ELECTRONIC APPARATUS WITH HINGE MECHANISM
An electronic apparatus includes a first case and a second case. The electronic apparatus includes a hinge support that is located in the vicinity of the first case and the second case, a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the hinge support, and a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the second case and the hinge support. The position where the first hinge portion is joined to the hinge support is separated from the position where the second hinge portion is joined to the hinge support.
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1. Field
The present application relates to an electronic apparatus with a hinge mechanism.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, an electronic apparatus with a hinge mechanism has been a notebook computer, a folding portable telephone, a portable game machine, or the like. In such an electronic apparatus, the hinge mechanism supports a plurality of cases openably and closably.
Moreover, an electronic apparatus with a hinge mechanism capable of providing rotating motion as well as opening/closing motion is coming on the market. JP 2004-094647 A discloses an electronic apparatus that is openable, closable, and rotatable. The electronic apparatus of JP 2004-094647 A includes a hinge mechanism having a rotating shaft and a pair of opening/closing shafts that are perpendicular to each other. The hinge mechanism is located in the middle of the lower side of a housing.
In the electronic apparatus of JP 2004-094647 A, if a load is concentrated on the rotating shaft and/or the opening/closing shafts of the hinge mechanism, the housing supported by the hinge mechanism is likely to swing, and there is a good chance that the hinge mechanism will be damaged.
SUMMARYAn electronic apparatus of the present application includes a first case and a second case. The electronic apparatus includes the following: a hinge holding portion that is located in the vicinity of the first case and the second case and connected to the second case; a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the hinge holding portion; and a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the second case and the hinge holding portion. The second hinge portion supports the second case so that the second case can be rotated around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to a plane direction of a principal plane of the first case that faces the second case in a closed state in which the first case and the second case are closed. The position where the first hinge portion is joined to the hinge holding portion is separated from the position where the second hinge portion is joined to the hinge holding portion.
An electronic apparatus of the present application includes a first case and a second case. The electronic apparatus includes the following: a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the second case; and a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the first case and the second case. The first hinge portion controls a position of the second case relative to the first case when an opening/closing angle between the first case and the second case is a predetermined opening/closing angle. The predetermined opening/closing angle is an opening/closing angle at which the second case is spaced from the first case or a surface on which the electronic apparatus is placed during rotation of the second case.
[1-1. Summary of Electronic Apparatus]
In the hinge mechanism disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A, if a load is concentrated on the rotating shaft and/or the opening/closing shafts, the housing supported by the hinge mechanism is likely to swing, and there is a good chance that the hinge mechanism will be damaged. Moreover, in the electronic apparatus of JP 2004-094647 A, when the display unit is in a position where the display surface is not parallel to the opening/closing shafts (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 1 of JP 2004-094647 A), and then is moved in the direction in which the display unit is closed, the corner of the display unit can hit the keyboard, the pointing device, or the housing and damage them.
An electronic apparatus of Embodiment 1 has a configuration that can overcome the above disadvantages of the configuration as disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A.
As shown in
The second case 2 is supported rotatably on the first case 1 by a rotating hinge 7 (as will be described in detail later). The rotating hinge 7 is contained in a hinge support 8. The hinge support 8 holds the rotating hinge 7. When the second case 2 is opened and closed, the hinge support 8 is rotated together with the second case 2. On the other hand, when the second case 2 is rotated, the hinge support 8 is not rotated. Thus, the second case 2 can be rotated independently of the hinge support 8.
The opening/closing hinges 3 have shafts that rotatably support the first case 1 and the second case 2. The detailed configuration of the opening/closing hinges 3 will be described later.
A keyboard 5 and a pointing device 6 are provided on a principal plane (referred to as a top surface in the following) 1a of the first case 1. The keyboard 5 allows a user to input various characters. The pointing device 6 is fixed in the first case 1 with its operating surface exposed on the top surface 1a of the first case 1. The pointing device 6 allows a user to touch the operating surface and move the cursor displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 to a desired position.
The top surface 1a of the first case 1 faces the second case 2 when the notebook computer is in the second state, as shown in
In general, when the notebook computer is used, the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow B from the second state (see
In the notebook computer of this embodiment, the second case 2 can be rotated as well as opened and closed between the first state and the second state. This means that the notebook computer can be changed to different states from the first state and the second state.
In the third state shown in
In the fourth state shown in
In the fifth state shown in
As described above, the second case 2 can be turned around the opening/closing axis A1 between the first state and the second state and also between the fourth state and the fifth state. Moreover, the second case 2 can be rotated around the rotation axis C1 between the first state and the fourth state via the third state.
An “opening/closing motion” indicates transitions from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state by turning at least one of the plurality of cases (i.e., the second case 2 in this embodiment) around the opening/closing axis. In this embodiment, the “opening/closing motion” causes the second case 2 to be turned in the direction of the arrow A or B around the opening/closing axis A1. The opening/closing motion brings the second case 2 to an “open state” in which the opening/closing angle between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is 90 degrees or more, as shown in
A “rotating motion” indicates a rotation of at least one of the plurality of cases (i.e., the second case 2 in this embodiment) around the rotation axis that is substantially perpendicular to the opening/closing axis. In this embodiment, the “rotating motion” causes the second case 2 to be rotated in the direction of the arrow C or D (as will be described later) around the rotation axis C1. In this embodiment, although the second case 2 can be opened and closed or rotated with respect to the first case 1, the first case 1 may be opened and closed or rotated with respect to the second case 2.
