JP3621548B2 - Electronics - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device equipped with an infrared communication function and having an infrared light receiving and emitting unit fixed to a housing side.
[0002]
Electronic devices, particularly personal computers, portable information devices (information terminals), and the like have strong demands for cordless data communication, and these electronic devices have already been equipped with an infrared communication function. In infrared data communication, in order to perform accurate data communication, it is strongly desired to realize a configuration that can reliably transmit and receive infrared light between light emitting and receiving units.
[0003]
[Prior art]
Some notebook personal computers and portable information devices are equipped with an infrared communication function. In this case, an infrared light receiving and emitting unit is fixed to the side and back of the main body. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing this conventional example, which has a lid 2 that can be opened and closed with respect to the keyboard surface 1 a of the main body 1, and a display panel 3 is provided inside the lid 2. The infrared light emitting / receiving unit 4 is fixed to the side surface of the main body 1.
[0004]
On the other hand, an external infrared communication adapter is also known, and infrared data communication can be performed by connecting the infrared communication adapter to a desktop type or tower type personal computer. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the infrared communication adapter includes a light receiving / emitting unit 5 incorporating a light receiving element and a light emitting element, a circuit unit 6 including a modulation / demodulation circuit and an amplification circuit, and a power cord 7 for supplying power. And an RS-232C cable 8 connected to the RS-232C connector of the personal computer.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
A personal computer or the like in which the light emitting / receiving unit is fixed to the side or back of the main body cannot perform data communication unless there is a counterpart device within the infrared radiation range. For this reason, when communicating between personal computers whose light emitting and receiving parts are fixed to the main body, the two personal computers must be aligned so that the light receiving and emitting parts of the personal computers face each other. However, there is a problem that the work is troublesome.
[0006]
In addition, in order to arrange the light receiving and emitting portions of these two personal computers to face each other, it is necessary to secure a space for placing the two personal computers linearly, and work for securing the placement space There was also the problem of becoming troublesome.
[0007]
In particular, when infrared data communication is performed between different models, for example, between a personal computer and a portable information terminal, the mounting position of the light emitting / receiving unit and the infrared radiation direction differ depending on the model. The work was even more cumbersome.
[0008]
On the other hand, when an external infrared communication adapter is used, there is a problem that portability is inferior. Further, in the configuration in which the external infrared communication adapter is connected to the personal computer, there is a problem that the infrared communication adapter occupies a lot of space on the desk. Furthermore, with an external infrared communication adapter, when an operator touches the power cord or RS-232C cable, the infrared communication adapter moves by being pulled by the power cord or RS-232C cable, and the position and orientation of the light emitting / receiving unit also change. There was also the problem of doing.
[0009]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, an object of its is to provide an electronic apparatus and is excellent in portability and can communicate with the electronic device in a wide range.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, in an electronic device equipped with an infrared communication function and having an infrared light emitting / receiving unit fixed to the housing side , a support member is movably provided on the housing, The mirror for changing the direction of receiving and emitting light is rotatably provided so that the mirror can be projected and retracted on the front side of the light receiving and emitting unit, and the mirror can be housed in the housing, and The mirror is configured so as not to block the light receiving and emitting unit during the storage .
[0017]
According to the present invention, since the transmission / reception direction can be easily changed by the mirror provided on the front side of the light emitting / receiving section so as to be able to appear and disappear , infrared data communication with a wide range of electronic devices without positioning the electronic device body Is possible.
[0018]
In particular, provided the support member to be movable in the housing, rotatably a mirror to the supporting member, since to be able to easily select the various transmission and reception direction by the rotation of the mirror, the electronic apparatus that is more extensively communication is possible.
[0019]
Also, the mirror is capable of accommodating in the housing, and, during this storage, because mirrors are not block the light receiving and emitting unit, Rutotomoni can ensure communication with the electronic device in a wide range, portability Ru can be improved.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
1 and 2 are perspective views showing a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a state where the arm is housed, and FIG. 2 shows a state where the arm is set.
[0025]
This embodiment relates to a notebook personal computer, has a lid 12 that can be opened and closed with respect to the keyboard surface 11 a of the main body 11, and a display panel 13 is provided inside the lid 12. This embodiment is characterized in that the infrared light receiving / emitting unit 14 is supported by the main body 11 via the flexible arm 15. The flexible arm 15 in this embodiment is attached to the side surface of the main body 11 having the base end portion 15a on the housing side, and supports the infrared light receiving / emitting portion 14 with the tip end portion 15b.
