Electronic device

Abstract

To provide an electronic device that can obtain a large screen exceeding the apparent size limit of the main body housing and the display housing, is simple and lightweight, and can be used in a narrow space. 【Solution means】The display housing 12H is configured to be openable and closable between a stacked state in which a first display portion 21 and a second display portion 22 connected by their bending edges 23 are stacked and an unfolded state in which they are unfolded to form the same plane, and has a flap 25 stretched between a first non-display surface 21b of the first display portion 21 and a second non-display surface 22b of the second display portion 22. In response to the unfolding operation of the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22, one end 25a of the flap 25 is configured to be tiltable and slidable with respect to the first non-display surface 21b, and the other end 25b is configured to be tiltable with respect to the second non-display surface 22b. The first display portion 21 is rectangular, the side along the connecting edge 12a is the long side, and the bending edge 23 is along the upper edge facing the connecting edge 12a.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device configured such that a first display unit and a second display unit of a display can be folded.

Background Art

[0002] A so-called clamshell-type notebook computer has a configuration in which a main body housing and a display housing are connected via a hinge, and is generally small and lightweight in consideration of portability. Further, since the main body housing and the display housing are the same size in terms of configuration, the size of the display provided in the display housing is also subject to this limitation. On the other hand, there is a demand for a larger screen area.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses the application of a roll-up display, which is wound around a predetermined axis when not in use and pulled out when in use. Since the display of the device of Patent Document 1 is expanded so as to protrude upward when placed on a table, it can be suitably used in a place where there is no room for lateral expansion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Applying the roll-up display of Patent Document 1 to a clamshell-type notebook computer may result in a compact size when not in use and a large screen when in use.

[0006] However, the method of Patent Document 1 requires a large force for winding and unwinding the display, and a motor and a support mechanism must be provided, resulting in an inability to achieve a small and lightweight configuration. In addition, a notebook computer may be desired to be usable in a location where there is no room for lateral expansion depending on the usage mode.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device that can obtain a large screen exceeding the apparent size limit of the main body housing and the display housing, is simple and lightweight, and can be used in a narrow space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention is an electronic device in which a main body housing including an input device and a display housing are rotatably connected to each other at a connecting edge, and the display housing is configured to be openable and closable between a stacked state in which a first display portion and a second display portion connected at their bending edges are stacked and a deployed state in which they are deployed to form the same plane, and has a flap spanned between a first non-display surface of the first display portion and a second non-display surface of the second display portion. One end of the flap is configured to be tiltable and slidable with respect to the first non-display surface, and the other end is configured to be tiltable with respect to the second non-display surface in response to the deployment operation of the first display portion and the second display portion. The first display portion is rectangular, a side along the connecting edge is a long side, and the bending edge is along an upper edge facing the connecting edge in the first display portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the above aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide an electronic device that can obtain a large screen exceeding the apparent size limit of the main body housing and the display housing, is simple and lightweight, and can be used in a narrow space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the electronic device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of the electronic device 10A according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the electronic device 10A when the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 of the display 16 are in a stacked state, viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the electronic device 10A when the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 of the display 16 are in a deployed state, viewed from above. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the display housing 12A.

[0013] The electronic device 10A is a clamshell type notebook PC. The electronic device 10A has a configuration in which the main body housing 11 and the display housing 12A are relatively rotatably connected by a hinge 14. In this embodiment, the electronic device 10A of the notebook PC is exemplified, but the electronic device may be other than a notebook PC, for example, a tablet PC (see FIG. 18), a smartphone, or a portable game machine. The display housing 12A mounts the display 16.

[0014] For example, two hinges 14 are installed near both sides to rotatably connect the connecting edge 11a of the main body housing 11 and the connecting edge 12a of the display housing 12A. The hinge 14 has a torque application function using friction, and the display housing 12A can be stopped at an arbitrary angle. The main body housing 11 and the display housing 12A can rotate, for example, up to 180 degrees with the state where they are folded on top of each other (see Fig. 1) as the reference 0 degrees. The main body housing 11 is a thin and flat box body. A keyboard device (input device) 18 and a touch pad (input device) 19 face the upper surface 11b of the main body housing 11.

[0015] Hereinafter, in the description of the main body housing 11 and the display housing 12A, based on the posture of the operator operating the keyboard device 18, the width direction (left and right) of the main body housing 11 is defined as the X direction, the left side in Fig. 1 is defined as the X1 direction, the opposite right side is defined as the X2 direction, and the direction orthogonal to the X direction in Fig. 1 is defined as the Y direction. The thickness direction of the display housing 12A is defined as the Z direction. These directions are directions defined for convenience of explanation and may naturally change depending on the usage state or installation posture of the electronic device 10A, etc.

