Angle adjustment mechanism, desktop device, and method for assembling angle adjustment mechanism

Abstract

An angle adjustment mechanism capable of achieving stable quality is provided. The angle adjustment mechanism (10) includes: a base member (20), a support member (40) that supports the base member (20) from below, a mounting member (30) having a rotation shaft (16) that rotatably connects the base member (20), and a restraining member (50). The support member (40) moves up and down in accordance with the rotation operation of the base member (20). The restraining member (50) is formed of an elastic material and is attached to the mounting member (30), and the restraining member suppresses the up and down movement of the support member (40) by frictional force. The restraining member (50) is provided with a hole (52), a part of the support member is inserted and slides into the hole, and a frictional force is generated between the restraining member (50) and the support member (40) in the hole (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an angle adjustment mechanism, a desktop device, and a method for assembling an angle adjustment mechanism. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device having a display unit rotatably connected to the main body of the electronic device by a rotating shaft. The electronic device includes: a display unit; a sliding unit for maintaining the angle of the display unit; and a friction unit that obtains a frictional force by being pressed into contact with the sliding unit. The friction unit is formed of a material having an elastic force, and the friction unit is arranged to be pressed into contact with a sliding surface formed on the sliding unit and to maintain the angle of the display unit by the frictional force.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Document

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model No. 3117629. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] In the structure of the electronic device according to Patent Document 1, the repulsive force of the friction unit is applied to the sliding unit and the cover attached to the friction unit. As a result, the load generated by the repulsive force of the friction unit is transmitted to the rotating shaft. Here, since the diameter of the rotating shaft is usually small, the rigidity is weak. Therefore, the rotating shaft may be deformed due to the repulsive force of the friction unit. As described above, in the structure of the electronic device according to Patent Document 1, the repulsive force of the friction unit may affect the surrounding components. Therefore, in the structure of the electronic device according to Patent Document 1, the quality may be unstable.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to solve such problems and provide an angle adjustment mechanism, a desktop device, and a method for assembling an angle adjustment mechanism that can achieve stable quality.

[0009] Solution to the Problem

[0010] The angle adjustment mechanism according to the present disclosure includes: a base member to which a display device is attached; a support member that supports the base member from below and moves up and down in association with a rotation operation of the base member; a mounting member having a rotation axis rotatably connecting the base member; and a restraining member that restrains the up and down movement of the support member by frictional force, the restraining member being formed of an elastic material and attached to the mounting member; wherein the restraining member is provided with a hole into which a part of the support member is inserted, and then in the hole, the frictional force is generated between the restraining member and the support member; and the support member is configured to: move up and down in association with the rotation operation of the base member by sliding through the hole provided in the restraining member, and stop moving by the frictional force when the rotation operation of the base member stops.

[0011] The desktop device according to the present disclosure includes a device main body, a display device, and an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the display device; wherein the angle adjustment mechanism includes: a base member to which the display device is attached; a support member that supports the base member from below and moves up and down in association with a rotation operation of the base member; a mounting member attached to the device main body and having a rotation axis rotatably connecting the base member; and a restraining member that restrains the up and down movement of the support member by frictional force, the restraining member being formed of an elastic material and attached to the mounting member; the restraining member is provided with a hole into which a part of the support member is inserted, and then in the hole, the frictional force is generated between the restraining member and the support member; and the support member is configured to: move up and down in association with the rotation operation of the base member by sliding through the hole provided in the restraining member, and stop moving by the frictional force when the rotation operation of the base member stops.

[0012] The method for assembling an angle adjustment mechanism according to the present disclosure includes: attaching a restraining member to a mounting member having a rotation axis rotatably connecting a base member, to which a display device is attached, the restraining member restraining the up and down movement of a support member by frictional force and being formed of an elastic member, the support member supporting the base member from below and moving up and down in association with a rotation operation of the base member; inserting a part of the support member into a hole provided in the restraining member; assembling the base member to the mounting member; and fixing the display device to the base member.

[0013] Advantages of the invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, an angle adjustment mechanism, a desktop device, and a method for assembling an angle adjustment mechanism capable of achieving stable quality can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a view showing the desktop device.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the angle adjustment mechanism according to the first exemplary embodiment as viewed from the front.

[0017] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the angle adjustment mechanism according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the support member according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the restraining member according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the angle adjustment mechanism according to the first exemplary embodiment as viewed from the rear.

[0021] Figure 7 is a view showing details of the guide rib provided on the base member according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 is a view showing details of the guide groove provided in the mounting member according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 is a view showing a state where the guide rib is inserted into the guide groove.

[0024] Figure 10 is a view showing details of the angle adjustment mechanism according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a method for assembling the angle adjustment mechanism according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 is a view showing a state where the display device is rotated by the angle adjustment mechanism according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 13 is a view showing a state where the display device is rotated by the angle adjustment mechanism according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figure 14 is Figure 13 an enlarged view of a cross-section of the support member and the restraining member in

[0029] Figure 15 is a perspective view showing the angle adjustment mechanism according to the comparative example.

[0030] Figure 16 is a view showing the details of the angle adjustment mechanism according to the comparative example.

[0031] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the elastic member according to the comparative example.

