ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application
JP 20 13-064 122 filed March 26, 20 13, and Japanese Priority Patent Application JP
2013-167751 filed August 12, 2013, the entire contents of each of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus, and in more detail,
relates to an electronic apparatus constituted so that a display side housing having a
display section is capable of rotating with respect to a main body side housing via
connection sections.
Foldable notebook personal computers have become prevalent as electronic
apparatuses. In such electronic apparatuses, connection sections which are hinges
rotatably connect a second housing having a display section with respect to a first
housing having an operation section.
JP 201 1-48536A discloses an electronic apparatus in which a display section
is rotated to be capable of opening and closing with respect to a main body section
via connection sections. Further, the display section of JP 201 1-48536A has a touch
panel. Also, when the display section is open, a user operates operation keys
included on the main body section while viewing the display section, and when the
display section is closed, the user performs touch operations while viewing the
display section (a so-called tablet).
SUMMARY
Incidentally, the utilization modes of electronic apparatuses are diverse, and
implementation of a configuration in which a display section is allowed to be
positioned in a plurality of rotation states with respect to a main body section has
been in demand. In order to implement such a demand, measures have been
considered in which a plurality of connection sections are included.
However, as shown in the above described JP 2011-48536A, connection
sections have a complex configuration with various parts built in, and the thickness
of the connection sections can easily increase. Therefore, when a plurality of
connection sections are included, the thickness of the entire electronic apparatus can
5 easily increase.
Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes an electronic apparatus which
can suppress an increase in the thickness of the apparatus while allowing a second
housing having a display section to rotate in a plurality of rotation states with respect
to a first housing via a plurality of connection sections.
10 According to the present disclosure, there is provided an electronic
apparatus, including a first housing, a second housing which has a display section
and a support member supporting the display section, and a housing connection
section which rotatably connects the second housing with respect to the first housing.
The support member includes a first support section connected to the housing
15 connection section, a second support section which fixedly supports the display
section, and a support connection section, positioned between the first support
section and the second support section, which has a flexibility to rotatably connect
the second support section with respect to the first support section.
According to the present disclose such as described above, it becomes
20 possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the apparatus while allowing a
second housing having a display section to rotate in a plurality of rotation states with
respect to a first housing via a plurality of connection sections.
Note that, the above described effect is not necessarily limited, and any of
the effects to be shown in the present disclosure, or other effects which can be
25 understood from the present disclosure, may be accomplished along with the above
described effect or instead of the above described effect.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view which shows an opened state of an electronic
30 apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows the electronic apparatus 100 in a
closed state;
FIG 4 is a side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view which shows the electronic apparatus 100 when
5 a display side housing 110 is rotated by hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140;
FIG 6 is a side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG 5;
FIG 7 is a perspective view which shows the electronic apparatus 100 when
the display side housing 110 is rotated by a connection bending section 11 7;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 7;
10 FIG 9 is a perspective view which shows the electronic apparatus 100 when
the display side housing 1 10 is rotated by the connection bending section 1 17;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view which shows the electronic apparatus 100 in a
reversed state;
15 FIG. 12 is a side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view which shows the electronic apparatus 100
when the display side housing 110 in the reversed state is rotated by the hinge
mechanism section 130;
FIG. 14 is a side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 13;
20 FIG. 15 is a figure for describing the positions of magnets built into the
electronic apparatus 100;
FIG. 16 is a figure for describing the position of a driving substrate 175 of
the display section 1 12;
FIG. 17 is a figure for describing the attachment position of the connection
25 bending section 1 17;
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view for describing the attachment structure of
the connection bending section 11 7;
FIG. 19 is a plan view which shows an example of the configuration of the
connection bending section 1 17;
30 FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view which shows an example of the
configuration of the connection bending section 1 17;
FIG 21 is a cross-sectional view which shows a state of the hinge
mechanism sections when the display side housing 11 0 is in the closed state;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view which shows a state of the hinge mechanism
sections when the display side housing 11 0 is in the closed state;
5 FIG 23 is a cross-sectional view which shows a state of the hinge
mechanism sections when the display side housing 11 0 is in the opened state;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view which shows a state of the hinge mechanism
sections when the display side housing 110 is in the opened state;
FIG 25 is a perspective view which shows a detailed configuration of the
10 hinge mechanism section 130;
FIG. 26 is a perspective view which shows a detailed configuration of the
hinge mechanism section 140;
FIG. 27 is a figure for describing an operation example of the hinge
mechanism section 130;
15 FIG. 28 is a figure for describing an operation example of the hinge
mechanism section 140;
FIG. 29 is a graph which shows a relation between the rotation position of
the display side housing 11 0 and the hinge torque;
FIG. 30 is a figure for describing the flow of a rotation operation of the
20 electronic apparatus 100 between the closed state and the reversed state;
FIG. 3 1 is a perspective view which shows an example of the configuration
of the electronic apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 32 is a plan view which shows an example of the internal configuration
25 of the display side housing 110 according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view which shows an example of the
configuration of the connection bending section 117 according to the second
embodiment;
FIG. 34 is a side view which shows an example of the configuration of the
30 electronic apparatus 100 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 35 is a figure which shows an example of the configuration of seizing
sections 3 10 according to the third embodiment;
FIG. 36 is a figure which shows a relation between the seizing sections 3 10
and a second support section 11 6 when the second support section 11 6 is rotated;
FIG. 37 is a perspective view which shows an example of the configuration
5 of the electronic apparatus 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 38 is a perspective view which shows an example of the configuration
of a locking mechanism 41 0 according to the fourth embodiment;
FIG. 39 is a perspective view which shows an example of the configuration
10 of the locking mechanism 410 according to the fourth embodiment;
FIG. 40 is a plan view which shows a state in which the display section 112
according to the fourth embodiment is locked;
FIG. 41 is a Z-Z perspective view of FIG. 40;
FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view which shows an example of the operation
15 of the locking mechanism 410 according to the fourth embodiment;
FIG. 43 is a perspective view which shows an example of the operation of
the locking mechanism 4 10 according to the fourth embodiment;
FIG. 44 is a figure for describing retention by magnets of the display section
1 12 according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;
20 FIG. 45 is a figure for describing an arrangement state of a magnet 173b
according to the fifth embodiment;
FIG 46 is a figure which shows a state of the magnet 173b when the display
section 112 is positioned in a standard position;
FIG. 47 is a figure which shows a state of the magnet 173b when the display
25 section 11 2 is positioned in a reverse position;
FIG. 48 is a figure for describing a reading method of a contactless IC card
according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 49 is a figure which shows a bottom surface side of the main body side
housing 120 of the electronic apparatus 10 according to the sixth embodiment; and
30 FIG. 50 is a figure which shows a restriction for the reading position of a
contactless IC card 690 by rubber legs 620 according to the sixth embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this
5 specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially
the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference numerals, and
repeated explanation of these structural elements is omitted.
