JP2895372B2 - Information processing device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus such as a word processor or a personal computer having a key operation unit such as a keyboard and an input display unit capable of inputting with a pen.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as input in a simplified information processing apparatus, key input using a keyboard has been the mainstream. In recent years, however, pen input technology using a tablet integrated with a display surface has been developed. Handwritten character input, image input, handwriting editing, etc. can also be realized.

In general, when performing a key input operation, it is preferable to dispose a display unit in front of the user and to perform touch typing by arranging a keyboard in front of the display unit. Have been.

On the other hand, when performing a pen input operation, it is preferable to arrange the tablet surface as a display surface facing upward and use a pen to write characters on paper on a desk. The standard posture is to perform.

[0005] In addition, as a simple type information processing apparatus, a compact storage form which is convenient to carry is required.

Therefore, the simplified information processing apparatus has a display screen in which the display surface of the display unit is folded so as to face the keyboard provided on the main body and the key input operation can be performed in the standard posture. The display surface of the display unit is arranged upward above the keyboard of the main unit so that the key input operation state in which the key input operation unit is arranged in front and the pen input operation can be performed in the standard posture while looking at the back Three states, a pen input operation state, are required.

Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Hei 4-188213, Hei 4-188214, Hei 4-218820 and Hei 4-221989 disclose the above-mentioned three publications.
A simple information processing device that can take a form is disclosed.

In the information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-188213, an upper cover rotatably provided with respect to a main body is used as an outer frame, and a display section is provided on the upper cover so as to be rotatable. It is of the configuration given. The fulcrum of the display unit rotatably supported exists on the side wall surfaces on both sides.
The display section at the time of the key input operation is a display horizontal screen in which the longitudinal direction is set horizontally.

The information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-188214 has a structure in which a display unit is rotatably provided on a relay upper cover rotatably provided with respect to a main body. In addition, the rotation axis of the relay upper cover with respect to the main body and the rotation axis of the display unit with respect to the relay upper cover are perpendicular to each other. For this reason, in this information processing apparatus, conversion of the display address is required. The fulcrum of the display unit rotatably supported exists on the side wall surface. The display section at the time of the key input operation is a display horizontal screen in which the longitudinal direction is set horizontally.

In the information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-218820, one end moves along a long groove formed in the side wall of the main body, while the other end moves to the front end of the side wall of the display unit. By a supporting means comprising a pivotally supported first arm and a second arm, one end of which is pivotally supported by the rear end of the side wall of the main body, the other end of which is pivotally supported by the center of the side wall of the display unit. This is a configuration in which the display unit is connected to the main body. The display section at the time of the key input operation is a display horizontal screen in which the longitudinal direction is set horizontally.

The information processing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H4-2221989 has a configuration in which a display unit is rotatably provided on a support member rotatably provided with respect to a main body. The fulcrum of the display unit rotatably supported is present on both side wall surfaces. The display at the time of key input operation is
It is a display horizontal screen which made the longitudinal direction horizontal.

However, in each of the above publications, the storage state,
Although a technique for moving the display unit to take three states, a key input operation state and a pen input operation state, is disclosed, but the operability is poor because the display unit is movable. It has become something.

For example, if the fulcrum of the display unit rotatably supported is on the side wall surface as in the above-described conventional configuration, the display unit is rotated by 360 °, and the stability is maintained in the key input operation state. There is no. Further, even in the pen input operation state, the input display unit rotates more than necessary and hits the keyboard of the main body. In order to eliminate such inconvenience, another mechanism for regulating the rotation range of the display unit is required.

Conventionally, when the display unit is opened,
When the member connecting the display unit and the main body is turned to be in the key input operation state from the storage state, the member connecting the display unit and the main body is turned in the opposite direction to the above. In the case where the state is changed from the key input operation state to the pen input operation state or the stowed state, the same braking force is applied at the time of rotation. Normally, the display unit can be set at an arbitrary angle by a friction hinge or the like, so that when the display unit is opened, it feels heavy. If the braking force at the time of opening and closing (at the time of rotation) is weakened so that the display unit can be opened lightly, the display unit closes suddenly when it is closed, and the display unit and the main body are likely to be damaged by an impact. Therefore, the applicant of the present application has previously solved the above-described problem, improved the deterioration of operability due to the movement of the display unit, and can take three states: a storage state, a key input operation state, and a pen input operation state. For the purpose of increasing the degree of perfection of the information processing apparatus, Japanese Patent Application No. 5-13025 has been proposed.

[0015]

However, in the conventional information processing apparatus including the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application No. 5-13025, the display surface of the display section is arranged so as to face the keyboard provided on the main body. The folded storage state,
In order to perform key input operation in the standard posture, the key input operation state in which the display surface of the display unit is opened at a certain angle with respect to the main body and pen input operation in the standard posture are performed. Techniques for describing a mechanism for shifting to a pen input operation state in which the display surface of the display unit is arranged upward at the top are disclosed, but in any case, the display screen is a horizontally long screen ( Display horizontal screen) only.

