JP5955876B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device in which a main body portion and a display portion are rotatably connected by a hinge mechanism.

  In recent years, tablet personal computers (tablet PCs) having a touch panel type liquid crystal display and no physical keyboard are rapidly spreading. The tablet PC is easy to carry because it is easy to carry and input operations can be performed using a touch panel.

  However, since the tablet PC does not have a physical keyboard, for example, it may hinder long text input operations. In view of this, a convertible tablet personal computer (convertible PC) has been proposed in which a display unit having a display is rotatable from 180 degrees to 360 degrees with respect to a main body having a keyboard. The convertible PC can be used in two ways: a normal notebook type personal computer (notebook type PC) and a tablet type PC. Patent Document 1 discloses a biaxial hinge mechanism that can be used in this configuration.

JP2013-155874A

  In the convertible PC as described above, when the display unit is rotated to a 360-degree position and transformed into a use form as a tablet PC, the upper surface (operation surface) provided with the keyboard of the main body part is in this use form. It becomes the lower surface (back surface). Accordingly, when used as a tablet PC, various movable members such as a keyboard, a click pad, and a power button that are on the operation surface in the usage form of the notebook PC are exposed on the back surface. For this reason, in a usage form of a tablet PC, if a finger or a desk hits a movable member on the back surface that is not necessary in this usage form, the movable member rattles, and the stability of manual gripping of the housing and touch panel operation is impaired. Will be. Furthermore, an unintended pressing operation of the movable member may occur, and an unexpected malfunction may occur.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems of the prior art, and is high by restricting the operation of the movable member on the operation surface which is unnecessary when the display unit is rotated with respect to the main body. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can ensure operational stability and prevent malfunction.

  An electronic apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that a main body provided with a movable member that operates by a pressing operation on an operation surface and a display provided with a display are rotatably connected by a hinge mechanism, and the main body and the display The part is rotated from a 0 degree position where the operation surface and the display face each other through a 180 degree position where the operation surface and the display face in the same direction and are parallel to each other, to a 360 degree position where the operation face and the back of the display face each other. A link mechanism that operates in conjunction with a rotation operation from the 180-degree position to the 360-degree position with respect to the main body of the display unit; and an operation of the link mechanism And a stopper mechanism that operates and regulates the operation of the movable member.

  According to such a configuration, when the electronic device is used as a tablet PC by rotating the display unit to a 360 degree position, a movable member such as a click pad on the back surface of the electronic device is rattled, and the electronic device is manually operated. It is possible to prevent the gripping of the device and the stability of the touch panel operation on the display from being impaired, and high operation stability can be ensured. In addition, since the pressing operation of the movable member such as the click pad exposed on the back surface when used as a tablet PC can be restricted, it is possible to avoid the malfunction of the movable member being operated unintentionally. On the other hand, when the display unit is used as, for example, a notebook PC with a 90-degree position, since the restriction of the operation of the movable member by the stopper mechanism is released, the operation in this case is not supported.

  The movable member may be a click-type touch pad that accepts a touch operation and a pressing operation.

  The movable member may be a function button to which a predetermined function is assigned. Examples of the function buttons include a power button, a volume button, a speaker mute button, and a microphone mute button.

  The stopper mechanism may have a stopper member that engages with the movable member by moving in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism and restricts the operation. Then, the operation of the movable member can be reliably regulated by the stopper member in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism that rotates the display unit.

  The link mechanism is a first slide member that moves in the front-rear direction with respect to the main body housing of the main body portion in conjunction with a rotation operation from the 180-degree position to the 360-degree position with respect to the main body portion of the display section. The stopper mechanism may have a second slide member that moves in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the movement of the first slide member in the front-rear direction and moves the stopper member. If it does so, the restriction | limiting by a stopper mechanism can be reliably performed via the 1st slide member and the 2nd slide member also to the downward movement member in the position spaced apart from the link mechanism.

  The stopper member is pivotally supported with respect to the main body casing and is connected to the second slide member by a rotation shaft, and is driven by the second slide member that moves in the front-rear direction. It may be rotated. If it does so, the moving force of the 2nd slide member to the front-back direction can be changed to a rotation direction, and the restriction | limiting by a stopper mechanism can be reliably performed with respect to the movable member in each position.

  A wire member that moves the second slide member in the front-rear direction by rotating between the first slide member and the second slide member in response to a movement force in the front-rear direction of the first slide member. When connected with each other, the first slide member and the second slide member can be linked in a space-saving manner.

  The hinge mechanism has a biaxial structure in which the second axis starts rotating after the first axis rotates to the rotation end point position, and the first axis rotates from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position. The second shaft rotates from the 180 degree position to the 360 degree position, and the link mechanism operates in conjunction with the rotation of the second axis. However, the display unit can be pivotally connected to the main body unit from the 0 degree position to the 360 degree position, and the rotation of the first axis and the second axis is switched at the 180 degree position. The stopper mechanism can be operated smoothly using this hinge mechanism.

  According to the present invention, when the electronic device is used as a tablet PC by rotating the display unit to a 360-degree position, the operation of a movable member such as a click pad on the back surface can be restricted, and high operation is achieved. Stability can be ensured. Furthermore, since the pressing operation of a movable member such as a click pad exposed on the back surface when used as a tablet PC can be restricted, it is possible to prevent the movable member from being operated unintentionally and causing a malfunction.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of how the electronic device shown in FIG. 1 is used in a notebook PC. FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of a usage pattern in a tablet PC where the display unit is further rotated in the opening direction from the state shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a hinge mechanism provided in the electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view schematically showing a rotation operation of the display unit with respect to the main body using the hinge mechanism shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 (A) is a diagram showing a 0 degree position. 5 (B) is a diagram showing a 45 degree position, FIG. 5 (C) is a figure showing a 135 degree position, FIG. 5 (D) is a figure showing a 180 degree position, and FIG. FIG. 5E is a diagram illustrating a 225 degree position, FIG. 5F is a diagram illustrating a 315 degree position, and FIG. 5G is a diagram illustrating a 360 degree position. FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the main body. FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining the vertical movement of the bezel, and FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the state of the bezel and the link mechanism between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating the state of the bezel and the link mechanism at the 360-degree position. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state of the bezel and the key between the 0 degree position and the 180 degree position. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the state of the bezel and the key between the 360-degree positions. FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing one end side of the drive wire in order to explain the operation of the drive wire. FIG. 10 (A) shows the drive from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position. It is a figure which shows the state of a wire, FIG.10 (B) is a figure which shows the state of the drive wire in a 360 degree position. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a torsion coil spring interposed between the bezel and the lower cover. 12 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the relationship between the bezel, the key, and the lower cover, and FIG. 12 (A) is a diagram showing a state between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position. (B) is a figure which shows the state in a 360-degree position. 13 is a side view for explaining the state of the transmission wire when the slide frame is slid, and FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the state from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position. (B) is a figure which shows the state in a 360-degree position. 14 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the stopper mechanism, and FIG. 14A is a diagram showing the state of the stopper mechanism between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position. (B) is a figure which shows the state of the stopper mechanism in a 360 degree position. FIG. 15 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the operation of the stopper mechanism, and FIG. 15A is a diagram showing the state of the stopper mechanism between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position. (B) is a figure which shows the state of the stopper mechanism in a 360 degree position. 16 is a front cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the stopper mechanism, and FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the state of the stopper mechanism from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position. (B) is a figure which shows the state of the stopper mechanism in a 360 degree position. 17 is a plan view schematically showing the operation of the transmission wire, and FIG. 17A is a diagram showing the state of the transmission wire between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position. (B) is a figure which shows the state of the transmission wire in a 360 degree position. FIG. 18 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the operation of the stopper mechanism when restricting the operation of the function button. FIG. 18A shows the stopper mechanism between the 0 degree position and the 180 degree position. FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating a state of the stopper mechanism at a 360-degree position.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1. Description of Overall Configuration of Electronic Device FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The display unit 14 is opened from the main body 16 by the hinge mechanisms 12L and 12R, and the two are substantially orthogonal. Indicates the state. FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of a usage pattern of the electronic device 10 shown in FIG. 1 in a notebook PC. FIG. 3 is a diagram of 360 by rotating the display unit 14 in the opening direction from the state shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows an example of the usage pattern in the tablet type PC made into the degree position.