The description will be given in the following order.
1. The first embodiment
1-1. Schematic configuration of the electronic apparatus
1-2. Connection bending section and peripheral configuration
1-3. Detailed configuration of the hinge mechanism sections
1-4. Rotation operation of the electronic apparatus between the closed state
and the reversed state
15 1 -5. Conclusion
2. The second embodiment
3. The third embodi.ment
4. The fourth embodiment
5. The fifth embodiment
20 6. The sixth embodiment
4. The first embodiment>
(1 - 1. Configuration of the electronic apparatus)
An example of the configuration of an electronic apparatus 100 according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to
25 FIG. 14.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view which shows an opened state of the electronic
apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a
side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective
view which shows the electronic apparatus 100 in a closed state. FIG. 4 is a side
30 view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view
which shows the electronic apparatus 100 when a display side housing 11 0 is rotated
by hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140. FIG. 6 is a side view of the electronic
apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view which shows the
electronic apparatus 100 when the display side housing 110 is rotated by a
connection bending section 117. FIG. 8 is a side view of the electronic apparatus
100 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view which shows the electronic
apparatus 100 when the display side housing 110 is rotated by the connection
bending section 11 7. FIG. 10 is a side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown
in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view which shows the electronic apparatus 100
in a reversed state. FIG. 12 is a side view of the electronic apparatus 100 shown in
FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a perspective view which shows the electronic apparatus 100
when the display side housing 110 in the reversed state is rotated by the hinge
mechanism sections 130 and 140. FIG. 14 is a side view of the electronic apparatus
100 shown in FIG. 13.
The electronic apparatus 100 is, for example, a notebook personal computer.
As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic apparatus 100 has a display side housing 11 0, a
main body side housing 120, and hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140 which
rotatably connect the display side housing 11 0 and the main body side housing 120.
The display side housing 11 0 and the main body side housing 120 are each flat plate
shaped, for example, and are formed with the same size. Note that, in the present
embodiment, the main body side housing 120 corresponds to a first housing, the
display side housing 110 corresponds to a second housing, and the hinge mechanism
sections 130 and 140 correspond to housing connection sections.
The display side housing 110 has a display section 112. The display
section 112 is constituted,,for example, by a display device such as a liquid crystal
display. The display section 112 has a display screen which displays various types
of information. Note that, a touch panel capable of being operated by a user's touch
is superimposed on the display section 112. In this way, it is possible for a user to
perform touch operations when the display side housing 110 is in a reversed state
(FIG. 13). That is, it is possible for the electronic apparatus 100 to be used as a socalled
tablet.
The main body side housing 120 has an input section 122 which accepts
input operations of a user. The input section 122 includes a keyboard, a touch pad
or the like such as shown in FIG. 1. The input section 122 detects input operations
of the user, and outputs electrical signals corresponding to the input operations.
The user performs input operations with the input section 122 when the display side
housing 110 is in an opened state (FIG. 1).
The hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140 rotatably connect the display
side housing 110 (specifically, a support plate 114) with respect to the main body
side housing 120. The hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140 are included on both
sides of the long direction (the X direction shown in FIG. 1) of the main body side
housing 120. The display side housing 110 rotates, by the hinge mechanism sections
130 and 140, between an opened state (FIG. 1) in which the display side housing 110
is opened with respect to the main body side housing 120, and a closed state (FIG. 3)
in which the display side housing 110 is closed with respect to the main body side
housing 120. For example, the display side housing 1 10, which is positioned in the
opened state shown in FIG. 1 (FIG. 2), is positioned in the closed state shown in FIG,
3 (FIG. 4), via a rotation state shown in FIG. 5 (FIG. 6) by rotating. Note that, a
detailed description of the hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140 will be described
later.
Incidentally, the display side housing 11 0 has a support plate 11 4, which is
an example of a support member which supports the display section 112 on the rear
surface side of the display section 112. The size of the support plate 114 is
approximately the same as the size of the display section 112. The support plate
114 of the present embodiment has a first support section 11 5 and a second support
section 11 6, divided into two by sandwiching a small space in the Y direction shown
in FIG. 3. The first support section 115 and the second support section 116 are
support plates each having approximately the same size.
As shown in FIG. 7, the first support section 115 is connected to the hinge
mechanism section 130. The second support section 116 fixedly supports the
display section 112 on the rear surface side of the display section 112. The
thickness of the first support section 115 is the same size as the thickness of the
second support section 116. In this way, when the display side housing 110 is in a
closed state, such as shown in FIG. 3, the first support section 115 and the second
support section 116 will constitute a flat top plate.
As shown in FIG. 8, a connection bending section 117, which is a support
connection section having a flexibility to rotatably connect the second support
section 116 with respect to the first support section 11 5, is included between the first
support section 115 and the second support section 11 6. The connection bending
section 117 is constituted to be easily bent, by having additional flexibility. Also,
by having the connection bending section 11 7 bend, the second support section 11 6,
to which the display section 112 is fixedly supported, will rotate with respect to the
first support section 115. That is, in the present embodiment, the rotation form of
the display section 112 is changed by the hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140,
and the connection bending section 11 7.
For example, by having the second support section 11 6 rotate with respect
to the first support section 11 5 by the connection bending section 11 7, the display
side housing 110 in the opened state shown in FIG. 1 is positioned in the reversed
state shown in FIG. 11 (FIG. 12) in which the display section 112 is reversed, via the
rotation states shown in FIG. 7 (FIG. 8) and FIG. 9 (FIG. 10). Since the display
section 1 12 is inclined with respect to the main body side housing 120 in the reversed
state, such as shown in FIG. 12, it becomes easy for a user to view information
displayed on the display section 112. Note that, a detailed configuration of the
connection bending section 11 7 will be described later.
In addition, in the electronic apparatus 100, the display side housing 1 10 can
be allowed to rotate, in a state in which the display section 112 is positioned in the
reversed state, such as shown in FIG. 13 (FIG. 14). In this way, the user can show
the display section 112 to a person facing the user.
Incidentally, a plurality of magnets are built into the electronic apparatus
100, in order to retain a state of the rotating display side housing 11 0. Hereinafter,
state retention of the display side housing 110 by the magnetic force of magnets will
be described with reference to FIG. 15.
