JPH11143580A - Portable information equipment having openable and closable display unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable information device which locks a display unit at closed position without using a special latch. SOLUTION: This portable information equipment has a hinge device 25 which connects a display unit 3 to a device body over between its closed position and its opened position. The device 25 has a hinge shaft 26 which is supported by either the device body or the unit 3, a supporting member 28 which is supported at the circumference of the shaft 26 in a relatively slidable way in the direction of turning the shaft and is supported by the other between the device body or the unit 3 and a lock mechanism 37 which limits the turning of the unit 3 when the unit 3 is turned to the closed position. The mechanism 37 has a lock lever 38 that is attached to the hinge shaft and interfitting projections 39a and 39b which are provided on a bracket and both of them are interfit into each other in a detachable way when the unit 3 is turned to the closed position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a portable information device such as a portable computer having a display unit which can be opened and closed, and more particularly to a structure for locking the display unit in a closed position.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, portable information devices represented by portable computers and mobile communication devices have been increasingly reduced in size and weight, and can be easily carried in a suit pocket or bag.

[0003] This type of information equipment includes an equipment main body and a display unit supported by the equipment main body. The device main body has a flat box-shaped housing, and a keyboard is arranged on an upper surface of the housing. Also, various functional components such as a circuit board and a hard disk drive are housed inside the housing. The display unit includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a display screen, and a display housing that houses the LCD. The display housing has a front surface with an opening, and the display screen of the LCD is exposed to the outside of the display housing through the opening.

The display unit is rotatably connected to a rear end of the main body of the apparatus via a hinge device. For this reason, the display unit can rotate between a closed position where the display unit is tilted so as to cover the keyboard and an open position where the display screen of the keyboard and the LCD is exposed. When the display unit is rotated to the closed position, the display screen of the LCD faces the keyboard.

[0005] Conventional information equipment has a latch for holding the display unit in a closed position. When the information device is stored in a bag or the like and carried, the display unit may open due to vibration or shock, or a foreign object may be caught between the opened display unit and the keyboard, causing the LCD display screen to be opened. This is for preventing breakage, and is arranged at the front edge of the display housing.

This latch has an engagement piece protruding from the front surface of the display housing. The engagement piece extends toward the upper surface of the housing when the display unit is rotated to the closed position, and the upper surface of the housing has a recess into which the engagement piece is removably inserted. Is formed. The engagement piece of the latch is rotatably supported by the display housing between a lock position where the latch is hooked on the inner surface of the recess and a lock release position where the latch is released from the inner surface of the recess. , And is always biased toward the lock position via a spring.

Therefore, when the display unit is turned from the open position to the closed position, the engaging piece of the latch enters the concave portion and is automatically hooked on the inner surface of the concave portion by the urging force of the spring, whereby the display is The unit is adapted to be held in the closed position.

[0008]

The conventional information equipment uses a latch to lock the display unit in the closed position, and thus requires space inside the display housing for supporting the latch. Further, a concave portion for receiving the engagement piece of the latch must be formed on the housing side, and a space for accommodating the concave portion inside the housing is required.

According to the information device having such a configuration, the space inside the display housing is reduced by the amount of the latch.
When housing D, the latch and the LCD may interfere with each other. Further, even on the housing side, the space inside the housing is reduced by the amount of the concave portion, so that it may be a hindrance for accommodating functional components such as a circuit board and an HDD inside the housing. possible.

As a result, the display housing and the housing must be formed large in advance in anticipation of the presence of the latch and the concave portion, which causes a problem that miniaturization of the information equipment is limited.

Further, according to the conventional information equipment, in order to rotate the display unit from the closed position to the open position, the latch does not have to be pressed toward the unlock position prior to the rotation of the display unit. Not be. Therefore, the operation for opening the display unit involves two steps, and there is still room for improvement in improving the operability.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can lock a display unit in a closed position without using a special latch, thereby securing a mounting space inside a device body and a display unit. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable information device which can be easily operated, can easily open the display unit, and can easily cope with adding or changing the lock position of the display unit. I do.

[0013]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable information device, comprising: a device main body having a keyboard disposed on an upper surface; a display unit having a display screen; A hinge device for connecting the display unit to the device main body so as to be rotatable between a closed position where the screen is tilted to face the keyboard and another position raised so as to expose the keyboard and the display screen. And; The hinge device is a hinge shaft supported by either the device body or the display unit,
A support member mounted on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft so as to be relatively slidable around the axis, and supported by the other of the device main body or the display unit, and the display unit is turned to at least a closed position. Lock means for restricting the rotation of the display unit when the display unit is turned on, the lock means comprising a first fitting portion provided on the hinge shaft and a second fitting portion provided on the support member. And the first and second fitting portions are detachably fitted to each other when the display unit is turned to at least the closed position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable information device comprising: a device main body having a keyboard disposed on an upper surface; a display unit having a display screen; and the display screen facing the keyboard. And a hinge device rotatably connecting the display unit to the device main body over a closed position where the display unit is tilted and another position raised so as to expose the keyboard and the display screen. . The hinge device includes a hinge shaft fixed to the device main body, a support member mounted on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft so as to be slidable in a direction around the axis, and rotated to follow the display unit; Lock means for restricting the rotation of the display unit when the unit is turned to at least the closed position, the lock means comprising: a first fitting portion provided on the hinge shaft; A second fitting portion provided on the member, wherein the first and second fitting portions are detachably fitted to each other when the display unit is turned to at least the closed position. It is characterized by.