  The electronic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment can be suitably used as a notebook PC in a state where the display unit 14 is rotated to an angular position of about 90 degrees with respect to the main body unit 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). A so-called convertible tablet personal computer (convertible PC) that can be suitably used as a tablet PC in a state where the display unit 14 is rotated to a position of 360 degrees with respect to the main body unit 16 (see FIG. 3). As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, if the display unit 14 is slightly raised from the 360-degree position, it can be used as a stand-type tablet PC based on the main body unit 16. The present invention can be suitably applied to any electronic device that can rotate the display unit to a position of 360 degrees with respect to the main body, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or an electronic notebook, other than such a convertible PC.

  In the following, with reference to the usage pattern in the notebook PC shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. In the direction seen from the user operating the pointing stick 17, click pad 19, and keyboard 20, the front side is called the front side (front), the back side is called the rear side (rear), and the thickness direction of the main body 16 is the vertical direction. The width direction will be referred to as the left-right direction.

  In addition, for convenience of explanation, with respect to the angular positions of the main body portion 16 and the display portion 14 by the hinge mechanisms 12L and 12R, the display portion 14 is completely closed with respect to the main body portion 16 and the display 18 and the upper surface 16a face each other. Is called the 0 degree position (not shown). Then, with the 0 degree position as a reference, the display unit 14 is described with an angle in a direction in which the display unit 14 is rotated in the opening direction. For example, the display 18 and the upper surface 16a are parallel to each other in the same direction (upward). The posture is called a 180-degree position (see the display unit 14 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2), and the display 18 and the back surface of the upper surface 16a, that is, the back surface 14b of the display unit 14 and the lower surface 16b of the main body unit 16 face each other. The posture is referred to as a 360-degree position (see FIG. 3). Note that the 0-degree position, the 180-degree position, and the 360-degree position are slightly different from the exact angular positions indicated by the angle numbers due to the structure of the main body 16, the display 14, or the hinge mechanisms 12L and 12R. Naturally, this also occurs, and in the present embodiment, the angular position including these deviated angular positions is referred to as a 0 degree position.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electronic device 10 includes a display unit 14 having a display 18 and a main body unit 16 having input means (movable members) such as a click pad 19 and a keyboard 20. The display unit 14 and the main body unit 16 are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable from a 0 degree position to a 360 degree position by a pair of left and right hinge mechanisms 12L and 12R (hereinafter collectively referred to as “hinge mechanism 12”).

  The display unit 14 is electrically connected to the main body unit 16 by a cable (not shown) that has passed through the hinge mechanism 12. The display 18 is composed of, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device.

  The main body 16 is provided with the hinge mechanism 12 at the rear edge of the main body housing 22 formed in a flat box shape. Various electronic components such as a substrate, a computing device, and a memory (not shown) are accommodated in the main body housing 22.

  The keyboard 20 provided on the upper surface 16a of the main body 16 includes a plurality of keys 20a and a bezel 20b provided around each key 20a. The bezel 20b is a frame in which a plurality of holes 21 (see FIG. 8) through which each key 20a is inserted into a single plate-like member. The bezel 20b can move up and down within the opening for arranging the keyboard 20 formed on the upper surface 16a of the main body portion 16, specifically, the upper cover 22a of the main body housing 22 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The up / down operation (advance / retreat operation) is interlocked with the rotation operation of the display unit 14 by the hinge mechanism 12. A pointing stick 17 is disposed substantially at the center of the keyboard 20. The pointing stick 17 is used to operate a cursor (not shown) displayed on the display 18 and is an input means that can be linked to a button function assigned to the click pad 19.

  A click pad 19 provided at the front center of the upper surface 16a of the main body 16 is a click-type touch pad that accepts a touch operation and a pressing operation. The click pad 19 includes a pointing function for operating a cursor by touching a flat sensor board (operation board) 19a with a finger, and a button function for performing a click or the like by pressing the sensor board 19a itself. Have The structure of the click pad 19 is publicly known, and a switch (not shown) can be connected and separated by pressing the rubber dome 19b (see FIG. 16) disposed below the sensor plate 19a. it can. The click pad 19 of this embodiment has a structure (five-button click pad) in which five types of button functions are assigned by dividing the upper surface (touch surface) of the sensor plate 19a. The pressing operation (button function) of the click pad 19 can be regulated by a stopper mechanism 24 provided in the main body housing 22 (see FIGS. 6 and 16), and the operation of the stopper mechanism 24 is performed by the hinge mechanism 12. This is interlocked with the rotation operation of the display unit 14.

2. 2. Description of Hinge Mechanism 2.1 Description of Hinge Mechanism Configuration Next, a configuration example of the hinge mechanism 12 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the hinge mechanism 12 provided in the electronic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, in the case where the display unit 14 is located from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position with respect to the main body part 16. The state of the left hinge mechanism 12L is shown. Hereinafter, the left hinge mechanism 12L will be described as an example of the hinge mechanism 12 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but the right hinge mechanism 12R is symmetrical to the left hinge mechanism 12L. Since the attachment position of the link pin 26 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4 is basically the same except for the left and right sides, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the hinge mechanism 12 </ b> L (12 </ b> R) includes a first shaft (first axis) 28 extending in the left-right direction and a second shaft (second axis) installed in parallel with the first shaft 28. ) 30 and a pair of left and right guide plates 32 and 32 rotatably supporting the first shaft 28 and the second shaft 30 respectively. Between the pair of guide plates 32 and 32 and sandwiched between the first shaft 28 and the second shaft 30, it is supported so as to be reciprocally movable and rotatable between the first shaft 28 and the second shaft 30. A float pin 34 is provided.