FIG. 15 is a figure for describing the positions of magnets built into the
electronic apparatus 1 00. The display side housing 1 1 0 has magnets 1 7 1 a, 1 7 1 b,
171 c and 171d built into the four corners of the housing. The main body side
housing 120 has magnets 172a and 172b built into positions corresponding to the
magnets 17 1 a and 17 1 b when the display side housing 1 10 is in the closed state (FIG
1). The first support section 11 5 of the support plate 114 has magnets 173a and
173b (refer to FIG. 22) built into both comers of the hinge mechanism section 130
side.
Also, when the display side housing 110 is positioned in the closed state, an
attractive force acts between the magnet 171 a (1 71b) and the magnet 172a (172b),
and an attractive force acts between the magnet 17 1 c (1 71d) and the magnet 173a
(173b), and the closed state of the display side housing 110 becomes easy to retain.
Further, when the display side housing 110 is positioned in the reversed state, an
attractive force acts between the magnet 171 a (1 71 b) and the magnet 172a (1 72b),
and an attractive force acts between the magnet 171c (171d) and the magnet 173a
(1 73b), and the reversed state of the display side housing 110 becomes easy to retain.
Further, the display section 11 2 is retained on the first support section 11 5,
by having an attractive force act between the magnet 171c (171d) and the magnet
173a (173b), in a state in which the connection bending section 117 is not bent (FIG
6 or the like). In this way, the display side housing 110 rotates in a state in which
the first support section 11 5 retains the display section 1 12.
Further, a driving substrate which controls the display of the display section
112 is included in the electronic apparatus 100. In the present embodiment, the
driving substrate of the display section 112 is included within the display side
housing 110 out of the display side housing 110 and the main body side housing 120.
FIG 16 is a figure for describing the position of the driving substrate 175 of
the display section 112. In FIG. 16, the second support section 11 6 is detached from
the display side housing 110. The driving substrate 175 is included on the rear
surface of the display section 112, and is positioned facing the second support section
11 6. In this way, the first support section 11 5 and the second support section 11 6
become the same surface, while an increase in the thickness of the display side
housing 1 10 is suppressed.
Further, the electronic apparatus 100 has an NFC antenna 177 which is a
wireless communication section for performing near field wireless communication.
The NFC antenna 177 is included on the display section 1 12 side of the display side
housing 11 0. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the NFC antenna 177 is arranged
next to the display section 112 (display screen). By allowing such an arrangement
of the NFC antenna 177, since the NFC antenna 177 will face outwards in either the
case where the display side housing 110 is in the opened state (FIG. 1) or the
reversed state (FIG. 1 I), wireless communication can be appropriately performed.
(1-2. Connection bending section 1 17 and peripheral configuration)
An example of the connection bending section 117 and a peripheral
configuration according to the present embodiment will be described with reference
to FIG. 17 to FIG. 20.
FIG. 17 is a figure for describing the attachment position of the connection
bending section 1 17. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view for describing the attachment
structure of the connection bending section 117. FIG. 19 is a plan view which
shows an example of the configuration of the connection bending section 11 7. FIG.
20 is a cross-sectional view which shows an example of the configuration of the
connection bending section 11 7.
The connection bending section 117 rotatably connects the second support
section 116, to which the display section 112 is fixedly supported, with respect to the
first support section 11 5 around the long direction (the X direction shown in FIG. 17).
The connection bending section 117 is included only for a length equivalent to the
width of the display side housing 110, along the long direction (the X direction
shown in FIG. 17) at the center side of the display side housing 11 0.
The connection bending section 117 is, for example, a sheet shaped member
which has a prescribed thickness. In this way, since the thickness of the connection
bending section 117 can be reduced, an increase in the thickness of the electronic
apparatus 100 can be suppressed even if the connection bending section 117 is
included. The connection bending section 117 is formed, for example, by a rubber
or an elastomer. In this way, the flexibility of the connection bending section 117
can be secured, and the thickness of the connection bending section 117 can be
reduced. Note that, the material of the connection bending section 117 is not
limited to that described above, and may be a synthetic material, for example.
The connection bending section 117 is sandwiched between the display
section 11 2 and the first support section 11 5 and second support section 1 16. Also,
one end side of the short direction (the Y direction shown in FIG 17) of the
connection bending section 11 7 is fixed to the rear surface of the first support section
11 5 of the support plate 114. Further, the other end side of the short direction of the
connection bending section 117 is fixed to the rear surface of the second support
section 11 6.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, one end side of the connection bending
section 1 17 is fixed to the first support section 1 15 via a tape 18 1, and is fixed to a
frame 185 via a tape 182. Similarly, the other end side of the connection bending
section 117 is fixed to the second support section 116 via a tape 183, and is fixed to a
frame 186 of the display section 1 12 via a tape 184.
When the second support section 116 rotates with respect to the first support
section 1 15, the short direction of the connection bending section 1 17 will bend. In
this way, the user can reverse the display section 112 fixedly supporting the second
support section 1 16.
By including the above described connection bending section 117, in the
case where the connection bending section 117 is in an unbent state and the display
side housing 110 is in a closed state with respect to the main body side housing 120,
the display section 112 will face an operation surface 121 (FIG. 1) which is the main
surface of the main body side housing 120. On the other hand, in the case where
the connection bending section 11 7 is in a bent state and the display side housing 11 0
is in a closed state with respect to the main body side housing 120, the support plate
1 14 will face the operation surface 12 1 of the main body side housing 120.
Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, a flexible cable 11 8, which is
a planar wiring cable connected between the main body side housing 120 and the
display side housing 11 0, passes through the inside of the connection bending section
11 7. The flexible cable 11 8 connects a substrate included within the main body side
housing 120 and a substrate included within the display side housing 110. When
the connection bending section 117 bends in accordance with the rotation of the
second support section 116, which fixedly supports the display section 112, with
respect to the first support section 115, the flexible cable 118 also interlockingly
bends.
As shown in FIG. 19, the flexible cable 11 8 is arranged so as to be inclined
5 with respect to the short direction of the connection bending section 11 7 inside of the
connection bending section 117. By allowing such an arrangement of the flexible
cable 11 8, the flexibility of the flexible cable 1 18 will be improved when compared
to the case of arranging the flexible cable 118 in parallel with the short direction of
the connection bending section 117. As a result, breaking of the flexible cable 11 8
10 can be suppressed, even if the flexible cable 118 is repeatedly bent in accordance
with the bending of the connection bending section 11 7.
Further, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, wires 11 9 are embedded inside of
both end sides of the long direction of the connection bending section 117. The
wires 119 are included so as to be orthogonal with respect to the connection bending
15 section 11 7. By including such wires 11 9, expansion due to repeating the bending
of the connection bending section 117 can be suppressed.