Therefore, the information written in accordance with the A4 paper cannot be displayed on the horizontal display screen, and all the data of the entire paper cannot be displayed. As a result, the user's listability cannot be improved, and the operability is low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to improve the operability by increasing the number of display forms, and to arrange the display surface of the input display unit above the keyboard. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to increase the degree of perfection of an information processing apparatus having improved operability at the time of pen input operation.

[0018]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: a main body having a key operation section; and an input having a data input means on a rectangular display surface. The display unit and the input display unit are turned from the storage state in which the display surface and the key operation unit face each other to the first input operation state in which the key operation unit is set to the front and the display surface is set to the side and substantially facing the front. Moving means for moving the input display unit from the first input operation state to a second input operation state in which the display surface is horizontal and facing upward above the key operation unit; And an information processing apparatus comprising:
By providing first rotation support means for rotatably supporting the input display unit in the first input operation state in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, the input display unit faces the key operation unit, It is characterized in that it can take a third input operation state in which it is oriented vertically and almost in front.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising:
In order to solve the above problems, a main body having a key operation unit, an input display unit having data input means on a rectangular display surface, and a storage state in which the input display unit is opposed to the display surface and the key operation unit A turning means for turning the key operation unit toward the front, turning the display surface sideways to a first input operation state substantially facing the front, and the input display unit from the first input operation state, An information processing device having a moving means for moving to a second input operation state in which the display surface is horizontal and facing upward above the key operation unit; and an input display for taking the first input operation state. First rotation support means for supporting the unit rotatably in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, and second rotation support means for supporting the input display unit in the second input operation state so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface. Is provided, the input display section A third input operation state in which the working unit is in the foreground and the display surface is vertical and substantially facing the front, and a fourth input operation state in which the display surface is vertical and upward facing above the key operation unit. The feature is that it can be taken.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising:
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a main body having a key operation unit and an input display unit having data input means on a rectangular display surface are attached via a connecting arm, and one end of the connecting arm is connected to the main body. The other end is rotatably supported by a first hinge means, and the other end is rotatably supported by a second hinge means, and the back surface of the input display unit is rotated by the rotation support plate. It is rotatably supported by shaft means, the storage state in which the display surface of the input display unit and the key operation unit of the main unit face each other, and the key operation unit of the main unit is set to the front,
A first input operation state in which the display surface of the input display unit is horizontal and substantially facing the front, and a second input state in which the display surface of the input display unit is horizontal and upwards above the key operation unit of the main body. An operation state, a third input operation state in which the key operation unit of the main body is in the foreground, the display surface of the input display unit is vertical, and substantially facing the front, and an input display unit is provided above the key operation unit of the main body. A fourth input operation state in which the display surface is vertical and upward can be taken.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising:
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the above-mentioned claim 1, 2 or 3
The information processing device described above is characterized in that a rotation angle regulating means for regulating the vertical and horizontal rotation of the input display unit at every 90 ° is provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising:
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the above-mentioned claim 1, 2 or 3
In the information processing device described above, the center of rotation of the input display unit is a distance from the center of rotation in the first input operation state to a lower end of the input display unit, and the center of rotation of the input display unit in the third input operation state. It is characterized in that the distance from the center of the input display unit is set so as to be equal to the distance to the lower end.

An information processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is fixed to the connection arm and released. A lock means is provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising:
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is fixed to and released from the connection arm. Locking means whose fixing part is shared between the first input operation state and the third input operation state, and lock guide means for guiding the fixing part of the locking means along with the rotation of the input display part. It is characterized by being provided.

[0025]

According to the configuration of the first aspect, the first rotation support means for rotatably supporting the input display unit in the first input operation state in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface is provided. The third input operation state can be taken in which the key operation unit is at the front, the display surface is vertical, and the display is almost in the front, so that
For example, information written in accordance with A4 paper cannot be displayed on a conventional display horizontal screen, and all data on the entire paper cannot be displayed. As a result, all data written on the paper can be displayed. This makes it possible to improve the listability at the time of the user's operation in the key input operation, thereby improving the operability.

According to the configuration of the second aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the input display unit in the second input operation state in which the display surface is arranged upward above the key operation unit of the main body is rotated. Since the second rotation supporting means is provided so as to support the input operation, the input display section can be in a fourth input operation state in which the display surface is vertical and upward above the key operation section of the main body. Also in the input operation, it is possible to display all the information written in accordance with the A4 sheet in the same manner as described above, so that the list at the time of the operation by the user can be improved, and the operability can be further improved.

According to the configuration of the third aspect, the first body is provided on the main body.
The other end of the connecting arm rotatably supported by the hinge means is rotatably supported by the second hinge means on a rotation support plate rotatably supporting the rear surface of the input display unit by the rotation shaft means. Therefore, the input display unit is now rotatable with respect to the connecting arm and rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. Therefore, the connecting arm is
By rotating the input display unit in the body rearward direction with respect to the connecting arm by the second hinge means while rotating the input display unit toward the main body by the hinge means,
The input display unit can be arranged with the display surface facing up, and the input display unit is rotated with respect to the connecting arm by the rotating shaft means, so that the display surface suitable for key input operation faces the front. The display surface of the input display unit can be switched in the vertical and horizontal directions even when the display surface faces upward on the key operation unit suitable for data input operation.