[0032] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view near the elastic member of the angle adjustment mechanism according to the comparative example. Detailed implementation mode

[0033] (Summary of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure)

[0034] Before describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a summary of the exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described. First, a desktop device having an angle adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the angle of a display device will be described.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing the desktop device 1. The desktop device 1 includes a display device 2 such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a device main body 4, and an angle adjustment mechanism 10. The angle adjustment mechanism 10 includes a base member 6 to which the display device 2 is attached.

[0036] The angle adjustment mechanism 10 can adjust the angle (pitch angle) of the display device 2 relative to the device main body 4. The angle adjustment mechanism 10 has a so-called free stop function capable of adjusting the angle steplessly. With this free stop function, the user manually adjusts the display device 2 to an arbitrary angle and holds the display device 2 at that angle. Specifically, the user can manually rotate the base member 6 to which the display device 2 is attached. When the user stops his / her hand, the display device 2 (base member 6) is configured to stay at the angle (inclination) at this time.

[0037] Here, generally a torque hinge is used as the mechanism for adjusting the angle of the display device 2. However, the torque hinge is expensive. In addition, the assembly of the torque hinge is labor-consuming. Therefore, a method that does not use a torque hinge as the angle adjustment mechanism is also required.

[0038] Next, an example of a method for achieving a free stop function without using a torque hinge for the purpose of weight reduction and cost reduction will be briefly described. When the display device 2 (base member 6) rotates relative to the device main body 4, the base member 6 and a member on one side of the device main body 4 (an attachment member to be described later) slide. By placing a silicone rubber member on the sliding surface and compressing the silicone rubber member, a frictional force is generated between the silicone rubber member and the base member 6. The user can manually rotate the display device 2 (base member 6) against this frictional force. When the user stops his / her hand, the display device 2 (base member 6) stays due to the frictional force described above.

[0039] When the silicone rubber member is compressed in this way, an elastic force (repulsive force) that causes the silicone rubber member to return to its original shape is generated in the silicone rubber member. This force generates a repulsive force that tends to separate the base member 6 and the member on one side of the device main body 4 from each other. As a result, a load can be applied to the surrounding components (molded components) of the silicone rubber member.

[0040] Therefore, there is a risk that a portion having weak rigidity (such as a rotation shaft that allows the base member 6 to rotate) may be deformed. In addition, the force (rotational force) that causes the display device 2 (base member 6) to rotate may vary, and the user may not be able to successfully perform the angle adjustment. As described above, in the method of placing the silicone rubber member on the sliding surface, the frictional force for maintaining the angle of the display device affects the surrounding components, and thus the quality may be unstable.

[0041] On the other hand, as will be described later, the angle adjustment mechanism according to the present disclosure includes: a base member, a support member that supports the base member from below, an attachment member having a rotation shaft that rotatably connects the base member, and a restraining member. The support member moves up and down in accordance with the rotation operation (pitching operation) of the base member. The restraining member is formed of an elastic material and is attached to the attachment member, and the restraining member restrains the up and down movement of the support member by frictional force. The restraining member is provided with a hole, a part of the support member is inserted and slides into the hole, and a frictional force is generated between the restraining member and the support member in the hole. The support member is configured to move up and down in accordance with the rotation operation of the base member by sliding through the hole provided in the restraining member, and to stop moving by frictional force when the rotation operation of the base member stops.

[0042] With such a configuration, the influence of the frictional force generated by the restraining member acts only on the support member, and the influence on surrounding components is suppressed. Therefore, the angle adjustment mechanism according to the present disclosure can suppress the influence of the frictional force for maintaining the angle of the display device on surrounding components by the configuration described above. In addition, since no torque hinge is used, the structure is simple and the manufacturing cost can be suppressed. Therefore, the angle adjustment mechanism according to the present disclosure can achieve stable quality with a simple structure.

[0043] (First exemplary embodiment)

[0044] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are appropriately omitted and simplified. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted when necessary.

[0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment as viewed from the front. Figure 3 is an exploded view of the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment. As described above, the angle adjustment mechanism 10 can be mounted on Figure 1 the desktop device 1 illustrated in. In other words, the desktop device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment includes the angle adjustment mechanism 10, the device main body 4, and the display device 2. Although Figure 1 the desktop device 1 illustrated in is a telephone, the desktop device 1 on which the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment is mounted is not limited to a telephone. The desktop device 1 on which the angle adjustment mechanism 10 is mounted can be an optional device having a display device 2.

[0046] As Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrated, the angle adjustment mechanism 10 includes a base member 20, a mounting member 30, a support member 40, and a restraining member 50. The base member 20 corresponds to Figure 1 the base member 6 illustrated in. The base member 20 can be attached to the display device 2. The display device 2 can be fixed to the base member 20 by screws 12.

[0047] The mounting member 30 is attached to the device main body 4. In other words, the angle adjustment mechanism 10 is attached to the device main body 4 via the mounting member 30. The mounting member 30 has a rotation shaft 16 that rotatably connects the base member 20. The rotation shaft 16 is inserted into a bearing hole 20a provided in the base member 20. As a result, as Figure 2 indicated by the arrow A in, the base member 20 attached to the display device 2 rotates about the rotation shaft 16. In this way, the display device 2 and the base member 20 are integrated into one body, and a pitching operation with respect to the device main body 4 can be performed.

