Electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides an electronic device capable of preventing rotation between housings beyond a prescribed rotation and achieving miniaturization of a hinge device. The electronic device is provided with: a first housing; a second housing adjacent to the first housing; and a hinge device linking the first housing and the second housing so as to be relatively rotatable, the first housing having: a plate-shaped member made of metal; and a standing wall member made of resin, which stands from a rim of the plate-shaped member and forms a side surface of the first housing on an outer surface thereof, a stopper protrusion being provided on the outer surface of the standing wall member, the stopper protrusion abutting against an outer surface of the second housing when the first housing and the second housing are rotated to a prescribed angle, and stopping relative rotation of the first housing and the second housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electronic device that connects housings using a hinge device. Background Technology

[0002] In electronic devices such as laptop PCs, for example, the housing with a keyboard and motherboard and the housing with a display are connected by a hinge device so that they can rotate relative to each other (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7566100

[0004] The aforementioned hinge mechanism is sometimes equipped with a limiter mechanism to prevent rotation between the housings from exceeding a predetermined angle. The limiter mechanism, for example, is a protrusion or cam located around the hinge axis, which physically stops rotation exceeding the predetermined angle. Thus, the hinge mechanism prevents rotation between the housings from exceeding the predetermined angle and inhibits malfunctions in the housings or the hinge mechanism itself.

[0005] The urgent need for thinner and lighter electronic devices like those described above necessitates miniaturization of hinge mechanisms. However, miniaturization of hinge mechanisms presents challenges in installing limiter mechanisms. This is because, for example, if the outer diameter of the hinge shaft is reduced, there are concerns about insufficient strength of the hinge shaft if a limiter mechanism is installed. On the other hand, without any limiter mechanism, there are concerns about potential damage to the housing and hinge mechanism when a rotational force exceeding a specified angle is applied between the housings. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and its object is to provide an electronic device that can prevent the rotation between housings from exceeding a specified rotation and to achieve miniaturization of the hinge device.

[0007] The electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: a first housing; a second housing adjacent to the first housing; and a hinge device connecting the first housing and the second housing so that they can rotate relative to each other. The first housing has: a metal plate-shaped member; and a resin wall member that stands upright from the edge of the plate-shaped member, the outer surface of which forms the side surface of the first housing. A limiter protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the wall member, the limiter protrusion abutting against the outer surface of the second housing when the first housing and the second housing rotate to a predetermined angle, thereby stopping the relative rotation of the first housing and the second housing.

[0008] According to the above-described manner of the present invention, it is possible to prevent rotation between housings from exceeding a predetermined rotation and to achieve miniaturization of the hinge device. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1This is a schematic top view obtained from an overhead view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic three-dimensional view of the first shell taken from a slightly rearward and lower perspective.

[0011] Figure 3A It is a schematic side sectional view of the rear edge and surrounding area of ​​an electronic device at 130 degrees.

[0012] Figure 3B Is to make Figure 3A The second housing shown is a schematic side sectional view at 180 degrees.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of a hinge device.

[0014] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0015] 10…electronic device; 11…first housing; 12…second housing; 14…hinge device; 16…display; 18…keyboard device; 20…upper cover component; 21…lower cover component; 24…plate-shaped component; 26…wall component; 26a…fixed part; 26b…wall part; 30…vent; 32…limiter protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are listed, and the electronic device involved in the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view obtained from above, showing an electronic device 10 according to one embodiment. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device 10 in this embodiment is a flip-type laptop PC. The electronic device 10 has a structure in which the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are connected by a hinge device 14 to be able to rotate relative to each other. As long as the electronic device has a structure in which the two housings are connected by a hinge device to be able to rotate relative to each other, in addition to a laptop PC, it can also be a smartphone, a portable game console, or a display device.

[0018] The second housing 12 is a thin, flat box. The second housing 12 is equipped with a display 16. The display 16 is, for example, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display. The display 16 is configured such that the display surface 16a faces the front surface 12a of the second housing 12. The front surface 12a is the surface that faces the upper surface 11a of the first housing 11 when the second housing 12 is closed and overlaps the first housing 11.

[0019] The first housing 11 is a thin, flat box. The keyboard device 18 and the touchpad 19 face the upper surface 11a of the first housing 11.

