Abstract: A portable computer includes a base unit having a keyboard and a display unit rotatably coupled to the base unit. The display unit is rotatable between a closed position where the keyboard is covered and an open position where the keyboard is exposed. A latch member is provided on the externally exposed area of the display unit and latched to an externally exposed area of the base unit when the display unit is rotated to a closed position. The latch member is so mounted on the display unit as to be rotated toward and away from the display unit. The latch member is normally urged in a direction to rotate into engagement with the base unit under an action of a latching spring. The latching spring maintains the latch member in an engaged relation to the base unit when the display unit is rotated to the closed position.

Abstract: A portable computer comprises a base unit to which a keyboard and a display unit are attached. First and second batteries, functioning as a drive power source, and are attached to the base unit. An optional component may be attached to the base unit in place of the second battery. The optional component, for example, can be a modem device to be connected to a telephone line or an additional memory unit. In the base unit, there is formed a first mounting recess to which the first battery is detachably attached, and a second mounting recess to which the second battery or the optional component is selectively detachably attached.

Abstract: A function expanding apparatus for a compact electronic device includes a casing having a supporting portion and a supporting plate attached to the casing to be movable in a predetermined direction. A pair of retaining portions are formed on the supporting plate. The rear portion of the electronic device is mounted on the supporting portion and is positioned in its width direction by a pair of positioning members provided at the supporting portion. The front end portion of the electronic device is mounted on the supporting palte and the retaining portions engage the front edge of the electronic device so as restrain the movement of the electronic device in the depth direction thereof. The position of the retaining portion is adjusted by moving the supporting plate, in accordance with the depth of the mounted electronic device.

Abstract: An expansion device includes a box-like device body and a second battery pack. The body includes a hard disc drive therein, a fitting recess open to the outer surface of the body, power-receiving terminals provided in the fitting recess and connected to the hard disc drive, and a second connector adapted to be connected to a first connector of a personal computer. The second battery pack is designed to be removably mounted in a battery mount portion, in place of a battery pack of the computer, and includes a coupling portion removably fitted in the fitting portion, the first and second power-supply terminals. When the second battery pack is mounted in the mount portion while the coupling portion is fitted in the fitting recess, the device body is coupled to the computer in a state where the second connector is connected to the first connector and the first and second power-supply terminals contact power-receiving terminals of the computer and the power-receiving terminals of the device body.

Abstract: A case having a flat recess in the base and a flat parts unit adapted to be fitted in the recess are prepared. A first connector is provided at one end portion of the parts unit, and a second connector mating with the first connector is provided on a side wall of the recess. The first connector is provided with a projection protruding forward therefrom. The second connector is provided with a seat portion adapted to engage the extreme end of the projection when the one end portion of the parts unit is obliquely inserted into the recess so that it is directed toward the side wall of the recess on the side of the second connector. Thus, when the one end portion of the parts unit is obliquely inserted into the recess so that is directed toward the side wall of the recess on the side of the second connector, the projection of the first connector engages the seat portion of the second connector. Then, the parts unit is rocked around the point of engagement toward the recess.

Abstract: A compact electronic apparatus includes a tilting mechanism for tilting the housing of the apparatus. The mechanism includes a stand connected to a slider through a coupling portion. In tilting the housing, the stand is rocked while being drawn out from the receiving depression, and then the slider is inserted into a slide passage formed in the housing. The coupling portion is inserted into the slide passage along with the slider. The raised stand is locked by the slide passage and prevented from falling in the back and forth directions.

Abstract: A portable computer includes a base unit for mounting a keyboard and a display unit. The base unit includes a bottom plate. A receiving portion in which a hard-disk drive device (HDD) is detachably mounted is formed in the bottom plate. The HDD is formed into a unit as a module and has a first connector. The receiving portion of the base unit includes a second connector to be electrically connected to the first connector, a lock mechanism which is engaged with the HDD to confine the HDD in the receiving portion, and a switch which is operated upon a lock operation of the lock mechanism so as to allow current supply to the HDD. The HDD is fixed to the receiving portion by a screw. The screw is engaged with the lock mechanism to hold the lock mechanism in a state wherein the HDD is locked to the receiving portion.

Abstract: A portable computer including a base unit having a keyboard, and a display unit. In the display unit, there is a leg portion having a cable guide passage. In an upper surface of the base unit, there is formed a leg mounting portion receiving the leg portion and a mounting recess, which is adjacent to the leg mounting portion for attaching a battery thereto. The leg mounting portion has a wall with an opening section opening into the base unit. The opening section is covered with a cover. The cover has a cover wall forming a cable through hole in cooperation with the wall of the leg mounting portion. A cable is wired between the cable through hole and the cable guide passage. The cable electrically connects the base unit and the display unit. In the mounting recess, there is arranged a contact terminal electrically contacting the battery. The contact terminal is attached to the cover arranged between the leg mounting portion and the mounting recess.

Abstract: A portable apparatus comprising a base unit and a display unit rotatably connected to the base unit. The base unit has a recess, and the display unit has a first leg portion mounted in the recess. The first leg portion comprises a rear leg segment conjoining a base unit. The first leg portion has a front leg segment fastened to the rear leg segment, defining a guide path between the front leg segment and the rear leg segment. The leg segments, fastened together, form a shaft having a guide path communicating with the guide path. An opening is formed in one of the side walls defining the sides of the recess and also in the wall defining the bottom of the recess, thus allowing access into the base unit. A support segment is removably fitted in this opening, supporting the shaft such that the shaft can rotate. The portable apparatus further comprises a flexible cable which extends from the base unit into the display unit, guided through the opening, the guide path.

Abstract: A hinge device comprising a shaft to be connected at one end to a first member, a bracket mounted on the shaft, for supporting a second member such that the second member rotates around said shaft, and wave washers held and compressed between said shaft and said support means. The wave washers generates a friction between said shaft and the second member when the first and second members are rotated relative to each other around said shaft, thus suppressing the rotation of the first and second members.

Abstract: An angular section used for condition indication has a first indication hole and a second indication hole. An indication element and a printed circuit board provided with a light-emitting diode are arranged inside the angular section. The indication element is made up of a light-transmission portion and an attachment portion. The light-transmission portion includes a first indication surface fitted in the first indication hole, a second indication surface fitted in the second indication hold, a slanted reflecting surface for reflecting incident light toward the second indication surface, and a light-incident surface extending between the lower end of the reflecting surface and the lower side of the attachment portion. Part of the light emitted from the light-emitting diode passes straight through the light-transmission portion, and emerges from the first indication surface, thus illuminating the first indication surface.