[0048] The support member 40 supports the base member 20 from below. The support member 40 moves up and down in accordance with the rotation operation (pitching operation) of the base member 20. Details will be described later. For example, the suppression member 50 is formed of an elastic material such as silicone rubber. The suppression member 50 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 32 of the mounting member 30. The suppression member 50 suppresses the up and down movement of the support member 40 by frictional force. Details will be described later. In the present exemplary embodiment, the "upward direction" does not strictly mean the directly upward direction. Similarly, the "downward direction" does not strictly mean the directly downward direction.

[0049] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the support member 40 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The support member 40 is formed by integrating the sliding rod 42 and the two engaging units 44. The support member 40 is formed in a T shape by these constituent parts. Preferably, the support member 40 is formed of a molded material. For example, the support member 40 is formed of an ABS resin or an acrylic resin. From a macroscopic viewpoint, it is preferable that grooves are formed at equal intervals around the sliding rod 42 in the longitudinal direction. For example, as will be described later Figure 9 As shown, eight grooves are formed at equal intervals around the sliding rod 42. On the other hand, from a microscopic viewpoint, it is preferable that the surface of the sliding rod 42 is processed to be smooth to a shiny degree. Preferably, the engaging unit 44 is formed in the shape of a column.

[0050] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the suppression member 50 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The suppression member 50 is provided with a hole 52 in the region R1. The sliding rod 42, which is a part of the support member 40, is inserted into the hole 52. Here, in a state where the sliding rod 42 is not inserted, the outer diameter of the sliding rod 42 is larger than the inner diameter of the hole 52. As described above, since the suppression member 50 is formed of an elastic material, when the sliding rod 42 is inserted into the hole 52, the sliding rod 42 is press-fitted, so that the hole 52 is enlarged. As a result, frictional force can be easily generated between the suppression member 50 and the sliding rod 42 (support member 40) in the hole 52.

[0051] The suppression member 50 has a protrusion 54 in the region R2, which is different from the region R1 when viewed from the direction along which the hole 52 is formed. The protrusion 54 engages with the groove 32a of the accommodation unit 32 of the mounting member 30, so that the suppression member 50 is fixed to the mounting member 30. Here, the protrusion 54 does not reach near the hole 52, that is, does not reach the region R1. In other words, the protrusion 54 is not formed on the side of the hole 52. As a result, as will be described later Figure 10As illustrated, when the suppression member 50 is fixed to the mounting member 30, the suppression member 50 does not contact the mounting member 30 around the hole 52.

[0052] The hole 32b is formed in the upper surface of the accommodation unit 32 and is located at a position facing the hole 52 when the suppression member 50 is accommodated. The sliding rod 42 travels through the hole 32b and is inserted into the hole 52 of the suppression member 50. This will be used later Figure 10 to describe the state in which the support member 40 is attached to the suppression member 50.

[0053] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment as viewed from the rear. As Figure 3 illustrated, the guide ribs 24 are formed on the base member 20. The guide grooves 34 are formed in the mounting member 30. As Figure 6 illustrated, the guide ribs 24 are inserted into the guide grooves 34. The guide ribs 24 slide in the guide grooves 34, whereby the pitching operation of the display device 2 (base member 20) around the rotation axis 16 can be stably performed.

[0054] Figure 7 is a view illustrating details of the guide ribs 24 provided on the base member 20 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 is a view illustrating details of the guide grooves 34 provided in the mounting member 30 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 is a view illustrating a state in which the guide ribs 24 are inserted into the guide grooves 34. Figure 9 is a view as viewed from the bottom surface side of the mounting member 30. As Figure 7 illustrated, an elongated hole 26 is formed between the two guide ribs 24. As Figure 9 illustrated, the suppression member 50 and the support member 40 are positioned between the two sets of guide ribs 24 and guide grooves 34.

[0055] When the guide rib 24 is inserted into the hole 34a of the guide groove 34, the claw portion 24a of the guide rib 24 is pressed against the wall unit 24b by the wall surface of the hole 34a. When the guide rib 24 is further inserted into the hole 34a of the guide groove 34, the claw portion 24a returns to its original position. As a result, the claw portion 24a is caught by the wall surface of the hole 34a, and the guide rib 24 is prevented from coming out of the hole 34a. In this state, the wall unit 24b formed in a fan shape slides on the guide unit 34b.

[0056] Here, the guide groove 34 has a shape that is curved in an arc shape. Specifically, the guide groove 34 is formed as a smooth curved surface having a distance to the imaginary line connecting the two rotation axes 16 as the radius of curvature. As Figure 7As shown, the guide rib 24 is formed to be a smooth curved surface that is curved in an arc shape, enabling smooth sliding on the guide groove 34. As a result, when the display device 2 (base member 20) is manually moved, the pitching operation about the rotation axis 16 can be smoothly performed.

[0057] Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram showing details of the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram showing a state where the support member 40 is press-fitted into the hole 52 of the suppression member 50. As Figure 3 and Figure 10 As shown, two engagement grooves 22 are formed in the base member 20. The engagement groove 22 is formed by the upper surface 22a and the lower surface 22b.