[0016] The keyboard device 18 is provided over substantially the entire width in the X direction on the side closer to the connecting edge 11a of the main body housing 11. A pointing device 18a for moving the cursor according to the tilting direction is provided between the G key, H key, and B key of the keyboard device 18. The touch pad 19 is provided substantially at the center in the X direction on the side farther from the connecting edge 11a of the main body housing 11. The center of the touch pad 19 and the pointing device 18a are substantially aligned in the X direction. Electronic components and mechanical components such as a motherboard, a battery device, various module cards, and a storage device are provided inside the main body housing 11. The motherboard controls the electronic device 10A.

[0017] Regarding the display housing 12A, the side facing the main body housing 11 in the folded state with the main body housing 11 is defined as the front surface 12b, and the opposite side is defined as the back surface 12c. The display housing 12A is a thin and flat box-shaped housing, and electronic devices 20 such as a camera and a microphone are provided at the edge opposite to the connecting edge 12a.

[0018] The display 16 is, for example, a flexible and bendable OLED (organic electro-luminescence), and has a first display portion 21 and a second display portion 22. The first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 are connected to each other at their bending edges 23, and are configured to be deployable between a stacked state (see FIG. 2) in which they are stacked and a deployed state (FIG. 3) in which they are deployed to form the same plane. In the stacked state, the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 are folded back in a U shape at the bending portion 23. The operation of deploying the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 from the stacked state to the deployed state is referred to as a deployment operation. Regarding the second display portion 22, the portion connected to the first display portion 21 is the bending edge 23, and the upper and lower rotation edges 22c, 22d rotate with respect to the bending edge 23. The portion facing the bending edge 23 is referred to as the end edge 22e.

[0019] The first display surface 21a of the first display portion 21 is on the front surface 12b. The second display surface 22a of the second display portion 22 is on the back surface 12c in the stacked state and on the front surface 12b in the deployed state. The first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 do not necessarily have to be a continuous integral type and may have an independent configuration. A back plate 24 that can be bent at the bending edge 23 is provided on the first non-display surface 21b on the opposite side of the first display surface 21a and the second non-display surface 22b on the opposite side of the second display surface 22a. The first display portion 21 occupies substantially the entire front surface 12b in the stacked state.

[0020] The bending edge 23 is along the Y direction at the boundary between the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22, and corresponds to the edge on the X1 side of the first display unit 21. The first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 have the same width in the Y direction and form a rectangle continuously in the X direction in the unfolded state. That is, the second display unit 22 is arranged so as to extend the first display unit 21 in the X1 direction in the unfolded state. Since the second display unit 22 extends protruding beyond the lateral width of the main body housing 11 as compared with the first display unit 21, the display contents may be distinguished between the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22. For example, the first display unit 21 may perform a display similar to that of a conventional notebook computer, and the second display unit 22 may perform an additional display by an assistant function or the like. The width of the second display unit 22 in the X direction is half that of the first display unit 21, but is not limited thereto. For example, the widths in the X direction may be the same. In FIG. 3, the range of the second display unit 22 is indicated by a virtual line. In the electronic device 10A, in the unfolded state, the second display unit 22 is arranged to extend to the left with respect to the first display unit 21. However, if the configuration of the display housing 12A is turned upside down, it will of course extend to the right.

[0021] The display housing 12A is further provided with a flap 25, a bezel 26, a base portion 27, a slider 28, and a holding member 29.

[0022] The bezel 26 is composed of a fixed bezel 30 and a slidable frame 31, and covers the periphery of the first display unit 21 in the stacked state. The fixed bezel 30 has an angular U shape with an opening in the X1 direction and covers the upper and lower edges and the edge on the X2 side of the first display unit 21. In the electronic device 10A, the fixed bezel 30 constitutes the connecting edge 12a and is rotatably connected to the main body housing 11 by a hinge 14. The first display unit 21 and the fixed bezel 30 are integrated and do not relatively displace. That is, the first display unit 21 is rotatably connected to the main body housing 11 at the connecting edge 12a via the fixed bezel 30.

[0023] The frame 31 has a rectangular U-shape with an opening on the X2 side, and is composed of an upper frame 31a, a lower frame 31b, and a vertical frame 31c on the X1 side. The base portion 27 is integrally formed with the frame 31. The frame 31 is interlocked with the unfolding operation and is configured to be displaced relative to the first display portion 21. The upper frame 31a covers a part of the upper edge of the first display portion 21 and the rotation edge 22c in the stacked state, and covers the rotation edge 22c in the unfolded state. The lower frame 31b covers a part of the lower edge of the first display portion 21 and the rotation edge 22d in the stacked state, and covers the rotation edge 22d in the unfolded state. The vertical frame 31c covers the bending edge 23 in the stacked state and covers the end edge 22e in the unfolded state, respectively protecting them. Note that the end edge 22e in the stacked state is protected facing the edge of the rear cover 32 as described later. That is, the bending edge 23, the rotation edges 22c, 22d, and the end edge 22e of the second display portion 22 are covered and protected by the frame 31 and the rear cover 32 in both the stacked state and the unfolded state.