[0026]
The flexible arm 15 may be any one that can be deformed into an arbitrary shape by applying an external force and can change the direction of the light emitting / receiving unit 14 by the deformation. As an example, there is a cylindrical tube made of a stretchable material such as vinyl or rubber and having a flexible metal core material passed through. A signal line for electrically connecting the light emitting / receiving unit 14 and the circuit unit in the main body 11 passes through the space in the flexible arm 15.
[0027]
The flexible arm 15 can be stored along the surface of the housing, that is, the main body 11, and the light emitting / receiving unit 14 is located outward when the flexible arm 15 is stored. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the flexible arm 15 at the time of storage is positioned horizontally along the side surface of the main body 11, and the light emitting / receiving unit 14 faces the front. When the flexible arm 15 is long, a hook may be provided on the main body 11 to support the flexible arm 15.
[0028]
In this embodiment, when infrared data communication is performed, as shown in FIG. 2, the flexible arm 15 is deformed to direct the light emitting / receiving unit 14 toward the light receiving / emitting unit of the counterpart device. In this embodiment, even when the flexible arm 15 shown in FIG. 1 is housed, the light emitting / receiving unit 14 is located outward. There is no need to cause the flexible arm 15 to bend.
[0029]
The flexible arm 15 is deformed by applying an external force, and if the application of the external force is stopped, the posture at that time is kept, so that the light emitting / receiving unit 14 can be easily changed to a desired direction. After data communication is performed with the flexible arm 15 in a desired orientation, the flexible arm 15 is returned to the housed state of FIG. 1 as necessary.
[0030]
According to this embodiment, by deforming the flexible arm 15, the infrared light receiving / emitting unit 14 can be adjusted to a desired posture and maintained in a desired posture. However, communication can be performed without aligning the personal computer of this embodiment. That is, infrared data communication with a partner device in a wide range is possible.
[0031]
Further, since the flexible arm 15 can be stored as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to improve portability without being disturbed when carrying the personal computer.
[0032]
In this embodiment, the base end 15a of the flexible arm 15 is fixed to the main body 11 so that the flexible arm 15 can be seen from the outside when stored. However, the flexible arm 15 is stored in the main body 11 as a casing. It is also possible to attach the base end portion 15a of the flexible arm 15 to the main body 11 so that only the light emitting / receiving portion 14 is exposed toward the outside of the main body 11 when stored.
[0033]
Even if it does in this way, while being able to ensure communication with the electronic device in a wide range, when carrying a personal computer, it does not become obstructive and can improve portability.
[0034]
(Second embodiment)
In this embodiment, instead of the flexible arm 15 of the first embodiment, a bendable joint is used, and an arm capable of changing the direction of the light emitting / receiving section by bending at this joint is used.
[0035]
FIG. 3 shows an example of a bending arm used in the second embodiment. The bending arm 16 includes a first link 16a and a second link 16b, and has a bendable joint 16c at a connection portion (an intermediate portion of the bending arm 16) between the first link 16a and the second link 16b. doing.
[0036]
The mounting member 17 is for mounting the first link 16a of the bending arm 16 on the side surface (attachment position of the base end portion of the flexible arm 15) of the main body 11 in FIG. The first link 16 a can be rotated with respect to the mounting member 17 even after being mounted on the main body 11. The second link 16b can only be bent with respect to the first link 16a, and the light emitting / receiving section 14 is attached to the tip thereof.
[0037]
The bending arm 16 in this embodiment is different from the flexible arm 15 that can be deformed over its entire length in that it can be bent only at the joint 16c, but basically the same operation as the flexible arm 15 is performed. Do.
[0038]
Further, the bending arm 16 can be stored along the surface of the housing, that is, the main body 11, and the light emitting / receiving section 14 is located outward at the time of storage. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the bending arm 16 is housed, the second link 16b is positioned horizontally along the side surface of the main body 11, and the light emitting / receiving section 14 faces the front. When the bending arm 16 is long, a hook may be provided on the main body 11 to support the second link 16b of the bending arm 16.
[0039]
In this embodiment, when infrared data communication is performed, the first link 16a of the bending arm 16 is rotated in the α direction and the second link 16b is pulled up in the β direction as shown in FIG. Aim at the light emitting / receiving section of the other device. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the light emitting / receiving unit 14 is located outward when the bending arm 16 is stored. It is not necessary to cause the bending arm 16 to dare.