[0058] The elongated hole 26 is formed between the two engagement grooves 22 of the base member 20. The sliding rod 42 is inserted into the elongated hole 26. As a result, even when the support member 40 moves up and down, the sliding rod 42 does not contact the base member 20. Therefore, the base member 20 does not obstruct the movement of the sliding rod 42.

[0059] In a state where the sliding rod 42 of the support member 40 is inserted into the elongated hole 26, the engagement units 44 of the support member 40 are respectively engaged with the engagement grooves 22. As described above, the engagement unit 44 is caught in the engagement groove 22, whereby the support member 40 operates in conjunction with the rotation (pitching operation) of the display device 2 (base member 20). Specifically, when the user moves the display device 2 to raise the display device 2 in such a way that the angle of the base member 20 with respect to the mounting member 30 becomes larger from a state where the angle is smaller, the engagement unit 44 is pushed upward by the lower surface 22b of the engagement groove 22. As a result, the support member 40 moves upward along the hole 52 against the frictional force between the support member 40 and the suppression member 50. On the other hand, when the user moves the display device 2 to lie down the display device 2 in such a way that the angle of the base member 20 with respect to the mounting member 30 becomes smaller from a state where the angle is larger, the engagement unit 44 is pushed downward by the upper surface 22a of the engagement groove 22. As a result, the support member 40 moves downward along the hole 52 against the frictional force between the support member 40 and the suppression member 50.

[0060] As described above, since the sliding rod 42 is inserted (press-fitted) into the hole 52 of the restraining member 50, when the display device 2 (base member 20) rotates (pitches), the support member 40 moves up and down along the hole 52. In addition, when the rotation (pitching operation) of the display device 2 (base member 20) stops, the operation of the support member 40 is restrained by the frictional force caused by the compressive force of the restraining member 50 that tends to shrink the hole 52. Accordingly, the support member 40 supports the base member 20 such that the display device 2 stays at the stopped angle. In this way, the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment achieves a free-stop function in which the angle (tilt) of the display device 2 can be manually changed.

[0061] In addition, as described above, since the surface of the sliding rod 42 is smoothly machined, when the user manually rotates (pitches) the display device 2 (base member 20), the support member 40 can easily move up and down. In other words, when the user rotates (pitches) the display device 2 (base member 20), the display device 2 can easily move against the frictional force. On the other hand, when the user stops the rotation of the display device 2 (base member 20), the movement of the support member 40 is restrained by the frictional force, and thus the display device 2 (base member 20) can stay at the pitching angle at which the display device 2 (base member 20) stops. In other words, the frictional force is greater than the self-weights of the display device 2 and the base member 20.

[0062] In addition, as Figure 10 indicated by the arrow B in, the sliding rod 42 receives a compressive force in the direction in which the sliding rod 42 is squeezed by the restraining member 50 over its entire circumference. In other words, the sliding rod 42 receives a compressive force generated by the restraining member 50 over its entire circumference in the direction in which the hole 52 expanded by the sliding rod 42 will shrink, that is, the direction in which the sliding rod 42 inserted into the hole 52 is tightened. As described above, the compressive force (repulsive force) generated by the restraining member 50 (which is an elastic material) is applied only to the sliding rod 42 of the support member 40. Therefore, the load applied by the repulsive force of the restraining member 50 to the surrounding components can be restrained. Therefore, the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment can restrain the influence of the frictional force for maintaining the angle of the display device 2 on the surrounding components.

[0063] The support member 40 (slide bar 42) is formed of a molded part having relatively high rigidity. Accordingly, the possibility of deforming the support member 40 by suppressing the compressive force of the member 50 is extremely low. Further, since the support member 40 is formed of a molded part having high rigidity rather than an elastic material, it is difficult to generate a repulsive force of the support member 40 against the base member 20. All of the self-weights of the display device 2 and the base member 20 are applied to the support member 40. As described above, since the repulsive force of the suppressing member 50 is applied only to the support member 40 and is not transmitted to other members, and the support member 40 hardly generates a repulsive force, it is difficult to apply a load to the base member 20. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress applying a load to surrounding parts such as the rotary shaft 16.

[0064] In addition, as Figure 5 illustrated, the protrusion 54 of the suppressing member 50 is not formed around the hole 52. In other words, when viewed from the direction along which the hole 52 is formed, the region of the suppressing member 50 where the hole 52 is formed and the region where the protrusion 54 is formed are different from each other. In other words, when viewed from the direction along which the hole 52 is formed, the suppressing member 50 contacts the mounting member 30 in a region different from the region where the hole 52 is formed.

[0065] Accordingly, as described above, the suppressing member 50 can be fixed to the mounting member 30 while preventing the suppressing member 50 from contacting the mounting member 30 around the hole 52. Accordingly, when the support member 40 is press-fitted into the hole 52 of the suppressing member 50, not only the inside of the hole 52 but also the outside of the hole 52 can be deformed. Accordingly, a repulsive force can also be generated around the suppressing member 50. On the other hand, in the first exemplary embodiment, since the suppressing member 50 does not contact the mounting member 30 around the hole 52, it is possible to suppress the repulsive force that may be generated outside the suppressing member 50 from being transmitted to the mounting member 30. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the influence of the repulsive force that may be generated around the suppressing member 50 on surrounding parts.