[0024] The flap 25 is a moderately rigid plate-like member that spans between the first non-display surface 21b and the second non-display surface 22b. One end 25a of the flap 25 is connected to the base portion 27, and is configured to be tiltable and slidable with respect to the first non-display surface 21b in response to the unfolding operation. The other end 25b is connected to a substantially middle portion in the X direction on the second non-display surface 22b, and is configured to be tiltable in response to the unfolding operation. The one end 25a and the other end 25b are living hinges or flip hinges, etc., and do not include friction elements, but may have a torque application function like the hinge 14 depending on the design conditions. Thereby, the second display portion 22 can be held at an arbitrary angle, and for example, it can be used as a small independent display portion with the second display portion 22 tilted.

[0025] The base portion 27 (see also FIG. 6) is integrally formed on the X2 side with respect to the frame 31. The base portion 27 and the frame 31 are configured to be slidably displaceable in the X direction relative to the first display portion 21 and the fixed bezel 30. The base portion 27 is in a frame shape when viewed from the back surface. The upper and lower frames 27a and 27b are on the extensions of the upper and lower frames 31a and 31b. The left frame 27c partitions the space between it and the frame 31, and the right frame 27d is at a position that coincides with the right end of the display housing 12A in the stacked state. Protrusions 27e (see FIG. 4) that protrude on the sides facing each other are formed on the upper and lower frames 27a and 27b. One end 25a of the flap 25 is connected to the left frame 27c or its vicinity, thereby enabling it to slide relative to the first non-display surface 21b.

[0026] The back side of the base portion 27 is covered by the rear cover 32 and the inside of the frame is not visible. A space S is secured between the rear cover 32 and the back plate 24, and a display substrate 33 is provided. The display substrate 33 controls the display of the display 16. The rear cover 32 has an appropriate thickness and faces and protects the end edge 22e of the second display portion 22 in the stacked state. In the stacked state, the back surface 12c of the display housing 12A has the second display portion 22 occupying the half on the X1 side and the rear cover 32 occupying the half on the X2 side.

[0027] The slider 28 has two legs 28a spaced apart vertically and an engaging piece 28b supported by the legs 28a and extending in the Y direction. The legs 28a are fixed to the back plate 24 and the first non-display surface 21b of the first display portion 21. Both ends of the engaging piece 28b overlap and engage with the protrusions 27e in the Z direction. That is, the slider 28 and the base portion 27 are configured to be slidable relative to each other in the X direction. The two legs 28a are substantially in contact with the end surfaces of the protrusions 27e, preventing the base portion 27 from rattling in the Y direction.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the deployment operation in the electronic device 10A, (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view in the stacked state, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view during the transition, and (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view in the deployed state. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the deployment operation on the back surface of the display housing 12A, (a) is a schematic view in the stacked state, (b) is a schematic view during the transition, and (c) is a schematic view in the deployed state. In FIGS. 6 and 9, the rear cover 32 is omitted.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, the holding member 29 is composed of ten magnets 29a to 29m. Hereinafter, the holding member 29 is also referred to as the magnet 29. The magnets 29a to 29g are provided on the back plate 24 from the first display portion 21 to the second display portion 22. The magnets 29h and 29i are provided on the base portion 27. The magnet 29k is provided at a position close to one end 25a of the flap 25. The magnet 29m is provided at a position close to the other end 25b of the flap 25. A plurality of each of the magnets 29a to 29k may be provided along the Y direction. The magnetic forces of the magnets 29a to 29k and other magnets described later are not excessively strong, and can be separated manually from the adsorbed state.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5(a), in the stacked state, the magnet 29a and the magnet 29h are adsorbed, the magnet 29b and the magnet 29i are adsorbed, the magnet 29c and the magnet 29j are adsorbed, the magnet 29d, the magnet 29k, and the magnet 29g are adsorbed, and the magnet 29e and the magnet 29f are adsorbed, and the relative positions of the first display portion 21, the second display portion 22, the flap 25, and the base portion 27 are defined, and the stacked state is stably held.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 6(a), in the stacked state, the slider 28 is near the end on the X1 side in the base portion 27. To perform the unfolding operation from the stacked state, the end edge 22e of the second display portion 22 or the like is pulled out. Then, it is released from the adsorption by the magnets 29, and as shown in FIGS. 5(b) and 6(b), the second display portion 22 rotates about the bending edge 23. The flap 25 is inclined and displaced in the X1 direction by the temporary pulling out of the other end 25b. Since the base portion 27 and the frame 31 are slidable in the X direction with respect to the first display portion 21 and the slider 28, they are pulled by one end 25a and slide in the X1 direction.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 5(c) and 6(c), in the unfolded state, the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 are arranged so as to form the same plane. The frame 31 moves and the vertical frame 31c covers and protects so as to face the end edge 22e. In the unfolded state, the slider 28 moves to the vicinity of the end on the X2 side in the base portion 27.