Note that, while a description has been made in which the flexible cable 11 8
is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the short distance of the connection
bending section 11 7, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the
20 flexible cable 11 8 may be arranged so as to be parallel with the short direction of the
connection bending section 11 7. In such a case, it is preferable to use a material for
the flexible cable 11 8 which has a high rigidity. -
Further, while the above described wires 119 are embedded inside of the
connection bending section 117, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the
25 wires 1 19 may not be embedded in the connection bending section 11 7.
(1 -3. Detailed configuration of the hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140)
As described above, hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140, which allow
the display side housing 11 0 to rotate, are included on both sides of the long direction
(the X direction shown in FIG. 1) of the main body side housing 120. Hereinafter, a
30 detailed configuration of the hinge mechanisms sections 130 and 140 will be
described with reference to FIG. 21 to FIG. 28.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view which shows a state of the hinge
mechanism sections when the display side housing 110 is in the closed state. FIG.
22 is a perspective view which shows a state of the hinge mechanism sections when
the display side housing 110 is in the closed state. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view
which shows a state of the hinge mechanism sections when the display side housing
11 0 is in the opened state. FIG. 24 is a perspective view which shows a state of the
hinge mechanism sections when the display side housing 110 is in the opened state.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view which shows a detailed configuration of the hinge
mechanism section 130. FIG. 26 is a perspective view which shows a detailed
configuration of the hinge mechanism section 140. FIG. 27 is a figure for
describing an operation example of the hinge mechanism section 130. FIG. 28 is a
figure for describing an operation example of the hinge mechanism section 140.
As shown in FIG. 22, the hinge mechanism section 130 is included on one
end side of the long direction of the main body side housing 120. As shown in FIG.
25, the hinge mechanism section 130 has a rotation shaft 13 1, a fixing part 132, a
cam 133, a cam connection lever 134, a locking hook 135, a hook spring 136, and a
variable hinge block 137 which is an example of a torque variation section.
The rotation shaft 13 1 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the display
side housing 1 10. The fixing part 132 is a portion which rotatably supports the end
of the rotation shaft 131, and is fixed to the main body side housing 120. The cam
133 is included in the rotation shaft 13 1, and forms an approximately semicircular
shape. The cam 133 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft 13 1.
The cam connection lever 134 interlockingly rotates with the rotation of the cam 133,
in a state in contact with the cam 133.
The locking hook 135 is a locking member capable of shifting between a
releasing gesition (state 301 of FIG. 24 and FIG. 27) and a locking position (state 302
of FIG. 22 and FIG. 27). When the display side housing 110 is positioned in the
closed position, the locking hook 135 is positioned in the locking position. The
hook spring 136 applies a prescribed energizing force to the locking hook 135, and
positions the locking hook 135 in the releasing position. Note that, by pushing the
cam connection lever 134 during rotation, the locking hook 135 will be positioned in
the locking position with resistance to the energizing force of the locking hook 135.
The variable hinge block 137 allows the rotation torque (called hinge
torque) to be changed in accordance with the rotation angle, when the display side
housing 110 rotates with respect to the main body side housing 120. In order to
5 change the hinge torque, the variable hinge block 137 has, for example, a variable
cam 138 and a plate spring 139. The variable cam 138 rotates in accordance with
- the rotation of the rotation shaft 13 1. The variable cam 138 has a concave-convex
part 138a, and the rotation position of the concave-convex part 138a changes in
accordance with the rotation of the rotation shaft 13 1. The plate spring 139 applies
10 a compressive force (the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 25) to the variable
cam 138. The compressive force changes in accordance with the rotation position
of the concave-convex part 138a. The hinge torque will change due to such a
change of the compressive force of the plate spring 139.
As shown in FIG. 22, the hinge mechanism section 140 is included on the
15 other end side of the long direction of the main body side housing 120. As shown
in FIG. 26, the hinge mechanism section 140 has a rotation shaft 14 1, a fixing part
142, a cam 143, a cam connection lever 144, a locking hook 145, a hook spring 146,
and a variable hinge block 147. Note that, since the configuration and operation of
the rotation shaft 14 1, the fixing part 142, the cam 143, the cam connection lever 144,
20 the locking hook 145, the hook spring 146 and the variable hinge block 147 are the
same as those of the rotation shaft 131, the fixing part 132, the cam 133, the cam
- connection lever 134, the locking hook 135, the hook spring 136 and a variable hinge
block 137 of the hinge mechanism section 130 (refer to FIG. 28), a detailed
description will be omitted.
25 Here, a relation between the rotation position of the display side housing
110 and the hinge torque will be described with reference to FIG. 29. FIG. 29 is a
graph which shows a relation between the rotation position of the display side
housing 110 and the hinge torque. The horizontal axis of the graph is an angle
which shows the rotation state of the display side housing 11 0, and the vertical axis is
30 a size of the torque. For example, in the case where the angle is 0, the display side
housing 110 is positioned in the closed state shown in FIG. 3, and in the case where
the angle is 90 degrees, the display side housing 11 0 is positioned in the opened state
shown in FIG. 1.
G1 of FIG. 29 shows a change of the hinge torque according to the present
embodiment. G2 shows a change of the hinge torque according to a modified
5 example, and G3 shows a comparative example in which the there is no change in
the hinge torque. As can be understood from G1, when the display side housing
110 is shifted from the closed state to the opened state, the hinge torque will change.
Specifically, the hinge torque increases so as to be proportional to an increase of the
rotation angle. Therefore, in the case where the rotation angle of the display side
10 housing 110 is small, the user is allowed to rotate the display side housing 110 with a
small force, and in the case where the rotation angle is large, the user is allowed to
rotate the display side housing 110 with a large force. Note that, the change in
hinge torque may be set so as to become G2 instead of the above described GI.
(1-4. Rotation operation of the electronic apparatus 100 between the closed state
15 and the reversed state)
A rotation operation of the electronic apparatus 100 between the closed state
and the reversed state will be described with reference to FIG. 30. FIG. 30 is a
figure for describing the flow of a rotation operation of the electronic apparatus 100
between the closed state and the reversed state.
20 Hereinafter, a rotation operation of the electronic apparatus 100, when the
user is allowed to change the electronic apparatus 100 from the closed state to the
reversed state, will be described. Here, the display side housing 110 is positioned in
the closed state (state 3 11). Then, the user is allowed to rotate the display side
housing 110 clockwise with respect to the main body side housing 120 via the hinge
25 mechanism sections 130 and 140 (state 3 12), and the electronic apparatus 100
switches over to me opened state (state 3 13). In this case, the hinge torque changes
in accordance with the rotation angle of the display side housing 110 such as
described above. Further, the display section 112 maintains a state of being retained
on the first support section 11 5 by the magnets 173a and 173b (FIG. 15) of the first
30 support section 11 5. Further, the connection bending section 11 7 is not bent.
