JPH10326124A - Portable information terminal equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact and lightweight portable information terminal equipment that can be operated by single hand and also can deal with specialization according to customers. SOLUTION: A flexible and thin sheet type keyboard 4 is connected to a main body part 30 for housing a control circuit board and a liquid crystal display 3 via a flexible hinge part 8. The keyboard 4 can be folded by 360 degrees to be held and operated by a single hand. Furthermore, an interface cable 9 of the keyboard 4 is connected to a keyboard connector provided on the control circuit board attachably/detachably. Thus, the replacement of the keyboard 4 is made possible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a portable information terminal device capable of data cooperation with a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a PC).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A portable information terminal device capable of linking data with a PC has been reduced in size in order to enhance portability. This type of device is known as a device for carrying out data input and editing at the time of going out and connecting to a PC as needed when returning to work or returning home, for example, in cooperation with the PC to capture the data. The handheld PC (hereinafter, referred to as H / PC) announced in November 1996 corresponds to this. This H / PC is equipped with Microsoft's new OS "Windows CE".
Although it can be used by itself, it is exactly intended for data cooperation with the PC described above. Therefore, data input to the H / PC on the go can be linked to the PC,
It is also possible to download to H / PC. The H / PC functions as a portable information terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving a facsimile, transmitting and receiving a mail, and the like when going outside by connecting to a mobile phone or the like, for example.

[0003]

However, the conventional portable information terminal device has a structure in which a main body having a keyboard, which is an input device, and a liquid crystal display are connected by a hinge that rotates about an axis. In terms of size and weight, it has a level of portability that can be carried in a bag in terms of size and weight, but has not reached the size of a pocket that can be carried in a clothes pocket. Furthermore, it was not suitable in terms of shape when operated with one hand during use.

[0004] In addition, this type of portable information terminal device requires a specialized keyboard having a key layout for a specific business in order to respond to a specific business in addition to a general user.
The conventional device has a problem that it is difficult to cope with this specialized keyboard.

Further, when the keyboard is closed, in other words, when communication is performed when the keyboard is not in use, or when it is desired to view a memo or the like for a short time, it is necessary to expose the liquid crystal display. I needed to open the keyboard or lid. However, it is troublesome to open them one by one as described above, and it is not preferable in use.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a portable information terminal device which can be operated with one hand while reducing the size and weight of the main body in order to improve portability. It is in.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable information terminal device which can easily cope with a specialized keyboard for a specific business.

It is a third object of the present invention to provide a portable information terminal device which is excellent in usability and can obtain minimum necessary information from a liquid crystal display without opening a keyboard.

[0009]

In order to achieve the first object, the first means comprises a keyboard for inputting characters and instructions, and a liquid crystal display for displaying input information input from the keyboard and an editing result. And a control board mounted with a storage element and a control circuit element for storing input information and programs, and communication means for communicating with other devices. The information terminal device is characterized in that the keyboard is formed in a sheet shape and is connected to the main body by a flexible sheet-like hinge.

The second means is characterized in that in the first means, the keyboard is formed in a size corresponding to the liquid crystal display so as not to overlap the position of the built-in battery when the keyboard is closed when not in use. .

According to a third aspect, in the first aspect, the keyboard is formed so as to be rotatable 360 ° with respect to the hinge portion.

A fourth means is the first means, wherein the keyboard is provided with a key lock means for setting so that an input operation from the keyboard is not performed.

The fifth means operates when the keyboard is folded back to the back of the main body in the first means,
An erroneous input preventing means for invalidating an input from a key switch is provided.

In order to achieve the second object, the sixth means is the first means, wherein an opening through which an exterior case of the keyboard can be mounted is provided below the main body, The interface cable can be connected to the keyboard connector on the control board from the opening.

In order to achieve the third object, the seventh means is the first means, wherein the keyboard is provided with an opening through which the display contents of the liquid crystal display can be viewed when the keyboard is closed. It is characterized by the following.

In order to achieve the first object, the eighth means is a portable information terminal device based on the same premise as the first means, wherein the keyboard has a flexible outer case as an outer sheet. Further, the exterior case is extended to form a flexible sheet-like hinge portion, and the hinge portion is connected to the main body portion.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the use state of the portable information terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the portable information terminal device according to the embodiment with the keyboard closed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the keyboard of the portable information terminal device according to the present embodiment is used by being turned 360 degrees.

In these figures, reference numeral 1 denotes a tablet, which is a transparent coordinate input unit composed of a pressure-sensitive element or the like. The tablet is pressed with a pen 2 to perform a character input or click input operation. The control circuit displays the operation status and the input information of the tablet 1 on the liquid crystal display 3 that is arranged below the tablet 1. Reference numeral 4 denotes a flexible sheet-like thin keyboard which serves as a coordinate input unit expanded together with the tablet 1. The control circuit also displays information input from the keyboard 4 on the liquid crystal display 3.

