U.S. patent application number 10/730503 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-17 for user friendly monitor unit setting base with slidable keyboard.
This patent application is currently assigned to International Business Machines Corporation. Invention is credited to Hill, David Wayne, Karidis, John Peter, Takahashi, Tomoyuki, Tanaka, Kenichi, Usui, Hideyuki, Yamazaki, Kazuhiko.
Application Number | 20040114319 10/730503 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31993113 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040114319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hill, David Wayne ; et
al. |
June 17, 2004 |
User friendly monitor unit setting base with slidable keyboard
Abstract
A notebook type PC, for easier use by a user, including a liquid
crystal monitor unit, a mainframe section, and an arm for
connecting the liquid crystal monitor unit to the mainframe
section, is provided. One end of the arm is connected to the liquid
crystal monitor unit by a rotatable first hinge. The other end of
the arm is connected to the mainframe section by a rotatable second
hinge. The angle and distance of the liquid crystal monitor unit
with respect to the mainframe section can be set freely by the
first hinge and the second hinge.
Inventors: |
Hill, David Wayne; (Cary,
NC) ; Karidis, John Peter; (Ossining, NY) ;
Takahashi, Tomoyuki; (Fujisawa-shi, JP) ; Tanaka,
Kenichi; (Sagamihara-shi, JP) ; Usui, Hideyuki;
(Chigasaki-shi, JP) ; Yamazaki, Kazuhiko;
(Hiratuska-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IBM CORPORATION
PO BOX 12195
DEPT 9CCA, BLDG 002
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK
NC
27709
US
|
Assignee: |
International Business Machines
Corporation
Armonk
NY
|
Family ID: |
31993113 |
Appl. No.: |
10/730503 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10730503 |
Dec 8, 2003 |
|
|
|
10253160 |
Sep 24, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.28 ;
361/679.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1654 20130101;
G06F 1/1616 20130101; G06F 1/1669 20130101; Y10S 248/923 20130101;
G06F 1/1601 20130101; G06F 1/1698 20130101; Y10S 345/905
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/683 |
International
Class: |
H05K 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Computer equipment having a monitor unit provided with a display
screen and a main unit including a control section for controlling
said display screen, comprising: an arm for supporting said monitor
unit relative to said main unit; a first hinge for rotatably
connecting said monitor unit to said arm; and a second hinge for
rotatably connecting said main unit to said arm.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an angle, between
said first and second hinges, is set with respect to a
predetermined angle between said main unit and said monitor
unit.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said main unit has a
concave portion for storing said arm.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said concave portion
is formed at a part in a width direction of said computer.
5. Computer equipment which is connectable with a monitor unit and
portable, comprising: a concave portion capable of storing an arm
which is rotatably connected to said monitor unit; and a connector
connectable with an image signal interface cable extending from
said monitor unit, which is provided in said concave portion.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a
connector connectable with a data communication interface extending
from said monitor unit, which is provided in said concave
portion.
7. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a
detachable input section which receives data input.
8. Computer equipment which is portable by being folded,
comprising: a monitor for displaying an image; a main unit which
stores an arithmetic section for processing said image; and a
support portion for connecting said monitor to said main unit,
wherein said support portion is capable of adjusting a distance
between said monitor and said main unit and an angle of said
monitor with respect to said main unit.
9. The computer equipment according to claim 8, wherein said
support portion connected to said monitor is detachable from said
main unit.
10. The computer equipment according to claim 8, further
comprising: a first angle adjusting unit interposed between said
support portion and said main unit; and a second angle adjusting
unit interposed between said support portion and said monitor.
11. The computer equipment according to claim 10, wherein said
second angle adjusting unit functions as an opening/closing hinge
when said computer equipment is folded.
12. The computer equipment according to claim 8, further
comprising, an input section for receiving data input, wherein said
input section is connected to said main unit so that a distance
between said input section and said main unit is variable.