[0020] The following describes the posture for operating the keyboard device 18 by opening the second housing 12 from the first housing 11, and the various components mounted on the first housing 11, regarding the first housing 11 (see reference). Figure 1 Based on this, the width direction (left-right) of the first housing 11 is referred to as X1 and X2 directions, the depth direction (front-back) of the first housing 11 is referred to as Y1 and Y2 directions, and the thickness direction (up-down) of the first housing 11 is referred to as Z1 and Z2 directions. Sometimes X1 and X2 directions are collectively referred to as the X direction, and Y1 and Y2 directions and Z1 and Z2 directions are sometimes referred to as the Y direction and Z direction. The above directions are determined for ease of explanation and can of course be changed according to the usage state or setting posture of the electronic device 10.

[0021] Furthermore, regarding the angle between housings 11 and 12, the state where their surfaces overlap is referred to as 0 degrees (first angle), and the state where their surfaces are approximately parallel is referred to as 180 degrees (second angle). Appropriate angles are defined between 0 degrees and 180 degrees; for example, the state where the surface directions of the second housing 12 and the first housing 11 are orthogonal is 90 degrees. These angles are for ease of explanation; in actual products, there may be slight deviations from the precise angle positions shown in the numerical angle diagrams.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the first housing 11 taken from a slightly rearward and lower angle. Figure 3A This is a schematic side sectional view of the rear edge and surrounding area of ​​the electronic device 10 at 130 degrees. Figure 3B Is to make Figure 3A The second housing 12 shown is a schematic side sectional view at 180 degrees.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 3B As shown, the first housing 11 includes an upper cover component 20 and a lower cover component 21.

[0024] The upper cover component 20 is a plate-shaped component that forms the upper surface 11a of the first housing 11. The upper cover component 20 can be formed from a metal plate such as aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy. In this embodiment, the upper cover component 20 is, for example, a stamped aluminum alloy product. The upper cover component 20 can also be formed from a resin plate or the like. The upper cover component 20 has a large rectangular opening 20a for mounting the keyboard device 18. The upper cover component 20 can also be configured to have a shallow recess instead of the opening 20a, and the keyboard device 18 can be mounted on top of the recess.

[0025] Figure 3AReference numeral 22 in the figure refers to a resin component that is fixed to the inner surface 20b of the upper cover component 20 by an adhesive or the like. The resin component 22 can be formed into various shapes such as threaded holes or protrusions for fastening the keyboard device 18 to the inner surface 20b.

[0026] like Figures 2-3B As shown, the lower cover component 21 includes a metal plate-shaped component 24 and a resin vertical wall component 26. The vertical wall component 26 can be formed, for example, from PC / ABS.

[0027] The plate-shaped component 24 is a component that forms the bottom surface 11b of the first housing 11. The plate-shaped component 24 is a metal plate having a bent shape or curved surface, including a portion of its outer periphery. The plate-shaped component 24 can also be formed from a flat metal plate. The plate-shaped component 24 can be formed from a metal plate such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped component 24 is, for example, a stamped product of an aluminum alloy.

[0028] The upright member 26 rises from the outer periphery of the plate member 24 in the Z1 direction (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3A In this embodiment, the first housing 11 has a vertical wall member 26 at least on the edge 24a on the Y2 side of the plate member 24 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3A The wall member 26 is fixed to the inner surface 24b of the plate member 24, for example, by adhesive 28. The wall member 26 extends along the length direction (X direction) of the edge 24a. The wall member 26 has a length that extends along most of the length direction of the edge 24a to which the hinge device 14 is connected, excluding the two ends.

[0029] The wall member 26 may have a fixing portion 26a and a wall-standing portion 26b. Thus, the wall member 26 may have, for example, a generally L-shaped cross-sectional shape. The fixing portion 26a is the part fixed to the inner surface 24b of the plate-like member 24. The fixing portion 26a is fixed to the inner surface 24b, for example, by an adhesive 28. The wall-standing portion 26b rises from the outer end of the fixing portion 26a in the Z1 direction. The outer surface 26b1 of the wall-standing portion 26b forms the side surface 11c of the Y2 side of the first housing 11.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the vertical wall portion 26b (side surface 11c) can have multiple vents 30 and multiple limiter protrusions 32.

[0031] The vent 30 is a small window-shaped opening arranged along the length direction (X direction) of the vertical wall portion 26b. The vent 30 extends through the vertical wall portion 26b in the thickness direction. The vent 30 can be used as an exhaust port for air discharged from the fan mounted in the first housing 11, or as an air inlet for introducing external air into the fan.