Next, the user is allowed to rotate the second support section 116 of the
display side housing 100 positioned in the opened state so that the connection
bending section 117 bends (state 314). In this case, the display section 112 rotates
with resistance to the attractive force by the magnets 173a and 173b. Note that,
since the connection bending section 117 has flexibility, the second support section
11 6 rotates by bending the connection bending section 11 7 with the application of a
small force. On the other hand, since the hinge torque will be large in the opened
state such as described above, the first support section 11 5 does not rotate, even if a
small force is applied.
Afterwards, the user applies a force, so that the first support section 115 of
the display side housing 11 0 rotates in a counter-clockwise direction (state 3 15),
while further bending the connection bending section 117. Afterwards, when the
user applies an additional force, the display side housing 110 will transition to the
reversed state (state 3 16).
Note that, when the user changes the electronic apparatus 100 from the
reversed state to the closed state, the electronic apparatus 100 performs operations in
reverse to the above described rotation operations.
(1-5. Conclusion)
As described above, the display side housing 110, which is rotatably
connected to the main body side housing 120 via the hinge mechanism sections 130
and 140, has a support plate 114 which supports the display section 112. Also, the
support plate 114 includes a first support section 115 connected to the hinge
mechmism section 130, a second support section 116 which supports the display
section 11 2, and a connection bending section 11 7 which has a flexibility to rotatably
connect the second support section 11 6 with respect to the first support section 11 5.
According to such a configuration, the display side housing 110 can be
allowed to rotate in a plurality of rotation states, via the hinge mechanism sections
130 and 140 and the connection bending section 11 7. Further, since the connection
bending section 117 has a simple configuration which is different to the hinge
mechanism sections 130 and 140, and has a thickness which can be reduced, an
increase in the thickness of the display side housing 11 0 can be suppressed.
Further, since the connection bending section 1 17 easily bends with a small
force when compared to the hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140, the connection
bending section 117 can rotate the second support section 116, which fixedly
supports the display section 112, in a state in which the first support section 115
stops in the opened state, In this way, a user can be allowed to easily rotate the
5 display section 112 in a desired rotation state, without worrying about the rotation of
the first support section 1 15.
In addition, since the thickness of the first support section 115 and the
second support section 116 can be made the same, by having the connection bending
section 11 7 connect the first support section 1 15 and the second support section 11 6,
10 the support plate 114 can be made as a flat top plate.
<2. The second embodiment>
An example of the configuration of the electronic apparatus 100 according
to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
FIG. 3 1 to FIG. 33.
15 FIG 31 is a perspective view which shows an example of the configuration
of the electronic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 32 is a
plan view which shows an example of the internal configuration of the display side
housing 110 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view
which shows an example of the configuration of the connection bending section 11 7
20 according to the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, sheet shaped energization members 2 10 such as
shown in FIG 33 are embedded inside of both end sides of the long direction (the X - -
direction of FIG. 3 1) of the connection bending section 117. The energization
members 210 are, for example, FPCs (Flexible printer circuits). The energization
25 members 210 are thinner than the connection bending section 11 7, and pass through
the inside of the connectiorr bending section 117 along the short direction (the Y
direction of FIG. 3 1) of the connection bending section 117. By including such
energization members 21 0, expansion of the connection bending section 11 7, which
is formed by a soft material, in the short direction can be suppressed. In particular,
30 expansion of the connection bending section 117 in the short direction can be
suppressed when the second support section 116 rotates with respect to the first
support section 11 5 via the connection bending section 1 17.
Since the connection bending section 11 7 is a sheet shaped member such as
described above, the thickness will be thin. The sheet shaped energization members
210 are effective as they are allowed to pass through the inside of such a thin
5 connection bending section 1 17.
Further, as shown in FIG 32, the energization members 2 10 connect the first
support section 11 5 and the second support section 116, which are metallic plates.
In this way, since the energization members 2 10 can perform electrical energization
between the first support section 11 5 and the second support section 11 6, it becomes
10 possible to strengthen the ground (GND) in the display side housing 11 0.
<3. The third embodiment>
An example of the configuration of the electronic apparatus 100 according
to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
FIG. 34 to FIG. 36.
15 FIG. 34 is a side view which shows an example of the configuration of the
electronic apparatus 100 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 35 is a figure
which shows an example of the configuration of a seizing section 3 10 according to
the third embodiment. FIG. 36 is a figure which shows a relation between the
seizing section 3 10 and the second support section 116 when the second support
20 section 1 16 is rotated.
As described in the first embodiment, the electronic apparatus 100
transitions to the reversed state shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, by bending the
connection bending section 117 (the display section 112 is reversed in accordance
with this), from the opened state shown in FIG 1 and FIG. 2. Hereinafter, the
25 position prior to the reversing of the display section 112 shown in FIG. 1 will be
called a standard position, and the position after the reversing of the display section
112 shown in FIG. 13 will be called a reverse position. Note that, in the third
embodiment, the standard position corresponds to a support position in which the
display section 112 is supported by the first support section 11 5. Further, the
30 position to which the display section 112 rotates from the standard position (for
example, the position shown in FIG. 34) corresponds to a separation position.
Incidentally, when the display section 112 is positioned in the standard
position shown in FIG 1, a problem such as follows will occur. The first support
section 115 is connected to the hinge mechanism sections 130 and 140 (refer to FIG.
I), and shifts in a direction Dl (refer to FIG. 36) shown in FIG 35 by the torque of
5 the hinge mechanism section 130. On the other hand, the second support section
11 6 supports the display section 112, and shifts in a direction D2 (refer to FIG. 36) in
an opposite direction to the direction Dl by its own weight. Since such a first
support section 115 and second support section 116 shift in mutually different
directions, there is the possibility that a difference may occur in the connection
10 bending section 117 when the display section 112 is positioned in the standard
position.
In the third embodiment, in order to prevent such a difference, a seizing
section 3 10, which engages with the second support section 116 when the display
section 112 is positioned in the standard position, such as shown in FIG. 34 and FIG.
15 35, is included on the end parts of the second support section 116 side of the first
support section 11 5. The seizing section 3 10 is included on both outer sides of the
connection bending section 11 7, which are both end sides of the long direction of the
display side housing 110. Further, the locking sections 3 10 are made of a resin.
As shown in FIG. 36, when the display section 112 shifts to the standard
20 position, the seizing section 3 10 fits into and engage with a seizing groove 320 of the
second support section 116. Also, since shifting in the direction Dl of the first
support section 115, and shifting in the direction D2 of the second support section
116, can be restricted by having the seizing section 310 engage with the second
support section 11 6, the occurrence of a difference can be prevented.