13. A monitor unit connectable to a main unit of computer
equipment, comprising: a monitor body provided with a display
screen; and an arm extending from said monitor body, wherein said
arm has an interface function capable of being connected to said
main unit to send an image signal to said monitor body; and a
plurality of rotatable hinges.
14. The monitor unit according to claim 13, wherein at least one of
said hinges connects one end of said arm to said main unit.
15. The monitor unit according to claim 13, further comprising a
setting base which detachably accommodates said arm, wherein said
setting base comprises a connector which receives a cable provided
with said interface function; and a cable extending from said
connector so as to be connectable to a desktop type computer
equipment.
16. The monitor unit according to claim 13, wherein said monitor
body is further provided with a radio communication antenna.
17. A monitor unit connectable to a main unit of computer
equipment, comprising: a monitor body provided with a display
screen; an arm for supporting said monitor body when said monitor
unit is connected to said main unit; and a base connectable to said
main unit, wherein said arm is connected to said base by a
rotatable hinge.
18. The monitor unit according to claim 17, wherein said arm is
connected to said monitor body by a rotatable hinge.
19. A monitor unit setting base for connecting a monitor unit
connectable to a notebook type PC (Personal Computer) to a desktop
type PC in place of said notebook type PC, comprising: a receiving
portion capable of receiving an arm extending from said monitor
unit; and a connector capable of receiving an image signal
interface cable extending from said monitor unit, which is provided
in said receiving portion.
20. A computer having a monitor unit provided with a display screen
and a main processing unit including a control section for
controlling said display screen, comprising: an arm for supporting
said monitor unit relative to said main unit; a first hinge for
rotatably connecting said monitor unit to said arm; and a second
hinge for rotatably connecting said main unit to said arm, wherein
an angle, between said first and second hinges, is set with respect
to a predetermined angle between said main unit and said monitor
unit, and wherein said main unit has a concave portion for storing
said arm.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to computer
equipment which gives increased ease of use to a user.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Conventionally, computer equipment, such as a notebook type
PC (Personal Computer), which is small in size and has high
portability, has been used widely. Such a notebook type PC is often
made up of a mainframe section including a keyboard and a liquid
crystal monitor unit connected to the mainframe section so as to be
openable. The liquid crystal monitor unit is stored so as to cover
the keyboard of the mainframe section when the notebook type PC is
stored. Also, when the notebook type PC is used, the liquid crystal
monitor unit is raised and the keyboard of the mainframe section
and thereby the screen of the liquid crystal monitor unit are
exposed.
[0005] Although the portable notebook type PC is sometimes used in
place at a predetermined setting, it is typically moved and used in
various places commensurate with its portability. For example, it
is sometimes used in a place where the user has gone out of the
office location, or sometimes in a transportation facility used for
arriving at the destination.
[0006] However, when the notebook type PC is used at the
destination or during transportation, there is often insufficient
space for placing the PC in a work area that is convenient for the
user. For example, in a reserved seat on a train, the space for
placing the notebook type PC is a small table provided on the back
of the front seat. However, the space between the table and the
front seat is narrow, so that the liquid crystal monitor unit
cannot be opened completely. Therefore, it is difficult for the
user to see the whole of screen of the liquid crystal monitor unit.
On the other hand, if the notebook type PC is made smaller so as to
be placed in a small space, the ease of use is jeopardized.
Therefore, there has been demanded the emergence of a notebook type
PC capable of being used in various places, such that the user can
see the screen of the liquid crystal monitor unit even in a tight
space.
[0007] For the ordinary PC, the mainframe section and the liquid
crystal monitor unit are separately constructed and are connected
to each other by a connection cord. Therefore, the mainframe
section and the liquid crystal monitor unit can be combined with a
separate liquid crystal monitor unit or mainframe section. For
example, a new liquid crystal monitor unit with high performance is
purchased and combined with the mainframe section, and the liquid
crystal monitor unit having been used before can be used by being
combined with another mainframe section. However, the conventional
notebook type PC is sold in a state such that the mainframe section
and the liquid crystal monitor unit are connected to each other in
such a manner as to be non-separable from each other. Therefore, it
is difficult to separate the mainframe section and the liquid
crystal monitor unit from each other and to combine them to another
liquid crystal monitor unit or mainframe section. Therefore, the
conventional notebook type PC has virtually no flexibility such
that the user replaces the liquid crystal monitor unit according to
the situation, and uses an arbitrary liquid crystal monitor
unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for an invention that overcomes
the problems discussed above. The present invention has been
achieved to solve the above technical problems, and accordingly an
object thereof is to provide computer equipment which provides
great ease of use to a user.
