JPH11167432A - Portable electronic unit and battery for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To remove obstruction to thinning owing to an external battery and to open/close a display part against a main body over the angle more than specified by providing a pair of opening/closing mechanism parts and a battery which is arranged between a pair of opening/closing mechanism parts and supplies driving power to a main body. SOLUTION: The main body 2 has a keyboard 4 and another pointing device 5. A display part 3 can adopt a liquid crystal display device(LCD), for example. The display part 3 is fitted to the main body 2 so that it can be opened/closed (folded) in the direction of an arrow R by using hinges 1A and 1B (first and second opening/closing mechanism parts). A battery pack 200 is arranged between the hinge 1A and hinge 1B. Since the battery pack 200 is provided between the hinges 1A and 1B being a pair of opening/closing mechanism parts with such arrangement construction, the display part 3 can be opened for more than 180 degrees against the main body 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable telephone capable of eliminating all the obstacles to thinning caused by an external battery and opening and closing a display unit with respect to a main body over a rotation range of 180 degrees or more. The present invention relates to a portable electronic device and a battery for the portable electronic device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a CPU called a notebook personal computer or a mobile computer has been developed.
Many portable electronic devices equipped with a (central processing unit) have been commercialized. In such a portable electronic device, since the CPU is driven at a high clock frequency, a large amount of power is intensively consumed by the CPU, and it is necessary to efficiently radiate heat generated by the CPU and the like to the outside. . 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a portable electronic device such as a notebook personal computer has a main body and a display portion thereof, and the display portion can be opened and closed with respect to the main body via a hinge.

[0003] Conventionally, as a portable personal computer of this type, as an opening / closing structure for supporting a display portion with respect to a main body so as to be openable / closable, for example, those shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 are known. These are disclosed in JP-A-8-768.
No. 87 is disclosed. First, in the conventional example shown in FIG. 19, a liquid crystal display 1002 is attached to a main body 1000 via a hinge 1001 so as to be freely opened and closed. A built-in battery pack 1003 is stored inside the main body 1000. As shown in FIG. 19, the hinge 1001 is attached to the lower edge 1004 of the liquid crystal display 1002,
3 is stored inside the rear end of the main body 1000. On the other hand, in the conventional example shown in FIG. 20, a display 2001 is attached to a main body 2000 via a hinge mechanism 2002 so as to be freely opened and closed. Further, the main body 200
External battery pack 2003 for supplying power to the battery pack 2003
Is attached to the rear end of the main body 2000.

[0004]

By the way, when the structure as shown in FIG. 19 is adopted, the following problem occurs. That is, since the axis of the hinge 1001 is disposed within the lower edge 1004 of the thin panel-shaped liquid crystal display 1002, the diameter of the hinge 1001 is
It must be smaller than the thickness dimension. Therefore,
In such a structure, there arises a problem that the mechanical durability of the hinge 1001 cannot be sufficiently obtained. Further, since a gap for passing a signal line from the main body 1000 to the liquid crystal display 1002 side is small, an expensive flexible cable must be used as the signal line. further,
Another problem is that since the rear end portion 1004 of the liquid crystal display 1002 is disposed above the battery pack 1003 in which a plurality of batteries 1003A are arranged in parallel, such a multi-layer structure is employed. In the arrangement structure, there is a point that the overall thickness cannot be reduced.

On the other hand, when the structure for the external battery pack 2003 is adopted as shown in FIG. 20, there are the following problems. The axis of the hinge mechanism 2002 is aligned with the battery pack 20.
03 is not arranged coaxially, so due to its structure,
The thickness R1 of the connecting portion connecting the display 2001 and the hinge 2002 is indispensable. Therefore,
The thickness R1 of the connection portion and the external battery pack 20
Since the sum of the thickness R2 of the outer shape of No. 03 and the overall thickness is the thickness of the entire portable personal computer, the thickness R1 of the connecting portion is a hindrance factor in reducing the overall thickness. . Further, in the structure shown in FIG. 20, when the display 2001 is opened,
03, the open / close range was limited to within 180 degrees, and thus the display 2001 could not be opened 180 degrees or more from the closed state. Therefore, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, eliminates all of the hindrance factors of thinning caused by an external battery, and opens and closes a display unit with respect to a main body over a rotation range of 180 degrees or more. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic device and a battery for the portable electronic device.

[0006]

According to the present invention, at least a pair of opening and closing mechanisms for supporting a display unit so as to be able to open and close with respect to a main body, and an arrangement between the pair of opening and closing mechanisms are provided. And a battery for supplying drive power to the main body.