  The first shaft 28 is connected to the display unit 14 in a non-rotatable state by inserting and fixing both ends of the first shaft 28 in fitting holes (not shown) provided in the housing of the display unit 14. The second shaft 30 is connected to the main body portion 16 in a non-rotatable state by inserting and fixing both ends of the second shaft 30 into fitting holes (not shown) provided in the main body housing 22 of the main body portion 16.

  Each guide plate 32 is a belt-like plate member having both ends formed in an arc shape, and shaft holes 32a and 32b are formed through the arc-shaped portions at both ends. The first shaft 28 is rotatably inserted in the shaft hole 32a, and the second shaft 30 is rotatably inserted in the shaft hole 32b. Accordingly, the display unit 14 is supported to be rotatable with respect to the guide plate 32 together with the first shaft 28, and the main body unit 16 is supported to be rotatable with respect to the guide plate 32 together with the second shaft 30.

  A long hole 32c extending in the direction in which the shaft holes 32a and 32b are arranged (vertical direction in FIG. 4) is formed at the central portion between the shaft holes 32a and 32b of each guide plate 32. Small diameter portions 34a at both ends of the float pin 34 are inserted through the long holes 32c.

  The float pin 34 has small-diameter portions 34a at both ends inserted through the long holes 32c of the left and right guide plates 32 from the inner surface side, and the central large-diameter portion 34b prevents the long-holes 32c from coming off. Accordingly, the float pin 34 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the long hole 32c at a position between the left and right guide plates 32, 32 and between the first shaft 28 and the second shaft 30, and the long hole 32c is supported in a rotatable state as a bearing.

  An arc-shaped groove portion 28a into which a part of the large-diameter portion 34b of the float pin 34 can be fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the central portion located between the left and right guide plates 32, 32 of the first shaft 28 and the second shaft 30. And the groove part 30a is formed. As shown in FIG. 4, the groove portions 28 a and 30 a are formed at positions where the display portion 14 faces upward with respect to the main body portion 16 in a state where the display portion 14 is located at a position from 0 degrees to 180 degrees. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the large-diameter portion 34 b of the float pin 34 positioned at the lower portion in the long hole 32 c due to gravity is fitted in the groove portion 30 a of the second shaft 30 (FIG. 5 ( A) to FIG. 5D).

  As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, the hinge mechanism 12 </ b> L (12 </ b> R) has a box-like hinge housing 36. The hinge housing 36 accommodates all the components of the hinge mechanism 12L (12R) including the guide plate 32 therein by fixing the peripheral end surface of each guide plate 32 to the inner surface thereof. Only both ends of the first shaft 28 and both ends of the second shaft 30 protrude to the outside from the left and right side surfaces of the hinge housing 36 and are connected to the display unit 14 and the main body unit 16, respectively.

  A link pin 26 projects from one side surface of the hinge housing 36 at a position on the front side of the second shaft 30 (see the link pin 26 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4). The link pin 26 is a component for interlocking the hinge mechanism 12 with the bezel 20b and the stopper mechanism 24. The link pin 26 is provided on the inner surface of the left and right hinge mechanisms 12L and 12R, and is connected to a link mechanism 40 described later (see also FIG. 6).

  A stopper piece 37 projects from the other side surface of the hinge housing 36 at the rear side of the long hole 32c (see the stopper piece 37 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4). The stopper piece 37 is a member that comes into contact with the display unit 14 positioned at 180 degrees and restricts further rotation (see also FIG. 5D).

2.2 Description of Rotation Operation by Hinge Mechanism Next, the rotation operation of the display unit 14 and the main body unit 16 by the hinge mechanism 12 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is an operation explanatory view schematically showing the turning operation of the display unit 14 with respect to the main body 16 using the hinge mechanism 12 shown in FIG. 4, and representatively shows the operation of the left hinge mechanism 12L. . 5A is a diagram illustrating a 0 degree position, FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a 45 degree position, and FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a 135 degree position. (D) is a diagram showing a 180-degree position, FIG. 5 (E) is a diagram showing a 225-degree position, FIG. 5 (F) is a diagram showing a 315-degree position, and FIG. ) Is a diagram showing a 360-degree position.

  When the display unit 14 is rotated in the opening direction from the main body unit 16, first, the float pin 34 is placed in the groove 30a between the 0 degree position and the 180 degree position shown in FIGS. 5 (A) to 5 (D). It is mated. For this reason, the rotation of the second shaft 30 is restricted, and the main body 16, the second shaft 30 and the hinge housing 36 are integrated. Therefore, the display unit 14 rotates with the first shaft 28 and the first shaft 28 as a rotation axis with respect to the main body 16, the second shaft 30, and the hinge housing 36, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. It can be used as such a notebook PC.

  At the 180 degree position shown in FIG. 5D (see also the display unit 14 indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2), the back surface 14b of the display unit 14 abuts on a stopper piece 37 provided on the hinge housing 36, The rotation about the first shaft 28 as a rotation axis is restricted. In this state, the groove portion 28a of the first shaft 28 faces downward and is in a position where the float pin 34 can be received.

  Subsequently, if the display unit 14 is rotated further in the opening direction than the 180-degree position, this time, the display unit 14 and the first shaft 28 are interposed via the stopper piece 37 as shown in FIG. And the hinge housing 36 are integrated, and the second shaft 30 starts to rotate about the rotation axis. Along with this rotation, the float pin 34 is detached from the groove portion 30a of the second shaft 30 and fitted into the groove portion 28a of the first shaft 28, so that the main body portion 16 and the second shaft 30 and the hinge housing 36 are integrated. Canceled. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 5E to 5G, the display unit 14, the first shaft 28, and the hinge housing 36 are integrated with each other in the opening direction from the 180-degree position. In contrast, the second shaft 30 is rotated about the rotation axis.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 5 (G), when the display unit 14 turns around to the back side of the main body unit 16 and the stopper piece 37 comes into contact with the back surface of the main body unit 16, the rotation is restricted and the 360 degree position is reached. Thus, for example, the tablet PC can be used as shown in FIG.

