can extend into the notch 188 and engage the guide member 142. it can. The user can remove the notch 188 from the clip device 148 by sliding the first and second electronic components 102, 104 (FIG. 2B) relative to each other.

C. Further embodiments of electronic devices
[0052] Figures 8-12 illustrate a further embodiment of the electronic device 100 shown in Figures 2A-2D. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of electronic device 200 shown in a tilted position configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, some components of the electronic device 200 shown in FIG. 8 are at least substantially similar to the corresponding components of the electronic device 100 described above. Accordingly, the following describes selected differences in operation and structure of the electronic device 200 shown in FIG. Like reference numerals generally indicate like features and components in FIGS.

  [0053] The electronic device 200 may include a first electronic component 202, a second electronic component 204, and a hinge 234 that movably connects the first and second electronic components 202, 204. . For illustration purposes, a portion of the second electronic component has been excluded. The first electronic component 202 can include a first slide member 230 disposed on the first housing 101. The hinge 234 can include a second slide member 240. The second electronic component 204 can include a guide member 242 that continuously engages the first and second slide members 230, 240. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing portion of the hinge 234 is eliminated, and the hinge 234 can integrally incorporate the second slide member 240, as described in detail below with reference to FIG. The hinge 234 can operate in substantially the same manner as the hinge 134 shown in FIG. The electronic device 200 may further include a biasing device as described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 11A-11B and FIGS. 12A-12D.

  [0054] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one hinge 234 shown engaged with the guide member 242. FIG. In particular, the hinge 234 supports the second guide member 240, and the second slide member 240 is engaged with the corresponding guide member 242. The second slide member 240 can extend from the second hinge portion 152 in an outward direction from the shaft 146. The second slide member 240 can be attached and secured to the second hinge portion 152 by welding, molding, mechanical fastening, or other suitable device. The second slide member 240 can be formed on the second hinge portion 152 that is offset from the shaft 146 or substantially in the same plane as the shaft 146.

  [0055] FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of the guide member 242 of FIG. The guide member 242 includes a first wall 248 having a plurality of apertures 250 positioned to receive a fixture 252 for securing the guide member 242 to the second electronic component 204 (FIG. 8). Can do. The guide member 242 can also include a second wall 254 extending from the first wall 248 and an opposing third wall 256 extending towards each other. The third wall 256 is substantially parallel to the first wall 248. Accordingly, the first wall 248, the second wall 254, and the third wall 256 can form two slide channels 249 that face each other with the first wall 248 interposed therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the slide channel 249 has a substantially U-shaped cross section. In other embodiments, the slide channel 249 can include other cross-sectional shapes, such as a V shape, an L shape, or other desired shape. The guide member 242 can also include a channel insert 258 that is disposed substantially completely within the slide channel 249 to facilitate the sliding process. The channel insert 258 may be constructed from an elastic material such as a polymeric material to moderate the relative sliding movement between the guide member 242 and the first and second slide members 230, 240 (FIG. 8). it can.

  [0056] FIGS. 11A-11B are bottom views of one embodiment of an electronic device 200 that incorporates a biasing device to assist the user in sliding one component of the device 200 relative to the other. For illustration purposes, only the first component 202 is shown in FIGS. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide member 242 (forming part of the second electronic component 204 shown in FIG. 8) is shown, but the remainder of the second component is not shown. FIG. 11A shows the first and second slides when the first electronic component 202 and the second electronic component 204 (FIG. 8) are slidably offset from each other, for example, substantially similar to the open configuration shown in FIG. 2B. A guide member 242 positioned relative to members 230 and 240 is shown. FIG. 11B shows the first and second slide members when the first electronic component 202 and the second electronic component 204 (FIG. 8) are in the closed position, for example, substantially similar to the closed configuration shown in FIG. 2A. A guide member 242 positioned relative to 230, 240 is shown.

  [0057] The electronic device 200 may include an elastic device that assists in the process of sliding the second electronic component 204 (FIG. 8) relative to the first electronic component 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the elastic device includes a coil spring 350 attached to both the second slide member 240 and the guide member 242 to facilitate the sliding process. In other embodiments, the elastic device can include other elastic components to assist the sliding process.