This makes it possible to easily realize the constructions of the first and second aspects. In this case,
By turning the input display unit backward by the second hinge means and rotating the input display unit by the rotary shaft means, it is possible to use the input display unit as a display means to the rear of the main body. Operability can be improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first, second or third aspect, further, a rotation angle regulating means for regulating the vertical and horizontal rotation of the input display unit at every 90 °. Is provided, the rotation of the input display unit is 9
Therefore, the input display unit cannot take a half-way angle, and the third input is displayed vertically even in the first input operation state in which the display surface is horizontal. Even in the operating state, the input display section is accurately positioned straight horizontally and vertically,
It can prevent the screen from tilting halfway. In the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, the input display unit is provided in the state transition from the first input operation state to the second input operation state and in the state transition from the third input operation state to the fourth input operation state. The vertical and horizontal reference lines of the input display section move in parallel with the reference line in the front-rear direction of the main body, and the input display section does not fluctuate and the state transition is smooth. Can be implemented.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first, second or third aspect, further, the rotation center of the input display unit is inputted from the rotation center in the first input operation state. The center of rotation is set to be shifted from the center of the input display unit so that the distance to the lower end of the display unit is equal to the distance from the center of rotation in the third input operation state to the lower end of the input display unit. Therefore, the positional relationship between the main body after rotating the input display unit and the lower end of the input display unit becomes the same, so that the fixing process and the like can be easily performed, and the input display unit is placed in the third input operation state. When the state shifts to the above, the alignment between the housing of the input display unit and the housing of the main body can be easily achieved. And claim 2
In the information processing device according to the third aspect, it is possible to easily achieve alignment between the housing of the input display unit and the housing of the main body when the input display unit shifts to the fourth input operation state.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is connected to the connecting arm. Locking means for fixing and unlocking is provided, so that when the input display section is fixed to the connecting arm by the locking means, when the state shifts from the storage state to the first input operation state, the connecting arm and the input display section are used. Are in a fixed state, and the rotation operation is very easy to perform. Also,
Since the rotation of the input display unit in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also regulated by the lock unit, the input display unit in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also controlled by this. The state is kept stable and there is no fear of rattling.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, further, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is connected to the connecting arm. Fix and release, and
A lock unit in which the fixing unit is shared between the first input operation state and the third input operation state, and a fixing unit of the lock unit,
Since lock guide means for guiding the rotation of the input display unit is provided, when the input display unit is fixed to the connecting arm by the lock unit, when the state transition from the storage state to the first input operation state is performed, Since the connecting arm and the input display unit are in a fixed state, it is very easy to perform a rotating operation. In addition, since the rotation of the input display unit in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also regulated by the lock means, the input display in the first input operation state and the third input operation state can be controlled. The condition of the part is maintained stably and there is no play. Further, the input display unit can be rotated by the lock guide means without being aware that the input display unit is fixed to the connecting arm, so that the operability can be further improved. Further, since the fixing is not released at a halfway angle, the operability can be improved also by this. Further, by providing the lock guide means, the rotation operation of the input display unit is stabilized.

[0033]

1 to 16 show an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has a main body 1 having a key input operation section (key operation section) 4 and a rectangular input display surface 5 capable of pen input.
And a connecting arm (connecting member) 3 for connecting the input display unit 2 to the main body 1.

The input display unit 2 has a flat display such as a liquid crystal display, and a transparent tablet as data input means is superimposed on a display surface of the input display unit 2 to enable pen input with the pen 6 provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the pen 6 can be housed in a concave portion 2a formed on the side of the input display surface 5 of the input display unit 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, one end of the connecting arm 3 is provided with a first hinge mechanism (rotating means, first hinge means).
7, it is rotatably connected to the main body 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the connecting arm 3 rotates about the rotation center A in the “open” direction and the “close” direction with respect to the main body 1.

On the other hand, the other end of the connecting arm 3 is
As shown in the figure, the display rotation mechanism 9 provided at a predetermined position on the back surface of the input display unit 2 (the surface opposite to the input display surface 5).
Is attached to the arm 11 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the display rotation mechanism 9 includes the arm 11 fixed to the connecting arm 3 and the base 10 fixed to the back of the input display 2. And a disk (rotation instruction plate) 12 disposed between the base 10 and the arm 11. The disk portion 12 and the arm portion 11 are rotatably connected by a second hinge mechanism (second hinge means) 8, while the base portion 10 is attached to the disk portion 12 by a shaft mechanism (first rotation mechanism). Means, second rotating means,
It is rotatably mounted by a rotating shaft means 13. For this reason, the input display unit 2 is provided with the second hinge mechanism 8.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the arm rotates about the center of rotation B with respect to the connecting arm 3, and as shown in FIG. The arm 3 rotates in a “longitudinal” direction and a “lateral” direction. Incidentally, the moving means of the present invention includes the first hinge mechanism 7 and the second hinge mechanism 7.
It comprises a hinge mechanism 8 and a connecting arm 3.

Thus, the information processing apparatus can take the following six states. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the input display surface 5 of the input display unit 2
Is disposed at a position facing the key input operation unit 4 of the main body 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the key input operation unit 4 is brought to the front so that the key input operation by the key input operation unit 4 can be performed while looking at the input display surface 5 of the input display unit 2. The input display surface 5 is the main unit 1 with the longitudinal direction
Is the first key input operation state (first input operation state) of the display horizontal screen facing substantially the front of the display.

