electronic machinery

Abstract

This can prevent the top panel from coming off in electronic devices. [Solution] The electronic device is a foldable electronic device and comprises a first housing (1) having a hinge portion (31) on which a shaft member (3) is formed, and a second housing (2) having a top panel (6) that is exposed to the outside when the electronic device is folded, and which is rotatably connected to the first housing (1) via the shaft member (3), wherein the top panel (6) has a hinge cover portion configured to cover a part of the circumferential direction of the shaft member (3), and the hinge cover portion is positioned between the shaft member (3) and the first housing (1) in a first state in which the electronic device is opened at a predetermined angle, so as to face the first housing (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of the present invention relates to electronic devices.

Background Art

[0002] For example, electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal computers, and electronic dictionaries include an upper panel that covers the electronic device. This upper panel is provided with protrusions that can engage with the electronic device, and is attached to the electronic device by engaging the protrusions with the electronic device. Such an electronic device is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is a problem that the above upper panel may come off due to the impact when it falls.

[0005] Based on the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is to suppress the detachment of the upper panel in an electronic device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention is a foldable electronic device comprising: a first housing having a hinge portion on which a shaft member is formed; and a second housing having a top panel that is exposed to the outside when the electronic device is folded, and which is rotatably connected to the first housing via the shaft member, wherein the top panel has a hinge cover portion configured to cover a part of the circumferential direction of the shaft member, and the hinge cover portion faces the first housing by being positioned between the shaft member and the first housing in a first state in which the electronic device is opened at a predetermined angle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This can prevent the top panel from coming off in electronic devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the electronic dictionary according to the first embodiment in an open state. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the electronic dictionary according to the first embodiment in a folded state. [Figure 3] This is an exploded view of an electronic dictionary according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the mounting operation of the first hinge cover and the second hinge cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship of the first hinge cover portion in the first state when the electronic dictionary according to the first embodiment is opened. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the first hinge cover portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the housing according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the rotating rib and the fixed rib in the third state in which the electronic dictionary according to the second embodiment is opened. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the rotating rib and the fixed rib in the second state and the fourth state of the electronic dictionary according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the first hinge cover portion and the second hinge cover portion according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Each of the following embodiments applies an electronic dictionary as a foldable electronic device, and first, the electronic dictionary of the first embodiment will be described. The electronic dictionary shown in Figure 1 comprises a first housing 1, a second housing 2, and a shaft member 3 (see Figure 3) that rotatably connects the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. As shown in Figure 2, the electronic dictionary is configured to be foldable by rotating the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 around the shaft member 3.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the first housing 1 has a key panel 4 and a bottom panel 5. The top surface of the key panel 4 is provided with various keys necessary for an electronic dictionary, such as character keys, cursor keys, and function keys. The bottom panel 5 is formed to the same size as the key panel 4 and is attached to the bottom surface of the key panel 4.

[0011] The second housing 2 comprises a top panel 6, a display unit 7, and a display panel 8. The top panel 6 is a flat panel attached to the back side of the second housing 2. As shown in Figure 2, when the electronic dictionary is folded, most of the key panel 4, display unit 7, and display panel 8 are hidden, while the top panel 6 is exposed to the outside. The display unit 7 mainly consists of a thin panel such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information such as input information entered from the keys of the key panel 4. The display panel 8 is formed to be the same size as the top panel 6 and is a box-shaped member that houses the display unit 7. When the electronic dictionary is folded, an opening is formed on the surface side of the display panel 8 that faces the key panel 4 of the first housing 1, and the display unit 7 is exposed through the opening.

[0012] The hinge portion 31 rotatably connects the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 via the shaft member 3. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, a housing portion 30 is provided on one side of the key panel 4 and the bottom panel 5. The housing portion 30 has a space inside, which can house, for example, a battery. When the battery is set in the housing portion 30, power is supplied to each part of the electronic dictionary. Furthermore, hinge portions 31 are provided on one side of the key panel 4, on both ends of the housing portion 30. A cylindrical shaft member 3 is formed on the hinge portion 31. The shaft member 3 extends from both ends of the housing portion 30 in the longitudinal direction of the key panel 4 and the bottom panel 5. The second housing 2 is also provided with a connecting member for connecting the second housing 2 and the shaft member 3. That is, the hinge portion 31 and the connecting member rotatably connect the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 via the shaft member 3.