  [0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the coil spring 350 is an eccentric spring having a first end 354 attached and secured to the second slide member 240 and a second end 356 attached to the guide member 242. Is included. The eccentric coil spring 350 can hold the guide member 242 with respect to the slide members 230 and 240, for example, at the position shown in FIG. 11A. When the user slides the guide member 242 to the position shown in FIG. 11B, the guide member 242 compresses the coil spring 350. When the second end 356 of the coil spring 350 passes through the first end 354, the coil spring 350 extends in the opposite direction and the guide member 242 (and the second electronic component 204) is driven to the open position. The Thus, the user need only initiate the sliding process and the coil spring 350 can complete the process.

  [0059] FIGS. 12A-12B are bottom views of one embodiment of an electronic device 200 that incorporates other biasing devices to assist the user in sliding one component of the device 200 relative to the other. In the illustrated embodiment, a guide member 242 (forming part of the second electronic component) is shown, but for clarity, other subcomponents of the second electronic component have been removed. FIG. 12A shows the first and second slide members 230, 240 and the guide member 242 when the first electronic component 202 and the second electronic component 204 (FIG. 8) are in the open position. FIG. 12B shows the first and second slide members 230, 240 relative to the guide member 242 when the first electronic component 202 and the second electronic component 204 (FIG. 8) are in the closed position. Yes.

  [0060] The electronic device 200 may include a magnetic medium that assists in the process of sliding the first electronic component 202 and the second electronic component 204 (FIG. 8) relative to each other. For example, the electronic device 200 can include first, second, and third magnets 402, 404, and 406 attached to the guide member 242, the first slide member 230, and the second slide member 240, respectively. The magnetic poles of the first magnet 402 can be oriented generally opposite to the magnetic poles of the second and third magnets 404, 406, as indicated by the letters “N” and “S” in FIGS. Hereinafter, the operation of the magnets 402, 404, and 406 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  [0061] FIGS. 12C-12D are schematic cross-sectional views of the electronic device of FIGS. 12A-12B as it moves from the open position (FIG. 12C) to the closed position (FIG. 12D). In order to open the electronic device 200. The following steps are simply reversed. Prior to the occlusion process, the first magnet 402 attracts the third magnet 406. This is because the opposite magnetic poles of the magnets 402 and 406 are substantially aligned with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 12C, the south pole of the first magnet 402 is substantially aligned with the north pole of the third magnet 406. The attractive force between the first magnet 402 and the third magnet 406 can maintain the first and second electronic components 202, 204 in the open position. When the user slides the first electronic component 202 with respect to the second electronic component 204, the magnetic poles of these magnets move away from each other, and therefore between the first magnet 402 and the third magnet 406. The attraction of is weakened. When the south pole of the first magnet 402 passes the south pole of the third magnet 406, the first magnet 402 becomes the second magnet 404 due to the repulsive force between the first magnet 402 and the third magnet 406. It is slid toward. When the first magnet 402 approaches the second magnet 404, the opposite magnetic poles of the first magnet 402 and the second magnet 404 attract each other. Then, the attractive force causes the first electronic component 202 to slide relative to the second electronic component 204 to the closed position shown in FIG. 2D.

  [0062] One feature of some embodiments of the electronic device 200 shown in FIGS. 11A-12D is that the biasing device applies first and second electronic components 202, 204 (FIG. 8) by applying a biasing force. ) Can be maintained. For example, the eccentric coil spring 350 can bias the first and second electronic components 202, 204 (FIG. 8) to be in the open configuration shown in FIG. 11A or the closed configuration shown in FIG. 11B. Another feature of some embodiments of the electronic device 200 shown in FIGS. 11A-12D is that the biasing device can support the sliding process. For example, the magnets 402, 404, 406 can be attracted to each other during the sliding process so that the user can slide (eg, slide the first electronic component 202 by a small amount relative to the second electronic component 204). Just start the slide. Thereafter, magnets 402, 404, and 406 complete the sliding process.

  [0063] As can be seen from the foregoing, specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration and various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example, in certain embodiments, the elastic lock 138 can be omitted. The electronic device can include only one slide member, one guide member, and one hinge instead of two. The electronic device may also include additional components attached to the first and / or second electronic components, such as a spare battery component, a radio receiver, and a transmitter. Certain aspects of the invention described in connection with particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. For example, the electronic device 100 may incorporate any biasing device as shown in FIGS. Also, although the advantages associated with particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in connection with these embodiments, other embodiments may exhibit such advantages and not necessarily all embodiments. It is not necessary to show such advantages to fall within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