[1-2. Characteristics of Electronic Apparatus of this Embodiment]
The electronic apparatus of this embodiment is characterized by the position of the opening/closing axis A1.
If the second case 102 in the state shown in
In view of this, this embodiment places the opening/closing axis A1 at a position lower than the top surface 1a of the first case 1, as shown in
Even if a force is applied to the second case 2 in the state shown in
The electronic apparatus of this embodiment includes the opening/closing hinges and the rotating hinge. The opening/closing hinges support the second case 2 so that the second case 2 can be moved from the position in the first state (see
[2-1. Configuration of the Opening/Closing Hinges 3]
As shown in
The shaft 11 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow A or B around a line A1 in accordance with the opening/closing motion of the second case 2 in the direction of the arrow A or B. It is preferable that the shaft 11 is made of metal in view of resistance to the force applied as the first case 1 or the second case 2 is turned. In this embodiment, the shaft 11 is made of stainless steel and has a shaft diameter of about 3 to 4 mm and a shaft length of about 15 mm. However, the size and material of the shaft 11 are not limited thereto.
The first support member 12 is supported rotatably by the shaft 11. The first support member 12 is fixed to the first case 1 with screws 16. The second support member 13 is fixed to the shaft 11 with rivets or the like. The second support member 13 is fixed to the second case 2 with screws 15. Therefore, when the second case 2 is turned between the first state (see
The first torque mechanism 14 is composed of a plurality of disk-shaped washers or rubber sheets and fixed to the shaft 11. In this embodiment, the first support member 12 has a through hole 12b that allows the shaft 11 to be inserted through the washers or rubber sheets, and the shaft 11 is press-fitted in the through hole 12b. Therefore, the first torque mechanism 14 is rotated together with the shaft 11 as the shaft 11 is rotated in accordance with the turning of the second case 2. Moreover, the first torque mechanism 14 is pressed into contact with the first support member 12. Therefore, due to the friction between the first support member 12 and the first torque mechanism 14 caused by this contact, a rotational load can be applied to the second case 2. In other words, due to the friction between the first support member 12 and the first torque mechanism 14, the position of the second case 2 relative to the first case 1 can be maintained at any opening/closing angle. For example, the second case 2 can be maintained in the position in the first state shown in
Hereinafter, the motion will be described.
When the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow A from the position in the first state (see
When the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow B from the position in the second state (see
[2-2. Configuration of the Rotating Hinge 7]
The rotating hinge 7 includes the third support member 31, the fourth support member 32, a shaft 33, a thrust washer 34, a rotation restricting member 35, a torque mechanism 36, and a thrust washer 37.
The third support member 31 is fixed in the second case 2. The third support member 31 is substantially in the form of a box having a bottom 31m and sides 31f, 31g, 31h, 31i, 31j, and 31k that are provided on the periphery of the bottom 31m. The sides 31f, 31h, and 31j are formed integrally. The sides 31g, 31i, and 31k are formed integrally. The sides 31h and 31i are joined together. The sides 31j and 31k are joined together. The bottom 31m has a circular hole 31a. The shaft 33 is press-fitted in the hole 31a. In the third support member 31, a rib protrudes from the joint between the sides 31h and 31i, and a hole 31b is formed in the rib. Moreover, in the third support member 31, a rib protrudes from the joint between the sides 31j and 31k, and a hole 31c is formed in the rib. When the third support member 31 is fixed in the second case 2, screws (not shown) are inserted through the holes 31b and 31c. It is preferable that the third support member 31 is made of metal in view of the load applied during the rotation of the second case 2.
The fourth support member 32 is fixed in the hinge support 8. The fourth support member 32 is substantially in the form of a box having a bottom 32m and sides 32f, 32g, 32h, 32i, 32j, and 32k that are provided on the periphery of the bottom 32m. The sides 32f, 32h, and 32j are formed integrally. The sides 32g, 32i, and 32k are formed integrally. The sides 32h and 32i are joined together. The sides 32j and 32k are joined together. The bottom 32m has a circular hole 32a. The shaft 33 is inserted rotatably through the hole 32a. In the fourth support member 32, holes 32b and 32c are formed in one of the four side walls adjacent to the bottom 32m. A restricting portion 35b or 35c (as will be described later) of the rotation restricting member 35 comes into contact with the inner wall of the hole 32b or 32c, thereby restricting the rotation of the shaft 33 including the rotation restricting member 35. In the fourth support member 32, a rib protrudes from the joint between the sides 32h and 32i, and a hole 32d is formed in the rib. Moreover, in the fourth support member 32, a rib protrudes from the joint between the sides 32j and 32k, and a hole 32e is formed in the rib. When the fourth support member 32 is fixed in the hinge support 8, screws (not shown) are inserted through the holes 32d and 32e. It is preferable that the fourth support member 32 is made of metal in view of the load applied during the rotation of the second case 2.
The axis of the shaft 33 coincides with the rotation axis C1. The shaft 33 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The shaft 33 has a through hole 33a that extends in the axial direction (i.e., the direction of the rotation axis C1). It is preferable that the shaft 33 is made of metal in view of the load applied during the rotation of the second case 2. Since one end of the shaft 33 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the third support member 31, the shaft 33 is rotated in the direction of the arrow E or F (see
The thrust washer 34 is a disk-shaped member having a through hole, in which the shaft 33 is fitted rotatably. The thrust washer 34 adjusts the position of the rotation restricting member 35 in the direction of the rotation axis C1.