In the present invention, a pair of opening and closing mechanisms are provided to support the display unit so that the display unit can be opened and closed with respect to the main body.
A battery is arranged between these opening and closing mechanisms. By doing so, the thickness of the portable electronic device can be reduced even when the battery is externally attached, and each opening / closing mechanism can have approximately the same external dimensions as the battery.
The mechanical durability of these opening and closing mechanisms can be increased. According to such an arrangement structure, the presence of the battery does not hinder the opening / closing operation of the display unit at all, so that the display unit can be opened 180 degrees or more with respect to the main body. Further, even if the user accidentally opens the display unit 180 degrees or more, the main body, the display unit, and the battery are not damaged.

In the present invention, preferably, a pair of opening / closing mechanism parts are disposed between one side end of the main body and one side end of the display part, and the opening / closing mechanism supports the display part so that the display part can be opened and closed with respect to the main body. 1
An opening / closing mechanism section, and a second opening / closing mechanism section disposed between the other end of the main body and the other end of the display section and supporting the display section to be able to open and close with respect to the main body, Battery
And the second opening / closing mechanism. By doing so, the portable electronic device can be made thinner even when the battery is externally attached, and the first opening and closing mechanism and the second opening and closing mechanism are arranged at both ends of the battery, so that the first The opening / closing mechanism section and the second opening / closing mechanism section can have the same external dimensions as the battery, and the mechanical durability of the first opening / closing mechanism section and the second opening / closing mechanism section can be sufficiently ensured. it can. Since the first opening / closing mechanism and the second opening / closing mechanism are disposed between the ends of the main body and the display section, both the opening / closing mechanism sections can be made large and the circuit section of the main body can be connected to the display section. A sufficient wiring space for the signal line can be secured, and a normal inexpensive cable can be used as the signal line for wiring, and the degree of freedom in design can be obtained.

In the present invention, preferably, the pair of opening / closing mechanism parts are both constituted by cylindrical hinge mechanisms, the battery is formed in a cylindrical shape having substantially the same diameter as that of the hinge mechanism, and the center of rotation of the hinge mechanism is adjusted. So as to be located on an extension of the axis of the battery. As a result, even when the battery is externally attached, the portable electronic device can be made thinner and has a good external appearance, and the external dimensions of the battery and the hinge are set to the same value as the thickness of the entire portable electronic device. Thus, it is possible to satisfy the conflicting design requirements of the portable electronic device as a whole with a reduced thickness and a larger battery and hinge.

In the present invention, preferably, one or both of the pair of opening / closing mechanisms are constituted by a hinge mechanism having a heat conduction structure, and heat generated in the casing of the main body is transmitted to the casing of the display unit via the hinge mechanism. Try to lead to the body. According to this, even if the thickness of the portable electronic device is reduced, the heat radiation of the heat generated in the main body can be improved.

In the present invention, preferably, the battery is
A guide mechanism is provided for guiding the direction of battery insertion and removal when the battery is attached to and detached from the main body. This facilitates the slide operation when attaching and detaching the battery to and from the main body.

In the present invention, preferably, a battery is detachably mounted on the main body, and a connecting mechanism for mechanically and electrically connecting the battery, and a battery insertion / removal mechanism when the battery is mounted on / removed from the main body. And a guide mechanism for guiding the removal direction. Thus, when the battery is attached to or detached from the main body, it is possible to prevent damage to the electric connection terminals and the like that constitute the connection mechanism due to excessive stress due to the attachment / detachment operation.

In the present invention, preferably, the guide mechanism is a first guide mechanism provided between one end of the battery and the first opening / closing mechanism, and the other end of the battery and a second opening / closing mechanism. And a second guide mechanism provided therebetween. This prevents the electrical connection terminals and the like from being damaged due to stress at the time of mounting the battery with a simple structure.

Preferably, in the present invention, the battery is
A fixing mechanism is provided for fixing the main body while being attached to the main body. Thereby, the battery can be reliably positioned and fixed to the main body. In the present invention, preferably, the fixing mechanism and the connection mechanism for detachably mounting the battery are arranged side by side on the contact surface between the main body and the battery. As a result, the contact surfaces of the main body and the battery just contact each other,
The fixing to the main body by the fixing mechanism and the electrical connection by the connecting mechanism can be simultaneously performed.

In the present invention, preferably, at least a pair of opening / closing mechanism sections for supporting the display section so as to be able to open and close with respect to the main body, and a battery which is disposed between the pair of opening / closing mechanism sections and supplies drive power to the main body is detachably mounted. A body-side connection mechanism that can be freely mounted is provided. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing the outer shape of the main body and the battery can be sufficiently ensured. That is, batteries of various shapes and various external dimensions can be mounted under the physical constraint that the battery fits between the pair of opening and closing mechanisms, without being restricted by the shape of the main body.
The external shape of the battery itself can be freely designed.

In the present invention, preferably, a battery for a portable electronic device mounted on a main body side connection mechanism provided between at least a pair of opening and closing mechanisms for supporting a display unit so as to be able to open and close with respect to the main body, A battery-side connection mechanism is detachably fitted to the body-side connection mechanism. Thereby, the external shape of the battery for a portable electronic device can be freely designed without being restricted by the shape of the main body. For example, by adopting a cylindrical shape, it is easy to hold without a protruding portion, and the design is improved. The shape can be excellent.