[0009] To attain the above object, the present invention provides a
computer equipment having a monitor unit provided with a display
screen and a main unit including a control section for controlling
the display screen, characterized by comprising an arm for
supporting the monitor unit relative to the main unit; a first
hinge for rotatably connecting the monitor unit to the arm; and a
second hinge for rotatably connecting the main unit to the arm. In
this invention, since the arm for supporting the monitor unit is
connected by two rotatable hinges, the angle of the monitor unit
can be changed freely.
[0010] In the present invention, the first and second hinges can
set the angle which the main unit and the monitor unit make at a
predetermined angle.
[0011] Also, the main unit of the present invention preferably has
a concave portion for storing the arm. This concave portion can be
formed at a part in the width direction of the present
invention.
[0012] Further, the present invention provides computer equipment
which is connectable with a monitor unit and portable,
characterized by comprising a concave portion capable of storing an
arm which is rotatably connected to the monitor unit; and a
connector connectable with an image signal interface cable
extending from the monitor unit, which is provided in the concave
portion. Additionally, a computer, having computer equipment
connectable with a monitor unit, as generally described above, is
also provided.
[0013] The invention can further comprise a connector connectable
with a data communication interface extending from the monitor
unit, which is provided in the concave portion. As the data
communication interface, for example, a signal conductor for radio
communication, and a signal conductor for transmitting and
receiving the data of an image picked up by a CCD can be cited.
[0014] Also, the invention may further comprise a detachable input
section which receives data input.
[0015] Further, the invention provides computer equipment which is
portable by being folded, characterized by comprising a monitor for
displaying an image; a main unit which stores an arithmetic section
for processing the image; and a support portion for connecting the
monitor to the main unit, and the support portion is capable of
adjusting the distance between the monitor and the main unit and
the angle of the monitor with respect to the main unit. For
example, the support portion connected to the monitor is detachable
from the main unit.
[0016] Also, this invention may further comprise first angle
adjusting means interposed between the support portion and the main
unit; and second angle adjusting means interposed between the
support portion and the monitor. In this case, the second angle
adjusting means can function as an opening/closing hinge when the
computer equipment is folded.
[0017] Further, the present invention may also further comprise an
input section for receiving data input, the input section being
connected to the main unit so that the distance between the input
section and the main unit is variable.
[0018] The present invention can also provide a monitor unit
connectable to a main unit of computer equipment. This monitor unit
is characterized by comprising a monitor body provided with a
display screen; and an arm extending from the monitor body, and the
arm has an interface function capable of being connected to the
main unit to send an image signal to the monitor body; and a
plurality of rotatable hinges. In this case, at least one of the
hinges preferably connects one end of the arm to the main unit.
[0019] Also, this monitor unit further comprises a setting base
which detachably accommodates the arm, and the setting base
comprises a connector which receives a cable provided with the
interface function; and a cable extending from the connector so as
to be connectable to a desktop type computer equipment.
[0020] Additionally, the monitor body may also be further provided
with a radio communication antenna.
[0021] Also, the present invention provides a monitor unit
connectable to a main unit of computer equipment, characterized by
comprising a monitor body provided with a display screen; an arm
for supporting the monitor body when the monitor unit is connected
to the main unit; and a base connectable to the main unit, and the
arm is connected to the base by a rotatable hinge.