[0013] Opposing portions 41 and 51 are provided on one side of the key panel 4 and the lower panel 5. Specifically shown in Figure 4, the opposing portions 41 and 51 are formed in a curved shape along the circumferential direction of the shaft member 3 and are provided on one side of the key panel 4 and the lower panel 5 where the housing portion 30 is not formed, that is, on both ends of the housing portion 30. Therefore, the opposing portions 41 and 51 face the shaft member 3 that extends from both ends of the housing portion 30.

[0014] As shown in Figure 3, the first hinge cover portion 60 covers a part of the shaft member 3 in the circumferential direction, and the second hinge cover portion 80 covers the remaining part of the shaft member 3 that is exposed from the hinge portion 31 and not covered by the first hinge cover portion 60. More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, a pair of first hinge cover portions 60 are provided at both ends of one side of the top panel 6. Each first hinge cover portion 60 has a semi-cylindrical outer shell case 61. A semi-cylindrical portion 62 is provided radially inside the outer shell case 61, and as shown in Figures 4(A) to (C), the semi-cylindrical portion 62 covers a part of the shaft member 3 in the circumferential direction. In addition, a pair of second hinge cover portions 80 are provided at both ends of one side of the display panel 8. Each second hinge cover portion 80 has a semi-cylindrical outer shell case 81 formed in the opposite direction to the outer shell case 61, and a circular side surface 83. On the radially inner side of the outer shell case 81, there is a semi-cylindrical portion 82 formed in the opposite direction to the semi-cylindrical portion 62, and as shown in Figures 4(A) to (C), the semi-cylindrical portion 82 covers a part of the circumferential direction of the shaft member 3. In addition, the circular side surface 83 covers the side surface of the shaft member 3. Each first hinge cover portion 60 and each second hinge cover portion 80 has a convex portion 63 and a concave portion 84, as shown in Figures 4(A) to (C), although the details will be described later. By engaging the convex portion 63 and the concave portion 84, each first hinge cover portion 60 is attached to each second hinge cover portion 80, forming a cylindrical hinge cover.

[0015] As shown in Figures 4(A) to (C), the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 are positioned at both ends of the housing portion 30, and the shaft member 3 is sandwiched between the semi-cylindrical portions 62 and 82 so that the inner circumferential surfaces of the semi-cylindrical portion 62 and the inner circumferential surfaces of the semi-cylindrical portion 82 face each other. As a result, each semi-cylindrical portion 62 covers a part of the shaft member 3 in the circumferential direction, and each semi-cylindrical portion 82 covers the remaining part of the shaft member 3 in the circumferential direction that is not covered by each semi-cylindrical portion 62.

[0016] Note that at least one of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is provided with a tilt mechanism (not shown). The tilt mechanism is a mechanism for holding the electronic dictionary at an arbitrary angle. Specifically, when the first housing 1 is placed on a horizontal plane, the tilt mechanism can hold the second housing 2 in a first state opened up to 180 degrees, a second state folded (closed at 0 degrees), a third state opened at 90 degrees which is a state between the first state and the second state, a fourth state opened at 125 degrees which is a state opened larger than the third state and smaller than the first state, and so on.

[0017] Next, the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C), the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 each have a convex portion 63 and a concave portion 84. The convex portion 63 and the concave portion 84 are configured to be engageable, enabling the first hinge cover portion 60 to be attached to the second hinge cover portion 80.