As shown in
The torque mechanism 36 is a disk-shaped member having a through hole, through which the shaft 33 is inserted. The torque mechanism 36 is sandwiched between the rotation restricting member 35 and the thrust washer 37, and applies a load to the rotation of the shaft 33 due to the friction with the rotation restricting member 35 and the friction with the thrust washer 37. The torque mechanism 36 preferably is an elastic body made of a material such as rubber.
The thrust washer 37 is a disk-shaped member having a through hole, in which the shaft 33 is press-fitted. The thrust washer 37 prevents the thrust washer 34, the rotation restricting member 35, and the torque mechanism 36 from dropping off the shaft 33.
Hereinafter, the rotating motion will be described.
First, when the notebook computer is in the first state (see
Next, when the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 so as to transfer the notebook computer from the first state (see
Next, when the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 so as to transfer the notebook computer from the third state (see
The motion of the rotating hinge 7 during the transition of the notebook computer from the fourth state (see
Since the rotation angle of the second case 2 is limited to about 180 degrees by the rotation restricting member 35, the cable (not shown) passing through the through hole 33a of the shaft 33 is not twisted significantly. Thus, a fracture or break of the cable (not shown) can be avoided.
Next, the reason for the use of the box-shaped third support member 31 and fourth support member 32 will be described. For example, if the third support member 31 and the fourth support member 32 are not substantially in the form of a box, the rigidity is low.
On the other hand, in this embodiment, the third support member 31 is substantially in the form of a box with the sides 31f to 31k and the bottom 31m, as shown in
As shown in
In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7 are located independently at separate positions. Therefore, when the second case 2 is opened and closed, the load applied to the rotating hinge 7 can be reduced. As disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A, if a single hinge is used for both the opening/closing motion and the rotating motion of the second case (i.e., a two-axis hinge structure), the rotating hinge portion is subjected to a load every time the second case is opened and closed. Thus, the rotating hinge portion is likely to rattle. In particular, this problem becomes more prominent as the mass of the second case 2 increases, since the second case 2 initiates the opening/closing motion and the rotating motion. In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 are disposed on both ends of the connection portion of the first case 1 and the second case 2, and the rotating hinge 7 is disposed substantially in the middle of the connection portion of the first case 1 and the second case 2. Moreover, the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7 are coupled via the hinge support 8. This configuration can reduce the load applied to the rotating hinge 7 during the opening/closing motion of the second case 2, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a rattle in the rotating hinge 7.
In this embodiment, the opening/closing axis A1 is located at a position lower than the top surface 1a of the first case 1, as shown in
In this embodiment, the hinge support 8 is provided as shown in
The configuration in this embodiment prevents contact between the corner 2c of the second case 2 and the top surface 1a of the first case 1 or the pointing device 6. The configuration also can prevent contact between the corner 2c of the second case 2 and the keyboard 5 if the rotation angle of the second case 2 with respect to the rust case 1 is small, if the long side of the second case 2 is short, and/or if the keyboard 5 is provided in a portion of the top surface 1a of the first case 1 that is closer to the side 1b (see
T3<T2≦T1.
In this case, the representation of the height T2 is omitted, since the top surface 1a is substantially flush with the lower surface 2b. Similarly, the representation of the height T3 is omitted, since the top surface 1a is substantially flush with the top surface 5a. By using the protective sheet 40 with this relationship, when the notebook computer is in the third state shown in
When the second case 2 is rotated around the rotation axis C1 while the opening/closing angle of the second case 2 in the first state of the notebook computer is less than 90 degrees, the protective member 41 also can prevent the top surface 1a of the first case 1 or the like from being damaged by the second case 2. That is, when the second case 2 is rotated around the rotation axis C1 while the opening/closing angle of the second case 2 in the first state of the notebook computer is less than 90 degrees, it is highly probable that the corner 2c (see
The protective member 41 shown in
The first case 1 and the second case 2 of this embodiment are examples of the cases. The opening/closing hinge 3 of this embodiment is an example of the first hinge portion. The rotating hinge 7 of this embodiment is an example of the second hinge portion. The hinge support 8 of this embodiment is an example of the hinge holding portion. The protective sheet 40 of this embodiment is an example of the first protective member. The protective member 41 of this embodiment is an example of the second protective member. The front surface 2a and the back surface 2g of this embodiment are examples of a pair of principal planes. The upper surface 2h and the lower surface 2b, and the first side 2i and the second side 2j of this embodiment are examples of two pairs of sides.
Embodiment 2The electronic apparatus disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A does not have a mechanism for selectively inhibiting the rotating motion of the display unit. Therefore, e.g., if a user holds the side of the display unit and opens or closes the display unit, the display unit can be rotated accidentally. When the display unit is rotated while the opening/closing angle is not large enough for the display unit to be rotated, the corner of the display unit can come into contact with the top surface of the main unit and damage it, resulting in poor usability.
An electronic apparatus of Embodiment 2 has a configuration that can overcome the above disadvantages of the configuration as disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A.
The notebook computer shown in
This embodiment describes the notebook computer as an example of the electronic apparatus. However, the electronic apparatus also may be a folding portable telephone, a folding electronic game machine, a folding electronic dictionary terminal, or the like. There is no particular limitation to the electronic apparatus as long as it includes at least two or more cases and a hinge mechanism for supporting the cases openably, closably, and rotatably.