The keyboard 4 has a flexible and thin outer case 5 on which a key arrangement is printed and displayed as an outer shell.
A sheet key switch 6 such as a membrane sheet or a sheet tablet similar to that used for a general keyboard is provided therein, and a use state as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 or as shown in FIG. A reinforcing plate 7 is also provided on the back side of the sheet key switch 6 to also serve as reinforcement in the housed state. The keyboard 4 has a sheet-like flexible hinge portion 8 formed as an extension of the exterior case 5 integrally extending from the exterior case 5.
Is inserted into the opening 22 on the end face on the near side of the main body 30 and is coupled to the main body 30. Also, sheet key switch 6
The interface cable 9 is formed integrally with the sheet key switch 6 and passes through the inside of the flexible hinge section 8 from an arbitrary position.
4. The keyboard 4 attached to the main body 30 in this manner, when stored, allows the flexible hinge 8 of the outer case 5 to bend along the outer surface of the front end face of the main body 30 by being bent.
Thus, the main body 30 can be moved so as to cover the upper surface or be folded back to the lower surface.

On the other hand, the upper case 10 and the lower case 11 for accommodating the tablet 1 and the liquid crystal display 3 constitute the main body 30 in combination. To protect the top surface of the tablet 1 by covering the
The suction plate 12 provided on the edge of the keyboard 4 is attracted to the magnet rubber 13 provided on the upper case 10 to hold the keyboard 4 on the upper case 10.

In a main body 30 constituted by the upper case 10 and the lower case 11, a control device constituted by a control board 14 on which storage elements for input information and programs and the like and control circuit elements are mounted is provided. A built-in battery 15 for driving the device is arranged, and various connectors are arranged around the built-in battery 15 (rear end face) as shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a connection D for connecting a built-in battery charging adapter.
C jack, 17 is a communication connector (RS232C) for taking data cooperation with a PC by cable connection, 18 is an optical element for optical communication, 19 is a PDC / PHS connector for connecting a cellular phone, etc., 20 is a telephone line A modular jack 21 for performing communication by using a speaker 21 is an audio speaker.

Here, referring to the longitudinal sectional view of FIG. 5, the transverse sectional view of FIG. 6, and the partially cutaway plan view shown in FIG.
This will be described in more detail.

The liquid crystal display 3 and the tablet 1 are designed to be thinner and smaller and to improve portability.
And the built-in battery 15 are arranged side by side so that they do not overlap, and the thickness of the main body 30 is set so that the portion accommodating the overlapped portion of the liquid crystal display 3 and the tablet 1 is thinner than the portion accommodating the internal battery 15. ing. Keyboard 4
Is stored, the liquid crystal display 3 of the main body 30 is
The keyboard 4 is opposed to the thin part of the tablet 1 that accommodates the superposed part, and does not overlap with the thick part that accommodates the built-in battery 15, so that the thickness is reduced. The portion of the main body 30 that houses the built-in battery 15 is disposed on the left side so as to also serve as a handle in consideration of the weight of the built-in battery 15 and the usage form as shown in FIG.

The keyboard support of the key layout for specific industries is set with the standard keyboard 4 for ordinary general customers, but for the specific industries, an optimal specialized keyboard is required for each industry. In response to this, the opening 22 for mounting the outer case 5 of the keyboard 4 is provided below the lower case 11 of the main body 30,
By removing the cover 23, the interface cable 9 of the keyboard 4 is connected to the keyboard connector 24 mounted on the control board 14.
By replacing the keyboard 4, it is possible to replace the keyboard 4 with an arbitrary one.

Further, the portable information terminal device according to the present embodiment can be used when the operation of the keyboard 4 is unnecessary, such as when checking the received contents of a facsimile or a mail when carrying.
The keyboard 4 is configured to be used by being folded back to the lower side (back side) of the main body 30. In such a use state, there is a possibility that the key switch of the folded keyboard 4 may be erroneously operated with a finger. In order to prevent such erroneous operation, the keyboard lock button 26 of the icon 25 arranged at the lower part of the tablet 1 is used. By pressing the keyboard 4
It is configured such that an operation input from the user can be electrically locked to prevent an erroneous input. This is because when the keyboard 4 is folded back on the back side of the main body 30, the flexible hinge 8
A switch provided between the keyboard 4 and the main body 30 when folded back can be configured to prevent erroneous operation.

Next, another embodiment shown in FIG. 8 will be described. In this embodiment, a transparent window or an opening 27 is formed in a part except for a region necessary for the key arrangement of the keyboard 4, and when the keyboard is stored, the liquid crystal display 3 at a position corresponding to the transparent window or the opening 27 is provided. FAX
Alternatively, the incoming mail status is displayed and can be confirmed through the opening 27.

[0029] The portable information terminal device having such a configuration, after returning to work or home from an outing place, as shown in FIG.
By connecting the portable information terminal device to the PC 28 via the communication cable 29, data cooperation and download of application software and the like are possible. It is also natural that data can be linked by the optical element 18 for optical communication provided in the portable information terminal device.