[0032] like Figures 2-3B As shown, the limiter protrusion 32 is a protrusion that extends from the outer surface 26b1 of the vertical wall portion 26b in the Y2 direction. The limiter protrusion 32 is a physical limiter used to prevent the housings 11 and 12 from rotating beyond the maximum designed rotation angle (180 degrees in this embodiment). The outer surface 12b1 of the second housing 12 abuts against the limiter protrusion 32, stopping further rotation (see reference). Figure 3B ).

[0033] The limiter protrusions 32 can be arranged along the length direction (X direction) of the vertical wall portion 26b. For example, the limiter protrusions 32 have a rod shape extending along the standing direction (Y direction) of the vertical wall portion 26b. That is, the limiter protrusions 32 of this embodiment have a rod shape that is narrow in the X direction and long in the Y direction. The limiter protrusions 32 can also be formed into a square, circular, or other shape when viewed from the front surface of the outer surface 26b1. The vertical wall component 26 is made of resin. Therefore, the limiter protrusions 32 can be formed simultaneously with the molding of the vertical wall component 26, resulting in high manufacturing efficiency.

[0034] The limiter protrusion 32 is positioned to avoid the vent 30. In this embodiment, four limiter protrusions 32 are provided and arranged to span the vent 30. That is, the vent 30 opens between the plurality of limiter protrusions 32.

[0035] Figures 2-3B Reference numeral 33 in the figure refers to a rubber foot provided on the bottom surface 11b of the first housing 11. The rubber foot 33 is provided, for example, at the four corners of the bottom surface 11b, to serve as feet when the electronic device 10 is placed on a table or the like.

[0036] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the second housing 12 has a hinge housing 34 at its edge 12b, which is connected to the first housing 11. The hinge housing 34 has a rod shape extending along the length direction (X direction) of the edge 12b, and a hinge device 14 is housed at each of its left and right ends. The edge 12b is adjacent to the edge (rear edge) 11d of the first housing 11 on the Y2 side, where the side surface 11c is provided. The edge 12b has a jaw shape protruding from the front surface 12a of the second housing 12, and the hinge housing 34 is provided in this portion. The outer surface 12b1 of the edge 12b faces the side surface 11c at 180 degrees and abuts against the limiter protrusion 32 (see reference). Figure 3B ).

[0037] The hinge housing 34 is inserted into the concave portion 12c formed in the edge portion 11d of the first housing 11 and is connected to the first housing 11 via the left and right hinge devices 14. In this way, the electronic device 10 can be configured in a so-called single-bar shape (Japanese original: ワンバー形状) in which the hinge housing 34 extends along the length direction of the edge portions 11d and 12b. The hinge housing 34 can also be provided for the left and right hinge devices 14 respectively. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the attached drawings, reference numeral 36 is a frame member that covers the peripheral portion of the display surface 16a of the display 16.

[0038] In the first housing 11, at least the housing member 38 that forms the outer surface 12b1 of the edge portion 12b can be formed of a metal plate. The housing member 38 forms the back surface and side surfaces of the first housing 11. The housing member 38 can be formed of a metal plate such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. The housing member 38 of the present embodiment is, for example, a stamping formed product of an aluminum alloy. The housing member 38 can also be made of resin.

[0039] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the hinge device 14.

[0040] As Figure 1 shown, the hinge devices 14 are respectively provided at both end portions in the length direction of the hinge housing 34. Since the left and right hinge devices 14 can be set to a left-right symmetric structure, one (X1 side) hinge device 14 is representatively shown in Figure 4 . The structure of the hinge device 14 is not limited to the structure shown in Figure 4 . The hinge device 14 of the present embodiment connects the housings 11 and 12 so that they can relatively rotate between a first angle (0 degrees) in which they are stacked in a manner that their surface directions overlap each other and a second angle (180 degrees) that intersects at an angle exceeding the orthogonality of their surface directions.

[0041] As Figure 4 shown, the hinge device 14 can include a hinge shaft 40, a bracket 42, a shaft fixing portion 44, and a torque generating portion 46.

[0042] The hinge shaft 40 is a metal shaft that serves as the rotation axis of the hinge device 14. The bracket 42 is a metal component used to fix the hinge device 14 to the first housing 11. The bracket 42 is, for example, threaded onto the inner surface 20b of the upper cover component 20. The bracket 42 supports one end 40a of the hinge shaft 40 so that it can rotate relative to the hinge. The shaft fixing part 44 is a metal component that supports the other end 40b of the hinge shaft 40 so that it cannot rotate relative to the hinge. The shaft fixing part 44 is fixed to the housing component 38 at the edge 12b of the second housing 12 by threading, bonding, or the like. The shaft fixing part 44 is housed within the hinge housing 34. The torque generating part 46 is a metal component that applies a predetermined rotational torque to the rotation of the hinge shaft 40. The torque generating part 46 is, for example, provided around the shaft of the hinge shaft 40 and formed by disc-shaped leaf springs stacked axially along the hinge shaft 40.