[0017]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are preferred specific examples of the present invention,
Although various technically preferable limits are given, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these modes unless otherwise specified in the following description. FIG. 1 shows an example of a portable electronic device according to the present invention. The portable electronic device shown in FIG.
00. The portable computer 100 includes a main body 2,
The display unit 3 includes a display unit 3, a keyboard 4, hinges 1A and 1B surrounded by regions A and B, a battery pack (battery) 200, and the like.

The main body 2 has the above-described keyboard 4 and other pointing devices 5 and the like, and the display section 3 can employ, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit 3 includes hinges 1A and 1B with respect to the main body 2.
(The first opening / closing mechanism section and the second opening / closing mechanism section) using the arrow R
It can be opened and closed (foldable) in any direction. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a device or the like to which a mouse or the like as an external pointing means is externally attached can be set for the main body 2. The main unit has a power lamp PL, a battery lamp BL, and a message lamp ML.
, And the battery lamp BL indicates the level of the remaining battery level of the battery pack 200.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the display unit 3 of the electronic apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in a state of being folded about the center axis CLC with respect to the main body 2 and viewed from the arrow SD. 2, a power switch 40 and other switches 41 and 42 are arranged on a side surface 2S of the main body 2. A slot 43 for inserting an electronic card (PC card) is provided on the side surface 2S.
Is provided. The thickness of the tip of the main body 2 and the thickness of the tip of the display unit 3 shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by reference numerals t1 to t4. For example, the thickness t1 is 1.2 mm, and the thickness t2 is 1.
0 mm, thickness t3 is 1.0 mm, thickness t4 is 1.2 mm
It is set very thin, such as.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a characteristic feature is that the battery pack 200 is disposed between the hinges 1A and 1B. And these hinges 1
A central axis CLC corresponding to the rotation center of A, 1B is located on an extension of the axis of battery pack 200. That is, the center axis of the battery pack 200 and the hinges 1A, 1B
Have the same central axis. Further, the battery pack 200 is detachably attached to the main body 2 and is electrically connected at the time of attachment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the battery pack 200 includes a rear end 2F of the main body 2 and a rear end 3F of the display section 3.
, The diameters of the battery pack 200 and the hinges 1A and 1B are set to be substantially the same,
Moreover, the diameter K is set to be substantially the same as the thickness M when the display unit 3 is folded with respect to the main body 2.
Thus, the capacity of the battery pack 200 can be increased while the size (thickness M) of the portable computer 100 is reduced as much as possible, and the diameter K of the hinges 1A and 1B can be made as large as possible. ,
The mechanical durability of 1B can be sufficiently ensured.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, as described above, the battery pack 200 has a connection mechanism as described below at the rear end 2F of the main body 2 and between the hinges 1A and 1B. It is arranged so that it can be attached and detached. The connection mechanism has a body-side connection mechanism and a battery-side connection mechanism. The battery pack 200 has a shape as shown in FIGS. As the battery pack 200, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery can be used, and the battery pack 200 has a case 201. The case 201 is made of, for example, plastic molding, and one or a plurality of battery cells are arranged in the case 201. Case 20
1 is a mechanical mounting portion 202, 202, a groove 203, 203
And an electrical connection terminal 204.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the case 201 has two grounding portions 205, 205. The grounding portions 205, 205 prevent the battery pack 200 from sliding on a support surface such as a desk. It is for supporting and is made of rubber, for example. The grooves 203, 203 are
01 are formed along the horizontal direction N in FIG. Also, the mounting portions 202, 202
On the contact surface 209 side of the case 201, it is provided so as to protrude. A male electrical connection terminal 204 is provided on the contact surface 209 between the mounting portions 202. On the other hand, the rear end portion 2F of the main body 2 has the mounting portion 2
Concave portions 302, 302 corresponding to 02, 202 are formed. The main body 2 has an electric connection terminal 304 for electrically fitting the electric connection terminal 204.