[0033] In the unfolded state, the magnet 29c and the magnet 29h are adsorbed, the magnet 29d and the magnet 29i are adsorbed, the magnet 29e and the magnet 29j are adsorbed, the magnet 29f and the magnet 29k are adsorbed, and the relative positions of the first display portion 21, the second display portion 22, the flap 25, and the base portion 27 are defined, and the unfolded state is stably maintained. Further, each magnet 29 can be detected by a Hall element or the like, and it is possible to identify the stacked state, the state during transition, and the unfolded state.

[0034] To return from the unfolded state to the stacked state, the reverse operation may be performed. The slider 28 does not apparently slide, but relatively slides with respect to the base portion 27 as a reference. In this way, in the electronic device 10A, the second display portion 22 rotates about the bending edge 23, and one end 25a of the flap 25 having a link action slides to displace the frame 31 and the base portion 27, which is a mechanism similar to a slider-crank mechanism.

[0035] By the way, when an OLED is applied to the display 16, due to its nature, it has a certain degree of hardness, so the bending edge 23 has an arc shape with a length L as shown in Fig. 5(a). In the unfolding operation, the second display unit 22 rotates around the bending edge 23. Since there is no mechanism part on the bending edge 23, there is no restriction at all. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 5(c), when it is in the unfolded state, the portion corresponding to the bending edge 23, that is, the portion extending from the first display unit 21 to the second display unit 22, becomes a continuous plane.

[0036] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mechanism according to the comparative example, where (a) shows the laminated state and (b) shows the unfolded state. In the mechanism according to this comparative example, a back plate 24a is provided on the first non-display surface 21b of the first display unit 21, a back plate 24b is provided on the second non-display surface 22b of the second display unit 22, and each end between the back plate 24a and the back plate 24b is connected by a short hinge link 34. In such a mechanism, as shown in Fig. 7(b), there is a concern that slack due to excess length may occur in the portion corresponding to the bending edge 23 due to the restriction of the hinge link 34 in the unfolded state. On the other hand, in the electronic device 10A according to the present embodiment, since there is no special mechanism on the bending edge 23, such an inconvenience does not occur, and a mechanism for enabling the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 to be unfolded between the laminated state and the unfolded state can be configured simply and inexpensively.

[0037] Also, in the electronic device 10A, since the flap 25 overlaps the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 in the laminated state and overlaps the second display unit 22 in the unfolded state, the magnets 29j, 29k provided on the flap 25 can attract other magnets 29 to preferably hold the laminated state or the unfolded state. However, in the comparative example shown in Fig. 7, there is no member corresponding to the flap 25, and it is difficult to maintain the state by magnets.

[0038] The electronic device 10A according to the present embodiment has a display 16 that is unwound and is basically manually operated rather than a winding type. OLEDs are relatively hard to wind up and unwind, and a large-output motor and a support mechanism are required for winding and unwinding. However, in the present embodiment, they are not required, and as a result, it can be configured to be small and lightweight.

[0039] In the electronic device 10A, the bent portion 23 is exposed on the X1 side in the stacked state. This bent portion 23 is also a part of the display surface and is protected by the vertical frame 31c of the frame 31. Since the frame 31 is displaced relative to the first display unit 21 in conjunction with the unfolding operation, there is no hindrance to the unfolding operation, and in the unfolded state, the vertical frame 31c protects the end edge 22e.

[0040] Next, the electronic device 10B according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same components in the above-described electronic device 10A or examples, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. The electronic device 10B has a display housing 12B instead of the above-described display housing 12A.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the unfolding operation of the electronic device 10B, where (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view in the stacked state, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view during the transition, and (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view in the unfolded state. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the unfolding operation of the electronic device 10B on the back surface of the display housing, where (a) is a schematic view in the stacked state, (b) is a schematic view during the transition, and (c) is a schematic view in the unfolded state.

[0042] In the above-described electronic device 10A, the first display unit 21 is rotatably connected to the main body housing 11 at the connection edge 12a via the fixed bezel 30, whereas in the electronic device 10B, the frame 31 and the base portion 27 are rotatably connected to the main body housing 11 at the connection edge 12a by the hinge 14. That is, the frame 31 and the base portion 27 are not displaceable relative to the main body housing 11.