A portable information device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention comprises: a device main body having a keyboard disposed on an upper surface; a display unit having a display screen; and a closed body which is turned down so that the display screen faces the keyboard. And a hinge device for connecting the display unit to the device main body so as to be rotatable over a position and another position raised so as to expose the keyboard and the display screen.

The hinge device is supported by the display unit, and is hinged to rotate around the axis following the display unit. The hinge device is slidable relative to the outer periphery of the hinge shaft. A support member fixed to the device main body, and a lock unit for restricting the rotation of the display unit when the display unit is rotated to at least the closed position. A first fitting portion provided on the hinge shaft, and a second fitting portion provided on the support member.
And the first and second fitting portions are detachably fitted to each other when the display unit is turned to at least the closed position.

In such a configuration, when the display unit is rotated to the closed position, the first fitting portion of the hinge shaft and the second fitting portion of the support member fit each other,
This fitting produces a click feeling and locks the display unit in the closed position. Since the locking means is configured using the hinge shaft and the support member, which are components of the hinge device, the hinge device can also have a locking function for restricting free rotation of the display unit. Therefore, a dedicated latch for locking the display unit at the closed position can be omitted.

Further, when the display unit is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are disengaged from each other. Operation is unnecessary. Therefore, the opening operation of the display unit can be performed with one touch, and the operability is improved.

Further, by adjusting the positions of the first and second fitting portions in the direction around the hinge axis or by increasing the number of these fitting portions, the first and second fitting portions are formed. The timing of fitting can be arbitrarily set.
For this reason, the position where the rotation of the display unit is locked can be freely increased or changed.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable information device comprising: a device main body having an upper surface on which a keyboard is arranged, and an upright surface extending upward from the upper surface; A display unit having;
A hinge for connecting the display unit to the device main body so as to be rotatable between a closed position in which the display screen is tilted to face the keyboard and an open position raised to expose the keyboard and the display screen. And a device. The hinge device is rotated in the direction around the axis following the display unit, and a hinge shaft having a distal end portion penetrated through the upright surface and introduced into the device body. A bracket fixed to the device main body and supported at the distal end so as to be rotatable around an axis; and a lock unit for restricting the rotation of the display unit when the display unit is rotated to at least the closed position. The lock means has a lock member supported on the hinge shaft and rotated integrally with the hinge shaft, the lock member faces an upright surface of the device main body, and the display unit Is removably engaged with the upright surface when pivoted to the closed position.

According to this structure, the display unit is pivoted between the closed position and the open position with the hinge axis extending between the device main body and the display housing as a fulcrum. At this time, since the lock member that rotates integrally with the hinge shaft is present on the hinge shaft, when the display unit is rotated to the closed position, the lock member engages with the upright surface of the device main body. . This engagement produces a click feeling and locks the display unit in the closed position. Since the lock member is located on the hinge shaft which is a component of the hinge device, the hinge device can also have a lock function for restricting the free rotation of the display unit. Therefore, a dedicated latch for locking the display unit at the closed position can be omitted.

Further, when the display unit is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the lock member is disengaged from the upright wall of the device main body, so that a special operation such as operating a conventional latch is not required. Become. Therefore, the opening operation of the display unit can be performed with one touch, and the operability is improved.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 discloses a notebook-sized ultra-compact portable computer 1. The portable computer 1 includes a device body 2
And a display unit 3 supported by the device main body 2. The device body 2 includes a housing 4 made of synthetic resin.
have. The housing 4 has an upper surface 4a and left and right side surfaces 4a.
b, a flat box shape having a front surface 4c and a rear surface and a bottom surface (not shown).

The upper surface 4a of the housing 4 has a keyboard mounting opening 5
And a projection 6. The keyboard mounting port 5 has a size that covers substantially the entire upper surface 4a, and the keyboard 7 is disposed in the keyboard mounting port 5. The keyboard 7 has many key tops 8. These key tops 8 are exposed to the outside of the housing 4 through the keyboard mounting opening 5.