[0022] Additionally, the present invention can provide a monitor
unit setting base. This setting base is a unit setting base for
connecting a monitor unit connectable to a notebook type PC
(Personal Computer) to a desktop type PC in place of the notebook
type PC, characterized by comprising a receiving portion capable of
receiving an arm extending from the monitor unit; and a connector
capable of receiving an image signal interface cable extending from
the monitor unit, which is provided in the receiving portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a notebook type PC in
accordance with a first embodiment, showing a state in which the
lid of the notebook type PC is open;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for illustrating a
configuration for connection of a mainframe section and a liquid
crystal monitor unit;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for illustrating a
configuration for connection of a mainframe section and a liquid
crystal monitor unit;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view for
illustrating a configuration of an arm and hinges;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which a notebook type PC is pulled out to a keyboard side;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which a lid
of the notebook type PC shown in FIG. 1 is closed;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a perspective view for illustrating a case where a
separated liquid crystal monitor unit is used as an ordinary liquid
crystal monitor for a PC;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view for illustrating a
configuration of a notebook type PC in accordance with a second
embodiment; and
[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for illustrating a state of
another use of the notebook type PC shown in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The use of figure reference labels in the claims is intended
to identify one or more possible embodiments of the claimed subject
matter in order to facilitate the interpretation of the claims.
Such labeling is not to be construed as necessarily limiting the
scope of those claims to the embodiments shown in the corresponding
figures. The preferred embodiments of the present invention and its
advantages are best understood by referring to the drawings, like
numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various
drawings. Embodiments of the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a notebook type PC in
accordance with a first embodiment, showing a state in which the
lid of the notebook type PC is open.
[0035] A notebook type PC (computer equipment) 10 shown in FIG. 1
to include a mainframe section (main unit) 12 provided with a
keyboard (input section) 21, and a liquid crystal monitor unit
(monitor unit) 13 provided with a display screen 22. The mainframe
section 12 and liquid crystal monitor unit 13 are rotatably
connected to each other via a first hinge 30 provided at a part in
the width direction of the notebook type PC 10 at an edge 12e of
the mainframe section 12 and an edge 13e of the liquid crystal
monitor unit 13. Also, the notebook type PC 10 is provided with
wireless LAN antennae (radio cornmunication antennae) 23 in the
upper portions of both sides 13s of the liquid crystal monitor unit
13. Further, although the details are not shown in the figure, the
mainframe section 12 contains a CPU (control section, arithmetic
section), hard disk, memory, battery, or the like.
[0036] For this notebook type PC 10, the angle of inclination of
the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 with respect to the mainframe
section 12 can be set freely by the first hinge 30 and a second
hinge 31 provided near the center of the upper face of the
mainframe section 12. Further, the liquid crystal monitor unit 13
can be removed from the mainframe body 12 by the user. The
following is a detailed description of the configuration for
connection of the mainframe section 12 and the liquid crystal
monitor unit 13.
[0037] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views for illustrating the
configuration for connection of the mainframe section 12 and the
liquid crystal monitor unit 13, in which the notebook type PC is
viewed from the back side thereof. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged
sectional view for illustrating the configuration of an arm and the
hinges.
[0038] As is shown in FIG. 2, the notebook type PC 10 is preferably
constructed such that the mainframe section 12 and the liquid
crystal monitor unit 13 are detachable from each other. The liquid
crystal monitor unit 13 has a monitor body 41 provided with a
display screen 22, a frame (base) 43 connected to the mainframe
section 12, and an arm 42 for connecting the monitor body 41 to the
frame 43. Further, the monitor body 41 and the arm 42 are rotatably
connected to each other by the first hinge 30, and the frame 43 and
the arm 42 are rotatably connected to each other by the second
hinge 31. Although not shown in the drawings, a signal conductor
for video signal (interface cable) and a signal conductor for
wireless LAN (interface for data communication) are provided in the
arm 42. From the end on the frame 43 side of the arm 42, a video
signal connector 44 and a wireless LAN signal connector 45
extend.
[0039] On the other hand, on the upper face of the mainframe
section 12 of the notebook type PC 10, a concave frame receiving
portion 51 is formed to accommodate the frame 43 of the liquid
crystal monitor unit 13. In the frame receiving portion 51, there
are provided a connector receiver 52 for receiving the video signal
connector 44 and a connector receiver 53 for receiving the wireless
LAN signal connector 45.