2 5 Note that, in the case where the electronic apparatus 100 is positioned in the
closed state shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the seizing section 310 is positioned on the
outer side of a keyboard in the long direction of the main body side housing 120.
Therefore, pushing of the operation keys of the keyboard by the seizing section 3 10
can be prevented. Further, since the seizing section 3 10 is made of a resin, damage
30 can be prevented to the appearance of the parts of the upper surface of the main body
side housing 120 positioned on the outside of the keyboard.
<4. The fourth embodiment>
An example of the configuration of the electronic apparatus 100 according
to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described by referring to
FIG. 37 to FIG. 43.
5 FIG. 37 is a perspective view which shows an example of the configuration
of the electronic apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 38 is a
perspective view which shows an example of the configuration of a locking
mechanism 410 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 39 is a perspective view
which shows an example of the configuration of the locking mechanism 410
10 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 40 is a plan view which shows a state in
which the display section 112 according to the fourth embodiment is locked. FIG.
41 is a Z-Z perspective view of FIG. 40. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view which
shows an example of the operation of the locking mechanism 410 according to the
fourth embodiment. FIG. 43 is a perspective view which shows an example of the
15 operation of the locking mechanism 410 according to the fourth embodiment. Note
that, the state 481 of the locking mechanism 410 shown in FIG. 43 corresponds to the
state 471 shown in FIG. 42. Similarly, the state 482 of the locking mechanism 410
corresponds to the state 472, and the state 483 corresponds to the state 473.
As described above, the display section 112 transitions between the standard
20 position (FIG. 1) and the reverse position (FIG. 13), by having the second support
section 11 6 rotate with respect to the first support section 11 5. Also, in the fourth
embodiment, the first support section 115 has a locking mechanism 410 which
allows the display section 112 positioned in the standard position to be locked. As
shown in FIG. 37 to FIG. 39, the locking mechanism 41 0 has a locking button 412,
25 locking claws 414, a sheet metal member 420, and a locking lever 430. Note that,
in the fourth embodiment, the locking chws 414 correspond to locking sections, and
the locking lever 430 corresponds to a restriction section.
The locking button 412 is an operation button capable of shifting in the
direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 37, by an operation of a user. The locking
30 button 412 is attached to the center side of the long direction of the sheet metal
member 420 such as shown in FIG. 38, and interlockingly shifts in the operation
direction of the locking button 412. By operating (shifting) the locking button 412
when the display section 112 is positioned in the standard position, the user can be
allowed to lock the display section 112.
The locking claws 414 allow the display section 112 to be locked, by
5 engaging with the rear surface side of the display section 112 positioned in the
standard position. The locking claws 414 are attached to both end sides of the long
direction of the sheet metal member 420 such as shown in FIG. 38, and
interlockingly shift in the operation direction of the locking button 412. In this way,
the locking claws 414 shift between a locking position in which the display section
10 112 positioned in the standard position is allowed to be locked (the position shown in
FIG. 41), and the opening position in which the display section 112 is capable of
moving from the standard position to the reverse position.
The sheet metal member 420 is a sheet shaped member included inside of
the first support section 115 along the long direction (the X direction of FIG. 37) of
15 the first support section 115. The sheet metal member 420 shifts in the long
direction, by interlocking in the operation direction of the locking button 412.
Further, a locking groove 422 with which the locking lever 430 engages is formed in
the sheet metal member 420. In the case where the locking lever 430 is engaged
with the locking groove 422, the sheet metal member 420 is not able to be shifted (in
20 other words, the locking button 412 is not able to be operated).
It is possible for the locking lever 430 to move around a shaft 432
supporting the sheet metal member 420. The locking lever 430 has a locking
section 434 capable of engaging with the locking groove 422 of the sheet metal
member 420 such as shown in FIG. 38. The locking section 434 engages with the
25 locking groove 422 (state 471 of FIG. 42, state 48 1 of FIG. 43), by having the locking
lever 430 apply an energizing force to the spring 440 attached to the shaft 432.
Further, a pedal section 436 pressed onto an end section 112a (refer to FIG. 42) of the
display section 112, when the display section 112 is positioned in the standard
position, is formed in the locking lever 430. By pressing with the pedal section 436,
30 the locking of the locking groove 422 of the locking section 434 is released by
having the locking lever 430 rotate around the shaft 432 (state 472 of FIG. 42, state
482 of FIG. 43). By releasing such a locking of the locking groove 422 of the
locking section 434, it becomes possible for the sheet metal member 420 (the locking
button 412) to be shifted. As a result, the locking claws 414 can be shifted from the
opening position to the locking position (state 473 of FIG. 42, state 483 of FIG. 43),
and can lock the display section 112 positioned in the standard position.
On the other hand, when the locking of the display section 112 is released
(that is, in a state in which the locking claws 414 are positioned in the opening
position), and the display section 112 shifts from the standard position (the state
shown in FIG. 37), shifting to the locking position of the locking claw 414 is
restricted. Specifically, the locking claws 4 14 (locking button 4 12) are maintained
in the opening position without being able to shift. In such a case, since shifting of
the display section 112, in a state in which the locking claws 414 are shifted to the
locking position, to the standard position can be prevented, damage by the display
section 112 colliding with the locking claws 414 positioned in the locking position
can be prevented. Further, by having the locking claws 414 maintained in the
opening position, it may become unnecessary for a user to shift the locking claws
414 to the opening position when the display section 112 is locked. Further, it may
become unnecessary to operate the locking button 412 during the rotation of the
display section 112, and a finger being caught between the display section 112 and
the locking button 412 can be prevented. Therefore, according to the configuration
of the fourth embodiment, the operability when locking the display section 112 will
be improved.
<5. The fifth embodiment>
An example of the configuration of the electronic apparatus 100 according
to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
FIG. 44 to FIG. 47.
FIG. 44 is a figure for describing retention by magnets of the display section
112 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 45 is a figure for describing an
arrangement state of the magnet 173b according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 46 is
a figure which shows a state of the magnet 173b when the display section 112 is
positioned in the standard position. FIG. 47 is a figure which shows a state of the
magnet 173b when the display section 112 is positioned in the reverse position.
As described in the first embodiment, the display side housing 110 of the
electronic apparatus 100 has magnets 17 1 a, 17 1 b, 17 1 c and 17 1 d (FIG. 15), and the
main body side housing 120 has magnets 172a and 172b (FIG. 15). Further, the first
5 support section 115 has magnets 173a and 173b (FIG. 22). Also, as shown in FIG
44, the display section 112 retains the standard position by an attractive force
between the magnet 171 d of the display side housing 1 10 and the magnet 173b of the
first support section U5. Further, the display section 112 retains the reverse
position by an attractive force (magnetic force) between the magnet 171b and the
10 magnet 173b of the display side housing 110. Note that, in the fifth embodiment,
the magnet 173b corresponds to a first magnet.