As shown in FIG. 4, the input display surface 5 faces upward with the longitudinal direction of the input display unit 2 on the key input operation unit 4 of the main body 1 so that pen input operation can be performed. First pen input operation state (second input operation state).

As shown in FIG. 5, the key input operation unit 4 is brought to the front so that the key input operation by the key input operation unit 4 can be performed while looking at the input display surface 5 of the input display unit 2. The input display surface 5 is the main body 1 with the longitudinal direction set to vertical.
In the second key input operation state (third input operation state) of the display vertical screen substantially facing the front.

As shown in FIG. 6, on the key input operation unit 4 of the main body 1, the input display surface 5 is turned upright with the longitudinal direction of the input display unit 2 being vertical so that the pen input operation can be performed. Second pen input operation state (fourth input operation state).

As shown in FIG. 7, a rear display state in which the input display unit 2 is directed to the rear of the apparatus opposite to the front of the main body 1.

The state transition to each of the above-mentioned states will be described. The input display unit 2 is rotated in the "open" direction with respect to the main body 1 with the front end side of the input display unit 2 from the stored state. To move to the first key input operation state, and from the first key input operation state, pull the input display unit 2 toward the front to display the display horizontal screen. The state can be shifted to the first pen input operation state. Also, as shown in FIG. 1B, the input display unit 2 is rotated in the “vertical” direction from the first key input operation state to the second key input operation state on the display vertical screen. Can be migrated. Then, in the same manner as the transition from the above-mentioned state to the state, the input display unit 2 is pulled from this second key input operation state to the second pen input operation state on the display vertical screen. it can. Also, from the first pen input operation state on the display horizontal screen,
By rotating the input display unit 2 in the “vertical” direction, it is possible to shift to the second pen input operation state on the display vertical screen. Furthermore, the input display unit 2 can be further rotated rearward from the first key input operation state to the rear of the main body 1 and the input display unit 2 can be rotated to shift to the rear display state.

As described above, by connecting the rear surface of the input display unit 2 to one end of the connecting arm 3 by the display rotating mechanism 9, the input display unit 2 is connected to the connecting arm about the rotation center B. 3 can be rotated in the “vertical” direction and the “horizontal” direction with respect to the connecting arm 3 about the rotation center C, so that the first display while viewing the conventional display horizontal screen can be performed. In addition to the key input operation, the second key input operation can be performed while looking at the display vertical screen. This makes it possible to display all the data written on the paper by changing the display of A4 paper, which could not be accommodated by the conventional display horizontal screen, to the display vertical screen, thereby improving the listability at the time of user operation. The operability can be improved by improving.

Further, the user pulls the input display unit 2 forward from the second key input operation state while viewing the display vertical screen, or rotates the input display unit 2 in the “vertical” direction from the first pen input operation state. Thus, in addition to the conventional pen input operation using the display horizontal screen (the first pen input operation state), the pen input operation using the display vertical screen (the second pen input operation state) becomes possible. Also in the input operation, it is possible to improve the listability at the time of the user's operation, and it is possible to further improve the operability. In addition, only to realize the second key input operation state on the display vertical screen,
Instead of the configuration of the display rotation mechanism section 9 described above, the input display section 2 is directly rotatably mounted on the distal end portion of the connecting arm 3 by the shaft mechanism 13, and the first key input operation state is changed from the first key input operation state by another mechanism. It may be configured to shift to the pen input operation state.

The input display unit 2 is attached to the connecting arm 3 by using the display rotation mechanism unit 9, so that the input display unit 2 is directed to the rear of the apparatus opposite to the front of the main body 1. Since it can be taken, it can be used as a device for directing the display screen toward the rear of the device.

As described above, if the pivot point (fulcrum) between the input display unit 2 and the connection arm 3 is on the back of the input display unit 2, the connection arm 3 functions as a stopper, and the input display unit 2 Is limited to 180 ° or less with respect to the connecting arm 3. That is, when the input display unit 2 is rotated, the back surface of the input display unit 2 abuts on the connecting arm 3, and the input display unit 2 does not rotate more than 180 ° with respect to the connecting arm 3. Therefore, in the first and second key input operation states shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the rear surface of the input display unit 2 is supported by being in contact with the connecting arm 3, and the rotation is restricted. In this manner, the rear portion of the input display unit 2 is supported by the connecting arm 3 and does not rattle, and the state is stably maintained.

Also in the first and second pen input operation states shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the rear surface of the input display unit 2 is supported by being in contact with the connecting arm 3, and the rotation is restricted. Also in this case, the back surface of the input display unit 2 is supported by the connecting arm 3 and does not rattle, and the state is stably maintained.

In the present information processing apparatus, the rotation center C of the input display unit 2 extends from the rotation center C in the horizontal display screen state to the lower end of the input display unit 2 as shown in FIG. The distance a, the distance b from the rotation center C in the display horizontal screen state to the upper end of the input display unit 2, and the distance a 'from the lower end of the input display unit 2 in the display vertical screen state shown in FIG. They are set so as to be equal to each other and shifted to the right in the figure with respect to the center of the input display unit 2 (when the rotation direction is clockwise).