As shown in
When the notebook computer is in the first state (see
The projections 151 and 152 are deformable from a protruding position shown in
The biasing means is not essential. For example, when the projections 151 and 152 are separated from the recesses 2d and 2e and pressed against the lower surface 2b of the second case 2, and the portions of the lower surface 2b in contact with the projections 151 and 152 are made of an elastically deformable material, the biasing means will not be necessary. In this case, although scratches on the lower surface 2b made by the projections 151 and 152 can be reduced, the position of the second case 2 may be unstable in the first state or the fourth state of the notebook computer. However, by forming the projections 151 and 152 to have the lowest possible height, if a force is applied to the projections 151 and 152 in the horizontal direction (i.e., the plane direction of the top surface 1 of the first case 1), their deformations can be minimized. Therefore, the second case 2 can be positioned stably when the projections 151 and 152 are fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e.
As shown in
It is preferable that the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located in the middle between the rotation axis C11 and one end of the second case 2 in the width direction and between the rotation axis C11 and the other end. As shown in
K=(L12+L13)/L11.
It is preferable that the projections 151 and 152 are located so that the ratio K falls in the following range:
0.4≦K≦0.7,
where L12=L13.
In this embodiment, K=0.6.
As described above, the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located at the distances L12 and L13 from the rotation axis C11, respectively. Therefore, even if there is a mechanical rattle in the two-axis hinge mechanism 17, the rattle of the second case 2 can be suppressed, and thus the position of the second case 2 relative to the first case 1 can be stabilized. If the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located so that the distances L12 and L13 are short, i.e., the ratio K is less than 0.4, the rattle of the second case 2 cannot be suppressed sufficiently when the two-axis hinge mechanism 17 causes a mechanical rattle. Accordingly, it is preferable that the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located so that the ratio K is 0.4 or more, as described above, because the rattle of the second case 2 can be reduced.
Moreover, if the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located at the ends of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction, and the second case 2 is distorted, e.g., by the application of a large pressing force, the projections 151 and 152 may not be fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e. In this embodiment, the fitting positions of the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located so that the ratio K is 0.7 or less. Therefore, even if the second case 2 is distorted, e.g., by the application of a large pressing force, it is possible to reduce the chance that the projections 151 and 152 cannot be fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e.
Hereinafter, the motion will be described.
As shown in
When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C11 from the first state (see
When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C11 from the third state (see
The motion of the projections 151 and 152 when the second case 2 is rotated from the position in the fourth state (see
The second case 2 is opened and closed while being supported by the two-axis hinge mechanism 17. Therefore, during the transition from the first state to the second state, the projection 151 is separated from the recess 2d and the projection 152 is separated from the recess 2e. Moreover, during the transition from the fourth state to the fifth state, the projection 151 is separated from the recess 2e and the projection 152 is separated from the recess 2d.
In this embodiment, the projections 151 and 152 are located in the middle between the rotation axis C11 of the two-axis hinge mechanism 17 and one end of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction and between the rotation axis C11 and the other end. Therefore, even if there is a mechanical rattle in the two-axis hinge mechanism 17, the position of the second case 2 can be stabilized in both the first state and the fourth state. Moreover, even if there is a distortion such as warpage in the second case 2, it is possible to increase the chance that the projections 151 and 152 can be fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e.
In this embodiment, the projections 151 and 152 are located symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis C11. Therefore, positioning can be performed when the second case 2 is located at the position in the first state and at the position in the fourth state. Thus, the projections 151 and 152 and the recesses 2d and 2e can be used in both the first state and the fourth state, so that the number of projections can be reduced.
In this embodiment, the second case 2 has the recesses 2d and 2e, and the first case 1 has the projections 151 and 152. However, the second case 2 may have projections corresponding to the projections 151 and 152, and the first case 1 may have recesses corresponding to the recesses 2d and 2e.
In this embodiment, the projections are provided in two places and the recesses are provided in two places. However, the projection may be provided only in one place. That is, a configuration of this embodiment may include the projection 151 and the recesses 2d and 2e. With this configuration, the projection 151 can be fitted in the recess 2d in the first state or the second state of the notebook computer, and also fitted in the recess 2e in the fourth state or the fifth state of the notebook computer. Therefore, the positioning of the second case 2 with respect to the first case 1 can be performed. However, in this configuration, the distance between the projection 151 and the rotation axis C11, the distance between the recess 2d and the rotation axis C11, and the distance between the recess 2e and the rotation axis C11 should be the same. The combination of the projection 152 and the recesses 2d and 2e also functions in the same manner.
In this embodiment, the projections 151 and 152 are fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e, thereby performing the positioning of the second case 2. However, in this configuration, the projections 151 and 152 detach relatively easily from the recesses 2e and 2e. Some users have little opportunity to rotate the second case 2 around the rotation axis C11. If there is little opportunity to rotate the second case 2, it is preferable that the configuration includes a mechanism for inhibiting the rotation of the second case 2.
Embodiment 3The electronic apparatus disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A does not have a mechanism for selectively inhibiting the rotating motion of the display unit. Therefore, e.g., if a user holds the side of the display unit and opens or closes the display unit, the display unit can be rotated accidentally. When the display unit is rotated while the opening/closing angle is not large enough for the display unit to be rotated, the corner of the display unit can come into contact with the top surface of the main unit and damage it, resulting in poor usability.
An electronic apparatus of Embodiment 3 has a configuration that can overcome the above disadvantages of the configuration as disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A.