3. 3. Description of movable structure interlocked with pivoting operation by hinge mechanism 3.1 Explanation of link mechanism Next, a link mechanism 40 that interlocks the pivoting operation of the display unit 14 by the hinge mechanism 12 with the bezel 20b and the stopper mechanism 24 will be described. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the main body 16, in which the upper cover 22 a of the main body housing 22 is removed and the link mechanism 40 that operates the bezel 20 b and the stopper mechanism 24 in conjunction with the hinge mechanism 12. Is schematically shown. In FIG. 6, the left hinge mechanism 12L and the link mechanism 40 interlocked with the left hinge mechanism 12L show a state in the 0-degree position to the 180-degree position, and the right hinge mechanism 12R and the link mechanism 40 interlocked therewith are in the 360-degree position. The state at is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the link mechanism 40 is accommodated in the main body housing 22 of the main body portion 16, and is connected to the hinge mechanism 12 via the link member 42, the link member 42, and the buffer portion 44. And a slide member 46 to be connected.

  The link member 42 includes an L-shaped engagement arm 42a whose one end is engaged with the link pin 26 of the hinge mechanism 12, and a rail 42b extending forward from the other end of the engagement arm 42a. The link member 42 is provided to be movable in the front-rear direction on the upper surface (inner surface) of the lower cover 22b. At the tip of the engagement arm 42a, there is provided an engagement recess 39 that extends in the vertical direction and opens downward (see FIGS. 7 and 13). By engaging the engaging recess 39 with respect to the link pin 26 from above, the link pin 26 and the engaging arm 42 a (link mechanism 40) are coupled, and the link pin 26 is moved within the engaging recess 39. It is held in a vertically movable and rotatable state.

  The slide member 46 includes a pair of front and rear sliders 46a, 46a slidably engaged with the rail 42b of the link member 42, and a slide frame (first slide member) 46c connected to the slider 46a by a bridge 46b. . The slide member 46 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction on the upper surface of the lower cover 22b. A coil spring 44a constituting the buffer portion 44 is bridged between the front end side of the slider 46a and the rear end side of the rail 42b. The link member 42 and the slide member 46 are connected by a coil spring 44a. In normal times, when the link member 42 moves with the rotation of the hinge mechanism 12, the coil spring 44 a functions as a substantially rigid bar, and the slide member 46 also moves together with the link member 42. On the other hand, when the hinge mechanism 12 is rotated in a state in which the slide member 46 receives an external force and cannot move, the coil spring 44a extends and only the link member 42 moves. The buffer portion 44 may be other than the configuration using the coil spring 44a.

  A plurality of slits 49 are formed on the inner surface of the slide frame 46c. Each slit 49 except the front end side is engaged with an end portion of a drive wire (wire member) 48 that is pivotally supported on the lower surface of the bezel 20b and extends in the left-right direction. One end of a transmission wire (wire member) 52 is engaged with the slit 49 on the front end side. The other end of the transmission wire 52 is engaged with a slit 50 a of the slide bar 50 that constitutes the stopper mechanism 24. The slide frame 46c is guided in the front-rear direction by inserting a guide pin 51 standing from the lower cover 22b into the long hole 46d in the front-rear direction (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

3.2 Explanation of Bezel Moving Structure Next, the bezel 20b moving structure will be described.

3.2 (1) Description of Bezel Configuration First, the configuration of the bezel 20b will be described. FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining the vertical movement of the bezel 20b, and FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the state of the bezel 20b and the link mechanism 40 between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the state of the bezel 20b and the link mechanism 40 at the 360-degree position. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the state of the bezel 20b and the key 20a between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position, and FIG. 9 shows the state of the bezel 20b and the key 20a between the 360-degree positions. It is a perspective view shown.

  The bezel 20 b is a frame-like plate member disposed around the key 20 a of the keyboard 20, and can be moved up and down on the upper surface 16 a side of the main body 16. The bezel 20 b moves up and down when its lower surface (inner surface) is pressed by the drive wire 48. The bezel 20b is lifted so that the top surface thereof is flush with or slightly above the top surface of the key 20a from the lowered position (see FIGS. 7A and 8) where the top surface is below the top surface of the key 20a. It is possible to move to a position (see FIG. 7B and FIG. 9).

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the bezel 20b, a plurality of guide pins 56 standing from the lower cover 22b are appropriately interposed inside the horizontal frame 20c and the vertical frame 20d. The guide pin 56 guides the bezel 20b in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction, and the up-and-down movement thereof is smooth without rattling.

3.2 (2) Description of Drive Wire Configuration Next, the configuration and operation of the drive wire 48 that moves the bezel 20b up and down will be described. FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing one end side of the drive wire 48 in order to explain the operation of the drive wire 48. FIG. 10A shows the position between the 0 degree position and the 180 degree position. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the state of the drive wire 48 at the 360-degree position.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the drive wire 48 is spanned between the slits 49 and 49 of the left and right slide frames 46c and 46c. The drive wire 48 is a hard wire formed of SUS material or the like, and has sufficient rigidity with a diameter of about 1 mm, for example. In the present embodiment, seven drive wires 48 are juxtaposed in the front-rear direction. The end portions of the drive wires 48 are engaged with the left and right slits 49, 49 so as to be movable up and down and rotatable, and extend to the left and right so as to fill the gap in the front-rear direction formed between the keys 20 a. The bezel 20b is connected to the lower surface of the horizontal frame 20c in a rotatable state (see FIGS. 7 to 10).

  At both ends of the drive wire 48, when viewed in the posture from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position shown in FIG. A first arm portion 48b bent from the base end of the joint portion 48a and extending upward, and a second arm portion 48c bent from the base end of the first arm portion 48b and extended inward in the left-right direction. And a third arm portion 48d that is bent from the base end of the second arm portion 48c and extends rearward. A base portion 48e that is bent inward in the left-right direction and extends in the left-right direction from the third arm portions 48d at the left and right ends is pivotally supported on the lower surface of the horizontal frame 20c of the bezel 20b. The base portion 48e is formed with a pressing portion 48f bent in a V shape toward the front. A plurality of pressing portions 48f are formed in the left-right direction of the base portion 48e, and correspond to the lower surface position of the vertical frame 20d of the bezel 20b extending back and forth so as to fill the left-right gap formed between the keys 20a. (See FIGS. 8 and 9). The configuration at both ends of the drive wire 48 is symmetrical.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the base portion 48 e of the drive wire 48 is inserted into a long hole 60 a in the vertical direction formed in the wall member 60, and is held rotatably and vertically movable in the long hole 60 a. Has been. The wall member 60 stands up from the lower cover 22 b of the main body housing 22 so as to surround the outer periphery of the keyboard 20. 8 and 9, the wall member 60 is omitted in order to ensure the visibility of the drawings.

3.2 (3) Description of Up and Down Movement of Bezel Next, the up and down movement of the bezel 20b using such a drive wire 48 will be described.