On the main body side of the hinges 1A and 1B, there are provided projections 303 for guiding. By inserting these protrusions 303 into the grooves 203 at both ends of the battery pack 200, the battery pack 200 can be guided and fitted in the direction of the arrow N1. These grooves 203, 203 and the projection 30
Numerals 3 and 303 constitute a meshing portion or a guide mechanism for guiding a moving direction for inserting and removing the battery pack 200. Mounting part 2 for battery pack 200
02 and 202 are fitted into the concave portions 302 and 302 of the main body 2. As a result, the battery pack 200 is
203, mounting portions 202, 202 and electrical connection terminal 2
04 is securely and removably fixed to the main body 2 side electrically and mechanically. Thus, the battery pack 2
00 is attached to the main body 2, the battery pack 20
Drive power is supplied to the main body 2 via the electrical connection terminal 204 from the main unit 0. That is, the mounting portions 202 and 202 are mechanically fitted into the concave portions 302 of the main body 2, and the electrical connection terminals 20.
4 is electrically connected to the electric connection terminal 304 of the main body 2. In addition, the battery pack 200 can be guided by the grooves 203, 203 and the protruding portions 303, 303, so that the electric connection terminal 204 of the battery pack 200 is
It is possible to prevent the electrical connection terminals 204 and 304 from being damaged due to stress when the electronic connection terminals are attached to or removed from the electrical connection terminals. here,
The above-described guide mechanism is formed on each of the grooves 203 formed on both ends of the battery pack 200 and on each surface of the hinges (opening / closing mechanism) 1A, 1B opposed to both ends of the battery pack 200, Although it is configured by a combination of the projections 303, 303 guided and slid by the respective grooves 203, 203, the positional relationship between the respective grooves 203, 203 and the projections 303, 303 may of course be reversed. Absent. That is, the hinge (opening / closing mechanism) 1A,
1B, a groove similar to the groove 203 is formed on each surface facing both ends of the battery pack 200.
Projecting portions similar to the projecting portion 303 which is guided and slid in each of the above-described grooves may be formed at both end portions of the zero.

According to the above arrangement, the battery pack 200 is provided between the hinges 1A and 1B, which are a pair of opening and closing mechanisms. Can be opened. That is, since the battery pack 200 is arranged so as not to obstruct the opening / closing operation of the display unit 3 at all, the display unit 3 can be opened 180 degrees or more with respect to the main body 2 as shown in FIG. For example, it is assumed that the user performs a key input operation or the like while the user sits on a chair, crosses his legs, and places the main body 2 on the knee. Even in such a situation, by opening the display unit 3 by 180 degrees or more, the display surface of the display unit 3 can always be kept perpendicular to the line of sight, and the user can secure a good view in a free posture. You can concentrate on the operation while doing so. Further, even if the user accidentally opens the display unit 3 by 180 degrees or more, the connection portion between the main body 2 and the display unit 3 and the battery pack 200 are not damaged.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 16 show a central processing unit (CPU) 3 as a heat generating source in the electronic equipment of the present invention.
5, a case (housing) 2B of the main body 2, one hinge 1B, a case (housing) 3A of the display unit 3, and the like are shown. FIG.
In the above, the heat generated by the driving of the central processing unit 35, which is a heat generation source, is radiated to the case 3A side of the display unit 3 from the substrate 36 on which the central processing unit 35 is mounted via the hinge 1B or the like. 4 shows an example of a dispersing process. Specifically, the case 3B in FIG.
The central processing unit 35 is mounted on the substrate 36. On the other hand, the case (housing) 3A and the case (housing) 2B are mechanically connected to each other by hinges 1A and 1B (the hinge 1A is not shown) so as to be openable and closable. Thermal conduction is achieved from the 2B and the substrate 36 to the case 3A.

In the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the central processing unit 35 is disposed substantially at the center of the substrate 36, and therefore, there is a gap between the central processing unit 35 and one of the hinges 1B. Therefore, the central processing unit 3
On the fifth side, a heat receiving plate 37 receiving heat from the central processing unit 35, a heat pipe 38, and a connector 39 are arranged between the hinge 1B and the central processing unit 35. The heat receiving plate 37 is disposed above the central processing unit 35 at, for example, a predetermined interval. The heat receiving plate 37 and the connector 39 are connected by a heat pipe 38. The heat pipe 38 and the heat receiving plate 37
Can be made of a metal having good thermal conductivity, for example, copper. The size of the heat receiving plate 37 is set larger than the size of the central processing unit 35.

The connector 39 is also made of a material having good heat conductivity,
For example, the case 2 of the main body 2 is made of copper, and furthermore, a screw 31 is used for the fixing piece 11 side of the hinge 1B.
Can be fixed to B side. On the other hand, the movable piece 17 side of the hinge 1B is fixed to the inside of the case 3A by a screw 32. The hinge 1B has a function of efficiently conducting heat from the fixed piece 11 to the movable piece 17 as described later.

Referring now to FIG. 14, how the heat generated by the central processing unit 35 is transferred to the case 3A will be described. When the central processing unit 35 is driven and generates heat, the heat receiving plate 37 moves along the arrow AL1 to the central processing unit 3.
Receive 5 heat. The heat receiving plate 37 transmits the received heat to the fixed piece 11 side of the hinge 1B via the heat pipe 38 and the connector 39 along the arrows AL2, AL3, and AL4. Thereby, heat is transmitted along the AL5 from the fixed piece 11 side of the hinge 1B to the movable piece 17 side, and then this heat is transmitted to the case 3A side as indicated by an arrow AL6. As a result, the transmitted heat is radiated or diffused to the case 3A along the arrow AL7.