The protrusion 6 extends behind the keyboard 7 in the width direction of the housing 4. The convex portion 6 has a hollow shape having a front surface 9a, left and right side surfaces 9b as an upright surface, a ceiling surface 9c, and a rear surface 9d (shown in FIG. 3). 4 upper surface 4a
Extends upward from Therefore, the convex portion 6 is
Projecting from the upper surface 4a.

An openable / closable connector cover 10 for covering various connectors (not shown) for connecting peripheral devices for function expansion is supported on the side surface 4b of the housing 4.
A card slot (not shown) for inserting and removing a memory card is formed. Further, a circuit board (not shown) is housed in the housing 4, and various circuit components such as a card connector and an IC chip to which the memory card is connected are mounted on the circuit board. I have.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the display unit 3 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 13 and
A display housing 14 made of a synthetic resin for accommodating the LCD 13 is provided. The LCD 13 has a display screen 13a made of glass, and information such as characters and figures is displayed on the display screen 13a. The display housing 14 includes a display cover 15 and a display mask 16 connected to the display cover 15. Display cover 15
Has a flat rear wall 17, and the LCD 13 is screwed to the inner surface of the rear wall 17. The display mask 16 has a front wall 18 facing the rear wall 17.
A display opening 19 is formed in the center of the front wall 18, and the display screen 13 a of the LCD 13 is exposed to the outside of the display housing 14 through the opening 19.

The display housing 14 has first and second legs 21a and 21b. The first and second legs 21a and 21b are arranged apart from each other in the width direction of the display housing 14. The first and second leg portions 21a and 21b extend toward the rear end of the upper surface 4a of the housing 4, and these leg portions 21a and 21b
The projection 6 of the housing 4 is located between them. Therefore, the first and second legs 21a and 21b face the side surface 9b of the convex portion 6, and an insertion hole 22 (shown in FIG. 3) is opened in the side surface 9b.

The first leg 21a of the display housing 14 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the housing 4 via a hinge device 25 made of metal. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the hinge device 25 includes a cylindrical hinge shaft 26.
And first and second brackets 2 as support members
7, 28. The hinge shaft 26 has a large diameter portion 26.
a and a small diameter portion 26b coaxially connected to one end of the large diameter portion 26a. Large diameter part 2 of hinge shaft 26
6 a is disposed through the first leg 21 a and the insertion hole 22 in the side surface 9 b of the projection 6, and extends horizontally along the width direction of the housing 4 and the display housing 14. Most of the large diameter portion 26a of the hinge shaft 26 is housed inside the first leg portion 21a, and the other end of the hinge shaft 26 opposite to the small diameter portion 26b is inserted through the insertion hole 22 to form the convex portion 6a.
It is projected inside.

The first bracket 27 has a large diameter portion 26.
a is fixed to the other end. This first bracket 27
Is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 4 via a screw 30.
The second bracket 28 is connected to the large diameter portion 2 of the hinge shaft 26.
6a is slidably supported in the direction around the axis. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second bracket 28 is
1 and a support portion 32 connected to the boss portion 31. The boss portion 31 extends in the axial direction of the large-diameter portion 26a, and a fitting hole 33 is formed at the center of the boss portion 31 so that the large-diameter portion 26a can be slidably fitted around the axis. Have been. A predetermined frictional force is generated at the contact portion between the fitting hole 33 and the large diameter portion 26a, and the presence of this frictional force causes the relative position between the boss portion 31 and the large diameter portion 26a. Free rotation is restricted.

The small-diameter portion 26b connected to one end of the large-diameter portion 26a is disposed so as to penetrate the boss portion 31, and the tip end thereof is led out inside the first leg portion 21a. Small diameter part 2
The end surface of the boss 31 to which the tip of 6b continues is a flat guide surface 31a.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the support portion 32 of the second bracket 28 faces the inner surface of the first leg portion 21a. On the inner surface of the first leg 21a,
A seat 35 having a screw hole 34 is formed, and the support 32 is overlapped on the seat 35. The support portion 32 has a through hole 36 connected to the screw hole 34, and a screw 48 is inserted into the through hole 36. The screw 48 is screwed into the screw hole 34, and the screwing fixes the second bracket 28 to the first leg 21a.

For this reason, the display unit 3 has a closed position where the display unit 3 is tilted substantially horizontally so as to cover the keyboard 7 from above, with the fitting portion between the hinge shaft 26 and the second bracket 28 as a fulcrum. The housing 4 is rotatable over an angle range of about 180 ° between an open position where the display screen 13a of the LCD 13 is raised so as to expose the display screen 13a and a fall position where the display screen 13a falls substantially horizontally behind the keyboard 7. It is connected to. Then, in a state where the display unit 3 is rotated to the closed position,
The display screen 13a of the LCD 13 faces the keyboard 7, and the outer surface of the rear wall 17 of the display housing 14 is substantially flush with the ceiling surface 9c of the projection 6, so that the portable computer 1 is folded into a box shape convenient for carrying. It is supposed to be.