  When the display unit 14 is rotated by the hinge mechanism 12, the link pin 26 protruding from the side surface of the hinge housing 36 is from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position shown in FIGS. 5 (A) to 5 (D). The position is held at the same position together with the hinge housing 36 whose position does not change, and remains at the position on the front side of the second shaft 30. When the display unit 14 is rotated in the opening direction beyond the 180 degree position, the link pin 26 gradually moves rearward along with the hinge housing 36 that rotates about the second shaft 30. However (see FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F), at the 360 degree position, it moves to a position on the rear side of the second shaft 30 (see FIG. 5G).

  As described above, in the hinge mechanism 12, the position of the link pin 26 in the front-rear direction does not change until the rotation angle of the display unit 14 reaches the 180 degree position, but after the 180 degree position is exceeded, the rotation angle of the link pin 26 does not change. As the distance increases, it moves gradually toward the rear side.

  Therefore, between the 0 degree position and the 180 degree position, as shown in FIG. 7A, the position of the link pin 26 in the front-rear direction remains unchanged at the position P1, and the slide frame 46c constituting the link mechanism 40 is maintained. The position of remains at the initial position. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 10A, the drive wire 48 is landed on the lower cover 22b with the base portion 48e landing on the lower cover 22b and the pressing portion 48f lying sideways. ing. For this reason, the third arm portion 48d bent from the base portion 48e held in the long hole 60a of the wall member 60 also lands on the lower cover 22b, and is in the horizontal posture (0 ° posture) shown in FIG. It has become. 7A and 7B, only the outer shape of the slide member 46 (slide frame 46c) is shown in order to clearly show the operation of the bezel 20b and the drive wire 48.

  In this state, the bezel 20b to which the base portion 48e of the drive wire 48 is rotatably connected is also pulled down by the base portion 48e and is in the lowered position, and as shown in FIG. The top surface is on the bottom, and the key 20a can be operated satisfactorily. As shown in FIG. 11, a torsion coil spring 62 that constantly urges the bezel 20b downward is interposed between the lower surface of the bezel 20b and the upper surface of the lower cover 22b. Due to the urging force of the torsion coil spring 62, the bezel 20b is reliably held at a predetermined lowered position between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position, and rattling or the like does not occur. For example, a plurality of torsion coil springs 62 are provided on the lower surface side of the vertical frame 20d of the bezel 20b.

  Subsequently, when the display unit 14 is rotated beyond the position of 180 degrees, the link pin 26 moves the second shaft 30 by the hinge housing 36 that rotates in the opening direction around the second shaft 30. The position in the front-rear direction moves backward while turning upward as a turning shaft and moving upward. For example, at the 270-degree position, the link pin 26 moves upward in the engagement recess 39 of the engagement arm 42a of the link member 42 and pulls the link member 42 backward (FIG. 7A). (See the two-dot chain line in the middle). Then, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 10B, the engaging portion 48a of the drive wire 48 is moved rearward by the slide frame 46c moving rearward. Therefore, the drive wire 48 rises while the engaging portion 48a rotates within the slit 49 of the slide frame 46c, and the base portion 48e rises while rotating within the long hole 60a of the wall member 60. Is lifted upward, and the pressing portion 48f rises while sliding on the lower cover 22b at the V-shaped apex.

  When the display unit 14 is further rotated, the link pin 26 pivots about the second shaft 30 and gradually moves downward, while its front-rear position moves further rearward. As a result, the link pin 26 moves downward in the engagement recess 39 of the engagement arm 42a of the link member 42, and further draws and moves the link member 42 rearward.

  Finally, at the 360 degree position, the link pin 26 is at a position P2 shown in FIG. 7B (see also FIG. 5G), and the slide frame 46c is further moved rearward. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 10B, the third arm portion 48d bent from the base end side of the second arm portion 48c landing on the lower cover 22b is formed on the lower cover 22b. It stands up from the position shown in FIG. 7B and has a substantially vertical posture (80-degree posture). Note that FIG. 10B illustrates a state in which the driving wire 48 is rotated by 90 degrees and the third arm portion 48d is in the vertical posture (90-degree posture) in order to ensure the visibility of the drawing. Actually, the posture is the same as that of FIG. 7B.

  In this state, the base portion 48e is in the raised position raised from the lower cover 22b, and the bezel 20b connected to the base portion 48e is also lifted and raised by the base portion 48e against the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 62. In position. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper surface of the bezel 20b is flush with or slightly above the top surface of the key 20a, and the upper surface of the keyboard 20 is substantially flat (see also FIG. 12B). That is, since each key 20a is substantially hidden by the bezel 20b, the keyboard 20 does not get in the way when used as a tablet PC.

  On the other hand, when the display unit 14 at the 360 degree position is rotated in the closing direction, the display unit 14 is moved 180 degrees from the 360 degree position because an operation in the direction opposite to the above-described rotation operation in the opening direction occurs. The link pin 26 moves forward as it is rotated to the position. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 10A, the drive wire 48 has the base portion 48e and the pressing portion 48f landed on the lower cover 22b, and the third arm portion 48d on the lower cover 22b. As the vehicle returns to the horizontal posture (0-degree posture), the bezel 20b is also drawn by the base portion 48e to the lowered position. At this time, the bezel 20 b can be reliably returned to the lowered position by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 62.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 (A) and 12 (B), a key stopper 64 protruding inward of the hole 21 is provided at the lower end of the hole 21 corresponding to the key 20a of the bezel 20b. Has been.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, when the bezel 20b is in the raised position at the 360 degree position, the key stopper 64 is raised to a position that holds the lower end of the key 20a. As a result, the pressing operation of the key 20a when the bezel 20b is in the raised position is prevented. Therefore, when the tablet PC is used, the key 20a is erroneously operated, and the key 20a does not rattle. It can be prevented from occurring. That is, the bezel 20b and the key stopper 64 provided on the bezel 20b operate in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism 40, and function as a stopper mechanism (stopper member) that restricts the operation (pressing operation) of the key 20a that is a movable member. Will do.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, a notch (relief portion) 66 into which the key stopper 64 can be inserted is formed at a position corresponding to the key stopper 64 of the lower cover 22b. Thereby, when the bezel 20b is in the lowered position between the 0 degree position and the 180 degree position, the key stopper 64 can be retracted to a position sufficiently separated from the key 20a, and the stroke of the key 20a can be reduced. It is possible to secure enough.

3.3 Description of Movable Structure of Stopper Mechanism Next, the movable structure of the stopper mechanism 24 that restricts the pressing operation of the click pad 19 will be described.