[0040]
The bending arm 16 is deformed by the joint 16c when an external force is applied, and if the application of the external force is stopped, the bending arm 16 continues to maintain the posture at that time. Therefore, the light emitting / receiving unit 14 can be easily changed to a desired direction. After data communication is performed with the bending arm 16 in a desired orientation, the bending arm 16 is returned to the housed state as necessary.
[0041]
According to this embodiment, by deforming (bending) the bending arm 16, the infrared light receiving / emitting section 14 can be adjusted to a desired posture and can be maintained. Even in this case, communication can be performed without aligning the personal computer of this embodiment. That is, infrared data communication with a partner device in a wide range is possible. Further, since the bending arm 16 can be accommodated, it is possible to improve portability without being disturbed when carrying a personal computer.
[0042]
In this embodiment, the bending arm 16 (first link 16a) is attached to the main body 11 so that the bending arm 16 can be seen from the outside even when stored. However, the bending arm 16 can be stored in the main body 11 as a casing. As described above, the light emitting / receiving unit 14 can be configured to be exposed from the main body 11 when being attached to the main body 11 and housed. Even if it does in this way, while being able to ensure communication with the electronic device in a wide range, when carrying a personal computer, it does not become obstructive and can improve portability.
[0043]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the third embodiment viewed from the back side. This embodiment also relates to a notebook personal computer as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts as those in FIG.
[0044]
The present embodiment is characterized in that the mirror 21 is provided on the front side of the light emitting / receiving unit 14 so that the mirror 21 can be projected and retracted, and the infrared light is received and the light emitting direction is changed by the mirror 21. The light emitting / receiving unit 14 in this embodiment is provided on the back surface of the main body 11. Further, a support member 22 is provided at a position below the light emitting / receiving unit 14 of the main body 11 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. Further, a mirror 21 having a mirror surface facing the light emitting / receiving body 14 is provided at the tip of the support member 22. It is provided to be rotatable.
[0045]
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower center portion of the mirror 21 is attached to the tip of the support member 22 via a hinge 23. As shown in FIG. 7, the hinge 23 in the present embodiment has a spherical portion 24 b at the tip of a cylindrical neck portion 24 a, and a projection 24 in which the holder portion 24 c is fixed to the mirror 21, and a spherical portion of the projection 24. It has a spherical recess 25 a that fits in a pressed state with 24 b, and a bearing 25 having a lower end fixed to the support member 22.
[0046]
A slit 25b having a width in which the neck portion 24a of the protrusion 24 can be inserted is formed in a vertical direction in the wall portion of the spherical recess 25a of the bearing 25 on the side of the light emitting / receiving portion 14. With the hinge 23, the mirror 21 can be rotated in a standing state, and can be lowered on the support member 22 as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG.
[0047]
In this embodiment, the main body 11 is provided with a storage hole 11 b that can be inserted into the main body 11 with the mirror 21 lying on the support member 22. Of course, when the mirror 21 is stored, the front side of the light emitting / receiving unit 14 is opened.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, when infrared data communication is performed, the mirror 21 in a state of being lowered on the support member 22 is pulled out from the storage hole 11b, and the mirror 21 is raised as shown in FIG. Next, the mirror 21 is rotated or tilted to direct the light emitting / receiving unit 14 toward the light receiving / emitting unit of the counterpart device, as shown in FIG.
[0049]
In this embodiment, even when the mirror 21 is stored, the light emitting / receiving unit 14 is located outward. Therefore, if communication is possible even if the posture of the light receiving / emitting unit 14 remains as it is, it is necessary to dare to pull out the mirror 21. Absent.
[0050]
After performing the data communication with the mirror 21 in a desired direction, the mirror 21 is returned to the housed state as necessary.
According to this embodiment, since the transmission / reception direction can be easily changed by the mirror 21, communication can be performed without performing alignment of the personal computer of this embodiment regardless of the positional relationship with the counterpart device. That is, infrared data communication with a partner device in a wide range is possible.
[0051]
Moreover, since the mirror 21 can be accommodated in the main body 11, it is possible to improve portability without being disturbed when carrying a personal computer.
[0052]
In this embodiment, the plate-like support member 22 is used, but a rod-like support member may be used. The mirror 21 is not limited to a plane mirror. If a convex mirror is used, the radiation range can be widened. Furthermore, if the mirror surface of the mirror 21 is exposed, it will not look good and will easily become dirty, so an acrylic resin film may be applied to the entire mirror surface. In that case, it is desirable to select a thin color black smoke system having a high infrared transmittance.
[0053]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view showing the main part of the fourth embodiment. This embodiment also relates to a notebook personal computer as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same parts as those in FIG.