The cable electrically connected to the LCD 13 extends from the second leg 21b to the right side surface 9 of the projection 6.
b, and is guided inside the housing 4 and is electrically connected to the circuit board.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 9, the hinge device 25 is provided with a lock mechanism 37 for locking the display unit 3 in the closed position and the lying position, respectively. The lock mechanism 37 includes a lock lever 38 as a first fitting portion, and a pair of fitting projections 39a and 39b as a second fitting portion. The lock lever 38 is fixed to the distal end of the small diameter portion 26 b of the hinge shaft 26 and is located on the guide surface 31 a of the boss 31. The lock lever 38 extends substantially horizontally from the tip of the small diameter portion 26b toward one radial side of the boss portion 31. An arcuate engaging recess 40 is formed at an end of the lock lever 38 opposite to the small diameter portion 26b.

The fitting projections 39a and 39b are formed on the guide surface 31a of the boss 31. Fitting projection 3
Reference numerals 9a and 39b each have a columnar shape into which the engaging recess 40 of the lock lever 38 is detachably fitted.
The fitting projections 39a and 39b face each other with the tip of the small-diameter portion 26b interposed therebetween.
1a, they are arranged at a distance of about 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 26.

Therefore, when the display unit 3 is rotated to the closed position, one of the fitting projections 39a reaches a position corresponding to the engagement recess 40 of the lock lever 38, as shown in FIG. It is detachably fitted to the engagement recess 40. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6, when the display unit 3 is turned to the lying position, the other fitting projection 3
9b reaches a position corresponding to the engagement recess 40 of the lock lever 38, and is removably fitted into the engagement recess 40.

Accordingly, the engaging recess 40 and the fitting projection 39
A click feeling is given by fitting with the a and 39b, and the display unit 3 is locked at the closed position or the lying position, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, a circuit board 43 is housed inside the display housing 14. This circuit board 43 is located on the left side of the LCD 13. The circuit board 43 includes the front wall 1 of the display mask 16.
8, and a rear surface facing the rear wall 17 of the display cover 15.

On the front surface of the circuit board 43, a microphone 44 for voice input is supported. The microphone 44 is provided with a slit 45 opened in the front wall 18 of the display mask 16.
It is connected to. A voice memo button 46 is mounted on the rear surface of the circuit board 43. Voice memo button 46
Is for the operator to press with a fingertip when inputting voice through the microphone 44, and as shown in FIG.
It is exposed on the rear wall 17 of the display cover 15.

In the portable computer 1 having such a configuration, the display housing 14 of the display unit 3 includes the hinge shaft 26 and the second bracket 28.
Is supported by the rear end portion of the housing 4 so as to be rotatable around an angle range of approximately 180 ° from the closed position to the fall-down position with the fitting portion with the boss portion 31 as a fulcrum. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, when the display unit 3 is rotated to the open position, the fitting protrusions 39 a of the second bracket 28 that rotates following the display housing 14,
Reference numeral 39b vertically faces the small diameter portion 26b of the hinge shaft 26 and the lock lever 38. Therefore, the fitting projections 39a and 39b are disengaged from the engagement recess 40 of the lock lever 38, and the display unit 3
Are the large diameter portion 26a of the hinge shaft 26 and the second bracket 2
8 is held at the open position by the frictional force generated at the fitting portion with the boss portion 31.

When the display unit 3 is rotated toward the closed position as shown by an arrow A in FIG. 7 from such a state, the boss 31 of the second bracket 28 rotates clockwise around the hinge shaft 26. About 90 degrees. By this rotation, as shown in FIG.
Reaches the engaging recess 40 of the lock lever 38, and the fitting projection 39a is detachably fitted to the engaging recess 40.
By this fitting, the display unit 3 is locked at the closed position, and free rotation of the display unit 3 is restricted. Further, when the fitting projection 39a is fitted into the engaging recess 40, a click feeling is given to the operator who has rotated the display unit 3, and the operator recognizes that the display unit 3 has been rotated to the closed position. I do.

When the display unit 3 is rotated toward the lying position as shown by an arrow B in FIG. 7, the boss 31 of the second bracket 28 moves the outer periphery of the hinge shaft 26 approximately 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction. Rotate °. By this rotation, as shown in FIG. 6, the other fitting projection 39b reaches the engaging recess 40 of the lock lever 38, and the fitting projection 39b is detachably fitted to the engaging recess 40. By this fitting, the display unit 3 is locked at the lying position,
Free rotation of the display unit 3 is restricted. When the fitting projection 39b is fitted into the engaging recess 40, a click feeling is given to the operator who has rotated the display unit 3, and the operator recognizes that the display unit 3 has been rotated to the lying position. I do.