[0066] In addition, as described above, grooves are formed at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction around the sliding rod 42. In other words, in the portion of the support member 40 that slides through the hole 52, grooves are formed at equal intervals along the sliding direction of the support member 40 at positions that are symmetric with each other when viewed from the axial direction of the sliding portion. Since the sliding rod 42 is formed in this manner, the portion of the sliding rod 42 that contacts the inner wall of the hole 52 of the suppression member 50 is narrowed to the symmetric position, whereby the bias of the force (repulsive force) applied to the sliding rod 42 can be suppressed. In other words, for the sliding rod 42, a repulsive force is applied to the portion that contacts the inner wall of the hole 52, and thus the portion to which the repulsive force is applied is restricted to a position that is symmetric in the entire circumference, whereby the bias of the repulsive force applied to the sliding rod 42 can be suppressed. As a result, when the user rotates the display device 2, the up-and-down movement of the sliding rod 42 becomes smooth. Therefore, the user can smoothly rotate the display device 2.

[0067] Next, the steps of assembling the angle adjustment mechanism 10 will be described.

[0068] Figure 11 FIG. is a flowchart illustrating a method for assembling the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment. First, the suppression member 50 is attached to the mounting member 30 (step S12). Specifically, the suppression member 50 is inserted into the accommodation unit 32 of the mounting member 30. Next, the support member 40 is attached to the suppression member 50 (step S14). Specifically, the sliding rod 42, which is a part of the support member 40, is inserted (press-fitted) into the hole 52 of the suppression member 50.

[0069] Next, the base member 20 is assembled to the mounting member 30 (step S16). More specifically, when the sliding rod 42 of the support member 40 travels through the elongated hole 26, the engaging unit 44 of the support member 40 is caught in the engaging groove 22 of the base member 20. In addition, the rotary shaft 16 provided in the mounting member 30 is inserted into the bearing hole 20a provided in the base member 20. In addition, the guide rib 24 provided on the base member 20 is inserted into the guide groove 34 provided on the mounting member 30. Finally, the display device 2 is fixed to the base member 20 (step S18). Specifically, the display device 2 is fitted to the base member 20, and the screw 12 is fastened from the back surface of the base member 20.

[0070] Next, the operation of the angle adjustment mechanism 10 will be described.

[0071] Figure 12 and Figure 13 FIGS. are diagrams respectively illustrating the states of rotating the display device 2 by the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Figure 12 FIG. is a perspective view of the angle adjustment mechanism 10.Figure 13 Side view of the illustrated angle adjustment mechanism 10, and the portion surrounded by the double-dashed line indicated by arrow C illustrates the cross-section of the support member 40 and the restraining member 50. Figure 14 is Figure 13 An enlarged view of the cross-section of the support member 40 and the restraining member 50 in

[0072] Figure 12 (A) and Figure 13 (A) is a view respectively illustrating the state (state A) in which the angle of the base member 20 (display device 2) with respect to the mounting member 30 (equipment main body 4) is the smallest. In other words, Figure 12 (A) and Figure 13 (A) is a view respectively illustrating the state in which the display device 2 is the most reclined with respect to the equipment main body 4. Figure 12 (C) and Figure 13 (C) is a view respectively illustrating the state (state C) in which the angle of the base member 20 (display device 2) with respect to the mounting member 30 (equipment main body 4) is the largest. In other words, Figure 12 (C) and Figure 13 (C) is a view respectively illustrating the state in which the display device 2 rises to the highest with respect to the equipment main body 4. Figure 12 (B) and Figure 13 (B) is a view respectively illustrating the state (state B) between state A and state C.

[0073] In state A, the user manually rotates the display device 2 (base member 20) in the upward direction, thereby entering state B. Here, as described above, since the engaging unit 44 of the support member 40 is caught in the engaging groove 22 and the lower surface 22b of the engaging groove 22 pushes up the engaging unit 44, when the state is switched from state A to state B, the support member 40 moves in the upward direction. At this time, even when the support member 40 bears the own weight of the display device 2 and the base member 20, the downward fall of the support member 40 is suppressed by the repulsive force (friction force between the support member 40 and the restraining member 50) of the restraining member 50. Therefore, the inclination angle of the display device 2 is maintained at the angle illustrated in state B.

[0074] In state B, the user manually rotates the display device 2 (base member 20) further in the upward direction, thereby entering state C. In this case as well, the support member 40 moves in the upward direction. Even when the support member 40 bears the self-weights of the display device 2 and the base member 20, the downward fall of the support member 40 is suppressed by the repulsive force of the suppression member 50 (the frictional force between the support member 40 and the suppression member 50). Accordingly, the inclination of the display device 2 is maintained at the angle illustrated in state C. In this manner, when the user manually rotates the display device 2 (base member 20) in the upward direction, the inclination of the display device 2 can be adjusted to an arbitrary angle.

[0075] On the other hand, in state C, the user manually rotates the display device 2 (base member 20) in the downward direction, thereby entering state B. Here, as described above, since the engagement unit 44 of the support member 40 is caught in the engagement groove 22 and the upper surface 22a of the engagement groove 22 presses the engagement unit 44 downward, the support member 40 moves in the downward direction when the state is switched from state C to state B. At this time, even when the support member 40 bears the self-weights of the display device 2 and the base member 20, the downward fall of the support member 40 is suppressed by the repulsive force of the suppression member 50 (the frictional force between the support member 40 and the suppression member 50). Accordingly, the inclination of the display device 2 is maintained at the angle illustrated in state B.