By shifting the rotation center C and making the distance a equal to the distance a 'in this manner, the fixed position when the input display unit 2 is fixed to the connecting arm 3 is changed to the display horizontal screen and the display vertical screen. In any case, the lock member 16 can be shared by the lock mechanism 16 described later in the display horizontal screen state and the display vertical screen state (see FIG. 13). Also, in the case where fixing means for supporting the lower end of the housing of the input display unit 2 with the housing of the main body 1 is provided, the positioning thereof is facilitated.

Further, by shifting the rotation center C, the distance b,
By making the distance a and the distance a ′ equal, the rotation center C of the input display unit 2 at the time of rotation is h> a√2.
With the above separation, the input display unit 2 can be rotated without contacting the housing of the main body 1.

Also, by shifting the rotation center C to equalize the distance b, the distance a, and the distance a ′, only when shifting from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state. Instead, when the state is shifted from the second key input operation state to the second pen input operation state, the edge of the input display unit 2 restricts the gap shown in FIG. , And the occurrence of key input caused by the input display unit 2 touching the key input operation unit 4 can be prevented.

That is, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an operation state by the user when changing from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state.
There is a possibility that the input display unit 2 is inclined and the lower end of the input display unit 2 contacts the key input operation unit 4 to cause a key input. Therefore, in this device, as shown in FIG.
On both sides of the key input operation unit 4 in the housing of the main body 1, a brim portion 1 that is higher than the input keys 4 a of the key input operation unit 4.
c is formed, whereby the distance between the input display unit 2 and the key input operation unit 4 when the state shifts from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state is regulated. I have. In this case, when the state shifts from the second key input operation state to the second pen input operation state on the display vertical screen, if the center of rotation C is not set to be swung as described above, the lower end of the input display unit 2 is moved. It does not hit the brim portion 1c, and key input occurs.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, by setting the position of the rotation center C as described above, the front end portion of the housing of the main body 1 can be operated even in the first pen input operation state and the second pen input operation state. The input display unit 2 can be received in a stable state, and contact with the key input operation unit 4 can be reliably prevented.

At the same time, the rotation center C is set so that the operator can see the print portion 30 of the printer on the rear side of the main body 1 even in the second pen input operation state on the display vertical screen. This is to improve workability such as positioning of a printing start position at the time of printing, and convenience of confirmation of a printing state, a printing result, and the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the information processing apparatus is provided with a rotation angle regulating mechanism (rotation angle regulating means) 14 for regulating the rotation angle of the input display unit 2 at every 90 °. I have. The rotation angle restricting mechanism 14 includes a disk part 12 of the display rotation mechanism part 9 and a fixing mechanism 15 provided on the back of the input display part 2.
2 has notches 12a, 12b, 12c at 90 ° intervals.
・ 12d is formed respectively. On the other hand, the fixing mechanism 1
5 is a fixed claw 15a which engages with any of the notches 12a, and a coil spring 15b which urges the fixed claw 15a.
, The guide 15c of the fixed claw 15a and the coil spring 15b, and the notch 12a by pressing down the fixed claw 15a.
And a slide knob 15d for releasing the engagement with
Fixed claw 15a and notches 12a and 12 of the disk portion 12
are engaged with the connecting arm 3 of the input display unit 2.
The rotation with respect to is regulated and fixed.

FIG. 12 shows the state of the rotation angle regulating mechanism 14 in the first key input operation state on the display horizontal screen.
The input display unit 2 is fixed at this position by engaging the fixing claw 15a with the notch 12a of the disk unit 12. In order to shift from this state to the second key input operation state on the display vertical screen, the slide knob 15d is once depressed to release the engagement between the fixed claw 15a and the notch 12a of the disk portion 12, and the input display is performed. When the input unit 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow after that, the unit 2 can be rotated.
The fixing mechanism 15 reaches the position of the notch 12b of the disk portion 12, and the fixing claw 15a urged by the coil spring 15b is fitted and engaged with the notch 12b. Thus, the second key input operation state of the display vertical screen is set, and the input display unit 2 is fixed at this position.

As described above, by providing the rotation angle regulating mechanism 14 and fixing the rotation of the input display unit 2 at every 90 °, the input display unit 2 cannot take a halfway angle and the display surface 5 is In both the first input operation state in which the display screen 5 is vertical and the third input operation state in which the display surface 5 is vertical, the input display unit 2 is accurately positioned straight horizontally and vertically, and it is possible to prevent the screen from inclining halfway. Then, in the state transition from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state and the state transition from the second key input operation state to the second pen input operation state, the rotation of the input display unit 2 is restricted. As a result, the vertical and horizontal reference lines of the input display unit 2 move in parallel with the reference line in the front-rear direction of the main body 1, and the input display unit 2 does not fluctuate, and the state transition is smoothly performed. be able to.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the present information processing apparatus is provided with a lock mechanism (lock means) 16 capable of fixing and releasing the input display unit 2 to the connecting arm 3. The lock mechanism 16 includes a lock spring 17 provided on the input display unit 2 and a lock claw (fixing unit) 18 provided on the connection arm 3. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the lock mechanism 16 is released.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the lock spring 17 has a fixing portion 17a for fixing the lock spring 17 to the input display section 2, and the fixing portion 17a.
This is a configuration in which a locking portion 17c is formed on two spring portions 17b projecting from FIG. In addition, the lock claw 18
Has a fixing portion 18a for fixing the lock claw 18 to the connecting arm 3 and a screw-head-shaped tip, and a locking receiving portion 18b with which the locking portion 17c of the lock spring 17 is engaged. It is composed of