When the display unit 3 rotated to the closed position or the lying position is rotated toward the open position, the fitting projection 39a or 39b is disengaged from the engagement recess 40 of the lock lever 38, and the display unit 3 is rotated. Is unlocked. At the same time, the fitting projection 39a or 3
When 9b is disengaged from the engagement recess 40, a click feeling is given to the operator who has rotated the display unit 3, and the operator recognizes that the display unit 3 is unlocked.

According to the portable computer 1 having such a configuration, the lock mechanism 37 for locking the display unit 3 in the lying position or the closed position is provided by the hinge device 25.
Hinge shaft 26 and second bracket 28 which are components of
And the hinge device 25
Can also be used as a lock function for restricting free rotation of the display unit 3. Therefore, it is possible to omit a dedicated latch for locking the display unit 3 in the closed position, to secure a space for accommodating the latch inside the display housing 14, and to form a concave portion on the housing 4 side where the latch is fitted. do not have to.

Therefore, the display housing 14
The mounting space inside the housing 4 can be expanded, and the functional components such as the LCD 13 and the circuit board can be easily accommodated without increasing the size of the display housing 14 and the housing 4.

Further, when the display unit 3 is turned from the closed position or the lying position to the open position, the fitting projections 39 a and 39 b follow the engaging concave portion 40 of the lock lever 38 following this rotation. Since it comes off, there is no need for a special operation such as operating a conventional latch. Therefore, the opening operation of the display unit 3 can be performed by one operation, and the operability when opening the display unit 3 is improved.

According to the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, the arrangement angle θ of the fitting projections 39a and 39b along the direction around the hinge shaft 26 with reference to the position of the fitting projection 39a.
Is changed, the display unit 3 can be locked when the display unit 3 stands at an arbitrary angle. Therefore, the lock position of the display unit 3 can be easily changed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, if another fitting projection 39c is arranged at a position shifted from the fitting projections 39a, 39b by about 90 ° in the direction around the hinge shaft 26, the display unit can be changed. When the third member 3 is turned to the open position, the other fitting protrusion 39 c is removably fitted into the engaging recess 40 of the lock lever 38. As a result, the display unit 3 can be locked not only in the closed position and the lying position but also in the open position, and it is possible to easily cope with the addition of the locked position of the display unit 3.

In the first embodiment, the engagement recess 40 is formed in the lock lever 38, and a pair of fitting projections 39a, 39b are formed on the guide surface 31a of the boss 31 of the second bracket 28. Although formed, the present invention is not limited to this, and FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the second embodiment, a pair of fitting concave portions 51a and 51b as a second fitting portion are formed on the guide surface 31a of the boss portion 31. Fitting recesses 51a, 5
The inner surface of 1b is formed in a spherical shape. The fitting recesses 51a and 51b are opposed to each other with the small diameter portion 26b of the hinge shaft 26 interposed therebetween, and are arranged on the guide surface 31a so as to be separated from each other by approximately 180 ° in the direction around the hinge shaft 26.

A fitting piece 52 that can be elastically deformed is formed at the tip of the lock lever 38. Fitting piece 5
The display unit 3 has a spherical shape that matches the inner shape of the fitting recesses 51a and 51b.
Is rotated so as to be removably fitted into one of the fitting recesses 51a, 51b.

In such a configuration, when the display unit 3 is turned to the closed position, one of the fitting recesses 5 is formed.
1a reaches a position corresponding to the fitting piece 52 of the lock lever 38, and this fitting piece 52 is removably fitted into the fitting recess 51a. Similarly, when the display unit 3 is rotated to the down position, the other fitting recess 51b reaches a position corresponding to the fitting piece 52 of the lock lever 38, and the fitting piece 52 is moved to the fitting recess 51b. Removably fitted. The fitting piece 52 of the lock lever 38 and the fitting recess 51
A click sensation is imparted by fitting with the a and 51b, and the display unit 3 is locked at the closed position or the lying position, respectively.

Therefore, even in such a configuration,
The hinge device 25 can also serve as a lock function for restricting the free rotation of the display unit 3, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 disclose a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the hinge device 61, and the other basic configuration of the portable computer 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. It is. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, the hinge device 61
Hinge shaft 62, first and second brackets 63, 6
4 is provided. The hinge shaft 62 is connected to the first leg 21 a of the display housing 14 and the side surface 9 b of the projection 6.
Through the insertion hole 22. Therefore, the hinge shaft 62 extends between the first leg portion 21a and the convex portion 6, and extends horizontally along the width direction of the housing 4 and the display housing 14. This hinge shaft 62
Has a first end 62a introduced inside the convex portion 6, and a second end 62b introduced inside the first leg 21a.

The first bracket 63 has a hinge shaft 6
The first end 62a is rotatably connected to the second end 62a in the direction around the axis. A plurality of spring washers 65 for restricting free rotation of both the first bracket 63 and the hinge shaft 62 are mounted on a connecting portion between the first bracket 63 and the hinge shaft 62. And the first
The bracket 63 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 4 via the screw 30.