As shown in
When the notebook computer is in the first state of the fourth state, the projections 51 and 52 can be fitted in recesses 2d and 2e that are formed in the lower surface 2b of the second case 2. The projections 51 and 52 preferably are made of a resin material so as to prevent the lower surface 2b of the second case 2 from being scratched and suppress the generation of an unusual sound as they are fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e. In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are made of, e.g., a polycarbonate resin. The projections 51 and 52 preferably are hemispherical or conical in shape, so that they can be fitted smoothly in the recesses 2d and 2e. In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are in the form of a hemisphere.
The projections 51 and 52 are deformable from a protruding position shown in
The biasing means is not essential. For example, when the projections 51 and 52 are separated from the recesses 2d and 2e and pressed against the lower surface 2b of the second case 2, and the portions of the lower surfaces 2b in contact with the projections 51 and 52 are made of an elastically deformable material, the biasing means will not be necessary. In this case, although scratches on the lower surface 2b made by the projections 51 and 52 can be reduced, the position of the second case 2 may be unstable in the first state or the fourth state of the notebook computer. However, by forming the projections 51 and 52 to have the lowest possible height, if a force is applied to the projections 51 and 52 in the horizontal direction (i.e., the plane direction of the top surface 1a of the first case 1), their deformations can be minimized. Therefore, the second case 2 can be positioned stably when the projections 51 and 52 are fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e.
As shown in
It is preferable that the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located in the middle between the rotation axis C1 and one end of the second case 2 in the width direction and between the rotation axis C1 and the other end. As shown in
K=(L2+L3)/L1.
It is preferable that the projections 51 and 52 are located so that the ratio K falls in the following range:
0.4≦K≦0.7,
where L2=L3.
In this embodiment, K=0.6.
As described above, the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located at the distances L2 and L3 from the rotation axis C1, respectively. Therefore, even if there is a mechanical rattle in the rotating hinge 7, the rattle of the second case 2 can be suppressed, and thus the position of the second case 2 relative to the hinge support 8 can be stabilized. If the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located so that the distances L2 and L3 are short, i.e., the ratio K is less than 0.4, the rattle of the second case 2 cannot be suppressed sufficiently when the rotating hinge 7 causes a mechanical rattle. Accordingly, it is preferable that the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located so that the ratio K is 0.4 or more, as described above, because the rattle of the second case 2 can be reduced.
Moreover, if the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located at the ends of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction, and the second case 2 is distorted, e.g., by the application of a large pressing force, the projections 51 and 52 may not be fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e. In this embodiment, the fitting positions of the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2d and 2e are located so that the ratio K is 0.7 or less. Therefore, even if the second case 2 is distorted, e.g., by the application of a large pressing force, it is possible to reduce the chance that the projections 51 and 52 cannot be fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e.
Hereinafter, the motion will be described.
As shown in
When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 from the first state (see
When the second case 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C around the rotation axis C1 from the third state (see
The motion of the projections 51 and 52 when the second case 2 is rotated from the position in the fourth state (see
The second case 2 is opened and closed together with the hinge support 8. Therefore, during the opening/closing motion between the first state and the second state, the projection 51 is fitted in the recess 2d and the projection 52 is fitted in the recess 2e. Moreover, during the opening/closing motion between the fourth state and the fifth state, the projection 51 if fitted in the recess 2e and the projection 52 is fitted in the recess 2d.
In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7 are located independently at separate positions. Therefore, when the second case 2 is opened and closed, the load applied to the rotating hinge 7 can be reduced. As disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A, if a single hinge is used for both the opening/closing motion and the rotating motion of the second case (i.e., a two-axis hinge structure), the rotating hinge portion is subjected to a load every time the second case is opened and closed. Thus, the rotating hinge portion is likely to rattle. In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 are disposed on both ends of the connection portion of the first easel and the second case 2, and the rotating hinge 7 is disposed substantially in the middle of the connection portion of the first case 1 and the second case 2. This configuration can reduce the load applied to the rotating hinge 7 during the opening/closing motion of the second case 2, thereby suppressing the occurrence of a rattle in the rotating hinge 7.
In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are located in the middle between the rotation axis C1 of the rotating hinge 7 and one end of the second case 2 in the longitudinal direction and between the rotation axis C1 and the other end. Therefore, even if there is a mechanical rattle in the rotating hinge 7, the position of the second case 2 can be stabilized in both the first state and the fourth state. Moreover, even if there is a distortion such as warpage in the second case 2, it is possible to increase the chance that the projections 51 and 52 can be fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e.
In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are located symmetrically with respect to the rotation axis C1. Therefore, positioning can be performed when the second case 2 is located at the position in the first state and at the position in the fourth state. Thus, the projections 51 and 52 and the recesses 2d and 2e can be used in both the first state and the fourth state, so that the number of projections can be reduced.
In this embodiment, the second case 2 has the recesses 2d and 2e, and the hinge support 8 has the projections 51 and 52. However, the second case 2 may have projections corresponding to the projections 51 and 52, and the hinge support 8 may have recesses corresponding to the recesses 2d and 2e.
In this embodiment, the projections are provided in two places and the recesses are provided in two places. However, the projection may be provided only in one place. That is, a configuration of this embodiment may include the projection 51 and the recesses 2d and 2e. With this configuration, the projection 51 can be fitted in the recess 2d in the first state or the second state of the notebook computer, and also fitted in the recess 2e in the fourth state or the fifth state of the notebook computer. Therefore, the positioning of the second case 2 with respect to the first case 1 can be performed. However, in this configuration, the distance between the projection 51 and the rotation axis C1, the distance between the recess 2d and the rotation axis C1, and the distance between the recess 2e and the rotation axis C1 should be the same. The combination of the projection 52 and the recesses 2d and 2e also functions in the same manner.
