JPH02168309A - Electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To operate plural kinds of display such as an LCD unit and a CRT display, etc., through the use of one main body by preventing an unnecessary part from being left in the main body when a flat display unit is dismantled. CONSTITUTION:A portable computer 1 is provided with the main body 3, a display unit 5 and a voltage converting unit 7. A base 9 is provided with a keyboard 13 at its front part, and a main power source 14 to supply low voltage power at its area part. The display unit 5 is provided with a connecting part 9 for connecting a back surface pat 15, the display 17 for displaying data and the unit 5 mechanically and rotatably to a top cover 11 and the voltage converting unit 7. Besides, it is provided with a pair of latch lugs 21 to latch the unit 5 to the main body 3 and a side cover 23 to cover a gap generated between the main body 3 and the unit 5.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to portable electronic devices such as laptop-type computers and word processors, and particularly relates to portable electronic devices having a detachable flat panel display unit. Regarding equipment.

(Prior Art) In recent years, laptop-type portable computers and portable word processors equipped with flat panel display units have become popular.

Some of these laptop-type portable electronic devices include USP 4,749.3 (i4, low-voltage driven LS, which is a flat panel display unit).
Portable electronic devices in which the D unit is originally removable have appeared. In this portable electronic device with a removable display, a connector on the main body side for electrically connecting the main body to an LCD unit is provided in a socket that is rotatable with respect to the main body. When the LCD unit is mechanically connected to the socket, the LCD unit can be rotated between a keyboard-obscuring position and an operator-operated position by the rotational movement of the socket. This portable electronic device with a removable display connects the main body and CRT display electrically when the LCD unit is removed from the main body.
It becomes possible to display by T. Therefore, portable electronic devices with removable displays can display multiple types of displays on one main unit, such as using an LCD unit when the main unit is frequently carried and a CRT display when viewing the screen in color. becomes operable.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) This portable electronic device with a removable display having the structure of U.S.P. Therefore, it has the following problems.

Firstly, when the LCD is removed, the unnecessary rotatable socket remains in the main body even after the LCD is removed.
When displaying using RT, the socket gets in the way when carrying the main body with the LCD removed.

Second, the signal cable that electrically connects the connector to the main unit's CPU and the power cable that supplies power from the main unit to the LCD unit need to be placed in the rotating hole between the socket and the main unit. , poor manufacturability when assembling equipment.

Third, if you use a unit that uses a high power supply voltage of about 200V, such as a plasma display, as a flat panel display unit, the high power supply voltage will be supplied through the connector inside the socket, so the operator may accidentally There is a risk of electric shock if you touch the area near the socket.

Fourth, if you use a flat panel display unit with high voltage and M voltage, high voltage will be supplied to the connector, so when you connect or disconnect the display unit, the high voltage will be instantaneously input to the display unit or from the display unit. This can cause a large electric shock to the main unit and display.

The present invention was conceived to improve the above problems.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic device that does not leave unnecessary parts on the main body when the flat panel display unit is removed.

Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic device with a removable display that is easy to manufacture during assembly.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic device with a removable display that is less likely to cause electric shock even if it is of the type that uses a flat panel display unit with a high power supply voltage.

Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic device in which the display can be removed with less electric shock to the main body or the display unit when the display unit and the main body are attached or detached.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above object, the portable electronic device of the present invention includes a keyboard, a first position covering the keyboard, and a display, in which the portable electronic device is operated. a main body having a rotating part for rotating the display unit between a second position for the display and a first connector for electrically connecting the main body and the display unit; a second connector mechanically connected to the first connector to connect the unit; a third position mechanically engaged with the rotating part to mechanically connect the main body and the display unit; and a mechanical connection between the main body and the display unit; and a fourth position for disengaging the display unit from the rotary portion to disengage the display unit.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the portable electronic device of the present invention includes a display unit between a keyboard, a first position covering the keyboard, and a second position for operating the portable electronic device while viewing the display. A main body having a rotating part for rotating, a main power supply for supplying low voltage to the display, and a first connector for electrically connecting the main body and the display unit; A second connector that connects with the first connector to connect the unit.
a third position where the connector engages with the rotating part to mechanically connect the main body and the display unit; and a third position where the connector disengages with the rotating part to mechanically disconnect the main body and the display unit. a display unit having a display unit connection portion operable between a fourth position and a first position connected to the display unit;
and a voltage conversion unit for converting the low voltage supplied from the main power supply via the second connector into high voltage and supplying the high voltage to the display unit.