[0043] In the electronic device 10A and the electronic device 10B, the frame 31 and the base portion 27 are integrated and are the same in terms of relative displacement with respect to the first display portion 21. In the electronic device 10A, the first display portion 21 is configured to be non-displaceable relative to the main body housing 11, and the frame 31 and the base portion 27 are displaced in the X1 direction relative to the main body housing 11. In contrast, in the electronic device 10B, the frame 31 and the base portion 27 are configured to be non-displaceable relative to the main body housing 11, and the first display portion 21 is displaced in the X2 direction relative to the main body housing 11. In the electronic device 10B, in the unfolded state, the front and back of the second display portion 22 are reversed, but it does not displace in the X direction, and the first display portion 21 is arranged so as to extend to the right side. However, if the configuration of the display housing 12B is reversed up and down, it will of course extend to the left side.

[0044] Next, the electronic device 10C according to the third embodiment will be described. The electronic device 10C has a display housing 12C instead of the above-described display housing 12A.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the display housing 12C. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the unfolding operation in the electronic device 10C, (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stacked state, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view during the transition, and (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unfolded state. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the unfolding operation on the back surface of the display housing 12C, (a) is a schematic view of the stacked state, (b) is a schematic view during the transition, and (c) is a schematic view of the unfolded state. FIG. 10 corresponds to the state during the transition in the unfolding operation, that is, the state of FIG. 11(b) and FIG. 12(b). The main body housing 11 is omitted in FIG. 11.

[0046] In the electronic device 10C, the base portion 27 is in a range approximately half on the X1 side of the first non-display surface 21b of the first display portion 21, and is sandwiched between the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 in a stacked state. The rear cover 32 covers a range approximately half on the X2 side of the first non-display surface 21b. That is, the rear cover 32 and the base portion 27 are adjacent in the X direction and occupy substantially the entire first non-display surface 21b in a stacked state. The base portion 27 is integrally fixed to the first non-display surface 21b. That is, in this embodiment, the base portion 27 and the first display portion 21 do not move relative to each other.

[0047] The base portion 27 is composed of an upper frame 31a, a lower frame 31b, and a vertical frame 31c in the same manner as in the above example (see FIG. 4). However, in the above example, the protrusion 27e is provided at the intermediate height of the upper and lower frames 27a and 27b, whereas in the electronic device 10C, it protrudes from the ends of the upper and lower frames 27a and 27b.

[0048] The slider 35 has a connection piece 35a exposed from the opening of the base portion 27 and an engagement piece 35b extending in the Y direction. Both ends of the engagement piece 35b overlap and engage with the protrusion 27e in the Z direction. That is, the slider 35 and the base portion 27 are configured to be slidable relative to each other in the X direction. The connection piece 35a protrudes short from the engagement piece 35b, and one end 25a of the flap 25 is connected thereto. That is, one end 25a is tiltable and slidable in the X direction in response to the deployment operation. A guide groove 36 is formed between the protrusion 27e and the first display portion 21. In other words, the first non-display surface 21b is provided with a slider 35 guided by the guide groove 36, and one end 25a of the flap 25 is tiltably connected to the slider 35.

[0049] Both ends of the connection piece 35a are substantially in contact with the end surface of the protrusion 27e. Further, both ends of the engagement piece 35b are substantially in contact with the upper and lower frames 27a and 27b, so that the flap 25 does not rattle in the Y direction. The display housing 12C has magnets 29c, 29e, 29f, 29g, 29j, 29k, but their positions may be slightly different from those in the above example. A magnet 29m is provided on the slider 35.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 11(a), in the stacked state, magnet 29c and magnet 29m are attracted to each other, magnet 29g and magnet 29i are attracted to each other, and the relative positions of the first display unit 21, the second display unit 22, the flap 25, and the base unit 27 are defined, and the stacked state is stably maintained.

[0051] As shown in Figs. 11(a) and 12(a), in the stacked state, the slider 35 is near the end on the X2 side in the base unit 27. To perform the unfolding operation from the stacked state, the end edge 22e of the second display unit 22 is pulled out. Then, the attraction between the magnets 29 is released, and as shown in Figs. 11(b) and 12(b), the second display unit 22 rotates about the bending edge 23. The flap 25 is inclined and displaced in the X1 direction by temporarily pulling out the other end 25b. Since the base unit 27 is fixed to the first display unit 21, the slider 35 is pulled by one end 25a and slides in the X1 direction.

[0052] As shown in Figs. 11(c) and 12(c), in the unfolded state, the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 are arranged so as to form the same plane. In the unfolded state, the slider 35 moves to the vicinity of the end on the X1 side in the base unit 27.

[0053] In the unfolded state, magnet 29e and magnet 29m are attracted to each other, magnet 29f and magnet 29k are attracted to each other, and the relative positions of the first display unit 21, the second display unit 22, the flap 25, and the base unit 27 are defined, and the unfolded state is stably maintained.