In this embodiment, the projections 51 and 52 are fitted in the recesses 2d and 2e, thereby performing the positioning of the second case 2. However, in this configuration, the projections 51 and 52 detach relatively easily from the recesses 2d and 2e. Some users have little opportunity to rotate the second case 2 around the rotation axis C1. If there is little opportunity to rotate the second case 2, it is preferable that the configuration includes a mechanism for inhibiting the rotation of the second case 2.
The second case 2 includes the slide lever 61 serving as the rotation restraining member. A part of the slide lever 61 is exposed from a hole 2f formed in the front surface 2a of the second case 2. The slide lever 61 is held in the second case 2 with screws 63. The slide lever 61 has long holes, and the screws 63 are inserted through the long holes, respectively. Thus, the slide lever 61 can be moved in the direction of the arrow M or N. Moreover, a restraining axis 62 is provided integrally with the slide lever 61. The restraining axis 62 is retracted into the second case 2 when the slide lever 61 is at the retracted position, as shown in
Hereinafter, the motion will be described.
As shown in
When the second case 2 is located at the position in the first state (see
As shown in
When the slide lever 61 is moved to the retracted position shown in
The use of the slide lever 61 and the restraining axis 62 can prevent the problem of the corner of the second case 2 coming into contact with the top surface of the first case 1 and damaging the first case 1. In a structure in which the second case 2 can be rotated easily, if the second case 2 is rotated at a small opening/closing angle (e.g., less than 90 degrees), the corner of the second case 2 can come into contact with the top surface 1a of the first case 1 and damage the first case 1. In this embodiment, the slide lever 61 and the restraining axis 62 can inhibit the rotation of the second case 2, and thus can prevent the first case 1 from being damaged by the corner of the second case 2.
The first case 1 and the second case 2 of this embodiment are examples of the cases. The opening/closing hinge 3 of this embodiment is an example of the first hinge portion. The rotating hinge 7 of this embodiment is an example of the second hinge portion. The hinge support 8 of this embodiment is an example of the hinge holding portion. The protective sheet 40 of this embodiment is an example of the first protective member. The protective member 41 of this embodiment is an example of the second protective member. The recesses 2d and 2e of this embodiment are examples of the first recess and the second recess. The projections 51 and 52 of this embodiment are examples of the first projection and the second projection. The slide lever 61 and the restraining axis 62 of this embodiment are examples of the rotation restraining member.
Embodiment 4In the electronic apparatus disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A, when the display unit is rotated around the axis X1 while the opening/closing angle between the main unit and the display unit is less than 90 degrees (e.g., the position of the display unit relative to the main unit as shown in FIG. 3 of JP 2004-094647 A), the display unit comes into contact with the keyboard or the like, and thus the display unit, the keyboard, or the like may be damaged. To prevent the display unit from coming into contact with the keyboard or the like during rotation, the display unit should be rotated after being adjusted at an opening/closing angle suitable for rotation (e.g., 90 degrees). However, it is difficult to adjust the display unit accurately.
An electronic apparatus of Embodiment 4 includes opening/closing hinges that can overcome the above disadvantages of the configuration as disclosed in JP 2004-094647 A. The configuration other than the opening/closing hinges of the electronic apparatus of Embodiment 4 is the same as that of the electronic apparatus of Embodiment 1 or 3, and therefore the detailed explanation will not be repeated. Embodiment 4 is characterized by the configuration of the opening/closing hinges.
[1. Configuration of the Opening/Closing Hinges 3]
As shown in
The shaft 11 can be rotated in the direction of the arrow A or B around a line A1 in accordance with the opening/closing motion of the second case 2 in the direction of the arrow A or B. It is preferable that the shaft 11 is made of metal in view of resistance to the force applied as the first case 1 or the second case 2 is turned. In this embodiment, the shaft 11 is made of stainless steel and has a shaft diameter of about 3 to 4 mm and a shaft length of about 15 mm. However, the size and material of the shaft 11 are not limited thereto.
The fifth support member 112 is supported rotatably by the shaft 11. The fifth support member 112 is fixed to the first case 1 with screws 16. The second support member 13 is fixed to the shaft 11 with rivets or the like. The second support member 13 is fixed to the second case 2 with screws 15. Therefore, when the second case 2 is turned between the first state (see
A first support 112a is formed integrally with the fifth support member 112. The first support 112a has a through hole, through which the shaft 11 is inserted rotatably. A second support 13a is formed integrally with the second support member 13. The second support 13a has a through hole, through which the shaft 11 can be inserted. The shaft 11 is inserted through the through hole of the second support 13a and fixed to the second support 13a with rivets or the like. In this embodiment, the opening/closing hinges 3 are disposed on both ends of the connection portion of the first case 1 and the second case 2, and their internal structures are the same. It is preferable that the fifth support member 112 and the second support member 13 be made of metal in view of resistance to the force applied as the first case 1 or the second case 2 is turned. In this embodiment, the fifth support member 112 and the second support member 13 are made of, e.g., stainless steel, but the material is not t limited thereto.