In the present information processing apparatus, the lock claw 18
At the lower end of the connecting arm 3 and the lock spring 17
Are provided at positions corresponding to the lock claws 18 in the display horizontal screen state and at positions corresponding to the lock claws 18 in the display vertical screen state. That is, one lock claw 18 is commonly used for fixing the input display unit 2 and the connection arm 3 in the display horizontal screen state and the display vertical screen state. In this embodiment, two lock claws 18 are provided to secure the fixing, and two lock claws 17 are provided at predetermined positions in accordance with the two lock claws.

In the first or second key input operation state shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, the user pulls the lower end of the input display unit 2 forward (that is, the input display unit 2 with the rotation center B as the center). Is rotated with respect to the connecting arm 3) as shown in FIG.
From the fixed state shown in (a), the lock spring 17 bends, and the locking portion 17c is disengaged from the locking receiving portion 18b of the lock claw 18 to release the fixing of the input display unit 2 to the connecting arm 3.
Conversely, when the input display unit 2 is pressed against the connecting arm 3, the lock spring 17 bends and receives the lock receiving portion 18b from the release state shown in FIG. Receiving portion 18b of the lock claw 18
And the input display unit 2 is fixed to the connection arm 3.

As described above, by providing the lock mechanism 16 and fixing the input display unit 2 to the connection arm 3, when the state shifts from the stored state to the first key input operation state, the connection arm 3 and the input display unit are moved. 2 is in a fixed state, and the turning operation is very easy. In addition, since the rotation of the input display unit 2 in the first key input operation state and the second key input operation state is regulated by the lock mechanism 16, this also enables the first key input operation state and the second key input state. The state of the input display unit 2 in the operation state is stably maintained.

The lock mechanism 16 can be easily released by pulling the lower end of the input display unit 2 forward.
The state transition can be performed smoothly and the operability is excellent.

Further, in the present information processing apparatus, one lock claw 18 is commonly used for fixing the input display section 2 and the connecting arm 3 in the display horizontal screen state and the display vertical screen state. The configuration is simpler than the configuration in which the lock mechanism 16 is provided.

When shifting from the first key input operation state to the second key input operation state, the lower end of the input display section 2 is pulled forward, so that the input display section 2 and the connecting arm 3 can be easily fixed. And the state can be shifted smoothly, but in this information processing apparatus, by providing the lock guide mechanism 19 shown in FIG.
The state can be shifted from the first key input operation state to the second key input operation state.

The lock guide mechanism (lock guide means) 19 is, as shown in FIG.
Locking claw 18 and a locking receiving portion 18 of this locking claw 18
The lock guide groove 2b guides the distal end of the lock guide groove 2b. The lock spring 17 of the lock mechanism 16 is provided at the above-mentioned predetermined position in the lock guide groove 2b. When the input display unit 2 is rotated, the tip of the lock claw 18 is guided by the lock guide groove 2b,
The state can be shifted from the first key input operation state to the second key input operation state without releasing the fixed state of the lock mechanism 16.

That is, when the input display unit 2 is pressed against the connecting arm 3 in the first key input operation state shown in FIG. 3, the lock claws 18 are locked by the lock springs 17e and 17f shown in FIG. , The input display unit 2 is fixed to the connecting arm 3. In this state, when the input display unit 2 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the tips of the lock claws 18 are guided by the lock guide grooves 2b of the input display unit 2 without releasing the fixed state of the lock mechanism 16. The state shifts to the second key input operation state shown in FIG. In this position, the fixed state of the input display unit 2 and the connecting arm 3 can be released using the lock springs 17g and 17h shown in FIG.

As described above, by providing the lock guide mechanism 19, the input display unit 2 can be rotated without being conscious of the fact that the input display unit 2 is fixed to the connecting arm 3, so that the operability is improved. Is improved. Further, since the fixing is not released at a halfway angle, the operability is also improved. Further, by providing the lock guide mechanism 19, the rotation operation of the input display unit 2 is stabilized, and the function of the rotation angle regulating mechanism 14 described above becomes more effective.

As described above, the lock claw 18 is shared,
To provide the lock guide mechanism 19, as described above,
The rotation center C of the input display unit 2 is defined as a distance a from the rotation center C in the display horizontal screen state to the lower end of the input display unit 2 and a distance a ′ from the rotation center C to the lower end of the input display unit 2 in the display vertical screen state. It is necessary that they are set to be equal, and that the fixed position between the input display unit 2 and the connecting arm 3 is fixed.