3.3 (1) Description of Configuration of Stopper Mechanism First, the configuration of the stopper mechanism 24 will be described. FIG. 13 is a side view for explaining the state of the transmission wire 52 when the slide frame 46c slides, and FIG. 13 (A) is a diagram showing the state from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position. FIG. 13B is a diagram illustrating a state at a 360-degree position. FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the stopper mechanism 24, and FIG. 14 (A) is a diagram showing the state of the stopper mechanism 24 from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a state of the stopper mechanism 24 at the 360-degree position. FIG. 15 is an explanatory plan view for explaining the operation of the stopper mechanism 24. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing the state of the stopper mechanism 24 between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position. FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a state of the stopper mechanism 24 at the 360-degree position. FIG. 16 is a front cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the stopper mechanism 24, and FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the state of the stopper mechanism 24 between the 0 degree position and the 180 degree position. FIG. 16B is a diagram illustrating a state of the stopper mechanism 24 at the 360-degree position.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the stopper mechanism 24 is accommodated in the main body housing 22 of the main body portion 16, and a pair of left and right slide bars (second slides) provided along the left and right side portions of the click pad 19. Members) 50, 50 and a pair of front and rear stopper members 70, 70 connected to the slide bars 50, respectively. The slide bar 50 is interlocked with the slide frame 46 c of the link mechanism 40 via the transmission wire 52.

  Each slide bar 50 is provided so as to be movable in the front-rear direction on the upper surface (inner surface) of the lower cover 22b. Each slide bar 50 includes a slit 50a provided on the outer surface on the rear end side (side surface on the slide frame 46c side), a pair of connecting holes 50b and 50b provided in front of the slit 50a, and a pair of connecting holes. A pair of long holes 50c and 50c are provided on the inner surface side (click pad 19 side) of 50b and 50b (see also FIG. 15). The slide bar 50 is guided in the front-rear direction by inserting a guide pin 72 erected from the lower cover 22 b into the long hole 50 c in the front-rear direction.

  Each stopper member 70 is a substantially L-shaped plate member in plan view that is pivotally supported with respect to the main body housing 22 (lower cover 22b) by a guide pin 72 inserted into the shaft hole 70a. The slide bar 50 is disposed on the lower surface side (see FIGS. 6 and 14). The stopper member 70 has a tongue-like protruding piece 70b and a connecting pin 70c protruding upward from the upper surface of the tip of the tapered portion protruding in a direction substantially orthogonal to the protruding piece 70b. The shaft hole 70a is formed in the vicinity of the intersection of the protruding piece 70b, which is an L-shaped corner, and the tapered portion. The protruding piece 70b is a thin plate portion protruding rearward when viewed from the hinge mechanism 12L side of FIG. 6 and the posture from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position shown in FIG. 15A. The connection pin 70c is inserted into the connection hole 50b of the slide bar 50 so as to be rotatable upward from below.

  Therefore, in the stopper mechanism 24, when the slide bar 50 moves in the front-rear direction, the connection pin 70c inserted in the connection hole 50b is drawn in the front-rear direction, and thereby the stopper member 70 rotates around the guide pin 72 as the rotation axis. It operates (see FIG. 6 and FIGS. 14 to 16). At this time, when the display unit 14 is between the 0-degree position and the 180-degree position, as shown in the hinge mechanism 12L side of FIG. 6 and FIG. 15 (A), the protruding piece 70b extends along the front-rear direction. It becomes posture (initial position). Further, when the display unit 14 is at the 360-degree position, as shown in the hinge mechanism 12R side of FIG. 6 and FIG. 15B, the protruding piece 70b is inclined in the left-right direction (rotation position). Thus, it protrudes to the side of the slide bar 50, and the tip end side thereof becomes a position overlapping the click pad 19 in plan view.

3.3 (2) Description of Configuration of Transmission Wire Next, the configuration and operation of the transmission wire 52 that transmits the driving force of the slide frame 46c to the stopper mechanism 24 will be described. FIG. 17 is a plan view schematically showing the operation of the transmission wire 52, and FIG. 17A is a diagram showing the state of the transmission wire 52 from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position. FIG. 17B is a diagram illustrating a state of the transmission wire 52 at a 360-degree position.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the transmission wire 52 is clicked between the slide frame 46c driven by the hinge mechanism 12L and the left slide bar 50 of the click pad 19, and the slide frame 46c driven by the hinge mechanism 12R. It is spanned between the slide bar 50 on the right side of the pad 19. The transmission wire 52 is a hard wire formed of a SUS material or the like like the drive wire 48 described above, and has a sufficient rigidity with a diameter of about 1 mm, for example. One end of each transmission wire 52 is engaged with the slit 49 of the slide frame 46c so as to be movable up and down, and the other end is engaged with the slit 50a of the slide bar 50 so as to be movable up and down and rotatable. It is rotatably held on the upper surface of the cover 22b (see FIGS. 6 and 17).

  At both ends of the transmission wire 52, when viewed in the posture from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position shown in FIG. 17A, the transmission wire 52 extends in the left-right direction to the slide frames 46c and the slits 49, 50a of the slide bar 50, respectively. Engagement portions 52a, 52b to be engaged, and arm portions 52c, 52d bent from the respective base ends of the engagement portions 52a, 52b and extending obliquely downward rearward (FIGS. 13A and 14A) ) Is also formed. Between each arm part 52c and 52d, the base part 52e bent from the base end and extended in the left-right direction is provided. The base portion 52e is supported by a pair of left and right bearing portions 74, 74 provided on the upper surface of the lower cover 22b of the main body housing 22 so as to be rotatable on the lower cover 22b and immovable in the front-rear direction. The base portion 52e is formed with a guide portion 52f bent in a substantially U shape toward the front. The guide portion 52 f is formed at the approximate center of the transmission wire 52. In the posture from the 0-degree position to the 180-degree position shown in FIG. 17A, the guide portion 52f is shaped to wrap around the front edge portion of the guide rib 76 provided on the upper surface of the lower cover 22b. . The guide ribs 76 are thin plate members that protrude from the upper surface of the lower cover 22b and extend in the front-rear direction. The transmission wire 52 has a symmetrical shape.

3.3 (3) Description of operation of stopper mechanism Next, the operation of the stopper mechanism 24 using such a transmission wire 52 will be described.

  First, between the 0 degree position and the 180 degree position, as shown in FIG. 13A, the position of the link pin 26 in the front-rear direction remains unchanged at the position P1, and the position of the slide frame 46c also remains at the initial position. Stays. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 13 (A), 14 (A), and 17 (A), the transmission wire 52 is located on both sides of the base portion 52e supported by the bearing portion 74 on the lower cover 22b. The arms 52c and 52d are inclined to the front side.