[0043] Hinges 14 are provided on the left and right sides of the recessed portion 12c within the first housing 11. In the hinge 14, the other end 40b of the hinge shaft 40 protrudes into the recessed portion 12c and is connected to the shaft fixing portion 44 on the side of the second housing 12. Thus, the hinge 14 connects the housings 11 and 12 so that they can rotate relative to each other.

[0044] Next, refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The rotational motion between shells 11 and 12 is explained.

[0045] 0 degrees represents the closed state of the flip-top housings 11 and 12. At 0 degrees, housings 11 and 12 are stacked in the Z direction with their surfaces overlapping each other, and the upper surface 11a is close to and opposite the front surface 12a. That is, the display 16 is opposite the keyboard device 18 and the touchpad 19. When using the display 16 and keyboard device 18 of the electronic device 10, the second housing 12 is rotated to open from the first housing 11. Housings 11 and 12 can be rotated relative to each other to an angle exceeding 90 degrees orthogonal to their surface directions.

[0046] Figure 3A The diagram shows the housings 11 and 12 set at an angle assumed for normal use (e.g., 130 degrees). At 130 degrees, the display surface 16a of the display 16 can be viewed with high visibility for the electronic device 10, and the keyboard device 18 can be operated smoothly.

[0047] Figure 3BThe diagram shows the housings 11 and 12 rotated to their maximum rotation angle (180 degrees in this embodiment). At 180 degrees, the housings 11 and 12 are configured such that their surface directions are substantially parallel and they are aligned with each other in the Y direction. In this state, the upper surface 11a and the front surface 12a of the housings 11 and 12 face approximately the same direction (Z1 direction). When the electronic device 10 reaches its maximum rotation angle, the outer surface 12b1 of the second housing 12 abuts against the limiter protrusion 32, stopping further rotation. That is, the limiter protrusion 32 physically prevents the housings 11 and 12 from rotating beyond their designed maximum rotation angle.

[0048] The maximum rotation angle between housings 11 and 12 can also be beyond 180 degrees; for example, it can also be... Figure 3A The 130 degrees shown is the maximum rotation angle. In this case, the height of the limiter protrusion 32 and the shape of the outer surface 12b1 are appropriately designed so that the outer surface 12b1 abuts against the limiter protrusion 32 at this angle.

[0049] As described above, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment includes a hinge device 14 that connects housings 11 and 12 to be rotatable relative to each other. The first housing 11 has a metal plate-shaped member 24 and a resin wall member 26 that stands upright from the edge 24a of the plate-shaped member 24, with its outer surface 26b1 forming the side surface 11c of the first housing 11. A limiter protrusion 32 is provided on the outer surface 26b1 of the wall member 26, which abuts against the outer surface 12b1 of the second housing 12 when the housings 11 and 12 are rotated to a predetermined angle (e.g., 180 degrees) to stop the relative rotation between the housings 11 and 12.

[0050] Thus, the electronic device 10 has a limiter protrusion 32 that prevents the housings 11 and 12 from rotating beyond a predetermined angle. Therefore, even when subjected to a rotational force between the housings 11 and 12 exceeding a predetermined angle, the electronic device 10 can prevent the hinge device 14 and the housings 11 and 12 from being subjected to excessive loads and causing malfunctions.

[0051] A limiter protrusion 32 is provided on the upright wall member 26 of the first housing 11. The hinge device 14 does not require a limiter mechanism to stop the rotation of the hinge shaft 40. Therefore, excessive load on the hinge device 14 due to the limiter mechanism is avoided. Thus, the hinge device 14 can be miniaturized without assuming the strength of the limiter mechanism. For example, in existing structures with a limiter mechanism, the outer diameter of the hinge shaft 40 needs to be ensured to be approximately 5.5 mm. In contrast, the outer diameter of the hinge shaft 40 in this embodiment can be reduced to approximately 3.5 mm.