(Function) According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a portable electronic device that has good portability when the display unit is removed from the main body, has excellent device manufacturability, and causes less electric shock to the operator and the device. Can be done.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the portable computer with the display unit closed to the main body, and FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the portable computer with the display unit opened to expose the keyboard.

The portable computer 1 has a main body 3, a display unit 5, and a voltage conversion unit 7 that converts a low voltage power source to a high voltage power source. Main body 3 includes base 9 and top cover 1
1. The base 9 has a keyboard 13 on its front part and a main power supply 14 for supplying low voltage power on its rear part.

The display unit 5 includes a back surface 15, a plasma display 17 for displaying data, a connection part 19 for mechanically and rotatably connecting the display unit 5 to the top cover 11 and the voltage conversion unit 7, and the display unit 5. A pair of latch claws 21 for latching onto the main body 3 and a side cover for covering a gap created between the main body 3 and the display unit 5 when the display unit 5 is closed on the main body 3 so as to cover the keyboard 13. It has 23.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the top cover.

The top cover 11 has a front top 25, a center top 27, and a rear top 29. front top 25
A pair of latch grooves 31 for engaging with the latch pawls 21 are formed in the front end portion of the keyboard, and an opening 33 for exposing the keyboard 13 is formed in a central portion of the keyboard. A connector hole 35 is formed in a portion of the center of the center top 27 to expose a connector on the main body side, which will be described later. At the rear end of the center top 27 is a mounting surface 3 for mounting the voltage conversion unit 7.
7 is formed. The mounting surface 37 is formed lower than the center top 27 so that when the voltage conversion unit 7 is connected to the main body 3, the rear top 29 and the top of the voltage conversion unit 7 form a substantially flat surface. A screw hole 39 for fixing the voltage conversion unit 7 to the top cover 11 is formed in a part of the center of the rear top 29. The rear top 29 is connected to the center top 27 and the front top so that when the display unit 5 is closed on the main body 1 so as to cover the keyboard 13, the rear top 29 and the back surface 15 of the display unit 5 form a substantially flat surface. It is formed higher than 25. A pair of shaft holes 4 are provided in the inner side surface 41 between the center top 27 and the rear top 29 to expose a rotation shaft to be described later.
3 is formed.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the portable computer with the display unit removed from the main body.

A connector 4 on the main body side for electrically connecting the main body 3 to the display unit 5 and the voltage conversion unit 7
5 is provided so as to be exposed from the connector hole 35. A rotation shaft 47 for rotating the display unit 5 between a first position covering the keyboard 13 and a second position for operating the portable computer 1 while viewing the plasma display 17 is inserted through each shaft hole 43. It is set up to be exposed.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded view of the vicinity of the mounting portion of the display unit and voltage conversion unit.

The connecting portion 19 of the display unit 5 has a pair of outer side surfaces 49, a pair of inner side surfaces 51, and a front surface 53. Each outer side surface 49 is provided with a slide claw 55 that engages with the rotating shaft 47 and mechanically connects the display unit 5 and the main body 3. Each inner side surface 51 is provided with a circular hole 57 for rotatably connecting the display unit 5 and the voltage conversion unit 7. A pair of L-shaped holes 59 are formed in the front surface 53. Each L-shaped hole has a slide claw 55.
and a third position for causing the slide claw 55 to protrude from the outer side surface 49 and engage with the rotating shaft 47, and a third position for causing the slide claw 55 to retract into the outer side surface 49 and engage with the rotating shaft 47. A slide knob 61 is provided for sliding movement between the fourth position and the fourth position for release. The voltage conversion unit 7 includes a unit main body 63, a cylindrical cable duct 65, a duct support 7 portion 67 that connects the cable duct 65 and the main body 63, and the voltage conversion unit 7.
It has a unit fixing part 71 in which a screw hole 69 for fixing the unit to the top cover 11 is formed. cable duct 6
5 includes a pair of side surfaces 73 and a voltage conversion unit 7, which will be explained later.
It has a connector cover 75 that covers the side connector.

Each side surface 73 has a cylindrical hinge portion 77 .

A circular hole 79 is formed in the hinge portion 77 .

A signal cable 81 for electrically connecting the CPU of the main body 3 and the plasma display 19 and a power cable 83 for supplying voltage from the voltage conversion unit 7 to the plasma display 19 are connected to the hole 57 of the connection part 19 and The display unit 5 and the connector on the voltage conversion unit 7 side, and the display unit 5 and the unit main body 63 are connected through the hole 79 of the cable duct 65 .

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along IV-IV in FIG. 2.