[0018] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C), a convex portion 63 protruding radially inward is provided at the tip of the first hinge cover portion 60, and a concave portion 84 recessed radially inward is provided at the tip of the second hinge cover portion 80. The protruding length of the convex portion 63 and the recessed length of the concave portion 84 are formed in association with each other, and the convex portion 63 is configured to engage with the concave portion 84. In this embodiment, the convex portion 63 is provided on the first hinge cover portion 60 and the concave portion 84 is provided on the second hinge cover portion 80. However, as long as either one of the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 is provided with the convex portion 63 and the other is provided with the concave portion 84, it is acceptable.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4(A), with the first hinge cover portion 60 positioned below the second hinge cover portion 80 (vertically downward with respect to the axial direction of the shaft member 3), as shown in Figure 4(B), the first hinge cover portion 60 is moved horizontally (in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the shaft member 3) to align the horizontal position of the protrusion 63 and the recess 84. In this state, as shown in Figure 4(C), the protrusion 63 is moved upward in the direction of engagement, and the protrusion 63 is engaged (fitted) into the recess 84. Through this series of operations, the first hinge cover portion 60 is attached to the second hinge cover portion 80. Furthermore, the engagement of the protrusion 63 and the recess 84 completes the attachment of the top panel 6, which is formed integrally with the first hinge cover portion 60, to the display panel 8.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the electronic dictionary, the detachment of the top panel 6 can be suppressed. The details will be explained below with reference to Figures 5(A) and (B). As shown in Figure 5(A), in the first state in which the electronic dictionary is opened 180 degrees, the first hinge cover portion 60 is positioned between the shaft member 3 and the opposing portions 41 and 51, and thus faces the opposing portions 41 and 51. More specifically, first, focusing on the positional relationship between the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 when the electronic dictionary is opened 180 degrees, the second hinge cover portion 80 covers approximately the upper half of the shaft member 3, and the first hinge cover portion 60 covers approximately the lower half. In other words, in the first state, the second hinge cover portion 80 is positioned to cover the upper half of the shaft member 3, and the first hinge cover portion 60 is positioned to cover the lower half of the shaft member 3.

[0021] Furthermore, the second hinge cover portion 80 and the first hinge cover portion 60 are positioned on both ends of the housing portion 30, and are in the same position as the opposing portions 41 and 51. When the electronic dictionary is in the first state, opened 180 degrees, focusing on the second hinge cover portion 80 and the first hinge cover portion 60 and the opposing portions 41 and 51, the second hinge cover portion 80, which covers the upper half circumference of the shaft member 3, is positioned above the opposing portions 41 and 51, and therefore does not face the opposing portions 41 and 51. In contrast, the first hinge cover portion 60 covers the lower half circumference of the shaft member 3, so as to fit between the shaft member 3 and the opposing positions of the opposing portions 41 and 51, it is positioned between the shaft member 3 and the opposing portions 41 and 51. In this way, by positioning the first hinge cover portion 60 between the shaft member 3 and the opposing portions 41 and 51, the outer peripheral surface of the outer shell case 61 of the first hinge cover portion 60 faces the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51.

[0022] Furthermore, to avoid hindering the rotation of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51 are formed in a curved recess along the outer circumferential surfaces of the outer shell case 61 and outer shell case 81. For the same purpose, a predetermined gap is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the opposing outer shell case 61 (outer shell case 81) and the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51. In this way, due to the shape of the opposing portions 41 and 51 and the predetermined gap, the outer circumferential surface of the opposing outer shell case 61 (outer shell case 81) and the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51 are in a non-contact state.

[0023] When the positional relationship of the first hinge cover portion 60 is as described above, even if the electronic dictionary falls while in the first state opened 180 degrees, the detachment of the top panel 6 can be suppressed. More specifically, when the electronic dictionary falls, depending on the orientation of the electronic dictionary, as shown from Figure 5(A) to Figure 5(B), the impact (force) of the fall causes the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 to bend and deform, and the top panel 6 may move in a direction that releases the engagement between the convex portion 63 and the concave portion 84 (to the left and downward in Figure 5(B)). In this case, the top panel 6 moves in a direction that detaches from the display panel 8. However, in the first state described above, the outer peripheral surface of the outer shell case 61 faces the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51, so even if the top panel 6 moves to the left and downward due to the impact of the fall, once the top panel 6 has moved a predetermined distance, the outer peripheral surface of the outer shell case 61 and the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51 come into contact. This restricts further movement of the top panel 6, thereby preventing it from detaching from the electronic dictionary (display panel 8).

[0024] Therefore, according to the electronic dictionary of the first embodiment, when the first state is opened 180 degrees, the first hinge cover portion 60 is positioned between the shaft member 3 and the opposing portions 41 and 51, making it possible to bring the outer peripheral surface of the outer shell case 61 of the first hinge cover portion 60 into contact with the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51. As a result, even if the top panel 6 moves in a direction that detaches from the display panel 8 due to the impact when the electronic dictionary is dropped, the outer peripheral surface of the outer shell case 61 and the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51 come into contact when the top panel 6 has moved a predetermined distance. This restricts the movement of the top panel 6 in a direction that disengages the display panel 8 from the top panel 6, thereby suppressing the detachment of the top panel 6 from the electronic dictionary in the first state. Furthermore, in the electronic dictionary of the first embodiment, by integrating the top panel 6 and the first hinge cover portion 60, it is possible to suppress the detachment of the top panel 6, as well as the detachment of the first hinge cover portion 60.