1 is a perspective view of a mobile communication / computer device configured according to the prior art. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a closed configuration. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in an extended configuration. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tilted form of an electronic device configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D is an enlarged partial cutaway perspective view of a portion of the electronic device of FIG. 2C. FIG. 2C is a partially exploded bottom view of a first electronic component of the electronic device of FIGS. 2A-2C configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a hinge of the electronic device of FIGS. 2A-2C configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the slide member of the electronic device of FIGS. 2A-2C in a first position configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the slide member of the electronic device of FIGS. 2A-2C in a second position configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is an end view of the slide member of FIGS. 5A-5B configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D is a plan view of a second electronic component of the electronic device of FIGS. 2A-2C including a guide member configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the guide member of FIG. 6 assembled with the slide member of FIGS. 5A-5B according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electronic device having a guide member and a hinge configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hinge shown in FIG. 8 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the guide member shown in FIG. 8 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an electronic device configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and having a slide assist spring. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an electronic device configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and having a slide assist spring. It is a bottom view of the electronic device comprised according to other embodiment of this invention, and having a slide assist magnet. It is a bottom view of the electronic device comprised according to other embodiment of this invention, and having a slide assist magnet. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIGS. 12A-12B configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electronic device of FIGS. 12A-12B configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Electronic device, 102,202 ... 1st electronic component, 104,204 ... 2nd electronic component, 130,140,230,240 ... Slide member, 134,234 ... Hinge.

Claims (14)

A first electronic component having a first slide member;
A second electronic component having a guide member;
A hinge connecting the first electronic component and the second electronic component;
A mobile communication device comprising:
The hinge supports a second slide member, the first and second slide members are positioned to engage the guide member, and the first and second slide members are axially aligned with each other. When at least one of the first and second electronic components is slidable with respect to the other, and when the guide member is engaged with the second slide member, the first and second electronic components are An electronic device in which at least one of the second electronic components can pivot relative to the other.   The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first slide member is long along a first axis and the second slide member is long along a second axis that is coaxial with the first axis.   The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first and second slide members form a discontinuous path when the first and second slide members are axially aligned with each other.   A second channel receiving the hinge when the first electronic component is axially aligned with the first channel supporting the first slide member and the first and second slide members; The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:   2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the guide member is accommodated in the second slide member when one of the first and second electronic components is rotatable with respect to the other. 3.   The hinge further includes a notch, and the second electronic component is positioned to engage the notch when one of the first and second electronic components can pivot relative to the other. The electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a resilient lock.   The biasing device operably coupled between the guide member and the second slide member to bias relative movement between the first and second electronic components. The electronic device according to 1.   The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the biasing device comprises an elastic device having a first end coupled to the second slide member and a second end coupled to the guide member. .   The biasing device includes a first magnet coupled to the first slide member, a second magnet coupled to the second slide member, and a third magnet coupled to the guide member. The electronic device according to claim 7, comprising:   The first electronic component further comprises an LCD display, the second electronic component further comprises a keyboard, and the keyboard is one of a QWERTY keyboard, a QWERTZ keyboard, an AZERTY keyboard, a DVORAK keyboard. The electronic device according to 1. A first electronic component having a first slide member;
A second electronic component having a guide member;
At least the first electronic component slides relative to the second electronic component when the first electronic component is in a predetermined position relative to the second electronic component along a sliding path; Limiting means for limiting,
A hinge for coupling the first and second electronic components and supporting the second slide member;
An electronic device comprising:
When the first electronic component slides in the sliding direction with respect to the second electronic component and retracts in the reverse direction, at least a part of the discontinuous path formed by the first and second sliding members and When one of the guide members is slidable with respect to the other, and the first electronic component is tilted and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the second electronic component, the guide member includes the restricting means. electronic devices slide is at least limited to the first and second sliding members by.   The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the first and second electronic components are pivotable relative to each other in the tilted configuration.   The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the first and second slide members further include at least one slot extending along a discontinuous path, the slot being positioned to receive a guide member. A first electronic component having a first front surface, a rear surface facing the front surface, a display disposed on the front surface, and a first slide member disposed on the rear surface;
A second electronic component having a second front surface, a keyboard, and a guide member, wherein the keyboard and the guide member are disposed on the second front surface;
A hinge for coupling between the rear surface of the first electronic component and the second front surface of the second electronic component and supporting a second slide member;
A portable email device comprising:
When the first and second slide members are positioned to engage the guide member and the first and second slide members are axially aligned with each other, the first and second electronic components At least one of them can slide with respect to the other, and when the guide member is engaged with the second slide member, at least one of the first and second electronic components rotates with respect to the other. A portable email device that can.

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