The connector 85 on the voltage exchange unit 7 side is fixed to the connector holder 87 via a screw 89. Connector holder 8
7 is an upper cylinder 9 protruding from the inner wall of the cable duct 65
The cable duct 65 is sandwiched between the cable duct 1 and the lower stand 93.
fixed within. The main body side connector 45 is supported by a connector holder 95. Connector holder 95 is fixed to housing 99 within base 9 via screws 97. The connector 85 and the connector 45 are connected within the connector hole 35. Inside the unit body 63 of the voltage conversion unit 7,
From the main power supply 14 to the power cable 101, the board 102,
Signal-7tfg cable 103, connector 45.85,
A board 107 is provided that has a converter circuit that converts the low voltage supplied via the power cable 105 into a high voltage. The high voltage power converted by the converter circuit is supplied to the plasma display 17 via a power cable. The signal from the CPU in the base 9 is sent to the board 10.
2, signal-power cable 103, connector 45.85,
One signal is supplied to the plasma display 17 via a signal cable 81.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a slide guide unit provided within the connecting portion of the display unit, and FIG. 8 is a plan view of the slide shaft.

The slide guide unit 109 includes a unit main body 111, a pair of slide shafts 113 having a slide claw 55 and a slide knob 61, and a coil spring 115 for applying a biasing force to each slide shaft 113 in the direction shown in the figure.
have. The unit body 111 has each coil spring 1
It has a pair of spring fixing parts 117 for fixing one end of the spring 15, and a pair of L-shaped holes 119 are formed.

Each slide shaft 113 has a spring fixing portion 121 for fixing the other end of the coil spring 115, and a rectangular hole 119 for moving the slide knob 61 in the B direction. The slide knob 61 is slidably attached to the rectangular hole 119.

9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the slide shaft of the slide guide unit.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the slide pawl 55 protrudes from the outer side surface 49 of the connecting portion 19 and engages with the rotating shaft 47. From the state shown in FIG. 9, if the slide knob 61 is moved in the direction of arrow C against the biasing force of the coil spring 115 in the direction of arrow entry, the slide piece 113 will move along the slide piece guide 118 as shown in FIG. and moves in the direction of the arrow, causing the coil spring 115 to contract. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the slide claw 55 is retracted into the outer side surface 49 of the connecting portion 19 and the engagement between the slide claw 55 and the rotating shaft 47 is released. In the state shown in FIG. 10, the slide piece 113 receives a biasing force in the direction of the arrow due to the action of the coil spring 115, but as the slide top 61 comes into contact with the side wall 123 of the L-shaped hole 119, the slide piece 113 movement in the direction of arrow A is restricted. When the slide knob 61 is operated in the direction of arrow E, the restriction is released and the slide piece 113 returns to the state shown in FIG. 9 by the action of the coil spring 115.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line IX-EX in FIG. 2.

When the slide knob 61 is released, the slide claw 55 protrudes from the outer side surface 49 of the connecting portion 19 and engages with the insertion hole 124 of the rotating shaft 47 . This slide claw 5
5, the display unit 5 is mechanically connected to the main body 3 by engagement with the rotation shaft 47, and the display unit 5 is moved to the first position covering the keyboard 13 of the main body 3 and the porta-pull while looking at the plasma display 17 by the action of the rotation shaft 47. The display unit 5 is now rotatable to and from a second position for operating the computer 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the rotating shaft 47.

The rotating shaft 47 includes a shaft body 125 in which an insertion hole 124 is formed, a shaft holder 127 for fixing the rotating shaft 47 to the top cover 11, and a coil spring 1 wound around the shaft body 125.
29 and a stopper 131 of the coil spring 129. Due to the action of the coil spring 129, the display unit 5
is fixed at any position between the first position and the second position.

Fig. 13 shows that the sliding claw 55 is the connecting part 1 in Fig. 11.
9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which it is retracted into the outer side surface 49 of FIG.

In the state shown in FIG. 13, the slide claw 55 and rotating shaft 47
Since the engagement is released, the mechanical connection between the display unit 5 and the main body 3 is released, and when the operator pulls up the display unit 5 in the direction of arrow F, the display unit 5 can be removed from the main body. When the display unit 5 is pulled up in the direction of arrow F, the contact between the connector 45 and the connector 85 is released, and the display unit 5
The electrical connection between the main body 3 and the main body 3 is also released.

Next, a method of operating the portable computer of this embodiment will be explained.

In the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slide claw 55 is inserted into the insertion hole 124 of the rotating shaft 47.