[0040] In order to connect the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 to
the mainframe section 12, as shown in FIG. 2, first of all, the
frame 43 of the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 is put into the
frame receiving portion 51 in the mainframe section 12, and convex
portions 46 extending from the frame 43 of the liquid crystal
monitor unit 13 are inserted into concave portions 54 in the
mainframe section 12, and screws 47 are threadedly installed in
holes 55 in the frame receiving portion 51 via holes 48 in the
frame 43. Further, the video signal connector 44 extending from the
lower end of the arm 42 of the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 is
connected to the connector receiver 52 of the mainframe section 12,
and the wireless LAN signal connector 45 is connected to the
connector receiver 53 of the mainframe section 12. Thus, the liquid
crystal monitor unit 13 is connected to the mainframe section 12 as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0041] In this state, the video signal connector 44, the wireless
LAN signal connector 45, or the like are exposed in the frame
receiving portion 51 of the mainframe section 51. Therefore, the
opening of the frame receiving portion 51 is covered with a cover
60 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0042] Then, the cover 60 is fixed to the mainframe section 12
using screws 61. In place of the screws 61, hook type fixtures may
be used. As described above, for the notebook type PC 10 of the
first embodiment, the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 can be removed
from or connected to the mainframe section 12 with ease. Therefore,
the user who has purchased the notebook type PC 10 can connect or
separate the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 to or from the
mainframe section 12 by his/her own hands.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged sectional view of a portion
near the arm 42 in the state in which the liquid crystal monitor
unit 13 is connected to the mainframe section 12.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 is
connected to the mainframe section 12 via the arm 42 and the frame
43. Since the first hinge 30 and the second hinge 31 are provided,
the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 can be caused to form various
angles with the mainframe section 12 by turning the first hinge 30
and the second hinge 31 in the direction of arrow shown in FIG. 4.
It is preferable that the connection strength of the first and
second hinges 30 and 31 be adjusted so that the notebook type PC 10
can be used in the state in which the liquid crystal monitor unit
13 is set at a predetermined angle. In addition, an engaging
portion can be provided or other fixing devices such as a latch can
be used so that the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 can be fixed at
a predetermined angle.
[0045] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the mainframe section 12 is
formed with a slope portion 12m extending from a front end 51f of
the frame receiving portion 51 toward an upper face 12t of the
mainframe section 12. By providing the slope portion 12m in this
manner, the arm 42 can be inclined further to the keyboard 21 side
when the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 is pulled out to the
keyboard 21 side.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective view for illustrating a state in
which the notebook type PC 10 is pulled out to the keyboard 21
side.
[0047] As is shown in FIG. 5, in this state of the notebook type PC
10, the first hinge 30 is turned, and the arm 42 is raised from the
mainframe section 12. Further, the second hinge 31 is turned, and
the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 is located on the keyboard 21
side as compared with the state shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the
display screen 22 of the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 can be
inclined upward so as to face the face of user positioned in front
of the notebook type PC 10. At this time, since the lower edge 13e
of the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 is located on the keyboard 21
side, the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 of the notebook type PC 10
can be inclined more than in the state shown in FIG. 1.
[0048] Also, in the case where the location where the notebook type
PC 10 is installed is relatively narrow, for example, in the use in
the state shown in FIG. 1, even when the liquid crystal monitor
unit 13 cannot be opened wide with respect to the mainframe section
12, that is, when the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 cannot be
inclined sufficiently upward so as to face the user's face (for
example, when a front seat of a train exists on the back side of
the display screen 22 of the liquid crystal monitor unit 13), the
arm 42 is raised by turning the first hinge and the second hinge 31
as shown in FIG. 5, so that the user can set the display screen 22
at an easy-to-see angle. Therefore, because of being usable in
various places, the notebook type PC 10 is easy for the user to
see.