[0054] The electronic device 10D according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The electronic device 10B has a display housing 12D instead of the above display housing 12A.

[0055] Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the unfolding operation in the electronic device 10D, (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stacked state, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view in the middle of the transition, and (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unfolded state. In Fig. 13, the main body housing 11 is omitted.

[0056] In the display housing 12D, a slide board 37 is added to the above-described display housing 12C (see FIG. 11). The slide board 37 is a plate-shaped slider, and its width in the X direction, width in the Y direction, and thickness are, for example, about the same as those of the flap 25. The end portion of the slide board 37 on the X1 side is connected to one end 25a of the flap 25 and the slider 35. In other words, one end 25a is tiltably connected to the slider 35 and the slide board 37. The slide board 37 can also be regarded as a part of the slider 35.

[0057] In the rear cover 32, a layered gap 38 that opens on the X1 side and extends along the first non-display surface 21b is formed. The portion of the slide board 37 on the X2 side is inserted into the gap 38 and can move in and out of the gap 38. The gap 38 is sized such that the slide board 37 fits exactly, and the slide board 37 is guided in the X direction without rattling.

[0058] In the electronic device 10D and the display housing 12D, since not only the slider 35 but also the slide board 37 slides one end 25a of the flap 25, the one end 25a can operate stably. If the slide board 37 is sufficiently high-strength so as not to bend, the slider 35 may be omitted.

[0059] The electronic device 10E according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The electronic device 10E has a display housing 12E instead of the above-described display housing 12A.

[0060] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of the electronic device 10E as viewed from above, in which the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 of the display 16 are in a stacked state. FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of the electronic device 10E as viewed from above, in which the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 of the display 16 are in a deployed state.

[0061] The electronic device 10E is the same as each of the above embodiments in that the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 overlap in the stacked state, and the second display unit 22 is arranged so as to extend the first display unit 21 in the X direction in the unfolded state. In each of the above embodiments, either one of the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 protrudes in the X1 direction or the X2 direction, whereas in the electronic device 10E, when shifting from the stacked state to the unfolded state, the first display unit 21 slides and displaces in one direction in the X direction (in this case, the X2 direction), and the second display unit 22 unfolds in the opposite direction (in this case, the X1 direction).

[0062] In the unfolded state, the center C0 in the X direction of the entire display 16 formed by combining the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 is made to coincide with the physical center C1 in the X direction of the main body housing 11. That is, the display 16 is centered so that the left and right overhang widths W1 and W2 with respect to the edge of the main body housing 11 are equal. Thereby, the user can view the display 16 with good left-right balance, and furthermore, the weight balance is good.

[0063] The center C0 in the X direction of the display 16 may be made to coincide with the center C2 in the X direction of the pointing device 18a and the touch pad 19. While C1 is the physical center, C2 is the center in terms of operation. Thereby, the user can perform visual recognition and input operations of the display 16 in a well-balanced manner.

[0064] The center C0 may be located between the centers C1 and C2. The F key 18b and the J key 18c (see FIG. 2) of the keyboard device 18 often have convex or concave portions indicating the home position. That is, since the area between the "F" key and the "J" key is generally regarded as the operation center, the center C0 may be set within this range. Also, when the keyboard device 18 has a numeric keypad, the physical center C1 is slightly to the right of the operation center C2. When these are included, in the unfolded state, the center C0 of the display 16 where the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 are arranged side by side in the same plane may be between the left F key 18b and the right J key 18c or the physical center C1. However, it may be at other positions depending on the design concept.

[0065] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the unfolding operation of the electronic device 10E, (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the stacked state, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view during the transition, and (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the unfolded state.

[0066] In the display housing 12E, the fixed bezel 30 is rotatably connected to the main body housing 11 by a hinge 14 at the connecting edge 12a. The base portion 27 is integrally formed with the fixed bezel 30 and is immovable. The first display portion 21 is separate from the fixed bezel 30 and is slidable relative to it in the X direction. In this case, the fixed bezel 30 has no right edge frame. The display housing 12E does not have a frame 31, but the basic structure other than these is the same as that of the display housing 12B.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 16(a), in the stacked state, the arrangements of the first display portion 21, the second display portion 22, the flap 25, the base portion 27, and the slider 28 are the same as those of the corresponding components in the display housing 12B (see FIG. 8(a)).

[0068] In the electronic device 10E, similar to the electronic device 10B, the base portion 27 is configured to be non-displaceable relative to the main body housing 11, the first display portion 21 is displaced in the X2 direction relative to the main body housing 11, and a part thereof protrudes by a width W1 from the right end of the main body housing 11. On the other hand, the second display portion 22 rotates about the bending edge 23 and unfolds so that a part thereof protrudes by a width W2 from the left end of the main body housing 11.