The second torque mechanism 114 is composed of a plurality of disk-shaped washers or rubber sheets and fixed to the shaft 11. In this embodiment, a through hole that allows the shaft 11 to be inserted through the washers or rubber sheets is provided, and the shaft 11 is press-fitted in the through hole. Therefore, the second torque mechanism 114 is rotated together with the shaft 11 as the shaft 11 is rotated in accordance with the turning of the second case 2. The second torque mechanism 114 includes a washer 114a, a washer 114b, and a rubber sheet 114c. The washer 114a is pressed into contact with the first support 112a. Therefore, due to the friction between the fifth support member 112 and the second torque mechanism 114 caused by this contact, a rotational load can be applied to the second case 2. In other words, due to the friction between the fifth support member 112 and the second torque mechanism 114, the position of the second case 2 relative to the first case 1 can be maintained at any opening/closing angle. The configuration of the second torque mechanism 114 of this embodiment is merely an example, and other configurations also may be employed as long as a load can be applied to at least the rotation of the shaft 11 or the turning of the second case 2.
As shown in
Hereinafter, the motion will be described.
When the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow A from the position in the first state (see
When the second case 2 is turned in the direction of the arrow B from the position in the second state (see
When the second case 2 is turned to the position in the first state (see
If the second case 2 is intended to be turned when the convex portion 114d is fitted in the concave portion 112b, the convex portion 114d is in contact with the inner surface of the concave portion 112b and not separated easily from the concave portion 112b. Therefore, the second case 2 can be positioned.
When at least a predetermined force is applied to the second case 2 in the direction of the arrow A or B, the washer 114a is deformed elastically so that the convex portion 114d is separated from the concave portion 112b. Thus, the second case 2 can be turned in the direction of the arrow A or B from the first state.
When the second case 2 is rotated around the rotation axis C1 (see
If the opening/closing angle θ of the second case 2 is more than 100 degrees, the second case 2 further tilts in the direction of the arrow G from the position shown in
[2. Effects of this Embodiment and Others]
In this embodiment, the washer 114a has the convex portion 114d, the first support 112a has the concave portion 112b, and the convex portion 114d is fitted in the concave portion 112b when the opening/closing angle θ of the second case 2 is 90 to 100 degrees. With this configuration, the second case 2 can be positioned lightly at an opening/closing angle of 90 to 100 degrees. Therefore, the second case 2 can be positioned at the opening/closing angle that allows the second case 2 to be rotated. Thus, the second case 2 can be prevented from hitting the first case 1 or the desk surface during rotation.
By positioning the second case 2 at the opening/closing angle that allows the second case 2 to be rotated, wobbling of the second case 2 can be reduced when it is rotated. Therefore, the second case 2 can be rotated in the stable position and prevented from accidentally hitting the first case 1 or the desk surface during rotation.
In this embodiment, the convex portion 114d is fitted in the concave portion 112b when the opening/closing angle of the second case 2 is 90 to 100 degrees. With this configuration, a user can adjust the second case 2 at a desired opening/closing angle while using the notebook computer. In general, it is said that the opening/closing angle at which a user easily can see the images displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 is 110 to 120 degrees during operation of the notebook computer. If the opening/closing angle at which the convex portion 114d is fitted in the concave portion 112b is set to 110 to 120 degrees, it is difficult to make a fine adjustment to the opening/closing angle, since the convex portion 114d is fitted preferentially in the concave portion 112b at an opening/closing angle of about 110 to 120 degrees. The configuration of this embodiment in which the convex portion 114d is fitted in the concave portion 112b at an opening/closing angle of 90 to 100 degrees can reduce the effect on the fine adjustment of the opening/closing angle in the range of 110 to 120 degrees.
When the convex portion 114d is fitted in the concave portion 112b, a tactile feedback can be generated by the action of the elastic restoring force of the washer 114a. Therefore, a user can feel the tactile feedback with the hand holding the second case 2 and easily recognize the opening/closing angle at which the second case 2 should be rotated. In other words, the user turns the second case 2 until he/she feels the tactile feedback, and then rotates the second case 2, so that the second case 2 can be transferred to the fourth state without hitting the first case 1 or the desk surface.
In this embodiment, the washer 114a has the convex portion 114d, and the first support 112a has the concave portion 112b. With this configuration, the positioning of the second case 2 can be achieved easily at low cost. Since only the shapes of the existing washer 114a and first support 112a have to be changed, there is neither an increase in the number of components nor a significant rise in cost.
In this embodiment, the hinge support 8 includes the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7. When the hinge support 8 includes the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7, the opening/closing hinges 3 and the rotating hinge 7 can be located at separate positions. Therefore, in both the first state (the opening/closing angle is 90 degrees) shown in
In this embodiment, the washer 114a has the convex portion 114d, and the first support 112a has the concave portion 112b. However, the washer 114a may have a concave portion, and the first support 112a may have a convex portion.
In this embodiment, the washer 114a has the convex portion 114d, and the first support 112a has the concave portion 112b. However, other configurations also may be employed as long as the second case 2 can be positioned at an opening/closing angle of 90 to 100 degrees.
In this embodiment, the opening/closing angle of the second case 2 for positioning is 90 to 100 degrees. However, depending on the shapes of the first case 1 and the second case 2 or the configuration of the opening/closing hinges 3, the second case 2 may be positioned at other opening/closing angles.