[0052] If the outer diameter of the hinge shaft 40 is reduced, the height position of the hinge shaft 40 in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the first housing 11 can be brought closer to the side of the upper cover member 20 (Z1 side). Thus, for example, in Figure 3A At the commonly used angle shown, the gap in the Z direction between the edge 12b of the second housing 12 and the desktop or similar surface on which the electronic device 10 is mounted increases. As a result, the efficiency of exhaust from the vent 30 is improved. Furthermore, even for example, when... Figure 3B As shown by the maximum rotation angle, the gap in the Z direction between the second housing 12 and the desktop or the like also increases. As a result, the electronic device 10 can achieve a thinner and lighter first housing 11 and avoid interference between the second housing 12 and the desktop or the like.

[0053] In particular, the electronic device 10 has a limiter protrusion 32 on the resin wall member 26 that stands upright from the metal plate member 24. Therefore, damage to the outer surface 12b1 of the second housing 12 that it abuts by is prevented by the limiter protrusion 32. On the other hand, in the first housing 11, the plate member 24 supporting the wall member 26 is made of metal. Therefore, the first housing 11 can ensure high housing strength and a thinner profile. In particular, if the plate member 24 is a stamped metal product, manufacturing efficiency is improved and the appearance of the first housing 11 is further improved. However, the shaping and internal threading of the metal plate member 24 are more complex, thus reducing manufacturing efficiency. This is especially difficult for stamped products. In this regard, the resin wall member 26 is easier to form with complex shapes and internal threads. Therefore, the wall member 26 is also easier to form with the limiter protrusion 32 and the vent 30, improving the manufacturing efficiency of the electronic device 10.

[0054] Furthermore, it is also possible to assume a structure in which the outer surface 26b1 of the resin-made upright member 26 directly bears the second housing 12 without the limiter protrusion 32. However, in this structure, it is difficult to control the contact position between the second housing 12 and the upright member 26. This is because it is impossible to completely eliminate the slight loosening that occurs when the hinge device 14 rotates. As a result, in this structure, there is a concern that damage caused by repeated contact may spread to various locations on the outer surfaces 26b1 and 12b1. Regarding this point, the limiter protrusion 32 makes it easy to control the contact position and prevents damage from spreading to various locations on the outer surfaces 26b1 and 12b1.

[0055] In the electronic device 10, the outer surface 12b1 of the second housing 12 that abuts against the limiter protrusion 32 can be made of metal. This ensures both high housing strength and a thinner profile for the second housing 12. Furthermore, since the limiter protrusion 32 is made of resin, damage to the metal outer surface 12b1 can be prevented.

[0056] Multiple limiter protrusions 32 can be arranged in a manner that runs along the length direction (X direction) of the upright member 26. In this case, the limiter protrusions 32 preferably have a rod shape that extends along the erection direction (Z direction) of the upright member 26. In this way, the limiter protrusions 32 can receive the second housing 12 with a generally line contact that is narrow in the X direction, and the posture of the second housing 12 after contact is stable.

[0057] The vertical wall component 26 can be formed with vents 30 that open between the plurality of limiter protrusions 32, 32. This prevents the limiter protrusions 32 from blocking the vents 30. Furthermore, the limiter protrusions 32 are configured to span the vents 30, thereby ensuring that the limiter protrusions 32 are arranged in a balanced and good manner within the vertical wall component 26 where the vents 30 are provided. As a result, each limiter protrusion 32 can more stably support the second housing 12.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can of course be freely modified within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0059] The above example illustrates a structure in which the vertical wall member 26 is disposed on the lower cover member 21, but the vertical wall member 26 may also be disposed on the upper cover member 20.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, have: First shell; A second housing adjacent to the first housing; and A hinge mechanism connects the first housing and the second housing so that they can rotate relative to each other. The first housing has: Metal plate-shaped components; and A resin-made upright wall component stands upright from the edge of the plate-shaped component, and its outer surface forms the side surface of the first housing. A limiter protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the vertical wall component. The limiter protrusion abuts against the outer surface of the second housing when the first housing and the second housing rotate to a predetermined angle, thereby stopping the relative rotation between the first housing and the second housing.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the second housing that abuts against the limiter protrusion is made of metal.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The limiter protrusions are arranged in multiple ways along the length of the vertical wall component. The limiter protrusion has a rod shape extending along the erection direction of the upright member.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, With the outer surface of the second housing in contact with the limiter protrusion, the surfaces of the first housing and the second housing are approximately parallel to each other.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plate-shaped component is a stamped metal product.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The limiter protrusions are arranged in multiple ways along the length of the vertical wall component. The upright wall component has vents that open between the plurality of limiter protrusions.

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