[0025] Furthermore, the curved portion of the opposing portion 51, located below the opposing portion 41, extends slightly toward the first hinge cover portion 60 (in other words, to the right in Figure 5(A)) compared to the opposing portion 41. With this configuration, even if the engagement between the convex portion 63 and the concave portion 84 is released when the first state is opened 180 degrees, and the first hinge cover portion 60 is about to fall from between the shaft member 3 and the opposing portions 41 and 51, the first hinge cover portion 60 is supported by the curved portion of the opposing portion 51, thereby preventing the top panel 6 from coming off.

[0026] Furthermore, the predetermined distance between the outer circumferential surface of the outer shell case 61 and the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51 should be formed so as not to hinder the rotation of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2, but it is preferable to form it to be shorter than the protruding length of the convex portion 63 and the recessed length of the concave portion 84. With this configuration, the amount of movement of the top panel 6 during a fall can be made shorter than the protruding length of the convex portion 63 and the recessed length of the concave portion 84. This prevents the disengagement of the convex portion 63 and the concave portion 84, thereby more reliably suppressing the detachment of the top panel 6. Alternatively, the protruding length of the convex portion 63 and the recessed length of the concave portion 84 may be made longer than the predetermined distance between the outer circumferential surface of the outer shell case 61 and the outer surfaces of the opposing portions 41 and 51, and the same effect as above can be obtained with this configuration as well.

[0027] Furthermore, the first hinge cover portion 60 does not necessarily need to cover half of the circumferential direction of the shaft member 3; it is sufficient if it faces the shaft member 3 in the first state. In other words, as long as the first hinge cover portion 60 faces the shaft member 3 in the first state, it may cover more than half the circumference of the shaft member 3, or it may cover less than half the circumference of the shaft member 3.

[0028] Next, an embodiment different from the first embodiment will be described. In each embodiment described below, parts common to the electronic dictionary of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. First, the electronic dictionary of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the electronic dictionary of the second embodiment differs from the electronic dictionary of the first embodiment in that it has a rotating rib 64 that rotates relative to the housing 30 and fixed ribs (first fixed rib 32, second fixed rib 33, third fixed rib 34) fixed to the housing 30. With this configuration, even if the electronic dictionary falls, the rotation rib 64 and the fixed ribs interfere with each other, which can prevent the top panel 6 from coming off the electronic dictionary. Details will be explained below. Note that the fixed ribs shown in Figures 8 to 9 are actually located further back on the page than the semi-cylindrical parts 62, 82, the convex part 63, and the concave part 84, but for the sake of explanation, they are shown as being located closer to the page than the semi-cylindrical parts 62, 82, the convex part 63, and the concave part 84.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, when viewing the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 from the axially inward side, the rotating rib 64 is provided on the radially inward side of the first hinge cover portion 60. More specifically, the rotating rib 64 is provided between the outer shell case 61 and the semi-cylindrical portion 62, on the radially inward side closer to the semi-cylindrical portion 62. Furthermore, the rotating rib 64 protrudes axially inward (towards the foreground of the paper in Figure 6) than the other components of the first hinge cover portion 60 (outer shell case 61, semi-cylindrical portion 62, and protrusion 63), and is exposed to the outside from the first hinge cover portion 60. In addition, the rotating rib 64 has widths 641 and 642 of different lengths, with width 641 being shorter than width 642 and width 642 being longer than width 641.

[0030] As shown in Figure 7, fixing ribs are fixed to the housing section 30. The fixing ribs consist of a first fixing rib 32, a second fixing rib 33, and a third fixing rib 34. Each fixing rib is provided radially outward from the shaft member 3. Furthermore, each fixing rib protrudes axially outward from the gap 35 (towards the foreground of the paper in Figure 7) and is exposed to the outside from the housing section 30.