As described above, by transmitting heat from the main body 2 having a relatively large heat generation rate to the display section 3 having a relatively small heat generation amount, the computer 10 serving as the electronic apparatus 1 is heated.
The heat can be easily diffused or dispersed toward the display unit 3 by preventing the heat from stagnation in the main body 2 at 0. As described above, heat can be easily dispersed only by using a hinge without providing a special heat sink or a conduction fan.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, heat is transmitted using one hinge 1B, but heat may be transmitted using both hinges 1A and 1B. In addition,
The case 2B of the main body 2 is also called a bottom cabinet, the board 36 is also called a main board, and the case 3 of the display unit 3
A is also called the outer cabinet.

Next, a specific example of the structure of the hinges 1A and 1B will be described with reference to FIGS. Hinge 1A, 1 in FIG.
B has a function of mechanically connecting the display unit 3 to the rear end portion 6 of the main body 2 and of achieving thermal conduction and heat radiation. The hinges 1A and 1B have a symmetrical shape, but have substantially the same structure. Therefore, hinge 1A
The structure and features will be described with reference to FIGS. The hinge 1A has a fixed piece 11, a movable piece 17, and a connecting portion 30, as shown in FIGS. The connecting portion 30 shown in FIG. 17 is a portion for connecting the fixed piece 11 and the movable piece 17 mechanically and so as to conduct heat.

The fixing piece 11 comprises a strength holding portion 11a for holding mechanical strength and a heat conducting portion 12 for conducting heat. When the display unit 3 of FIG. 1 is opened and closed, the strength holding unit 11a is a material having a high mechanical strength, for example, a stainless steel (SUS ) And the like are preferably employed. The strength holding portion 11a is made of a plate-like material having high mechanical strength and is formed in a substantially L-shape when viewed in cross section.

It is desirable that the heat conducting portion 12 be made of a material that is preferable for conducting heat, for example, a copper-based or aluminum-based material. It is formed in a substantially L-shape in order to adhere or fix or set in close contact. The strength holding portion 11a and the heat conducting portion 12 of the fixing piece 11 are used in close contact with each other, and the fixing piece 11 is fixed to the mounting surface side (the side in contact with the main body) of the main body 2 by, for example, screws 31. It is supposed to. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of the strength holding portion 11a and the heat conducting portion 12 of the fixing piece 11. Each of the rising portions 11b of the strength holding portion 11a and the rising portions 12b of the heat conducting portion 12 have rectangular holes 1 respectively.
1c and 12c are formed.

Next, the movable piece 17 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the movable piece 17 has a strength holding portion 17a and a heat conducting portion 13. Strength holder 17
a is a portion for maintaining mechanical strength,
Reference numeral 3 denotes a portion that conducts heat. It is preferable that the strength holding portion 17a be made of a mechanically strong material, for example, stainless steel (SUS), which is an iron-based material, in order to hold the strength when the display portion is opened and closed and the strength. The heat conducting portion 13 can be made of a material having good heat conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The strength holding portion 17a
Although formed in a substantially L-shape, the heat conducting portion 13 is also formed in a substantially L-shape. However, the portion 13a of the heat conducting portion 13
However, the rising portion 13b of the heat conducting portion 13 is used so as to be separated from the rising portion 17b of the strength holding portion 17a.

In FIG. 17, the strength holding portion 17 of the movable piece 17 is shown.
a and the heat conducting part 13 are shown three-dimensionally. Strength holder 1
7a and the heat conduction part 13
3b is formed with circular holes 17c and 13c, respectively. However, the diameter of the hole 17c is set smaller than the diameter of the hole 13c.

Next, the engaging portion 30 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described. The engaging portion 30 has a function of mechanically connecting the fixed piece 11 and the movable piece 17 while conducting heat conduction between the heat conductive portion 12 of the fixed piece 11 and the heat conductive portion 13 of the movable piece 17. have.

FIG. 17 shows this engaging portion (also referred to as a connecting portion).
30 members are shown, the spring washer 14,
Shaft 15, washer 16, 18, spring washer 1
9. It has a stopper 20. The shaft 15 is made of, for example, iron or the like in order to maintain mechanical strength.
It has a protruding part 15b on the opposite side to the part a. Projection 15a
Passes through the hole 14a of the spring washer 14 and
Hole 13c, hole 12c of heat conduction portion 12, strength holding portion 11
A passes through the hole 11c. The shape of the protruding portion 15a is such that the end face 15 is securely fitted into the hole 12c of the heat conducting portion 12 and the hole 11c of the strength holding portion 11a so as not to move.
e, 15e. Therefore, the projecting portion 15a of the shaft 15 is connected to the hole 12c of the heat conducting portion 12a and the strength holding portion 1a.
By being fitted into the hole 11c of 1a, it is possible to securely fix it so as not to come off.