[0049] The notebook type PC 10 can be folded into a small size like
the ordinary notebook type PC.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the
lid of the notebook type PC 10 shown in FIG. 1 is closed. When the
notebook type PC 10 is not in use, the notebook type PC 10 in the
state in which the arm 42 is stored in the frame receiving portion
51 as shown in FIG. 1 can be folded as shown in FIG. 6 like the
ordinary notebook type PC by turning the first hinge 30 and by
bringing the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 down to the keyboard 21
side. By making the notebook type PC 10 in the state shown in FIG.
6, the notebook type PC 10 can be carried easily, and also the
display screen 22 and the keyboard 21 can be protected.
[0051] As is described above, for the notebook type PC 10, the
liquid crystal monitor unit 13 can be separated from the mainframe
section 12. Although the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 can be used
by being connected to another mainframe section that is different
from the mainframe section 12, it can be connected to an ordinary
PC mainframe section that is not of a notebook type, and thus can
be used as a liquid crystal monitor for a PC. The following will be
a detailed description of a case where the liquid crystal monitor
unit 13 is used as a liquid crystal monitor for a PC.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective view for illustrating a case where
the separated liquid crystal monitor unit 13 is used as an ordinary
liquid crystal monitor for a PC.
[0053] The liquid crystal monitor 70 shown in FIG. 7 has the liquid
crystal monitor unit 13 and a setting base 71 for receiving the
liquid crystal monitor unit 13. The setting base 71 is provided
with a frame receiving portion 72 for accommodating the frame 43 of
the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 in the state shown in FIG. 2.
Although not shown in the drawing, a connector receiver for
receiving the video signal connector 44 is provided in the frame
receiving portion 72. Also, a connector 74 is provided at the tip
end of a signal conductor 73 extending from the connector receiver
to the outside of the setting base 71.
[0054] The frame receiving portion 72 shown in FIG. 7 has a similar
configuration to that of the frame receiving portion 51 shown in
FIG. 2. Therefore, after the frame 43 of the liquid crystal monitor
unit 13 is put into the frame receiving portion 72 shown in FIG. 7,
the video signal connector 44 extending from the liquid crystal
monitor unit 13 is connected to the connector receiver. Then, the
opening of the frame receiving portion 72 is covered with a cover
as in the case shown in FIG. 3. When the liquid crystal monitor 70
thus assembled is connected to a PC mainframe section, the
connector 74 is connected to a video signal port provided on the PC
mainframe section. Thus, the liquid crystal monitor 70 can be used
like an ordinary display used by being connected to the PC
mainframe section.
[0055] The shape of the setting base 71 is not subject to any
special restriction. However, the setting base 71 is preferably
constructed so that the liquid crystal monitor 70 does not fall
down even if the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 is caused to form
any angle with the setting base 71 by the turning of the first
hinge 30 and the second hinge 31 of the liquid crystal monitor unit
13.
[0056] For the liquid crystal monitor 70 shown in FIG. 7, the
wireless LAN connection is not made via the setting base 71.
However, a wireless LAN connector can be provided in the frame
receiving portion 72 of the setting base 71, and a wireless LAN
signal conductor extending from the connector can be connected to
the PC mainframe section.
[0057] As described above, in the first embodiment, the liquid
crystal monitor unit 13 can be separated from the mainframe section
12, so that another new liquid crystal monitor unit having
performance different from that of the liquid crystal monitor unit
13 can be connected to the mainframe section 12. Therefore, the
user can upgrade the performance of the notebook type PC 10 by
oneself. Also, the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 can be reused
without being disposed of, so that wasteful wastes are less liable
to be produced when the user introduces new equipment.
[0058] Second Embodiment
[0059] FIG. 8 is a perspective view for illustrating a
configuration of a notebook type PC 10A in accordance with a second
embodiment.
[0060] The configuration of the notebook type PC 10A shown in FIG.