It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely for clarifying the technical contents of the present invention, and should not be construed as being limited to only such specific examples.
Various modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

[0073]

As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention has a main body having a key operation section, an input display section having data input means on a rectangular display surface, and the input display section. Turning means for turning from a storage state in which the display surface and the key operation unit face each other to a first input operation state in which the key operation unit is set to the front, the display surface is set to the side, and the display surface is directed substantially toward the front, Moving means for moving the input display section from the first input operation state to a second input operation state in which the display surface is horizontal and facing upward above the key operation section; Further, by providing first rotation support means for supporting the input display unit in the first input operation state so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, the input display unit can
This is a configuration in which a third input operation state in which the key operation unit is at the front, the display surface is vertical, and the display is almost in the front can be taken.

Therefore, the third input operation state can be taken in which the key operation unit is set to the front, the display surface is set to the vertical, and the display surface is turned to the front, so that, for example, the information written in accordance with the A4 sheet is The conventional display landscape screen could not fit, and it was not possible to display all the data on the entire paper, but this allows all the data written on the paper to be displayed, and the user's input at the time of key input operation The advantage is that the operability can be improved and the operability can be improved.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 of the present invention
As described above, in the configuration of claim 1,
By providing second rotation support means for rotatably supporting the input display unit in the second input operation state in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, the display surface is set to be vertical above the key operation unit, and This is a configuration that can assume a fourth input operation state facing upward.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display all the information written in accordance with the A4 size in the data input operation in the same manner as described above. This has the effect of improving the operability at a glance, and further improving the operability.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 3 of the present invention
As described above, the main body having the key operation unit and the input display unit having the data input means on the rectangular display surface are attached via the connecting arm, and one end of the connecting arm is connected to the main body by the first hinge. The other end is rotatably supported by a second hinge means on a rotation support plate, and the back surface of the input display unit is rotated by the rotation shaft means on the rotation support plate. It is supported so that the display surface of the input display unit and the key operation unit of the main unit face each other, the key operation unit of the main unit is in front, the display surface of the input display unit is horizontal, and the front is almost An oriented first input operation state;
Above the key operation section of the main body, a second input operation state in which the display surface of the input display section is horizontal and upward, and the key operation section of the main body is in the front, and the display surface of the input display section is vertical. And a fourth input operation state in which the display surface of the input display unit is vertical and upward above the key operation unit of the main body. is there.

Therefore, it is possible to easily realize the configuration of the first and second aspects. In this case, the input display section is turned backward by the second hinge means, and the input display section is rotated by the rotating shaft means. By rotating, it is possible to use it as a display means to the rear of the main body, and the display form is further increased, so that the operability can be further improved.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 of the present invention
As described above, the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2, or 3, further includes a rotation angle regulating unit that regulates the rotation of the input display unit in the vertical and horizontal directions at every 90 °. .

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, the input display section cannot take a halfway angle and the display can be performed even in the first input operation state in which the display surface is lying down. Even in the third input operation state in which the screen is vertical, the input display unit is accurately positioned straight horizontally and vertically, and it is possible to prevent the screen from tilting halfway. In the information processing apparatus according to the third aspect, the input display unit is provided in the state transition from the first input operation state to the second input operation state and in the state transition from the third input operation state to the fourth input operation state. The vertical and horizontal reference lines of the input display section move in parallel with the reference line in the front-rear direction of the main body, and the input display section does not fluctuate and the state transition is smooth. This has the effect of being able to be implemented for

The information processing apparatus according to claim 5 of the present invention
As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, the rotation center of the input display unit is set to the first center.
The distance between the rotation center in the input operation state and the lower end of the input display unit is equal to the distance from the rotation center in the third input operation state to the lower end of the input display unit. This is a configuration set to be shifted.

Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, the positional relationship between the main body after rotating the input display unit and the lower end of the input display unit becomes the same, and the fixed processing is performed. And the like, and the effect that the alignment between the housing of the input display unit and the housing of the main body when the input display unit shifts to the third input operation state can be easily achieved. . In the information processing apparatus according to the second or third aspect, it is easy to align the housing of the input display unit with the housing of the main body when the input display unit transitions to the fourth input operation state. It has the effect that it can be achieved.

An information processing apparatus according to claim 6 of the present invention
As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, furthermore, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, locking means for fixing and releasing the fixing of the input display unit to the connection arm. Is provided.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the third aspect of the present invention, when the input display unit is fixed to the connecting arm by the lock means, when the state shifts from the storage state to the first input operation state, the connection is established. Since the arm and the input display unit are in a fixed state, it is very easy to perform a rotating operation. In addition, since the rotation of the input display unit in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also regulated by the lock means, the input display in the first input operation state and the third input operation state can be controlled. There is an effect that the state of the section is stably maintained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising:
As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 3, furthermore, in the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display unit is fixed to and released from the connection arm, and , The fixed portion is in the first input operation state,
And a lock guide shared by the third input operation state, and a lock guide for guiding the fixed portion of the lock with the rotation of the input display.