[0054]
The present embodiment is characterized in that the infrared light emitting / receiving unit 14 is attached to the housing (the main body 11 or the lid 12) so as to be tiltable. The light emitting / receiving unit 14 in this embodiment is fixed to the main body 11 via a hinge 41.
[0055]
The hinge 41 includes a spherical protrusion 42 fixed to the light emitting / receiving unit 14 and a bearing 43 fixed to the main body 11 and fitted in a pressed state with the spherical protrusion 42 in a spherical recess with a longitudinal groove. The screw 44 adjusts the vertical groove interval by its tightening force and adjusts the pressing force between the spherical protrusion 42 and the bearing 43.
[0056]
According to this embodiment, the infrared light receiving / emitting unit 14 can be adjusted to a desired posture and maintained in the desired posture, so that the personal computer of this embodiment can be in any positional relationship with the counterpart device. Communication can be performed without alignment. That is, infrared data communication with a partner device in a wide range is possible.
[0057]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the main part of the fifth embodiment. This embodiment also relates to a notebook personal computer. 9, parts that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the infrared light receiving and emitting unit 14 is rotated around the axis O in a plane orthogonal to the display surface of the display panel 13 and parallel to the opening / closing central axis of the lid 12. It is attached to the corner. The light emitting / receiving surface 14a of the light emitting / receiving unit 14 can be rotated from the front to the rear via the side.
[0059]
According to this configuration, infrared data communication with a partner device in a wider range is possible by the synergistic effect of the opening / closing angle of the lid 12 and the rotation of the light emitting / receiving unit 14.
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the main part of the sixth embodiment. This embodiment also relates to a notebook personal computer. 10, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0060]
In this embodiment, the infrared light emitting / receiving unit 14 is attached to the main body 11 so as to be rotatable around the axis O in a plane parallel to the keyboard surface 11a. The light emitting / receiving surface 14a of the light emitting / receiving unit 14 can be rotated from the side to the rear. This configuration also enables infrared data communication with a wide range of electronic devices.
[0061]
(Other examples)
Although the above embodiment relates to a notebook personal computer, the above configuration can also be applied to personal computers other than notebook computers and electronic devices other than personal computers. Further, if the configurations of the respective parts of the above-described embodiments are arbitrarily combined, another embodiment having both the effects of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, in an electronic device equipped with an infrared communication function and having an infrared light emitting / receiving unit fixed to the housing side , the support member is movably provided on the housing, and this support is provided. The member is configured so that the mirror for changing the direction of receiving and emitting infrared rays can be rotated, so that the mirror can be projected and retracted on the front side of the light emitting and receiving unit, and the mirror can be housed in the housing. In addition, the mirror is configured so as not to block the light emitting / receiving section during the storage.
[0069]
According to the present invention, since the transmission / reception direction can be easily changed by the mirror provided on the front side of the light emitting / receiving section so as to be able to appear and disappear , infrared data communication with a wide range of electronic devices without positioning the electronic device body Is possible.
[0070]
In particular, a support member is movably provided on the casing, and a mirror is provided on the support member so that the mirror can be rotated, and various transmission / reception directions can be easily selected by rotating the mirror. communication with the device is Ru possible der.
[0071]
In addition , since the mirror can be stored in the housing, and the mirror does not block the light emitting / receiving section during the storage, communication with a wide range of electronic devices is ensured and portability is improved. Can be made.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state of storage according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state during communication according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a bending arm used in the second embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment viewed from the back side.
5 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG.
6 is a perspective view showing another operating state of FIG. 5. FIG.
7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hinge in FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a main part of a fourth embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a main part of a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main part of a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a conventional example.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an infrared communication adapter.
[Explanation of symbols]
11: Main body 11a: Keyboard surface 11b: Storage hole 12: Cover 13: Display panel 14: Light emitting / receiving unit 15: Flexible arm 15a: Base end portion 15b: Tip end portion 16: Bending arm 16c: Joint 21: Mirror 22: Support member 23, 41: Hinge 25, 43: Bearing

Claims (1)

In an electronic device equipped with an infrared communication function and having an infrared light receiving / emitting part fixed to the housing side ,
A support member is movably provided on the casing, and a mirror for changing the direction of receiving and emitting infrared rays is rotatably provided on the support member, so that the mirror can appear and disappear on the front side of the light emitting and receiving unit. The electronic device is configured so that the mirror can be housed in the housing, and the mirror is configured so as not to block the light emitting and receiving unit when housed .

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