  In this state, the slide bar 50 of the stopper mechanism 24 connected to the slide frame 46c by the transmission wire 52 is in the forward movement position (initial position). Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 15A, the protruding piece 70b of the stopper member 70 is in a posture (initial position) along the front-rear direction and does not overlap the sensor plate 19a of the click pad 19 in plan view. It is in. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16A, the sensor plate 19a of the click pad 19 can be pressed down satisfactorily.

  Subsequently, when the display unit 14 is rotated beyond the 180 degree position, the link pin 26 pivots about the second shaft 30 and its front-rear direction position moves rearward. For example, at the position of 270 degrees, the link pin 26 moves upward in the engagement recess 39 of the engagement arm 42a of the link member 42 and pulls the link member 42 backward (FIG. 13A). (See the two-dot chain line in the middle). Then, as shown in FIGS. 13B and 17B, the engaging portion 52a at one end of the transmission wire 52 is moved rearward by the slide frame 46c moving rearward. For this reason, as for the transmission wire 52, the base part 52e supported by the bearing part 74 rotates on the lower cover 22b, while the engaging part 52a rotates in the slit 49 of the slide frame 46c. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 14B and 17B, the engaging portion 52b at the other end also moves rearward, and the slide bar 50 moves rearward. When the base portion 52e rotates, the guide portion 52f rides on the upper end surface of the guide rib 76 while being in sliding contact with it, so that the transmission wire 52 is prevented from rattling in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the rotation is stabilized.

  Here, in the stopper mechanism 24, when the slide bar 50 moves rearward along with the rotation of the transmission wire 52, the connecting pin 70c of the stopper member 70 is pulled backward by the connecting hole 50b. For this reason, the stopper member 70 is driven to rotate about the guide pin 72 of the lower cover 22b as a rotation axis, and the tip end side of the protruding piece 70b gradually moves so as to sink under the sensor plate 19a of the click pad 19 ( (See FIG. 6 and FIG. 15B).

  Finally, at the 360 degree position, the link pin 26 is at a position P2 shown in FIG. 13B (see also FIG. 5G), and the slide frame 46c is further moved rearward. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 13B, 14B, and 17B, the arm portions 52c and 52d on both sides are opposed to the base portion 52e supported by the bearing portion 74 on the lower cover 22b. The posture is inclined to the rear side.

  In this state, the slide bar 50 of the stopper mechanism 24 connected to the slide frame 46c by the transmission wire 52 is also in the reverse drive position. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 6, 15 (B) and 16 (B), the protruding piece 70 b of the stopper member 70 is inclined in the left-right direction (rotation position) and is moved to the side of the slide bar 50. It protrudes, and the front end side of the protruding portion 70b is a position where it is inserted between the lower surface of the sensor plate 19a of the click pad 19 and the base plate 19c in plan view. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16 (B), the pressing operation of the sensor plate 19a of the click pad 19 is restricted by the protruding piece 70b, and the sensor plate 19a cannot move up and down. Thereby, since the pressing operation of the click pad 19 is restricted, the click pad 19 becomes a substantially flat surface and does not move on the back surface when used as a tablet PC.

  On the other hand, when the display unit 14 at the 360 degree position is rotated in the closing direction, the display unit 14 is moved 180 degrees from the 360 degree position because an operation in the direction opposite to the above-described rotation operation in the opening direction occurs. The link pin 26 moves forward as it is rotated to the position. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 13A, 14A, and 17A, the transmission wire 52 has a posture in which the arm portions 52c and 52d on both sides are inclined forward with respect to the base portion 52e. The slide bar 50 also returns to the advanced position as it returns. Therefore, the stopper member 70 of the stopper mechanism 24 also returns the projecting piece 70b to the initial position along the front-rear direction, so that the click pad 19 can be pressed.

4). Next, the operation of the buffer unit 44 will be described.

  As described above, in the electronic device 10, the link mechanism 40 interlocked with the rotation operation of the hinge mechanism 12 is provided, so that when the display unit 14 is rotated from the 180 degree position to the 360 degree position, The bezel 20b and the stopper member 70 of the stopper mechanism 24 can be operated.

  However, for example, the user holds the main body 16 with his hand and holds the bezel 20b or the click pad 19 with his / her hand, and the display unit 14 is moved to a 360-degree position so as to be transformed into a use form as a tablet PC. Try to rotate. In this case, the link member 42 receives a force that is moved rearward by the link pin 26. However, when the bezel 20b is pressed, its upward movement is prevented, and when the click pad 19 is pressed, the stopper member 70 is prevented from rotating, so that the slide member 46 cannot move. For this reason, the display unit 14, the hinge mechanism 12, and the link mechanism 40 are heavily burdened, and there is a concern that each unit may be damaged.

  Therefore, in the electronic device 10 according to the present embodiment, the buffer mechanism 44 is provided in the link mechanism 40 so that the interlocking state by the link mechanism 40 between the rotation operation of the display unit 14 and the operation of the bezel 20b and the stopper mechanism 24 can be released. It is composed. That is, the buffer portion 44 is interposed between the link member 42 interlocked with the hinge mechanism 12 and the slide member 46 interlocked with the bezel 20 b and the stopper mechanism 24.

  When the bezel 20b and the click pad 19 are not pressed as described above, the buffer portion 44 operates the link member 42 and the slide member 46 integrally by the coil spring 44a (on the hinge mechanism 12R side in FIG. 6). Link mechanism 40). On the other hand, when the display unit 14 is rotated in a state where the bezel 20b or the click pad 19 is pressed by a hand or the like, the link member 42 that is to be moved rearward by the link pin 26 of the hinge mechanism 12 and the hand The coil spring 44a expands between the slide member 46 that tries to stay in place due to the pressing force of. Then, the rail 42b of the link member 42 and the slider 46a of the slide member 46 slide, and only the rail 42b moves rearward. Thereby, since the display part 14, the hinge mechanism 12, and the link member 42 can perform a predetermined | prescribed operation | movement without a problem, a big burden is applied to each part of the display part 14, the hinge mechanism 12, and the link mechanism 40, and each part is It is possible to avoid damage and the like.

  As described above, the buffer portion 44 functions as a clutch that contacts and separates the link member 42 and the slide member 46, and functions to buffer the occurrence of a load on each portion when the bezel 20 b or the click pad 19 is pressed. Fulfill. In addition, after the display unit 14 is rotated to a 360 degree position or the like while the coil spring 44a of the buffer unit 44 is extended, if the pressing force to the bezel 20b or the click pad 19 is released from that state, the coil spring 44a Due to the elastic force, the slide member 46 moves to a predetermined position so as to follow the link member 42, and the bezel 20b moves up or the stopper member 70 rotates.