Therefore, in addition to the effect of the third aspect of the present invention, when the input display unit is fixed to the connecting arm by the lock means, when the state shifts from the storage state to the first input operation state, the connection is made. Since the arm and the input display unit are in a fixed state, it is very easy to perform a rotating operation. In addition, since the rotation of the input display unit in the first input operation state and the third input operation state is also regulated by the lock means, the input display in the first input operation state and the third input operation state can be controlled. This produces an effect that the section is stably held. further,
The input display unit can be rotated without being conscious of the fact that the input display unit is fixed to the connecting arm, and the operability can be further improved. Further, since the fixing is not released at a halfway angle, the operability can be improved also by this. Further, by providing such a lock guide means, there is an effect that the rotation operation of the input display unit is stabilized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1A and 1B show an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a front view showing a first key input operation state of an information processing apparatus, and FIG. It is an explanatory view showing a state of shifting to a key input operation state.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a stored state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first key input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a first pen input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second key input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second pen input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a rear display state of the information processing apparatus.

8A is a plan view of a display rotation mechanism provided in the information processing apparatus, FIG. 8B is a front view thereof,
(C) is a side view thereof.

FIG. 9 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in the transition from the first key input operation state to the first pen input operation state in the information processing apparatus provided with the collar for regulating the interval.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an operation state by a user when changing the information processing apparatus from a first key input operation state to a first pen input operation state.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing the alignment between the front end housing and the main housing of the input display unit when the information processing apparatus is in the first pen input operation state.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration and operation of a rotation angle regulating mechanism provided in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the lock by the lock mechanism is released in the first key input operation state of the information processing apparatus.

14A is a cross-sectional view showing a fixed state of the lock mechanism, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing a released state.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a lock guide mechanism provided in the information processing apparatus.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a lock claw of the lock mechanism guided by the lock guide mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 1c Flange part 2 Input display part 2b Lock guide groove (lock guide means) 3 Connecting arm (connecting member) 4 Key input operation part (key operation part) 5 Input display surface 6 Pen 7 First hinge mechanism (Rotating means , First hinge means) 8 second hinge mechanism (second hinge means) 9 display rotation mechanism 13 axis mechanism (first rotation support means, second rotation support means, rotation axis mechanism) 14 rotation angle regulation mechanism (rotation angle) Control means) 16 Lock mechanism (Lock means) 17 Lock spring 18 Lock claw (Fixed part) 19 Lock guide mechanism (Lock guide means)

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A main body having a key operation part, an input display part having data input means on a rectangular display surface, and key operation of the input display part from a storage state in which the display surface and the key operation part face each other. Turning means for turning to a first input operation state in which the unit is in the foreground, the display surface is sideways, and the display surface is substantially facing the front,
Moving means for moving the input display section from the first input operation state to a second input operation state in which the display surface is horizontal and facing upward above the key operation section; The apparatus further comprises first rotation support means for supporting the input display unit in the first input operation state so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface, so that the input display unit is positioned in front of the key operation unit. An information processing apparatus capable of taking a third input operation state in which the display surface is vertical and substantially facing the front. 2. A main body having a key operation part, an input display part having data input means on a rectangular display surface, and key operation of the input display part from a stowed state in which the display surface and the key operation part are opposed to each other. Turning means for turning to a first input operation state in which the unit is in the foreground, the display surface is sideways, and the display surface is substantially facing the front,
Moving means for moving the input display section from the first input operation state to a second input operation state in which the display surface is horizontal and facing upward above the key operation section; The apparatus further comprises: first rotation support means for supporting the input display section in the first input operation state so as to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions of the display surface; and an input display section in the second input operation state. A second rotation supporting means for rotatably supporting the screen in a vertical and horizontal direction, wherein the input display unit is configured such that the key operation unit is in front, the display surface is vertical, and the third input operation is substantially forward. A fourth state in which the display surface is turned upright and upward above the key operation unit.
An information processing apparatus capable of taking an input operation state. 3. A main body having a key operation part and an input display part having data input means on a rectangular display surface are attached via a connecting arm, and one end of the connecting arm is connected to the main body by a first hinge. The other end is rotatably supported by a second hinge means on a rotation support plate, and the back surface of the input display unit is rotated by the rotation shaft means on the rotation support plate. It is supported so that the display surface of the input display unit and the key operation unit of the main unit face each other, and the key operation unit of the main unit is in front, the display surface of the input display unit is horizontal and the front is almost A first input operation state facing up, a second input operation state in which the display surface of the input display unit is horizontal and upward above the key operation unit of the main body, and a key operation unit of the main body facing forward , With the display surface of the input display unit facing vertically and almost facing the front A third input operation state, and a fourth input operation state in which the display surface of the input display section is vertical and upward above the key operation section of the main body. . 4. The rotation of the input display section in the vertical and horizontal directions by 90 °
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation angle regulating means for regulating each rotation angle. 5. A rotation center of the input display unit is a distance from the rotation center in the first input operation state to a lower end of the input display unit, and a distance from the rotation center in the third input operation state to a lower end of the input display unit. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distance is set so as to be equal to the distance from the center of the input display unit. 6. A lock means for fixing and releasing the input display unit to and from the connecting arm in the first input operation state and the third input operation state. 3. The information processing apparatus according to 3. 7. In the first input operation state and the third input operation state, the input display section is fixed to and released from the connecting arm, and the fixing section is in the first input operation state.
And a lock means commonly used in the third input operation state and a lock guide means for guiding a fixing part of the lock means with rotation of the input display part. 3. The information processing apparatus according to 3.