[0031] As described above, since the rotating rib 64 protrudes axially inward and the fixed rib protrudes axially outward, when the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 are positioned at both ends of the housing portion 30, and the shaft member 3 is placed between the semi-cylindrical portions 62 and 82 so that the inner circumferential surface of the semi-cylindrical portion 62 and the inner circumferential surface of the semi-cylindrical portion 82 face each other, the rotating rib 64 and each fixed rib overlap in the vertical direction.

[0032] Furthermore, the position of each fixing rib differs. More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the first fixing rib 32 is located vertically above the shaft member 3 when the housing section 30 is placed on a horizontal surface, and is formed over the upper half circumference of the housing section 30. The second fixing rib 33 is located vertically below the shaft member 3 when the housing section 30 is placed on a horizontal surface, and is formed to extend circumferentially at the lower part of the housing section 30. The third fixing rib 34 is formed to extend circumferentially from the second fixing rib 33 with a gap 35 between them when the housing section 30 is placed on a horizontal surface. The gap 35 is formed between the second fixing rib 33 and the third fixing rib 34. The gap 35 is formed to be longer than the width 641 of the rotating rib 64 and shorter than the width 642.

[0033] Next, the installation operation of the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 will be explained with reference to Figures 8(A) to (C). First, as shown in Figure 8(A), the electronic dictionary is adjusted to the third state, which is opened at a 90-degree angle. More specifically, the first housing 1 (key panel 4, bottom panel 5) is placed on a horizontal surface and adjusted so that the top panel 6 and the display panel 8 are at approximately a 90-degree angle to the horizontal plane. Then, as shown in Figures 8(B) and (C), the protrusion 63 is moved upward in the direction of engagement, and the protrusion 63 is engaged with the recess 84, thereby attaching the first hinge cover portion 60 to the second hinge cover portion 80.

[0034] At this time, the angle of the top panel 6 is adjusted to 90 degrees, which is the angle determined in the third state when the electronic dictionary is open. As a result, the rotating rib 64 is positioned such that the horizontal width of the rotating rib 64 is smaller than the horizontal width of the gap 35. In the example shown in Figures 8(A) to (C), the rotating rib 64 is oriented so that its width 641, which is shorter than the gap 35, is horizontal, so that the horizontal width of the rotating rib 64 is smaller than the horizontal width of the gap 35. Then, the rotating rib 64 is moved upward in this state. Since the rotating rib 64 is oriented so that its width 641, which is shorter than the gap 35, is horizontal, it does not interfere with the second fixed rib 33 or the third fixed rib 34 which overlap vertically even when moved upward, and passes through the gap 35. In this way, the rotating rib 64 that has passed through the gap 35 enters between the shaft member 3 and the fixed rib, as shown in Figure 8(C), and is positioned closer to the shaft member 3 than the fixed rib.

[0035] The rotating rib 64, positioned closer to the shaft member 3 than the fixed ribs, rotates between the fixed ribs and the shaft member 3, changing its position relative to each fixed rib. For example, as shown in Figure 9(A), in the second state, when the electronic dictionary is folded (closed to 0 degrees), the rotating rib 64 is positioned between the first fixed rib 32 and the shaft member 3. Although not shown, when the electronic dictionary is opened to the first state, the rotating rib 64 rotates to position between the second fixed rib 33 and the shaft member 3. Furthermore, when the electronic dictionary is opened between the first and fourth states (for example, when the electronic dictionary is opened to 135 degrees), the rotating rib 64 is positioned between the third fixed rib 34 and the shaft member 3. Moreover, as shown in Figure 9(C), when the electronic dictionary is opened to the fourth state, the rotating rib 64 is positioned between the gap 35 and the shaft member 3. At this time, since the top panel 6 is adjusted to an angle other than the angle determined in the third state, the rotating rib 64 is positioned such that the horizontal width of the rotating rib 64 is greater than the horizontal width of the gap 35. In the example of Figure 9(C), the rotating rib 64 is oriented so that its width 642, which is longer than the gap 35, is horizontal, so the horizontal width of the rotating rib 64 is greater than the horizontal width of the gap 35.