[0069] The widths W1 and W2 are determined by the distance La from the bending edge 23 in the second display portion 22 to the connection position of the other end 25b of the flap 25. In calculation, W1 = La × 2. Since W1 + W2 is a constant, W1 and W2 increase and decrease in the opposite directions. The electronic device 10B corresponds to the case where W2 = 0.

[0070] According to the electronic device 10E, the arrangement of the display portion and the input device such as the main body housing 11 or the keyboard device 18 can be optimized in both the stacked state and the unfolded state.

[0071] The electronic device 10F according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The electronic device 10B has a display housing 12F instead of the above-described display housing 12A.

[0072] FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of the electronic device 10F in which the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 of the display 16 are in the unfolded state, viewed from above. The display housing 12F is the same as the display housing 12A (see FIGS. 2 to 6) in that it has a first display portion 21, a second display portion 22, and a base portion 27 that is slidably displaceable in the X direction relative to the first display portion 21.

[0073] The display housing 12F is configured such that a rotation connection member 42 is added to the display housing 12A. That is, in the display housing 12A, the first display unit 21 and the fixed bezel 30 are rotatably connected to the main body housing 11, whereas in the display housing 12F, the rotation connection member 42 forms a connection edge 12a and is rotatably connected to the main body housing 11 by a hinge 14. Further, the first display unit 21 and the fixed bezel 30 are configured to be slidable in the X direction with respect to the rotation connection member 42.

[0074] In the electronic device 10F, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 17, when shifting from the stacked state to the unfolded state, the second display unit 22 is displaced in the X1 direction as it unfolds, and the first display unit 21 does not displace. Thereafter, as shown by the phantom line, the user can use the display 16, the fixed bezel 30, and the frame 31 by sliding them integrally in the X2 direction so that the center C0 of the display 16 coincides with the physical center C1 or the operation center C2 of the main body housing 11. This slide mechanism may be provided with a positioning index mechanism, a lock mechanism, a friction applying mechanism, and the like.

[0075] Although not shown, as a modification, a rotation connection member 42 may be provided for the above-described display housing 12B (see FIG. 8). In the display housing 12B, the base portion 27 is rotatably connected to the main body housing 11, whereas in the modification, the rotation connection member 42 forms a connection edge 12a and is rotatably connected to the main body housing 11 by a hinge 14, and the base portion 27 is configured to be slidable in the X direction with respect to the rotation connection member 42.

[0076] Then, when shifting from the stacked state to the unfolded state, the first display unit 21 is displaced in the X2 direction, and the second display unit 22 does not displace although the front and back are reversed as it unfolds. Thereafter, the user can use the display 16, the fixed bezel 30, and the frame 31 by sliding them integrally in the X1 direction so that the center C0 of the display 16 coincides with the physical center C1 or the operation center C2 of the main body housing 11.

[0077] The electronic device 10G according to the seventh embodiment will be described. The electronic device 10G is of a tablet type and has no main body housing 11. FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of the electronic device 10G in a stacked state. FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of the electronic device 10G in a state during transition. In FIG. 19, the rear cover 32 is removed. Similar to the display housing 12E of the electronic device 10F, the electronic device 10G has a base portion 27 and a rear cover 32 that are slidably displaceable in the X direction relative to the first display portion 21. When the second display portion 22 is deployed in the X1 direction, the first display portion 21 is configured to slide and displace in the opposite X2 direction. In the electronic device 10G, since the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 are displaced in opposite directions with respect to the base portion 27 and the rear cover 32, the weight balance is good, and for example, stable deployment is possible while gripping the base portion 27 and the rear cover 32 with one hand. In the electronic device 10G, a control board 43, a battery, etc. are provided in the space S.

[0078] The electronic device 10H according to the eighth embodiment will be described. The electronic device 10H has a display housing 12H instead of the above-mentioned display housing 12A.

[0079] FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view of the electronic device 10H as viewed from above with the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 of the display 16 in a stacked state. FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view of the electronic device 10H as viewed from above with the first display portion 21 and the second display portion 22 of the display 16 in a deployed state. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the deployment operation of the electronic device 10H, where (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view in the stacked state, (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view during transition, and (c) is a schematic cross-sectional view in the deployed state.

[0080] In each of the above embodiments, the first display unit 21 is rectangular, with the X direction along the connecting edge 12a being the long side and the Y direction orthogonal thereto being the short side, and the second display unit 22 is arranged in the unfolded state so as to extend in the X direction of the first display unit 21. In contrast, the display housing 12H of the electronic device 10H has the same shape as the first display unit 21, but the second display unit 22 is arranged in the unfolded state so as to extend upward along the Y direction of the first display unit 21.