The spring washer 14 is a spring member for securely holding the heat conducting portion 12 of the fixed piece 11 and the heat conducting portion 13 of the movable piece 17 in close contact with each other, and is made of a metal such as iron, for example. The washer 16 is a washer disposed between the shaft 15 and the strength holding portion 17 a of the movable piece 17. The hole 16c of the washer 16 is a rectangular hole into which the protrusion 15b of the shaft 15 fits. Shaft 1
5 also have flat end surfaces 15f, 15f. A protrusion 15b passes through a hole 17c of the strength holding portion 17a, and the protrusion 15b is formed with a hole 18c of the washer 18,
It passes through the hole 19c of the spring washer 19 and securely fits into the hole 20c of the stopper 20. That is, in the hole 20c of the stopper 20, the shaft 15
Can be securely fixed so as not to come off.

Thus, the fixed piece 11 and the movable piece 17
Are engaged with the protrusion 15a of the shaft 15 and the hole 11c of the strength holding portion 11a,
b and the hole 20c of the stopper 20 can be integrally connected to each other by using the meshing connection. Using the shaft 15, the movable piece 17 can be rotated with respect to the fixed piece 11 in the R direction in FIG. it can.

For the shaft 15, the washers 16, 18, the spring washers 14, 19, the stopper 20, and the like, a material having high mechanical strength, for example, an iron-based material can be used. The heat conducting part 12 of the fixing piece 11 is located on the mounting surface side (the side in contact with the main body) of the main body 2 of the computer 100 in FIG. 1 and is fixed using screws 32 as shown in FIGS. Can be. On the other hand, the heat conducting portion 13a of the movable piece 17 is located on the mounting surface side (the mounting surface on the display unit) of the display unit 3 of the computer 100 in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the hinge 1A or 1B is assembled, the rising portion 12b of the heat conducting portion 12 of the fixed piece 11 and the heat conducting portion 1
3, the rising portions 13b are in close contact with each other, and the spring washers 14 bring the rising portions 12b, 13b into close contact with each other with a spring pressing force.
The thermal resistance of the contact portions in the rising portions 12b, 13b of the second and the third 13 can be made as small as possible.

Since the hinge 1A or 1B has a function of heat conduction and heat radiation while maintaining mechanical strength, for example, the heat conduction between the main body 2 and the display unit 3 of the computer 100 is improved. Thus, heat can be easily transferred from the side having a large amount of heat, for example, the main body 2 to the side having a small amount of heat, for example, the display unit 3. By improving such thermal conductivity, conduction of heat from the heat-generating main body portion 2 to the heat-generating display portion 3 is improved, and a space for heat dissipation can be secured. It is also possible to newly provide the heat dissipating means for the heat conducting part 12 and the heat conducting part 13, and the heat dissipating efficiency can be improved.

For example, if the main body 2 and the case 2A, 3A of the display unit 3 in FIG. 14 are made of a light metal such as magnesium, the exterior can be used as a heat sink as it is, and the case 2A, 3A used as the heat sink is shown in FIG. 17
By thermally connecting the heat conducting portions 12 and 13 to each other, the heat radiation effect can be further improved. In general, a material having a high thermal conductivity has a physical property of a low electric resistance. Therefore, the fixed piece 11 and the movable piece 17 of the hinges 1A and 1B are connected via the hinges 1A and 1B. It can be coupled through a lower electrical resistance part.

The transmitted heat is, for example, the case 3 in FIG.
If the entirety of A is made of a metal having good thermal conductivity, the heat can be radiated to the outside in the entire case 3A. The material forming the case 3A in this case includes
Preferably, a magnesium alloy can be used.
As the magnesium alloy, a magnesium metal material such as AZ91D can be used. The thermal conductivity of this magnesium is 157 W / mK. This case 3A
Can adopt, for example, 1.2 mm.
The length / width / thickness of the case 3A is, for example, 259
mm × 208.6 mm × 23.9 mm. As the central processing unit to be mounted, for example, a Pentium processor 133 MHz (trade name, manufactured by Intel Corporation) can be adopted. In this case, the amount of heat generated per unit time is about 6 W.

The embodiment of the present invention relates to an electronic device or the like having a foldable structure using a hinge in order to obtain a surface area of a heat sink for radiating heat in the invention relating to heat radiation as described above. Improve the heat conduction between different blocks of the electronic device, such as the main body of the portable personal computer (the side with the keyboard) and the display through the hinges, from the side with more heat to the side with less heat. This is a method for facilitating the transfer of heat. The improved thermal conductivity improves the conduction of heat to the display unit, which generates less heat, than the main unit, which generates more heat, and secures a place to dissipate heat. , The heat radiation efficiency can be increased.