The second bracket 64 is connected to the hinge shaft 6.
2 is fixed to the second end 62b. The second bracket 64 includes a boss 66 and a support 67 connected to the boss 66. The boss 66 extends in the axial direction of the hinge shaft 62, and the hinge shaft 62 is coaxially penetrated and fixed to the center of the boss 66.
The support portion 67 extends along the inner surface of the first leg 21a, and is fixed to the first leg 21a via a screw 48. For this reason, the second bracket 64 and the hinge shaft 62 are integrally rotated with each other about a connection portion with the first bracket 63, and the hinge shaft 62 is pivotally supported by the display unit 3. It has become.

The hinge device 61 is provided with a lock mechanism 70 for locking the display unit 3 at the closed position and the lying position, respectively. The lock mechanism 70 has a disk-shaped lock member 71 supported coaxially on the hinge shaft 62. The lock member 71 is slidable only in the axial direction of the hinge shaft 62.
2 supported. Therefore, the lock member 71 follows the hinge shaft 62 and rotates integrally.

The lock member 71 has an end face 71a facing the left side face 9b of the projection 6 of the housing 4. A pair of fitting projections 72 are provided on an end surface 71 a of the lock member 71.
a, 72b are protruded. Fitting projections 72a, 72b
Are arranged approximately 180 ° apart in the circumferential direction of the lock member 71, and face each other on the end surface 71 a of the lock member 71 with the hinge shaft 62 interposed therebetween. A spring washer 73 as a spring member is mounted on the hinge shaft 62. The spring washer 73 is attached to the second bracket 6.
4 are interposed between the boss 66 and the lock member 71, and are compressed between the boss 66 and the lock member 71. Therefore, the lock member 71 is always pressed toward the left side surface 9 b of the convex portion 6, and the lock member 71 is pressed.
Of the fitting projections 72a, 72b of the
b is slidably pressed against b.

As shown in FIG. 12, a pair of fitting holes 75a and 75b are opened on the side surface 9b of the projection 6. The fitting holes 75a and 75b have a size such that the fitting projections 72a and 72b of the lock member 71 are detachably fitted. These fitting holes 75a and 75b are
b, they are arranged at a distance of about 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the hinge shaft 62. Therefore, the fitting holes 75a, 75b
Are arranged at positions facing each other across the insertion hole 22 through which the hinge shaft 62 passes, and are arranged substantially horizontally along the depth direction of the housing 4.

In such a configuration, when the display unit 3 is rotated to the closed position or the open position, the fitting protrusions 72 a and 72 b of the lock member 71 are
b along with the fitting holes 75a, 75
b, and are removably fitted into the fitting holes 75a, 75b by the urging force of the spring washer 73. By this fitting, a click feeling is given, and the free rotation of the hinge shaft 62 is restricted, and the display unit 3 is locked at the closed position or the lying position. Therefore, in this configuration, the hinge device 61 is also provided. Can also be used as a lock function for restricting the free rotation of the display unit 3, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 disclose a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the connecting portion between the housing 4 and the display unit 3, and the other basic configuration of the portable computer 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. This is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the housing 4 has a pair of convex portions 81 (only one is shown) at the rear end of the upper surface 4a. The convex portions 81 are arranged apart from each other in the width direction of the housing 4, and have a hollow shape connected to the inside of the housing 4. The convex portion 81 has side surfaces 81 a facing each other in the width direction of the housing 4. The side surface 81a is the housing 4
The upper surface 4a extends upward, and a through hole 82 is formed at a substantially central portion of the side surface 81a.

The display housing 14 of the display unit 3 has a connecting portion 83 interposed between the convex portions 81. The connecting portion 83 has a hollow shape extending in the width direction of the display housing 14. The connecting portion 83 has a side surface 8 facing the side surface 81 a of the convex portion 81.
3a. An insertion hole 84 is formed at the center of the side surface 83a, and the insertion hole 84 is continuous with the through hole 82 of the projection 81.

The connecting portion 83 of the display housing 14
Is rotatably supported at the rear end of the housing 4 via a hinge device 85. The hinge device 85 includes a cylindrical hinge shaft 86 and first and second brackets 87 and 88.
And The hinge shaft 86 integrally has a large diameter portion 86a and a small diameter portion 86b coaxially connected to one end of the large diameter portion 86a. The large diameter portion 86a of the hinge shaft 86 is
The through-hole 82 of the projection 81 and the through-hole 84 of the connecting part 83 are arranged so as to extend through the housing 4 and the display housing 14 in the width direction. Most of the large diameter portion 86a of the hinge shaft 86 is housed inside the convex portion 81, and the other end opposite to the small diameter portion 86b is projected inside the connecting portion 83 through the insertion hole 84. I have.