5). Description of Effects of Electronic Device As described above, in the electronic device 10 according to the present embodiment, the main body portion 16 provided with the click pad 19 that is a movable member that is operated by a pressing operation on the operation surface, and the display 18 are provided. The display unit 14 is pivotally connected by a hinge mechanism 12. Then, the link mechanism 40 that operates in conjunction with the rotation operation from the 180 degree position to the 360 degree position of the display unit 14 with respect to the main body part 16, the link mechanism 40 that operates in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism 40, and a click that is a movable member And a stopper mechanism 24 for restricting the operation of the pad 19.

  Accordingly, when the electronic device 10 is used as a tablet PC by rotating the display unit 14 to a 360 degree position, the click pad 19 on the back surface of the electronic device 10 moves up and down, and the electronic device 10 is manually moved. It is possible to prevent the gripping and the stability of the touch panel operation on the display 18 from being impaired, and it is possible to ensure high operation stability. In addition, since the pressing operation of the click pad 19 on the back surface can be restricted, it is possible to prevent the back click pad 19 from being operated unintentionally and causing a malfunction. On the other hand, when the display unit 14 is used as, for example, a notebook PC with a 90-degree position, since the restriction of the operation of the click pad 19 by the stopper mechanism 24 is released, a good operation using the click pad 19 can be performed. It becomes possible.

  In addition to the click pad 19, the movable member whose operation is restricted by the stopper mechanism 24 is, for example, a function button 80 to which a predetermined function as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B is assigned. It may be. The function button 80 is a button that can be moved up and down, and exhibits a predetermined function when pressed. The function button 80 has various functions such as a power button for turning the electronic device 10 on and off, a volume button for changing the speaker volume, a speaker mute button for muting the volume, and a microphone mute button for turning off the microphone. Can be illustrated. The function button 80 may be other than the one that is pressed down on the upper surface 16a of the main body 16 and may be one that is slid in the horizontal direction on the upper surface 16a, for example. In the electronic apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, as described above, the bezel 20b and the key stopper 64 (see FIG. 12) provided on the bezel 20b are also movable members when the display unit 14 exceeds the 180 degree position. It functions as a stopper mechanism (stopper member) that restricts the operation of a certain key 20a.

  In the present embodiment, the slide frame 46c and the slide bar 50 are connected by a transmission wire 52 that moves the slide bar 50 in the front-rear direction by rotating by receiving the moving force in the front-rear direction of the slide frame 46c. doing. Therefore, transmission of power in the front-rear direction between the slide frame 46c and the slide bar 50 can be covered by the transmission wire 52 that does not substantially move in the front-rear direction and only rotates on the spot. Thereby, the installation space of the transmission wire 52 can be suppressed as much as possible. For example, even when a battery (not shown) or the like is arranged on the side of the click pad 19, it does not get in the way. Of course, the slide frame 46c and the slide bar 50 may be connected by a frame member or the like that moves integrally therewith.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be freely changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, as the stopper mechanism 24, the configuration including the slide bar 50 and the stopper member 70 that rotates following the movement of the slide bar 50 in the front-rear direction is illustrated, but the stopper member is omitted. Alternatively, the stopper member may be configured integrally with the slide bar 50, and the slide bar 50 may also function as a stopper member, and may be directly engaged with the click pad 19 or the lower side of the function button 80. Furthermore, without using the slide bar 50 or the transmission wire 52, a slide frame 46c or a stopper member (not shown) that rotates in accordance with the slide frame 46c may be used as a stop mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electronic device 12, 12L, 12R Hinge mechanism 14 Display part 16 Main body part 16a Upper surface 16b Lower surface 18 Display 19 Click pad 19a Sensor board 20 Keyboard 20a Key 20b Bezel 22 Main body housing 22a Upper cover 22b Lower cover 24 Stopper mechanism 26 Link pin 28 First shaft 30 Second shaft 39 Engaging recess 40 Link mechanism 42 Link member 44 Buffer portion 46 Slide member 46c Slide frame 48 Drive wire 49, 50a Slit 50 Slide bar 51, 56, 72 Guide pin 52 Transmission wire 64 Key stopper 70 Stopper member 70b Protruding piece 70c Connecting pin 74 Bearing part 80 Function button

Claims (6)

A main body provided with a movable member that operates by a pressing operation on the operation surface and a display provided with a display are rotatably connected by a hinge mechanism, and the main body and the display are connected to the operation surface and the display. Is an electronic device that can be rotated from a 0 degree position where the operation face and the display face 180 degrees positions where the operation surface and the display face the same direction and are parallel to each other to a 360 degree position where the operation face and the back of the display face each other. ,
A link mechanism that operates in conjunction with a rotation operation from the 180-degree position to the 360-degree position with respect to the main body of the display unit;
A stopper mechanism that operates in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism and regulates the operation of the movable member ;
It said movable member is an electronic device, wherein the touchpad der Rukoto click type that accepts a touch operation and a pressing operation. In claim 1 Symbol mounting electronic devices,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the stopper mechanism includes a stopper member that engages with the movable member by moving in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism and restricts the operation. A main body provided with a movable member that operates by a pressing operation on the operation surface and a display provided with a display are rotatably connected by a hinge mechanism, and the main body and the display are connected to the operation surface and the display. Is an electronic device that can be rotated from a 0 degree position where the operation face and the display face 180 degrees positions where the operation surface and the display face the same direction and are parallel to each other to a 360 degree position where the operation face and the back of the display face each other. ,
A link mechanism that operates in conjunction with a rotation operation from the 180-degree position to the 360-degree position with respect to the main body of the display unit;
A stopper mechanism that operates in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism and regulates the operation of the movable member ;
The stopper mechanism has a stopper member that engages with the movable member by moving in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism, and regulates the operation.
The link mechanism is a first slide member that moves in the front-rear direction with respect to the main body housing of the main body portion in conjunction with a rotation operation from the 180-degree position to the 360-degree position with respect to the main body portion of the display section. Have
The stopper mechanism, an electronic device moves in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with movement in the longitudinal direction of the first slide member, and wherein the Rukoto that having a second sliding member which moves the stopper member. The electronic device according to claim 3 .
The stopper member is pivotally supported with respect to the main body casing and is connected to the second slide member by a rotation shaft, and is driven by the second slide member that moves in the front-rear direction. An electronic device characterized by being rotated. The electronic device according to claim 3 or 4 ,
A wire member that moves the second slide member in the front-rear direction by rotating between the first slide member and the second slide member in response to a movement force in the front-rear direction of the first slide member. An electronic device characterized by being connected by In the electronic device of any one of Claims 1-5 ,
The hinge mechanism has a biaxial structure in which the second axis starts rotating after the first axis rotates to the rotation end point position, and the first axis rotates from the 0 degree position to the 180 degree position. The second axis rotates from the 180 degree position to the 360 degree position,
The link mechanism operates in conjunction with rotation of the second shaft.

Images