This type of device is a portable information terminal device capable of carrying out FAX transmission / reception and e-mail transmission / reception when going out by carrying the device when going out. In particular, miniaturization is aimed at improving portability. However, according to the present embodiment, the control board and the liquid crystal display are built in the main body to achieve an integrated structure, and a thin sheet-shaped keyboard having flexibility is attached by the flexible sheet-shaped hinge. This can reduce the size and weight.

An opening for inserting a sheet-like hinge formed integrally with the exterior case of the keyboard is provided below the main body, the hinge is connected to the main body, and a keyboard interface is provided. Since the cable is detachably connected to the keyboard connector on the control board, the keyboard can be replaced, and a keyboard having an arbitrary key arrangement can be assembled.

[0032]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the keyboard is formed in the shape of a sheet and is connected to the main body by the flexible sheet-like hinge. In addition to folding the keyboard, the keyboard can be operated with one hand.

According to the second aspect of the invention, the keyboard is formed in a size corresponding to the liquid crystal display so as not to overlap the position of the built-in battery when the keyboard is closed. The thickness can be reduced without increasing the thickness.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the keyboard is formed so as to be rotatable by 360 ° with respect to the hinge portion. Therefore, when the keyboard is not used, the keyboard does not become an obstacle and can be held with one hand. Operation becomes possible.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the key lock means for preventing the input operation from being performed from the keyboard is provided, when the keyboard is bent and used, the key is bent when the key lock is executed. Even if an input operation is performed by touching a key on the keyboard, the key is locked and an input signal is not generated, so that there is no malfunction even if the operation is performed with one hand.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the keyboard is folded back to the back side of the main body, the input from the key switch is invalidated, so that malfunction is prevented as in the fourth aspect of the present invention. It can be operated with one hand.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, an opening is provided below the main body so that an exterior case of the keyboard can be mounted, and the interface cable of the keyboard is connected from the opening to the keyboard connector on the control board. Since the connection can be made, the keyboard can be easily exchanged, so that it is possible to easily cope with a specialized keyboard for a specific type of business.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the keyboard is closed, the opening which allows the display contents of the liquid crystal display to be visually recognized is provided, so that the minimum necessary information can be obtained from the liquid crystal display without opening the keyboard. Thus, it is possible to improve the usability.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the keyboard is formed in a sheet shape with the flexible outer case as the outer shell, and the outer case is extended to form a flexible sheet-like hinge portion. Since the main body is connected to the main body by the hinge, the main body can be reduced in size and weight, and can be operated with one hand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a use state of a portable information terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a stored state of the portable information terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another usage state of the portable information terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a rear side of the portable information terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the portable information terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the portable information terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the portable information terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 with a part cut away.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the portable information terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where the portable information terminal device shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a PC.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 tablet 2 pen 3 liquid crystal display 4 keyboard 5 outer case 6 sheet key switch 8 flexible hinge section 14 control board 15 built-in battery 17 communication connector 18 optical element 22 opening 26 key lock switch button 27 transparent window (opening) 30 main body

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takashi Ishibashi 1-1-1 Higashitaga-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Inside the Taga Headquarters, Hitachi, Ltd.Electrical Equipment Division (72) Inventor Masahito Fukushima Higashi Taga, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture 1-1-1, Cho, Hitachi, Ltd.Electrical Equipment Division, Taga Headquarters (72) Inventor Minoru Ikeda 1-280, Higashi-Koikekubo, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo Inside Design Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A control for mounting a keyboard for inputting characters and instructions, a liquid crystal display for displaying input information input from the keyboard and an editing result, and a storage element and a control circuit element for storing input information and programs. A portable information terminal device comprising a substrate and communication means for communicating with other devices, and the liquid crystal display and the control substrate being incorporated in a main body, wherein the keyboard is formed in a sheet shape and a flexible sheet is provided. A portable information terminal device, wherein the portable information terminal device is connected to the main body by a hinge. 2. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is formed in a size corresponding to a liquid crystal display so as not to overlap a position of a built-in battery when the keyboard is closed. 3. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is formed so as to be able to rotate 360 ° with respect to the hinge portion. 4. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the keyboard is provided with key lock means for setting so that an input operation from the keyboard is not performed. 5. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, further comprising an erroneous input prevention unit that operates when the keyboard is turned back to the back side of the main unit, and invalidates an input from a key switch. . 6. An opening for mounting an exterior case of the keyboard is provided below the main body, so that an interface cable of the keyboard can be connected to the keyboard connector on the control board from the opening. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein: 7. The portable information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein an opening is provided so that the display content of the liquid crystal display can be viewed when the keyboard is closed. 8. A keyboard for inputting characters and instructions, a liquid crystal display for displaying input information and editing results input from the keyboard, and a storage element and a control circuit element for storing information and programs input from the keyboard. A portable information terminal device comprising a control board on which the liquid crystal display and the control board are built in a main body, the keyboard being a flexible outer case. A portable information terminal device characterized in that a flexible sheet-like hinge portion is formed by extending the outer case to form a sheet-like hinge portion, and the hinge portion is connected to the main body portion.