8 differs from that of the notebook type PC 10 shown in FIG. 1 in
that a keyboard 21A is slidable with respect to a mainframe section
12A and is removable therefrom. In the notebook type PC 10A, the
same reference numerals are applied to the same elements as those
of the notebook type PC 10 shown in FIG. 1, and the explanation of
the elements is omitted.
[0061]
[0062] For the notebook type PC 10A, the keyboard 21A and the
mainframe section 12A are connected to each other via a connection
base portion 26. Specifically, the keyboard 21A is slidably
connected to the connection base portion 26 extending from the
mainframe section 12A. The keyboard 21A is provided with an
infrared transmitter receiver section 25 serving as an interface
for transmitting an input signal of the keyboard 21A to the
mainframe section 12A with infrared rays, and similarly the
mainframe section 12A is provided with an infrared transmitter and
receiver section 24 for receiving the signal.
[0063] The notebook type PC 10A can be used in the state as shown
in FIG. 1 in which the keyboard 21A is in close contact with the
mainframe section 12A. Also, it can be used in the state in which
the keyboard 21A is slid to a position on the user side so that the
user can use the keyboard 21A easily. When the keyboard 21A is
pulled out and used, the distance between the user who uses the
keyboard 21A and the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 increases, so
that it is difficult for the user to see the liquid crystal monitor
unit 13. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the liquid crystal monitor
unit 13 is erected and pulled nearer to the user, which makes the
notebook type PC 10A easier to use.
[0064] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for illustrating a state of
another use of the notebook type PC 10A shown in FIG. 8.
[0065] For the notebook type PC 10A shown in FIG. 8, the keyboard
21A can be used in a state of being pulled nearer to the user and
being completely separated from the connection base portion 26 as
shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the keyboard 21A is used in a range
in which a signal can be transmitted from the infrared transmitter
receiver section 25 of the keyboard 21A to the infrared transmitter
receiver section 24 of the mainframe section 12A.
[0066] As is described above, in the second embodiment, the
position and angle of the liquid crystal monitor unit 13 with
respect to the mainframe section 12A can be changed according to a
change in position of the keyboard 21A. Therefore, in the use of
the notebook type PC 10A, the difficulty in seeing the liquid
crystal monitor unit 13 caused by the change in position of the
keyboard 21A can be eliminated, so that the user can use the
notebook type PC 10A comfortably. For the notebook type PC 10A,
when the area for installing the notebook type PC 10A is small, the
notebook type PC 10A can be used by installing the keyboard 21A in
a different place, for example, on the user's lap or by holding the
keyboard 21A by hand. Therefore, the notebook type PC 10A of the
second embodiment can be used in a wider variety of places as
compared with the first embodiment.
[0067] In the second embodiment, the configuration may be such that
the keyboard 21A is not separated completely from the mainframe
section 12A unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 9. In this case,
the transmission and reception of a signal between the keyboard 21A
and the mainframe section 12A are preferably accomplished via a
signal conductor provided in the connection base portion 26.
[0068] Also, in the second embodiment, the transmission and
reception of a signal between the keyboard 21A and the mainframe
section 12A may be accomplished by using means other than infrared
rays. For example, radio transmission etc. can also be used.
[0069] In the above-described embodiments, the liquid crystal
monitor unit 13 can be provided with a function of a TV camera,
microphone, speaker, light, or the like together with or in place
of the wireless LAN antenna 23.
[0070] Also, in the mainframe sections 12 and 12A of the notebook
type PCs 10 and 10A of the first and second embodiments, a CPU, a
hard disk, or the like are stored in a place other than the place
where the frame receiving portion 51, 72 for receiving the stored
arm 42 is stored. However, these elements may be stored under the
frame receiving portion 51, 72.
[0071] Furthermore, although the monitor for displaying an image
uses a liquid crystal monitor in the first and second embodiments,
the monitor is not limited to this type in the present invention,
and any type of monitor that can display an image on portable
computer equipment can be used.
[0072] Additionally, the configuration described in the
above-described embodiments is but exemplary. It will be further
understood that various changes in the details, materials,
configurations and arrangements of the parts which have been
described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this
invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing
from the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the
following claims.
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