Therefore, the slide claw 55 and the rotating shaft 47 engage with each other,
The display unit 5 is mechanically engaged with the main body 3. The connector 85 is connected to the connector 45 at 142, and the display unit 5 is electrically connected to the main body 3. The voltage conversion unit 7 is fixed to the top cover 11 of the main body 3 with screws 16. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 1, the latch pawl 21 is engaged with the opening 33.

In the state shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 5 is folded to cover the keyboard 13, and the portable computer 1 has a shape almost like an attache case.

In the state shown in FIG. 1, when the operator disengages the latch pawl 21, the rotation shaft 47 causes the display unit 5 shown in FIG. The display unit 5 can be rotated relative to the main body 3 and the voltage conversion unit 7 between a second position in which the portable computer 1 is operated while viewing the plasma display 17 displayed. The display unit 5 can be set at any angle between the first position and the second position by the action of the coil spring 129 of the rotating shaft 47.

In the state shown in FIG. 2, when the operator turns on the switch of the main power supply 14 of the main body 1, the main power supply 14 is connected to each electronic component in the base 9 via the power cable 101.
A low voltage of volts is supplied. In addition, power cable 10
1. A low voltage of 5 volts is supplied to the converter circuit provided on the board 107 via the signal-power cable 103, the connector 45, the connector 85, and the power cable 105. The converter circuit converts a low voltage of 5 volts to a high voltage of 200 volts. A high voltage of 200 volts is supplied to the plasma display 17 via a power cable 83.

In the state shown in FIG. 2, the operator moves the slide knob 61 to the ninth position.
When sliding from the third position shown in the figure to the fourth position shown in FIG.
24 is retracted into the connecting portion 19, and the engagement between the slide claw 55 and the rotating shaft 47 is released. By disengaging the sliding claw 55 from the rotating shaft 47, the mechanical connection between the display unit 7 and the main body 3 is released. When the operator removes the screw 16, the mechanical connection between the voltage conversion unit 7 and the main body 3 is released. After breaking the mechanical connection between the display unit 7 and the main body 3 and the mechanical connection between the voltage conversion unit 7 and the main body 3, when the operator lifts the display unit 5 upward, the display appears as shown in FIG. Unit 5 and voltage conversion unit 7 are connected to main body 3
come off from

As shown in FIG. 4, when the CRT connector is connected to the CRT connector provided at the rear end of the main body 3 with the display unit 5 and voltage conversion unit 7 removed, the main body 3 becomes possible.

When attaching the display unit 5 and voltage conversion unit 7 that have been removed from the main body 3 to the main body 3, the operations described above may be performed in reverse order.

In the portable computer of this embodiment, the main body with the display unit and voltage conversion unit removed does not have any movable parts such as a rotating socket. Therefore, portability is excellent when an operator carries the main body with the display unit and voltage conversion unit removed. Furthermore, since there are no unnecessary protrusions such as rotating sockets, the operator has good visibility when performing CRT display using the main body with the display unit and voltage conversion unit removed.

In the portable computer of this embodiment, a connector for electrically connecting the display unit and the main body is provided in a part other than the hinge part between the display unit and the main body. Therefore, since the shape of the hinge portion can be reduced, a small portable computer can be realized.

In the portable computer of this embodiment, the cable for electrically connecting the display unit and the main body is arranged in a part other than the hinge part. Therefore, the shape of the hinge portion can be made smaller and the size of the portion where the cable is placed can be arbitrarily selected, thereby improving the manufacturability of the portable computer.

In the portable computer of this embodiment, a voltage conversion unit for converting low voltage to high voltage is provided not on the main body side but on the display unit side. Therefore, since no high voltage is applied to the connector, no electric shock is applied to the main body or the display unit when the display unit is attached or detached. Additionally, there is no longer any risk of electric shock if the operator accidentally touches the connector area.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the same effect can be obtained by providing a rotating shaft 47 on the display unit 5 side and a sliding claw 55 on the main body 3 side. Further, the same effect can be obtained even if the voltage conversion unit 7 is provided inside the display unit 5.