[0076] In state B, the user manually rotates the display device 2 (base member 20) further in the downward direction, thereby entering state A. In this case as well, the support member 40 moves in the downward direction. Even when the support member 40 bears the self-weights of the display device 2 and the base member 20, the downward fall of the support member 40 is suppressed by the repulsive force of the suppression member 50 (the frictional force between the support member 40 and the suppression member 50). Accordingly, the inclination of the display device 2 is maintained at the angle illustrated in state A. In this manner, when the user manually rotates the display device 2 (base member 20) in the downward direction, the inclination of the display device 2 can be adjusted to an arbitrary angle.

[0077] The support member 40 according to the first exemplary embodiment is formed in a T shape. The vertical bar of the T shape corresponds to the sliding bar 42, and the horizontal bar of the T shape corresponds to the engagement unit 44. In this manner, by forming the support member 40 in a T shape, the operation of the display device 2 can be prevented from being obstructed. Specifically, when the support member 40 moves up and down accompanying the operation of the display device 2 (base member 20), as Figure 13As shown in the figure, when the contact point between the support member 40 and the base member 20 changes significantly, there is a risk that the load required to rotate the display device 2 may change significantly. Therefore, the operability may deteriorate.

[0078] On the other hand, by forming the support member 40 in a T shape, when the support member 40 moves up and down, the range of the portion where the support member 40 and the base member 20 contact each other is constant. Therefore, a large change in the load required to rotate the display device 2 can be suppressed. Thus, good operability can be achieved with a simple T-shaped structure. In addition, by making the shape of the engagement unit 44 cylindrical or tubular, a discontinuous change in the contact point between the support member 40 and the base member 20 when the support member 40 moves up and down can be suppressed. Therefore, a discontinuous change in the load required to rotate the display device 2 can be suppressed. Thus, better operability can be achieved.

[0079] (Comparative Example)

[0080] Next, the comparative example will be described. The angle adjustment mechanism according to the comparative example is different from the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment in that a silicone rubber member is placed on the sliding surface between the base member and the mounting member.

[0081] Figure 15 FIG. is a perspective view showing the angle adjustment mechanism 90 according to the comparative example. Figure 16 FIG. is a view showing the details of the angle adjustment mechanism 90 according to the comparative example (the portion surrounded by the ellipse in Figure 15 . The angle adjustment mechanism 90 according to the comparative example includes: a base member 920, a mounting member 930, and an elastic member 940. The display device 2 is attached to the base member 920. The base member 920 is rotatably connected to a rotation shaft 916 provided on the mounting member 930. The base member 920 has substantially the same structure as the guide rib 24 according to the first exemplary embodiment. The mounting member 930 has substantially the same structure as the guide groove 34 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

[0082] Figure 17 FIG. is a perspective view showing the elastic member 940 according to the comparative example. Figure 18FIG. is a cross-sectional view near the elastic member 940 of the angle adjustment mechanism 90 according to the comparative example. The elastic member 940 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The elastic member 940 is formed of, for example, silicone rubber. The elastic member 940 is placed on the sliding surface 910 between the base member 920 and the mounting member 930. When the elastic member 940 is compressed by the base member 920 and the mounting member 930, frictional forces are generated between the elastic member 940 and the base member 920 and between the elastic member 940 and the mounting member 930. This frictional force allows the user to adjust the tilt of the display device 2 (base member 920) to an optional angle. In other words, when the user manually rotates the display device 2 (base member 920), the base member 920 operates against the frictional force generated by the elastic member 940. When the rotation of the display device 2 (base member 920) is stopped, the tilt of the base member 920 is maintained at the tilt angle at which the tilt was stopped by the frictional force generated by the elastic member 940.

[0083] Here, since the elastic member 940 is compressed, a repulsive force is generated by the elastic member 940 in the direction of separating the base member 920 and the mounting member 930, as indicated by the arrow D in Figure 16 and Figure 18 As a result, a load is applied to the rotary shaft 916 connecting the base member 920 and the mounting member 930, as indicated by the arrow E in Figure 16 Here, since the rotary shaft 916 is usually thin, its rigidity is weak. When a load is applied to such a component with low rigidity, the component may deform. Therefore, in the angle adjustment mechanism 90 according to the comparative example, there is a risk that surrounding components are affected by the frictional force for maintaining the angle of the display device. In addition, due to the change in the force (rotational force) causing the rotation of the display device 2, there is a risk that the user may not be able to successfully perform the angle adjustment. Therefore, in the angle adjustment mechanism 90 according to the comparative example, the quality may be unstable.

[0084] On the other hand, the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment described above is configured such that the repulsive force generated by the suppression member 50 as an elastic member is applied only to the sliding rod 42 of the support member 40. As a result, the repulsive force generated by the suppression member 50 is not transmitted to the surrounding components. In other words, the influence of the frictional force generated by the suppression member 50 acts only on the support member 40, and the influence on the surrounding components is suppressed. Therefore, the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment can suppress the influence of the frictional force for maintaining the angle of the display device on the surrounding components. In addition, the change in the force (rotational force) causing the rotation of the display device 2 can be suppressed. Therefore, compared with the angle adjustment mechanism 90 according to the comparative example, the angle adjustment mechanism 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment can achieve stable quality.