In the fifth embodiment, the magnet 173b is included capable of being
shifted in the thickness direction of the first support section 11 5. Specifically, while
the magnet 173b is arranged in a space 5 10 of the first support section 11 5, a width
15 W2 of the thickness direction of the magnet 173b is smaller than a width W1 of the
thickness direction of the space 510, such as shown in FIG. 45. Therefore, it
becomes possible for the magnet 173b to shift in the thickness direction within the
space 5 1 0.
As shown in FIG 46, when the display section 112 is positioned in the
20 standard position, the magnet 173b is drawn towards the magnet 17 1 d included in the
display section 11 2, and is retained on a first surface 15 1 a side of the first support
section 11 5. That is, since the magnet 173b approaches the magnet 171d, the
retention force which allows the display section 112 to be positioned in the standard
position will become stronger. Therefore, a strong retention force can be secured
25 even if the magnet 173b is small.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 47, when the display section 112 is
positioned in the reverse position, the magnet 173b is drawn towards the magnet
17 1 b included in the display section 1 12, and is retained on a second surface 1 5 1 b
side on the opposite side to the first surface of the first support section 11 5. That is,
30 since the magnet 173b approaches the magnet 17 1 b, the retention force which allows
the display section 112 to be positioned in the reverse position will become stronger. -
Therefore, by having the magnet 17 1 b positioned on the second surface 15 1 b side
separated from the main body side housing 120, it becomes difficult for the magnetic
force to have an adverse affect on a hard disk built into the main body side housing
120.
5 Further, the magnet 173b is covered by a cover plate 520 which is a cover
member. The cover plate 520 has magnetism. Therefore, when the display section
112 rotates between the standard position and the reverse position, the magnet 173b
is attracted to the cover plate 520. As a result, sounds by the magnet 173b shifting
within the space 510, when the display section 112 shifts between the standard
10 position and the reverse position, can be prevented.
<6. The sixth embodiment>
An example of the configuration of the electronic apparatus 100 according
to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to
FIG. 48 to FIG. 50.
15 FIG 48 is a figure for describing a reading method of a contactless IC card
according to the sixth embodiment. The electronic apparatus 100 according to the
sixth embodiment reads a contactless IC card 690, by having a user insert the
contactless IC card 690 into a space between the main body side housing 120 of the
electronic apparatus 100 and a placement surface 680, on which the electronic
20 apparatus 100 is placed, such as shown in FIG. 48. The contactless IC card 690 is,
for example, a recording medium such as an NFC card.
FIG. 49 is a figure which shows a bottom surface side-of the main body side
housing 120 of the electronic apparatus 10 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG
50 is a figure which shows a restriction for the reading position of the contactless IC
25 card 690 by rubber legs 620 according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG.
49, the electronic apparatus 100 according to the sixth mbodiment has a reading
section 610 and rubber legs 620 on the bottom surface 600 of the main body side
housing 120.
The reading section 610 is positioned on the side opposite to a touch pad
30 126 of the main body side housing 120 (refer to FIG. 48). That is, when viewed
from the user, the reading section 610 is positioned on the end section of the front
side of the short direction, on the bottom surface 600 of the main body side housing
120. The reading section 610 reads the contactless IC card 690 inserted into the
reading position between the main body side housing 120 and the placement surface
680.
5 The rubber legs 620 are included convexly surrounding the reading section
61 0. Specifically, the rubber legs 620 are formed so as to protrude fiom the bottom
surface 600, along the long direction of the main body side housing 120. In this
way, when the electronic apparatus 10 is placed on the placement surface 680, the
rubber legs 620 come into contact with the placement surface 680. Further, the
10 rubber legs 620 are included at positions which come into contact with the
contactless IC card 690 inserted up to the position at which the reading section 610 is
read. In other words, the rubber legs 620 restrict the position of the inserted
contactless IC card 690. In this way, since the contactless IC card 690 can be
guided to the reading position, even if it is difficult for the user to view the reading
15 section 610, the reading section 610 can appropriately read the contactless IC card
690.
It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications,
combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design
requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended
20 claims or the equivalents thereof.
While the a description has been made above in which a notebook personal
computer is included as an example of the above described electronic apparatus, the
electronic apparatus is not limited to this. For example, the electronic apparatus
may be a game machine, an electronic dictionary or the like which has a housing
25 capable of rotating via connection sections.
Further, the effect described in the present disclosure is not limited to only
that described or illustrated. That is, the technology according to the present
disclosure accomplishes other effects which are clear to a person skilled in the art
from the description of the present disclosure, along with the above described effect
30 or instead of the above described effect.
Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.
(1) An electronic apparatus, including:
a first housing;
a second housing which has a display section and a support member
supporting the display section; and
5 a housing connection section which rotatably connects the second housing
with respect to the first housing;
wherein the support member includes
a first support section connected to the housing connection section,
a second support section which fixedly supports the display section,
10 and
a support connection section, positioned between the first support
section and the second support section, which has a flexibility to rotatably connect
the second support section with respect to the first support section.
(2) The electronic apparatus according to (I),
15 wherein the first support section and the second support section are support
plates which support a rear surface side of the display section, and
wherein a thickness of the first support section is a same as a thickness of
the second support section.
(3) The electronic apparatus according to (1) or (2),
2 0 wherein the support connection section is sandwiched between the display
section and the first support section and the second support section.
(4) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3),
wherein the support connection section is a sheet shaped member,
wherein one end side of the support connection section is fixed to the first
25 support section, and
wherein the other end side of the support connection section is fixed to the
second support section.
(5) The electronic apparatus according to (4),
wherein the support connection section is formed by a rubber or an
30 elastomer.
(6) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), further including:
a planar wiring cable connected between the first housing and the second
housing,
wherein the wiring cable is arranged so as to pass through the inside of the
support connection section.
5 (7) The electronic apparatus according to (6),
wherein a short direction of the support connection section bends when the
second support section is rotated with respect to the first support section, and
wherein a long direction of the wiring cable is diagonal with respect to the
short direction of the support connection section inside the support connection
10 section.
(8) The electronic apparatus according to (7), further including:
wires which pass through the inside of end parts of a long direction of the
support connection section.
(9) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), further including:
15 a driving substrate of the display section,
wherein the driving substrate is provided on a rear surface of the display
section, and at a position facing the second support section.
(1 0) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9),
wherein the first support section has magnets which retain the display
20 section by magnetic force when the support connection section is not bent.