The first bracket 87 has a large diameter portion 86.
a is fixed to the other end. This first bracket 87
Is fixed to the inner surface of the connecting portion 83 via the screw 30. The second bracket 88 is supported by the large diameter portion 86a of the hinge shaft 86 so as to be slidable around the axis. The second bracket 88 includes a boss 90 and the boss 90.
And a support portion 91 connected to the support portion 91. The boss portion 90 extends in the axial direction of the large-diameter portion 86a, and a fitting hole 92 is formed at the center of the boss portion 90 so that the large-diameter portion 86a is slidably fitted around the axis. Have been. These fitting holes 9
A predetermined frictional force is generated at the fitting portion between the second boss 2 and the large diameter portion 86a. Due to the presence of this frictional force, the boss 90 and the large diameter portion 86a can freely rotate relative to each other. Movement is restricted.

A small diameter portion 86b connected to one end of the large diameter portion 86a
Is disposed so as to penetrate the boss portion 90, and a tip end thereof is led out inside the convex portion 81. The end surface of the boss 90 to which the distal end of the small diameter portion 86b continues is a flat guide surface 90a. Then, the support portion 91 of the second bracket 88
Is fixed via a screw 94 to a seat 93 extending from the bottom surface of the housing 4. Therefore, the display unit 3
Is rotated about the hinge shaft 86 over an angle range of approximately 180 ° from the closed position to the lying position.

As shown in FIG. 14, the hinge device 85
Is equipped with a lock mechanism 95 for locking the display unit 3 in the closed position and the lying position, respectively. The lock mechanism 95 includes a lock lever 96 as a first fitting portion, and a pair of fitting projections 97a and 97b as a second fitting portion. The lock lever 96 is
The hinge shaft 86 is fixed to the distal end of the small-diameter portion 86 b, and rotates integrally with the hinge shaft 86. The lock lever 96 extends downward from the distal end of the small-diameter portion 86b on the guide surface 90a of the boss portion 90, and has an arc-shaped engagement portion at the end opposite to the small-diameter portion 86b of the lock lever 96. A coupling recess 98 is formed.

The fitting projections 97a and 97b are formed integrally with the guide surface 90a of the boss 90. Each of the fitting projections 97a and 97b has a cylindrical shape into which the engaging recess 98 of the lock lever 96 is detachably fitted. These fitting projections 97a and 97b are provided with
6b are located at positions facing each other with the tip of
The casings 4 are arranged substantially horizontally along the depth direction.

Therefore, when the display unit 3 is turned from the open position to the closed position, the lock lever 96 follows the hinge shaft 86 and turns clockwise as shown by an arrow C in FIG. Then, the engaging concave portion 98 reaches a position corresponding to the one fitting protrusion 97a, and is removably fitted to the fitting protrusion 97a.

Similarly, when the display unit 3 is turned from the open position to the lying position, the arrow D shown in FIG.
As shown by, the lock lever 96 follows the hinge shaft 86 and is rotated in the counterclockwise direction so that the engagement recess 98 reaches a position corresponding to the other engagement protrusion 97b. 97b is removably fitted. The fitting gives a click feeling and the display unit 3 is locked at the closed position or the lying position, respectively.

Therefore, even in such a configuration,
The hinge device 85 can also serve as a lock function for restricting the free rotation of the display unit 3, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0074]

According to the present invention described in detail above, the hinge device that rotatably supports the display unit can also have the function of locking the display unit at least in the closed position. For this reason, it is possible to omit a dedicated latch for locking the display unit in the closed position, to secure a space for accommodating the latch inside the display unit, and to form a portion where the latch is fitted on the device body side. There is no. Therefore, the mounting space inside the display unit and the device main body can be expanded, and the functional components such as the display device and the circuit board can be easily accommodated therein without increasing the size of the display unit and the device main body. it can.

Further, when the display unit is rotated from the closed position to the open position, the locking means is disengaged, so that a special operation such as operating a conventional latch is not required. Therefore, the opening operation of the display unit can be performed by one operation, and the operability when opening the display unit is improved.

At the same time, if the positions of the first and second fitting portions are adjusted in the direction around the hinge shaft, or if the number of these fitting portions is increased, the first and second fitting portions become larger. The timing of fitting can be arbitrarily set. Therefore, there is an advantage that change and addition of the lock position of the display unit can be easily dealt with.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing a state in which a display unit is rotated to an open position in a portable computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view of the portable computer in a state where the display unit is rotated to a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a connection structure between the display unit and a housing in a state where the display unit is rotated to a lying position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hinge device.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a lock mechanism provided in the hinge device.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the display unit is locked at a lying position.