[0085] (Modification example)

[0086] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above - mentioned exemplary embodiments and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist. For example, the support member 40 may not be T - shaped. Any shape can be used as long as the support member can move up and down as the display device 2 rotates. For example, the support member may have an umbrella shape (a shape such as a nail or a bolt), where the upper part of the rod extends with the umbrella surface. However, by forming the support member 40 into a T - shape as described above, good operability can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0087] Some or all of the above - mentioned exemplary embodiments can also be described as the following supplementary explanations, but are not limited to the following.

[0088] (Supplementary Explanation 1)

[0089] An angle adjustment mechanism, comprising:

[0090] A base member to which a display device is attached;

[0091] A support member configured to support the base member from below and move up and down in association with a rotation operation of the base member;

[0092] A mounting member having a rotation axis rotatably connecting the base member; and

[0093] A restraining member configured to restrain the up - and - down movement of the support member by frictional force, the restraining member being formed of an elastic material and attached to the mounting member; wherein

[0094] The restraining member is provided with a hole, a part of the support member is inserted into the hole, and the frictional force is generated between the restraining member and the support member in the hole; and

[0095] The support member is configured to move up and down in association with the rotation operation of the base member by sliding through the hole provided in the restraining member, and stop moving by the frictional force when the rotation operation of the base member stops.

[0096] (Supplementary Explanation 2)

[0097] The angle adjustment mechanism according to Supplementary Explanation 1, wherein,

[0098] The support member has a sliding rod that is inserted into and slides through the hole provided in the restraining member;

[0099] In a state where the sliding rod is not inserted, the outer diameter of the sliding rod is larger than the inner diameter of the hole; and

[0100] As the base member rotates about the rotation axis, the support member moves up and down by sliding the sliding rod through the hole.

[0101] (Supplementary Explanation 3)

[0102] The angle adjustment mechanism according to Supplementary Explanation 2, wherein,

[0103] The support member further includes an engagement unit configured to engage with an engagement groove provided in the base member; and

[0104] The engagement unit is pushed upward by the lower surface of the engagement groove, whereby the support member moves in the upward direction, and the engagement unit is pushed downward by the upper surface of the engagement groove, whereby the support member moves in the downward direction.

[0105] (Supplementary Explanation 4)

[0106] The angle adjustment mechanism according to Supplementary Explanation 3, wherein the support member is formed in a T shape, the sliding rod corresponds to the vertical rod of the T shape, and the engagement unit corresponds to the horizontal rod of the T shape.

[0107] (Supplementary Explanation 5)

[0108] The angle adjustment mechanism according to Supplementary Explanation 3 or 4, wherein the engagement unit is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0109] (Supplementary Explanation 6)

[0110] The angle adjustment mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Explanations 1 to 5, wherein when viewed from the direction along which the hole is formed, the suppression member contacts the mounting member in a region different from the region where the hole is formed.

[0111] (Supplementary Explanation 7)

[0112] The angle adjustment mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Explanations 1 to 6, wherein in a portion of the support member that slides through the hole, grooves are formed at equal intervals along the sliding direction of the support member at positions symmetric to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the sliding portion.

[0113] (Supplementary Explanation 8)

[0114] A desktop device, comprising:

[0115] A device main body;

[0116] A display device; and

[0117] An angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle of the display device, wherein,

[0118] The angle adjustment mechanism includes:

[0119] A base member to which the display device is attached;

[0120] A support member that supports the base member from below and moves up and down in conjunction with the rotation operation of the base member;

[0121] A mounting member that is attached to the device main body and has a rotating shaft that rotatably connects the base member; and

[0122] A restraining member formed of an elastic material and attached to the mounting member, and the restraining member restrains the up and down movement of the support member by frictional force;

[0123] The restraining member is provided with a hole, a part of the support member is inserted into the hole, and the frictional force is generated between the restraining member and the support member in the hole; and

[0124] The support member is configured to move up and down in association with the rotation operation of the base member by sliding through the hole provided in the restraining member, and stop moving by the frictional force when the rotation operation of the base member stops.

[0125] (Supplementary Note 9)

[0126] The desktop device according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein,

[0127] The support member has a sliding rod that is inserted into and slides through the hole provided in the restraining member;

[0128] In a state where the sliding rod is not inserted, the outer diameter of the sliding rod is larger than the inner diameter of the hole; and

[0129] As the base member rotates around the rotating shaft, the support member moves up and down by sliding the sliding rod through the hole.

[0130] (Supplementary Note 10)

[0131] The desktop device according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein,

[0132] The support member further includes an engaging unit that engages with an engaging groove provided in the base member; and

[0133] The engaging unit is pushed upward by the lower surface of the engaging groove, whereby the support member moves in the upward direction, and the engaging unit is pushed downward by the upper surface of the engaging groove, whereby the support member moves in the downward direction.

[0134] (Supplementary Explanation 11)

[0135] The desktop device according to Supplementary Explanation 10, wherein the support member is formed in a T shape, and the sliding rod corresponds to the vertical rod of the T shape, and the engaging unit corresponds to the horizontal rod of the T shape.