[0036] The fixed ribs configured as described above, along with the rotating rib 64 that rotates between the fixed ribs and the shaft member 3, prevent the top panel 6 from detaching from the electronic dictionary. More specifically, as shown in Figures 9(A) to 9(B), when the electronic dictionary in the second state falls, the impact of the fall causes the top panel 6 to move in the direction that disengages the convex portion 63 and the concave portion 84 (to the right or upward). At this time, the rotating rib 64, located between the first fixed rib 32 and the shaft member 3, also moves to the right or upward. As a result of the rightward or upward movement of the rotating rib 64, it interferes with the first fixed rib 32 which overlaps it vertically. This interference between the rotating rib 64 and the first fixed rib 32 restricts further movement of the rotating rib 64, and also restricts further movement of the top panel 6. Therefore, the detachment of the top panel 6 from the electronic dictionary in the second state can be prevented.

[0037] Although not shown in the diagram, when the electronic dictionary falls in the first state when it is opened to 180 degrees, or in a state between the first state and the fourth state when it is opened to 125 degrees, the rotating rib 64 interferes with the second or third fixed rib 33 or third fixed rib 34 which overlaps vertically, in the same manner as described above. The interference between the rotating rib 64 and the second or third fixed rib 33 or third fixed rib 34 restricts further movement of the rotating rib 64 and also restricts further movement of the top panel 6. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the top panel 6 from coming off the electronic dictionary in the first state or in a state between the first and fourth states.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9(C) to 9(D), when the electronic dictionary in the fourth state falls, the impact of the fall causes the top panel 6 to move in the direction that disengages the convex portion 63 and the concave portion 84 (downward and to the right). The rotating rib 64, located between the gap 35 and the shaft member 3, also moves down and to the right. Here, as mentioned earlier, in the fourth state, the width 642, which is longer than the gap 35, is oriented to be horizontal. Therefore, when the top panel 6 moves down and to the right, the rotating rib 64 interferes with the second fixed rib 33 and the third fixed rib 34, which overlap vertically without coming out of the gap 35. As a result, further movement of the rotating rib 64 is restricted, and further movement of the top panel 6 is also restricted. Thus, it is possible to prevent the top panel 6 from coming off the electronic dictionary in the fourth state.

[0039] Therefore, according to the electronic dictionary of the second embodiment, it is possible to cause the rotating rib 64 to interfere with the fixed ribs (first fixed rib 32, second fixed rib 33, third fixed rib 34) when it is dropped. This restricts the movement of the top panel 6 and prevents it from coming off the electronic dictionary. Furthermore, since the first fixed rib 32, second fixed rib 33, and third fixed rib 34 are provided at different positions for each fixed rib, it is possible to cause interference with the rotating rib 64, which changes position in each of the following states: the first state opened to 180 degrees, the second state folded (closed to 0 degrees), the state open between the first and fourth states (for example, open to 135 degrees), and the fourth state opened to 125 degrees. In other words, it is possible to prevent the top panel 6 from coming off in multiple states that the electronic dictionary can be in.

[0040] Generally, situations in which an electronic dictionary is likely to fall can be broadly divided into two categories: when using the electronic dictionary and when carrying it. When using the electronic dictionary, it is assumed that the display unit 7 will be at an angle wider than the third state (including the first and fourth states), which is the state in which the user can easily see the display unit 7. When carrying the electronic dictionary, it is assumed that it will be in the second state, which is the folded state. Since the electronic dictionary is likely to fall in these states, it is desirable that the top panel 6 be made less likely to come off. The electronic dictionary of the second embodiment can suppress the detachment of the top panel 6 in the first state, the second state, the open state between the first and fourth states, and the fourth state, so it can meet this expectation and is very useful.

[0041] In contrast, the third state, when opened at a 90-degree angle, is difficult for the user to see and use the display unit 7, and is not folded, making it difficult to carry. Therefore, it is presumed that there is little risk of the electronic dictionary falling. By using this state, where there is little risk of falling, for attaching the top panel 6, the situation in which the top panel 6 of the electronic dictionary comes off unintentionally can be greatly reduced.

[0042] The fixing rib is composed of multiple fixing ribs, namely the first fixing rib 32, the second fixing rib 33, and the third fixing rib 34. However, it is sufficient for the fixing rib to be formed to interfere with the rotating rib 64 when the electronic dictionary falls, and the fixing rib may be composed of a single fixing rib. However, it is desirable for the fixing rib to be composed of multiple fixing ribs to suppress the detachment of the top panel 6 in multiple states that the electronic dictionary may be in.