FIG. 7: the display unit is rotated to the open position,
Sectional drawing which shows the state which unlocked this display unit.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a state in which the display unit is locked at a closed position.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a hinge device including a lock mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge device including the lock mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the display unit is locked at the down position according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a hinge device including a lock mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a state in which the display unit is rotated to an open position and the display unit is unlocked in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a hinge device including a lock mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

2. Device main body 3. Display unit 4a Top surface 7. Keyboard 9b. Standing surface (side surface) 13. Display device (LCD) 14. Display housing 25, 61, 85 Hinge device 26, 62, 86 Hinge shaft 28 64, 88: Support member (second bracket) 37, 70, 95: Locking means (locking mechanism) 38, 96: First fitting portion (lock lever) 39a, 39b, 51a, 51b, 97a, 97b ... Second fitting portion (fitting projection, fitting recess) 63 ... Bracket (first bracket) 71 ... Lock member 73 ... Spring member (spring washer)

Claims (8)

[Claims] A display unit having a display screen; a closing position where the display screen is turned down so as to face the keyboard; and a keyboard and the display screen are exposed. A hinge device for connecting the display unit to the device main body so as to be rotatable over another position raised in the portable information device, wherein the hinge device is the device main body or the display unit. A hinge member supported on one of the hinge shaft and a support member mounted on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft so as to be relatively slidable around the axis, and supported on the other of the device body or the display unit. When the display unit is rotated to at least the closed position, the rotation of the display unit is performed. And a locking means for limiting, the locking means, a first that is provided on the hinge shaft
And a second fitting portion provided on the support member, and the first and second fitting portions are mutually separated when the display unit is rotated to at least the closed position. A portable information device which is detachably fitted. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second fitting portions are detachably fitted to each other even when the display unit is rotated to a position other than the closed position. A portable information device characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. A device body having a keyboard disposed on an upper surface thereof; a display unit having a display screen; a closing position where the display screen is tilted so as to face the keyboard, and exposing the keyboard and the display screen. A hinge device for connecting the display unit to the device main body so as to be rotatable over another position raised in the portable information device. The hinge device is fixed to the device main body. A hinge shaft, a support member that is slidably mounted on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft in a direction around the axis, and that is rotated following the display unit; and a support member that is rotated at least when the display unit is closed. Lock means for restricting rotation of the display unit, and the lock means
A first fitting portion provided on the hinge shaft; and a second fitting portion provided on the support member, wherein the first and second fitting portions are configured such that the display unit has at least A portable information device which is detachably fitted to each other when rotated to a closed position. 4. The hinge member according to claim 3, wherein the support member of the hinge device has a boss through which the hinge shaft passes, and the boss has an end surface extending in a direction perpendicular to the hinge shaft. The hinge shaft has a tip protruding from an end surface of the boss, the first fitting portion is fixed to a tip of the hinge shaft, and the second fitting portion is A portable information device formed on an end face of a part. 5. A device main body having a keyboard disposed on an upper surface thereof; a display unit having a display screen; a closing position where the display screen is tilted so as to face the keyboard, and exposing the keyboard and the display screen. A hinge device for connecting the display unit to the device main body so as to be rotatable over another position raised in the portable information device. The hinge device is supported by the display unit, A hinge shaft which is turned around the axis following the display unit; and a support member which is mounted on the outer periphery of the hinge shaft so as to be relatively slidable around the axis, and which is fixed to the device main body. When the display unit is rotated to at least the closed position, the rotation of the display unit Limit and a lock means that,
The locking means has a first fitting portion provided on the hinge shaft and a second fitting portion provided on the support member, and the first and second fitting portions are A portable information device which is detachably fitted to each other when the display unit is turned to at least the closed position. 6. An apparatus body having an upper surface on which a keyboard is arranged, and an upright surface extending upward from the upper surface;
A display unit having a display screen; a display unit rotatable between a closed position where the display screen is tilted to face the keyboard and another position raised to expose the keyboard and the display screen. A hinge device for connecting a unit to the device body, wherein the hinge device is rotated around an axis following the display unit, and penetrates the upright surface. A hinge shaft having a distal end introduced into the device main body, a bracket fixed to the device main body, supported at the distal end of the hinge shaft so as to be rotatable around an axis, and the display unit. Lock means for limiting the rotation of the display unit when at least rotated to the closed position, The locking means includes a locking member which rotates integrally with the hinge shaft is supported on the hinge axis, the locking member, together with facing the standing surface of the apparatus body,
The portable information device, wherein the display unit is detachably engaged with the upright surface when the display unit is rotated to a closed position. 7. The lock member according to claim 6, wherein the lock member has at least one fitting projection extending toward an upright surface of the device main body, and the upright surface of the device main body has at least the display unit. A portable information device comprising: a fitting hole into which the fitting protrusion is removably fitted when rotated to a closed position. 8. The portable information device according to claim 7, wherein the lock member is constantly elastically urged toward an upright surface via a spring member.