[0081] In this case, the second display unit 22 has the same X width as the first display unit 21 and a Y width that is about half of that of the first display unit 21. The bending edge 23 is along the upper edge of the first display unit 21 that faces the connecting edge 12a. In the stacked state, the back surface 12c of the display housing 12H is occupied by the second display surface 22a of the second display unit 22 in the upper half and the rear cover 32 in the lower half. In the unfolded state, the second display unit 22 is reversed front and back, unfolds upward, and the end edge 22e becomes the upper piece.

[0082] The flap 25 is spanned between the first non-display surface 21b of the first display unit 21 and the second non-display surface 22b of the second display unit 22. In the above embodiments, one end 25a and the other end 25b connected to the first non-display surface 21b and the second non-display surface 22b extend in the Y direction, while in the display housing 12H, they extend in the X direction. In accordance with the unfolding of the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22, one end 25a is configured to be tiltable and slidable with respect to the first non-display surface 21b, and the other end 25b is configured to be tiltable with respect to the second non-display surface 22b, which is the same as in the above example.

[0083] The bezel 26 in the display housing 12H is composed of a fixed bezel 40 and a slidable frame 41, and covers the periphery of the first display unit 21 in the stacked state. The fixed bezel 40 is a member corresponding to the above fixed bezel 30 but has a different shape, being an angular U shape with an opening at the upper part, and covers the lower edge and the left and right edges of the first display unit 21. In the electronic device 10H, the fixed bezel 40 constitutes the connecting edge 12a and is rotatably connected to the main body housing 11 by a hinge 14.

[0084] Frame 41 corresponds to the above-described frame 31 but has a different shape. It is a square U-shape with an opening at the bottom and is composed of a left frame 41a, a right frame 41b, and a horizontal frame 41c at the top. The base portion 27 is integrally formed with the frame 41. The frame 41 is interlocked with the deployment operation and is configured to be displaced relative to the first display portion 21. The left frame 41a covers a part of the left edge of the first display portion 21 and the rotation edge 22c in the stacked state, and covers the rotation edge 22c in the deployed state. The right frame 41b covers a part of the right edge of the first display portion 21 and the rotation edge 22d in the stacked state, and covers the rotation edge 22d in the deployed state. The horizontal frame 41c covers the bending edge 23 in the stacked state and covers the end edge 22e in the deployed state.

[0085] In such an electronic device 10H, in the deployed state, a large screen exceeding the apparent size limit of the main body housing 11 and the display housing 12H in the stacked state can be obtained. In addition, since the second display portion 22 is deployed upward, the left-right width is suppressed, and it can be used in a narrow space. It is also suitable for placing left and right separate-type speakers or the like.

[0086] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that it can be freely changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H Electronic devices 11 Main body housing 11a, 12a Connecting edge 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 12H Display housings 14 Hinge 16 Display 18 Keyboard device (input device) 20 Electronic device 21 First display portion 21a First display surface 21b First non-display surface 22 Second display portion 22a Second display surface 22b Second non-display surface 22c, 22d Rotating edge 22e End edge 23 Bending edge 24, 24a, 24b Back plate 25 Flap 25a One end 25b The other end 26 Bezel 27 Base part 28, 35 Slider 29 Holding member 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d, 29e, 29f, 29g, 29h, 29i, 29j, 29k, 29l, 29m Magnet 30, 40 Fixed bezel 31, 41 Frame 32 Rear cover 36 Guide groove 37 Slide board 42 Rotating connection member

Claims

1. An electronic device in which a main body housing having an input device and a display housing are rotatably connected to each other by a connecting edge, the display housing is configured to be openable and closable between a stacked state in which the first display unit and the second display unit connected to each other at their bent edges are stacked and an unfolded state in which the first display unit and the second display unit are unfolded to form the same surface; a flap extending between a first non-display surface of the first display unit and a second non-display surface of the second display unit; a frame that is displaced relative to the first display unit in response to an unfolding operation of the first display unit and the second display unit; one end of the flap is configured to be tiltable and slidable relative to the first non-display surface in response to an unfolding operation of the first display portion and the second display portion, and the other end is configured to be tiltable relative to the second non-display surface; The first display portion is rectangular, and a side along the connecting edge is a long side. the bent edge is along an upper edge of the first display portion that faces the connecting edge, The frame covers the bent edge where the first display unit and the second display unit are connected in the stacked state, and covers an end edge opposite to the bent edge in the unfolded state.

1. An electronic device comprising:

2. 2. The electronic device according to claim 1, a base portion that is slidably displaceable relative to the first display portion; the first display unit is rotatably connected to the main body housing by the connecting edge, The frame and the base part are integrally displaced relative to the first display part.

1. An electronic device comprising:

Images