In this embodiment, the second case 2 is positioned when the opening/closing angle between the first case 1 and the second case 2 is 90 degrees. However, a further configuration may be provided to perform the positioning of the second case 2 with respect to the first case 1 in each of the first state (see
By incorporating the configuration of this embodiment in which the second case 2 is positioned at an opening/closing angle of 90 degrees into the configuration shown in
The first case 1 and the second case 2 of this embodiment are examples of the cases. The opening/closing hinge 3 of this embodiment is an example of the first hinge portion. The rotating hinge 7 of this embodiment is an example of the second hinge portion. The concave portion 112b of this embodiment is an example of the concave portion. The convex portion 114d of this embodiment is an example of the convex portion.
The electronic apparatus of the present application is useful for an apparatus including a plurality of cases and a hinge mechanism for supporting the cases openably, closably, and rotatably.
The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. An electronic apparatus with a first case and a second case, comprising:
- a hinge holding portion that is located in the vicinity of the first case and the second case and connected to the second case;
- a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the hinge holding portion; and
- a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the second case and the hinge holding portion,
- wherein the second hinge portion supports the second case so that the second case can be rotated around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to a plane direction of a principal plane of the first case that faces the second case in a closed state in which the first case and the second case are closed, and
- a position where the first hinge portion is joined to the hinge holding portion is separated from a position where the second hinge portion is joined to the hinge holding portion.
2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge portion is disposed so that an opening/closing axis around which the first case and the hinge holding portion are opened and closed is located at a position lower than the principal plane of the first case that faces the second case in the closed state.
3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge portion includes a pair of hinge portions, and
- the second hinge portion is disposed substantially in the middle between the pair of hinge portions.
4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first case includes a first protective member on the principal plane near the hinge holding portion,
- the first protective member protrudes from the principal plane, and
- the first protective member is located at a position where the second case can slide over the first protective member when the second case is rotated around an axis of the second hinge portion.
5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second case includes a second protective member at a position that can face the first case when the second case is rotated around an axis of the second hinge portion.
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second hinge portion is disposed between a pair of hinge portions constituting the first hinge portion,
- the hinge holding portion includes a projection,
- the second case includes a recess in which the projection can be fitted and from which the projection can be separated,
- the projection and the recess can be fitted together when the second case is in a position where the second case can be opened and closed by the first hinge portion, and
- the projection and the recess are located between the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion.
7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the projection includes a first projection and a second projection that have the same size,
- the recess includes a first recess and a second recess in which the first projection and the second projection can be fitted selectively,
- a distance from the first projection to a rotation axis of the second hinge portion is the same as a distance from the second projection to the rotation axis of the second hinge portion, and
- a distance from the first recess to the rotation axis of the second hinge portion is the same as a distance from the second recess to the rotation axis of the second hinge portion.
8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the projection includes a first projection and a second projection that have the same size,
- the recess includes a first recess and a second recess in which the first projection and the second projection can be fitted selectively,
- when the second case is rotated around a rotation axis of the second hinge portion to a first predetermined position, the first projection is fitted in the first recess and the second projection is fitted in the second recess, and
- when the second case is rotated around the rotation axis of the second hinge portion to a second predetermined position, the first projection is fitted in the second recess and the second projection is fitted in the first recess.
9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the first projection is located in the middle between the rotation axis of the second hinge portion and one of the pair of hinge portions,
- the second projection is located in the middle between the rotation axis of the second hinge portion and the other of the pair of hinge portions.
10. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second case includes a rotation restraining member that can be moved from a retracted position in the second case toward the hinge holding portion, and
- the hinge holding portion includes an engagement portion into which the rotation restraining member can be inserted and from which the rotation restraining member can be separated.
11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the rotation restraining member can be inserted into or separated from the engagement portion when the second case is in a position where the second case can be opened and closed by the first hinge portion.
12. The electronic apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the second hinge portion is disposed between a pair of hinge portions constituting the first hinge portion,
- the hinge holding portion includes a projection,
- the second case includes a recess in which the projection can be fitted and from which the projection can be separated,
- the projection and the recess can be fitted together when the second case is in a position where the second case can be opened and closed by the first hinge portion, and
- the projection and the recess are located between the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion.
13. An electronic apparatus with a first case and a second case, comprising:
- a first hinge portion that openably and closably couples the first case and the second case; and
- a second hinge portion that rotatably couples the first case and the second case,
- wherein the first hinge portion controls a position of the second case relative to the first case when an opening/closing angle between the first case and the second case is a predetermined opening/closing angle, and
- the predetermined opening/closing angle is an opening/closing angle at which the second case is spaced from the first case or a surface on which the electronic apparatus is placed during rotation of the second case.
14. The electronic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined opening/closing angle is 90 to 100 degrees.
15. The electronic apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first hinge portion includes a shaft that is fixed to the second case, a support member that is fixed to the first case and allows the shaft to pass therethrough rotatably, and a washer that is in contact with the support member,
- the support member has a concave portion in a surface that comes into contact with the washer,
- the washer has a convex portion in a surface that comes into contact with the support member, and
- the concave portion and the convex portion are formed so as to be fitted together when the opening/closing angle between the first case and the second case is the predetermined opening/closing angle.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 26, 2010
Publication Date: Jun 2, 2011
Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION (Osaka)
Inventors: Yoshihiro KAWADA (Osaka), Hideki HARADA (Osaka), Yoshiaki NAGAMURA (Osaka), Takeshi MORI (Osaka), Hirofumi ASAKURA (Osaka), Hitoshi NAKATANI (Osaka), Hisashi TANIGUCHI (Osaka), Ryo YONEZAWA (Kyoto)
Application Number: 12/954,699
International Classification: B65D 85/00 (20060101);