As described above, in the electronic apparatus of the present invention, the hinges 1A and 1B are provided over the main body 2 and the rear ends 2F and 3F of the display unit 3, and the battery pack 200 is provided between the hinges 1A and 1B. And the battery pack 2
00 is located outside the main body 2 and the display unit 3. Body 1
Since the thickness of the superimposed display and the display unit 3 can be adjusted to about the size of the diameter of the battery pack, the overall thickness of the portable computer can be reduced. Moreover, within this thinned range, the battery pack 200
And the diameters of the hinges 1A and 1B can be maximized, so that the durability of the hinge can be improved and the capacity of the battery pack 200 can be increased. Further, the hinges 1A and 1B having the heat conduction effect and the mechanical strength are combined with the main body 2.
The hinges 1A and 1B allow heat conduction between the housings, so that even if the portable computer is made thinner, Since a heat radiation effect can be obtained, no problem associated with heat generation occurs even when the thickness is reduced.

Since the battery pack 200 can be detachably attached to the main body 2, the battery pack 200 can be easily replaced. Battery pack 20
0 can be always charged from the main body side. Since the hinges 1A and 1B can be at least as large as the battery pack in diameter, a space for arranging signal lines for transmitting electric signals from the circuit portion in the main body 2 to the liquid crystal display device of the display section 3 is provided. Therefore, a normal and inexpensive cable can be used as the signal line. By the way, battery pack (also called battery pack)
Is not limited to a substantially circular shape when viewed in cross section, but other shapes can also be used. Further, the first opening / closing mechanism and the second opening / closing mechanism are not limited to the hinge-shaped one shown in the drawing, but may be of any other shape.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, a portable personal computer is used as an example of the electronic device to which the hinge of the present invention is applied. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of electronic device may be used. The electronic device of the present invention can be applied to electronic devices that generate various heat, such as portable information terminals, mobile phones, and wireless devices.

[0050]

As described above, according to the present invention,
In order to support the display unit so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the main body, a pair of opening and closing mechanisms are provided, and between these opening and closing mechanisms,
The battery is located. Thus, it is possible to eliminate all the factors that hinder the thinning caused by the external battery, and to open and close the display unit with respect to the main body over a rotation range of 180 degrees or more. That is, according to the above-described arrangement, the thickness of the electronic device can be reduced even when the battery is externally attached, and each opening / closing mechanism can have the same external dimensions as the battery. The mechanical durability of the mechanism can be increased. Further, according to the above-described arrangement structure, the presence of the battery does not hinder the opening / closing operation of the display unit at all, so that the display unit can be opened 180 degrees or more with respect to the main body. In addition, the user mistakenly displays the display section 18.
Even if it opens more than 0 degrees, the main body, the display unit, and the battery are not damaged. On the other hand, when the present invention is regarded as an invention of a main body alone except for a battery, at least a pair of opening / closing mechanism parts that support the display unit so as to be able to open and close the main body, and are disposed between the pair of opening / closing mechanism parts, A body-side connection mechanism for detachably mounting a battery for supplying drive power. This allows batteries of various shapes and various external dimensions to be mounted under the physical constraint that the battery fits between the pair of opening / closing mechanisms, and the battery itself can be mounted without being restricted by the shape of the main body. The degree of freedom in external design can be sufficiently ensured. Further, when the present invention is regarded as the invention of the battery itself, the electronic device mounted on the main body side connection mechanism provided between at least a pair of opening and closing mechanisms for supporting the display unit to be able to open and close with respect to the main body. The battery is provided with a battery-side connection mechanism that is removably fitted to the body-side connection mechanism. Thereby, the degree of freedom in the external design of the battery for an electronic device can be sufficiently ensured, and the battery can be freely designed without being restricted by the shape of the main body. For example, by forming the battery for an electronic device in a cylindrical shape, it is easy to hold without a protruding portion, and a shape excellent in design can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view showing an embodiment of a portable electronic device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a computer which is the portable electronic device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which a display unit is closed with respect to the main body of the portable electronic device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a main body and a battery pack.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a main body and a battery pack, and showing a state where a display unit is removed.

FIG. 6 is a partially omitted perspective view showing a main body, a display unit, and a battery pack.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a connection relationship between a battery pack and a main body.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the battery pack.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the battery pack.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the battery pack seen from the direction E in FIG. 9;

14 is a perspective view showing a housing of the main body of FIG. 1, a hinge for heat conduction and mechanical connection with the housing of the display unit, and the like.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an example of a hinge.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing an example of a hinge.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a hinge.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example of the usage status of the portable electronic device of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a structure of a conventional portable computer.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the structure of another conventional portable computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1A: hinge (first opening / closing mechanism), 1B: hinge (second opening / closing mechanism), 2 ... body, 3 ... display unit, 100 ... portable computer ( Portable electronic device), 200: battery pack, 202: mounting part, 203: groove, 302: concave part, 303 ...
・ Protrusion

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Tsutomu Asawa Sony Digital Products Co., Ltd. 5432 Toyoshina, Toyoshina-cho, Minamiazumi-gun, Nagano