[0136] (Supplementary Explanation 12)

[0137] The desktop device according to Supplementary Explanation 10 or 11, wherein the engaging unit is formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0138] (Supplementary Explanation 13)

[0139] The desktop device according to any one of Supplementary Explanations 8 to 12, wherein when viewed from the direction along which the hole is formed, the suppressing member contacts the mounting member in a region different from the region where the hole is formed.

[0140] (Supplementary Explanation 14)

[0141] The desktop device according to any one of Supplementary Explanations 8 to 13, wherein in a portion of the support member that slides through the hole, grooves are formed at equal intervals along the sliding direction of the support member at positions symmetric to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the sliding portion.

[0142] (Supplementary Explanation 15)

[0143] A method for assembling an angle adjustment mechanism, comprising:

[0144] Attaching a suppressing member to a mounting member, the mounting member having a rotation axis rotatably connecting a base member, a display device being attached to the base member, the suppressing member being configured to suppress the up and down movement of a support member by frictional force, and the suppressing member being formed of an elastic member, the support member supporting the base member from below, and the support member moving up and down along with the rotation operation of the base member;

[0145] Inserting a part of the support member into a hole provided in the suppressing member;

[0146] Assembling the base member to the mounting member; and

[0147] Fix the display device to the base member.

[0148] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above. Within the scope of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various different modifications to the structure and details of the present invention that can be understood.

[0149] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-166021 filed on September 12, 2019 and claims the priority of this Japanese patent application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0150] List of reference signs

[0151] 1 Desktop device

[0152] 2 Display device

[0153] 4 Device main body

[0154] 10 Angle adjustment mechanism

[0155] 12 Screw

[0156] 16 Rotation axis

[0157] 20 Base member

[0158] 20a Bearing hole

[0159] 22 Engaging groove

[0160] 22a Upper surface

[0161] 22b Lower surface

[0162] 24 Guide rib

[0163] 24a Claw portion

[0164] 24b Wall unit

[0165] 26 Elongated hole

[0166] 30 Mounting member

[0167] 32 Receiving unit

[0168] 32a Groove

[0169] 32b Hole

[0170] 34 Guide groove

[0171] 34a Hole

[0172] 34b Guide unit

[0173] 40 Support member

[0174] 42 Slide bar

[0175] 44 Engagement unit

[0176] 50 Inhibiting member

[0177] 52 Hole

[0178] 54 Protrusion

Claims

1. An angle adjustment mechanism, comprising: A base member to which a display device is attached; A support member configured to support the base member from below and move up and down in association with a rotation operation of the base member; A mounting member having a rotation axis rotatably connecting the base member; And A restraining member configured to restrain the up and down movement of the support member by frictional force, the restraining member being formed of an elastic material and attached to the mounting member; Wherein The restraining member is provided with a hole, a part of the support member is inserted into the hole, and the frictional force is generated between the restraining member and the support member in the hole; And The support member is configured to move up and down in association with the rotation operation of the base member by sliding through the hole provided in the restraining member, and stop moving by the frictional force when the rotation operation of the base member stops.

2. The angle adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein The support member has a sliding rod inserted into and sliding through a hole provided in the restraining member; In a state where the sliding rod is not inserted, the outer diameter of the sliding rod is larger than the inner diameter of the hole; And As the base member rotates about the rotation axis, the support member moves up and down by sliding the sliding rod through the hole.

3. The angle adjustment mechanism according to claim 2, wherein The support member further includes an engaging unit configured to engage with an engaging groove provided in the base member; And The engaging unit is pushed upward by the lower surface of the engaging groove, whereby the support member moves in the upward direction, and the engaging unit is pushed downward by the upper surface of the engaging groove, whereby the support member moves in the downward direction.

4. The angle adjustment mechanism according to claim 3, wherein, The support member is formed in a T shape, the sliding rod corresponds to the vertical rod of the T shape, and the engaging unit corresponds to the horizontal bar of the T shape.

5. The angle adjustment mechanism according to claim 3, wherein, The engaging unit is formed in a cylindrical shape.

6. The angle adjustment mechanism according to claim 4, wherein, The engaging unit is formed in a cylindrical shape.

7. The angle adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed from the direction along which the hole is formed, the restraining member contacts the mounting member in a region different from the region where the hole is formed.

8. The angle adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein, In a portion of the support member that slides through the hole, grooves are formed at equal intervals along the sliding direction of the support member at positions symmetric to each other when viewed from the axial direction of the sliding portion.

9. A desktop device, comprising: A display device; The angle adjustment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the angle adjustment mechanism being configured to adjust the angle of the display device; And A device body, the angle adjustment mechanism being attached to the device body via the mounting member.

10. A method for assembling an angle adjustment mechanism, comprising: Attach a restraining member to a mounting member having a rotation axis rotatably connecting a base member, attach a display device to the base member, the restraining member being configured to restrain vertical movement of a support member by frictional force, and the restraining member being formed of an elastic member, the support member supporting the base member from below and the support member moving vertically in association with a rotation operation of the base member; Insert a part of the support member into a hole provided in the restraining member; Assemble the base member to the mounting member; and Fix the display device to the base member.

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