[Effects of the Invention] With the above configuration, according to the present invention, when the display unit is removed from the main body, portability is good, device manufacturability is excellent, and electric shock to the operator and the device is small. Portable electronic equipment can be provided.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable computer to which the present invention is applied, with the display unit closed on the main body, Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the portable computer with the display unit opened, and Fig. 3 is the top cover. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the portable computer with the display unit removed from the main body, FIG. 5 is an exploded enlarged view of the part where the display unit and voltage conversion unit are attached, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the slide guide unit, FIG. 8 is a plan view of the slide piece, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are diagrams explaining the operation of the slide piece in the slide guide unit. , FIG. 11 is IX- in FIG.
IX cross-sectional view, Figure 12 is a perspective view of the rotating shaft, Figure 13 is a perspective view of the rotating shaft.
This figure is a diagram for explaining the state when the slide piece of FIG. 11 is retracted into the display unit, and FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the present invention. 1... Portable computer 3...
...Main body 5...Display unit 7...
......Voltage conversion unit 9...Base 11...Top cover 13...Keyboard 14... ...Main power supply applicant Toshiba Corporation Patent attorney Satoshi Suyama - 1st L! J Diagram Condolence 1 Taradaman Diagram Diagram Diagram 1゜ Diagram 14

Claims (16)

[Claims] (1) A main body including a top cover having a connector hole, a keyboard, a main power source, and a first connector provided in the connector hole and electrically connected to the main power source; a display unit having a second electrically and mechanically connected connector and a flat panel display driven by a voltage supplied from the main power source through the first and second connectors; and covering the keyboard. rotation means for rotating the flat panel display relative to the main body between a first position and a second position for operating the keyboard while viewing the flat panel display; and in a third position. connecting means for engaging the rotation means to mechanically and rotatably connect the display unit to the body and disengaging the engagement and releasing the mechanical connection in a fourth position; Electronic equipment equipped with (2) In the electronic device according to claim 1, the display unit further includes connector support means rotatable with respect to the flat panel display and for supporting the second connector. (3) In the electronic device according to claim 2, the rotating means is provided on the main body, and the connecting means is provided at a position facing the rotating means of the display unit. (4) In the electronic device according to claim 3, the rotating means further has an insertion hole on a surface facing the connecting means, and the connecting means further includes the rotating means of the display unit in the third position. Engagement means protrudes from a surface facing the display unit, is inserted into the insertion hole to engage the rotation means, and is retracted into the facing surface of the display unit in the fourth position to release the engagement. has. (5) In the electronic device according to claim 4, the connecting means further includes a moving means for operating the engaging means between the third position and the fourth position. (6) In the electronic device according to claim 4, the connecting means has a biasing means for generating a force that presses the engaging means in the direction of the insertion point. (7) In the electronic device according to claim 6, the connecting means further includes a regulating means for maintaining the engaging means at the fourth position against the force of the urging means. (8) In the electronic device according to claim 7, the top cover further includes a front end, a front top provided behind the front end and having an opening in which the keyboard is provided, and a front top provided behind the front top. and a center top having the connector hole;
a pair of side surfaces provided behind the center top and connected to a rear top formed higher than the center top; the flat panel display further includes a pair of side surfaces provided above the front end in the first position a top end located at the top end, a bottom portion having the connector support means and the connection means, and a bottom portion facing the pair of rotation means, and each of the pair of engagement means having a protrusion or a side surface. (9) In the electronic device according to claim 3, the rotation means is provided on the display unit, and the connection means is provided on the main body at a position facing the rotation means. (10) A main body having a keyboard, a main power supply that supplies low voltage, and a first connector electrically connected to the main power supply; 2, a voltage conversion means for receiving the low voltage through the first and second connectors, converting it to a high voltage and supplying the high voltage, and a flat panel drive receiving the high voltage. An electronic device comprising: a panel display; and a display unit having a panel display. (11) The electronic device according to claim 10, further including the flat panel display on the main body between a first position covering the keyboard and a second position for operating the keyboard while viewing the flat panel display. rotation means for rotating the flat panel display relative to the main body; and a third position engages the rotation means to mechanically and rotatably connect the flat panel display to the body and disengages the flat panel display in a fourth position. and a connecting means for releasing the mechanical connection. (12) In the electronic device according to claim 11, the display unit further includes the first connector and is fixed to a connector support portion rotatable with respect to the flat panel display and the connector support portion, and and a voltage conversion unit having conversion means. (13) In the electronic device according to claim 12, the main body further includes a top cover having a connector hole in which the first connector is provided and a mounting portion for mounting the voltage conversion unit. (14) In the electronic device according to claim 13, the top cover further includes a front end, a front top provided behind the front end and having an opening in which the keyboard is provided, and a front top provided behind the front top. a center top provided with a rear top provided behind the center top and formed higher than the center top; a rear top provided with the rotation means and provided with the center top and the center top; It has a side surface for connecting with the rear top. (15) In the electronic device according to claim 14, the mounting portion is provided at a position lower than the front top. (16) The electronic device according to claim 15 further includes fixing means for fixing the voltage conversion unit to the rear top.