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. An electronic apparatus comprising: at least a pair of opening / closing mechanism units that support a display unit so that the display unit can be opened / closed with respect to a main body; and a battery that is disposed between the pair of opening / closing mechanism units and supplies driving power to the main body. A portable electronic device characterized by the following. 2. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of opening / closing mechanism units support the display unit so that the display unit can be opened and closed over a rotation range of 180 degrees or more with respect to the main body. machine. 3. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a connection mechanism for detachably mounting the battery on the main body. 4. The pair of opening / closing mechanism units are disposed between one side end of the main body and one side end of the display unit, and support the display unit to be able to open and close with respect to the main body. A first opening / closing mechanism, a second opening / closing mechanism disposed between the other end of the main body and the other end of the display unit, and supporting the display unit to be openable and closable with respect to the main body. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the battery is disposed between the first opening / closing mechanism and the second opening / closing mechanism. 5. The pair of opening / closing mechanism sections both have a hinge mechanism having a cylindrical shape. The battery is formed in a cylindrical shape having substantially the same diameter as the hinge mechanism. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the center is located on an extension of an axis of the battery. 6. One or both of the pair of opening / closing mechanism units is configured to have a hinge mechanism having a heat conduction structure,
The heat generated in the housing of the main body is guided to the housing of the display unit via the hinge mechanism.
A portable electronic device according to claim 1. 7. A housing of the main body and a housing of the display unit,
7. The portable device according to claim 6, wherein both the members are made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, and heat generated in the housing of the main body is guided to the housing of the display unit via the hinge mechanism. Type electronic equipment. 8. The portable electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the connection mechanism mechanically and electrically connects the battery to the main body. 9. The connection mechanism section includes an electric connection terminal, and electrically connects the electric connection terminal of the battery by contacting the electric connection terminal of the main body. The portable electronic device according to claim 8. 10. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes a liquid crystal display device. 11. The portable device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide mechanism for guiding a direction of insertion and removal of the battery when the battery is attached to and detached from the main body. Type electronic equipment. 12. A connection mechanism for mechanically and electrically connecting the battery to the main body so as to be detachably attached to the main body, and a connecting mechanism for attaching and detaching the battery to and from the main body. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide mechanism for guiding a moving direction of insertion and removal. 13. The first guide mechanism provided between one end of the battery and the first opening / closing mechanism, the other end of the battery, and the second opening / closing mechanism. The portable electronic device according to claim 11, further comprising: a second guide mechanism provided between the units. 14. The guide mechanism is formed in grooves formed at both ends of the battery, and is formed on each surface of the opening and closing mechanism facing the both ends of the battery, and is guided by the grooves. The portable electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the portable electronic device is configured by a combination with a protruding portion that slides. 15. The guide mechanism is provided with grooves formed on respective surfaces of the opening / closing mechanism facing opposite ends of the battery, and formed on both ends of the battery, and is guided by the grooves. The portable electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the portable electronic device is configured by a combination with a protruding portion that slides. 16. The portable electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing mechanism for fixing the battery in a state where the battery is mounted on the main body. 17. The fixing mechanism according to claim 16, wherein the fixing mechanism includes a mounting portion formed on the battery and a concave portion formed on the main body and into which the mounting portion is fitted. Portable electronic devices. 18. The portable electronic device according to claim 16, wherein the fixing mechanism is disposed near a connection mechanism for detachably mounting the battery. 19. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the fixing mechanism and a connection mechanism for detachably mounting the battery are arranged side by side on a contact surface between the main body and the battery. Portable electronic devices. 20. At least a pair of opening / closing mechanism sections that support the display section to be able to open and close with respect to the main body, and a battery that is disposed between the pair of opening / closing mechanism sections and that supplies driving power to the main body. A portable electronic device comprising: a main body side connection mechanism to be mounted. 21. The pair of opening / closing mechanism portions, wherein the pair of opening / closing mechanism portions support the display portion with respect to the main body so as to be openable / closable over a rotation range of 180 degrees or more when the battery is mounted. The portable electronic device according to claim 20. 22. A battery for a portable electronic device which is mounted on a main body side connection mechanism provided between at least a pair of opening and closing mechanisms for supporting a display unit so as to be able to open and close with respect to the main body. A battery for a portable electronic device, comprising: a battery-side connection mechanism section detachably fitted to a mechanism section. 23. A cylindrical hinge mechanism having a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of a cylindrical hinge mechanism forming the pair of opening / closing mechanism sections, and a rotation center of the hinge mechanism is positioned on an extension of an axis of the cylindrical shape. 23. The battery for a portable electronic device according to claim 22, wherein the battery is mounted on the main body so as to perform the operation. 24. The battery for a portable electronic device according to claim 22, further comprising a battery-side guide mechanism for guiding a moving direction of insertion and removal when attaching and detaching to and from the main body. . 25. The battery for a portable electronic device according to claim 22, further comprising a battery-side fixing mechanism for fixing the main body in a state where the main body is mounted on the main body.