(1 1) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (1 O),
wherein the housing connection section has hinge mechanisms which
include rotation shafts.
(1 2) The electronic apparatus according to (1 I),
2 5 wherein the housing connection section has a torque variation section which
allows a rotation torque to be changed in accordance with a rotation mgle when the
second housing is rotated with respect to the first housing.
(13) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12),
wherein the display section has a display screen, and
wherein the electronic apparatus further includes:
a wireless communication section, positioned on the display screen side of
the first housing, which performs near distance wireless communication.
(14) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (13),
wherein in a case where the support connection section is in a state of not
being bent and the second housing is in a closed state with respect to the first housing,
5 the display section faces a main surface of the first housing, and
wherein in a case where the support connection section is in a state of being
bent and the second housing is in a closed state with respect to the first housing, the
support member faces the main surface of the first housing.
(15) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6),
10 wherein the support member includes sheet shaped energization members
which passes through the inside of end parts of a long direction of the support
connection section, and
wherein the energization members connect the second support section to the
first support section.
15 (16) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (IS),
wherein the display section rotates between a support position supported by
the first support section and a separation position separated from the first support
section, and
wherein the first support section has a seizing section which seizes the
20 second support section when the display section is positioned in the support position.
(1 7) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (1 6),
.. . wherein the display section rotates between a support position supported by
the first support section and a separation position separated from the first support
section, and
2 5 wherein the electronic apparatus further includes:
a locking section which shifts between a locking position a!!owing the
display section positioned in the support position to be locked, and an opening
position in which the display section is capable of rotating from the support position
to the separation position; and
30 a restriction section which restricts shifting to the locking position of the
locking section, when the display section is shifted from the support position in a
state in which the locking section is positioned in the opening position.
(1 8) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (I) to (1 7),
wherein the first support section includes a first magnet provided to be
capable of shifting in a thickness direction,
5 wherein when the display section faces a first surface of the first support
section, the display section is retained at the first surface side by an attractive force
between the first magnet and a magnet provided in the display section, and
wherein when the display section faces a second surface on an opposite side
to the first surface of the first support section, the display section is retained at the
10 second surface side by an attractive force between the first magnet and the magnet
provided in the display section.
(1 9) The electronic apparatus according to (1 8),
wherein the first support section includes a cover member which covers the
first magnet, and
15 wherein the cover member has magnetism.
(20) The electronic apparatus according to any one of (1) to (19), further including:
a reading section that is provided on a bottom surface of the first housing
and reads a recording medium; and
a restriction section that is provided convexly surrounding the reading
20 section on the bottom surface and restricts a reading position of the recording
medium.

What is claimed is:
4
1. An electronic apparatus, comprising: 0- 1
a first housing;
a second housing which has a display section and a support member
5 supporting the display section; and
a housing connection section which rotatably connects the second housing
with respect to the first housing;
wherein the support member includes
a first support section connected to the housing connection section,
10 a second support section which fixedly supports the display section,
and
a support connection section, positioned between the first support
section and the second support section, which has a flexibility to rotatably connect
the second support section with respect to the first support section.
15
2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the first support section and the second support section are support
plates which support a rear surface side of the display section, and
wherein a thickness of the first support section is a same as a thickness of
20 the second support section.
3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the support connection section is sandwiched between the display
section and the first support section and the second support section.
4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the support connection section is a sheet shaped member,
wherein one end side of the support connection section is fixed to the first
support section, and
30 wherein the other end side of the support connection section is fixed to the
second support section.
5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein the support connection section is formed by a rubber or an
elastomer.
5
6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a planar wiring cable connected between the first housing and the second
housing,
wherein the wiring cable is arranged so as to pass through the inside of the
10 support connection section.
7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6,
wherein a short direction of the support connection section bends when the
second support section is rotated with respect to the first support section, and
15 wherein a long direction of the wiring cable is diagonal with respect to the
short direction of the support connection section inside the support connection
section.
8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:
20 wires which pass through the inside of end parts of a long direction of the
support connection section.
9. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a driving substrate of the display section,
wherein the driving substrate is provided on a rear surface of the display
section, and at a position facing the second support section.
10. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the first support section has magnets which retain the display
30 section by magnetic force when the support connection section is not bent.
33/36
11. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, !
I
wherein the housing connection section has hinge mechanisms which
include rotation shafts.
5 12. The electronic apparatus according to claim 11,
wherein the housing connection section has a torque variation section which
allows a rotation torque to be changed in accordance with a rotation angle when the
second housing is rotated with respect to the first housing.
10 13. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the display section has a display screen, and
wherein the electronic apparatus further comprises:
a wireless communication section, positioned on the display screen side of
the first housing, which performs near distance wireless communication.
15
14. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein in a case where the support connection section is in a state of not
being bent and the second housing is in a closed state with respect to the first housing,
the display section faces a main surface of the first housing, and
20 wherein in a case where the support connection section is in a state of being
bent and the second housing is in a closed state with respect to the first housing, the
support member faces the main surfice of the first housing.
15. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the support member includes sheet shaped energization members
which passes through the inside of end parts of a long direction of the support
connection section, and
wherein the energization members connect the second support section to the
first support section.
30
16. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the display section rotates between a support position supported by I
the first support section and a separation position separated from the first support
section, and
wherein the first support section has a seizing section which seizes the
5 second support section when the display section is positioned in the support position.
17. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the display section rotates between a support position supported by
the first support section and a separation position separated from the first support
10 section, and
wherein the electronic apparatus further comprises:
a locking section which shifts between a locking position allowing the
display section positioned in the support position to be locked, and an opening
position in which the display section is capable of rotating from the support position
15 to the separation position; and
a restriction section which restricts shifting to the locking position of the
locking section, when the display section is shifted from the support position in a
state in which the locking section is positioned in the opening position.
20 18. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the first support section includes a first magnet provided to be
capable of shifting in a thickness direction,
wherein when the display section faces a first surface of the first support
section, the display section is retained at the first surface side by an attractive force
25 between the first magnet and a magnet provided in the display section, and
wherein when the display section faces a second surface on an opposite side
to the first surface of the first support section, the display section is retained at the
second surface side by an attractive force between the first magnet and the magnet
provided in the display section.
30
19. The electronic apparatus according to claim 18,
wherein the first support section includes a cover member which covers the
first magnet, and
wherein the cover member has magnetism.
5 20. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, fixther comprising:
a reading section that is provided on a bottom surface of the first housing
and reads a recording medium; and
a restriction section that is provided convexly surrounding the reading
section on the bottom surface and restricts a reading position of the recording
10 medium.
Dated this January 07,2014
[SWATI PAHUJAI
OF REMFRY & SAGAR
ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANT[S]