[0043] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the electronic dictionary of the third embodiment will be described. The electronic dictionary of the third embodiment differs from the electronic dictionaries of the first and second embodiments in that it has multiple reinforcing ribs, including reinforcing ribs 65 and reinforcing ribs 85.

[0044] As shown in Figure 10, the electronic dictionary of the third embodiment has reinforcing ribs 65 and 85 that extend radially from the shaft member 3. More specifically, the first hinge cover portion 60 has reinforcing ribs 65, and the second hinge cover portion 80 has reinforcing ribs 85. The reinforcing ribs 65 extend radially from the shaft member 3 between the outer shell case 61 and the semi-cylindrical portion 62, and each reinforcing rib 85 extends radially from the shaft member 3 between the outer shell case 81 and the semi-cylindrical portion 82.

[0045] The reinforcing ribs 65 and each reinforcing rib 85 reinforce the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80, thereby increasing the strength of the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80. As a result, even if the electronic dictionary falls, the bending deformation of the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80 can be suppressed, and the movement of the top panel 6 in the direction that disengages the convex portion 63 and the concave portion 84 can be suppressed, thus preventing the top panel 6 from detaching from the electronic dictionary.

[0046] In the electronic dictionary of the third embodiment described above, both ends of the semi-cylindrical portion 62 and the semi-cylindrical portion 82 extend radially, similar to the reinforcing ribs 65 and 85. Therefore, they can achieve the same effect as the reinforcing ribs 65 and 85.

[0047] Furthermore, while the electronic dictionary of the third embodiment described above has a total of four reinforcing ribs, consisting of one reinforcing rib 65 and three reinforcing ribs 85, it is not limited to this, and may have fewer than three reinforcing ribs or five or more reinforcing ribs. In other words, it is sufficient that the reinforcing ribs can suppress the bending deformation of the first hinge cover portion 60 and the second hinge cover portion 80, and the number of reinforcing ribs is not limited.

[0048] The embodiments described above are specific examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention should be understood not as being limited to the embodiments described above, but rather as encompassing various modifications and alternative forms of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0049] 1: First housing, 2: Second housing, 3: Shaft member, 30: Housing section, 31: Hinge section, 60: First hinge cover section.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, A first housing having a hinge portion on which a shaft member is formed, The electronic device has a top panel that is exposed to the outside when the device is folded, and a second housing that is rotatably connected to the first housing via the shaft member, Equipped with, The upper panel has a hinge cover portion configured to cover a part of the circumferential direction of the shaft member, The hinge cover portion is positioned between the shaft member and the first housing when the electronic device is opened at a predetermined angle, so as to face the first housing. electronic equipment.

2. The first housing has a fixing rib that protrudes in the axial direction of the shaft member, The hinge cover portion has a pivot rib positioned closer to the shaft member than the fixing rib so as to interfere with the fixing rib when the electronic device falls. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. The fixing rib has a first fixing rib located vertically above the shaft member when the first housing is placed on a horizontal surface. The rotating rib is positioned between the first fixed rib and the shaft member in the second state in which the electronic device is closed. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned fixing rib has a second fixing rib located vertically below the shaft member when the first housing is placed on a horizontal surface. The rotating rib is positioned between the second fixed rib and the shaft member in the first state in which the electronic device is open. The electronic device according to claim 2 or claim 3.

5. The aforementioned fixing rib further has a third fixing rib formed with a circumferential gap from the second fixing rib, The aforementioned rotating rib is, In the third state, when the electronic device is opened less than in the first state, the horizontal width becomes smaller than the gap. In the fourth state, when the electronic device is opened more than in the third state and less than in the first state, the gap and the shaft member are located The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The hinge cover portion has reinforcing ribs that extend radially from the shaft member. The electronic device according to claim 1.

7. The second enclosure further has a display panel, The display panel has a second hinge cover portion configured to cover a portion of the shaft member in the circumferential direction that is not covered by the hinge cover portion. The electronic device according to claim 1.

8. One of the hinge cover portion and the second hinge cover portion has a recess that is recessed in the radial direction. The other of the first hinge cover portion and the second hinge cover portion has a protrusion that projects radially and engages with the recess. The electronic device according to claim 7.

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