Title: Electronic device and cover member thereof
Abstract: An electronic device includes two cases, a hinge unit which connects the two cases to each other and by which the two cases are openable and closeable, a cover member for decoration which is mounted on an outer surface of at least one of the two cases, a first engaging unit which is disposed in at least one of the cases, and a second engaging unit which is disposed in the cover member to be engaged with the first engaging unit. The cover member is detachably mounted on the outer surface of at least one of the cases by engaging the first and second engaging units with each other.
Patent Number: 7,016,184 Issued on 03/21/2006 to Oneyama, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Oneyama; Wataru (Fussa, JP);
Watanabe; Kiyoshi (Ome, JP);
Aikyo; Hiroaki (Hamura, JP)
|
| Assignee:
|
Casio Computer Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, JP)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
669521 |
| Filed:
|
September 24, 2003 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Sep 27, 2002[JP] | 2002-282845 |
| Sep 27, 2002[JP] | 2002-282846 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
361/683; 312/223.2; 248/551 |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
G06F 1/16 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
361/683,681
312/223.1,223.2
248/551-553
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 5701230 | Dec., 1997 | Liang et al.
| |
| 5745566 | Apr., 1998 | Petrella et al.
| |
| 5768370 | Jun., 1998 | Maataa et al.
| |
| 5870282 | Feb., 1999 | Andre et al.
| |
| 6262824 | Jul., 2001 | Sasaki et al.
| |
| 6262886 | Jul., 2001 | DiFonzo et al.
| |
| 6301100 | Oct., 2001 | Iwata.
| |
| 6421235 | Jul., 2002 | Ditzik.
| |
| 6504707 | Jan., 2003 | Agata et al.
| |
| 6842338 | Jan., 2005 | Iredale.
| |
| 2001/0009498 | Jul., 2001 | Oross et al.
| |
| Foreign Patent Documents |
| 8-18641 | Jan., 1996 | JP.
| |
| 11-53052 | Feb., 1999 | JP.
| |
| 96-35767 | Nov., 1996 | KR.
| |
| 2000-0044513 | Jul., 2000 | KR.
| |
Primary Examiner: Lea-Edmonds; Lisa
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Frishauf, Holtz, Goodman & Chick, P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An electronic device comprising:
a first case in which a keyboard is provided;
a second case in which a display unit is provided;
a hinge unit which connects the first and second cases to each other such that
the first and second cases are openable and closeable;
a cover member for decoration which is mounted on an outer surface of the second case;
a first engaging mechanism which is disposed on the second case and has a decorative
shape; and
a second engaging mechanism which is disposed on the cover member to be engaged
with the first engaging mechanism;
wherein the first engaging mechanism comprises:
a first engaging portion, which comprises a projection, provided at a tip end
surface of the second case at an opposite side of the second case from the hinge
unit; and
second engaging portions provided near to the hinge unit on both side surfaces
of the second case;
wherein the second engaging mechanism comprises:
a first engaging portion provided at a tip end surface of the cover member at
an opposite side of the cover member from the hinge unit; and
second engaging portions provided near to the hinge unit on both side surfaces
of the cover member;
wherein positions of the first and second engaging portions of the second engaging
mechanism correspond to positions on the second case of the first and second engaging
portions of the first engaging mechanism; and
wherein the first engaging portion of the second engaging mechanism projects
from the tip end surface of the cover member and defines a concavity which engages
the projection of the first engaging portion of the first engaging mechanism when
the second engaging mechanism is engaged with first engaging mechanism; and
wherein the cover member is detachably mounted on the outer surface of the second
case by engaging the first and second engaging portions of the first engaging mechanism
with the first and second engaging portions of the second engaging mechanism, respectively.
2. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of: (i) one
of the second engaging portions of the second case and (ii) one of the second engaging
portions of the cover member is elastically movable in engaging/disengaging directions.
3. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a decoration is disposed
on an outer surface of the second case, and an opening is formed in a portion of
the cover member at a position corresponding to the decoration on the outer surface
of the second case.
4. An electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the decoration includes
at least one of a symbol, a graphic and a pattern.
5. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a decoration is disposed
on an outer surface of the second case, and a light transmitting member is disposed
in a portion of the cover member at a position corresponding to the decoration
on the outer surface of the second case.
6. An electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the decoration includes
at least one of a symbol, a graphic and a pattern.
7. An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is made
of a synthetic resin which transmits light.
8. An electronic device comprising:
two cases;
a hinge unit which connects the two cases to each other such that the two cases
are openable and closeable;
a cover member for decoration which is mounted on an outer surface of at least
one of the two cases;
a first engaging mechanism which is disposed in the at least one of the cases; and
a second engaging mechanism which is disposed in the cover member to be engaged
with the first engaging mechanism;
wherein the cover member is detachably mounted on the outer surface of the at
least one of the cases by engaging the first and second engaging mechanisms with
each other;
wherein the first engaging mechanism includes engaging portions which are disposed
at positions away from the hinge unit on both side surfaces of the at least one
of the cases and engaging portions which are disposed at positions near to the
hinge unit on said both side surfaces of the at least one of the cases;
wherein the second engaging mechanism includes engaging portions which are disposed
at positions away from the hinge unit on both side surfaces of the cover member
and engaging portions which are disposed at positions near to the hinge unit on
said both side surfaces of the cover member; and
wherein the engaging portions of the first engaging mechanism that are disposed
at positions away from the hinge unit are rotatable engaged with the engaging portions
of the second engaging mechanism that are disposed at positions away from the hinge unit.
9. An electronic device according to claim 8, wherein a mirror is disposed on
an inner surface of the cover member facing the outer surface of the at least one
of the cases.
10. A cover member for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises:
(i) a first case in which a keyboard is provided, (ii) a second case in which a
display is provided, (iii) a hinge unit connecting the first case and the second
case to each other to be openable and closeable, and (iv) a first engaging mechanism
which is disposed on the second case, has a decorative shape, and comprises a first
engaging portion, which comprises a projection, provided at a tip end surface of
the second case at an opposite side of the second case from the hinge unit, and
second engaging portions provided near to the hinge unit on both side surfaces
of the second case, and wherein the cover member is mountable to an outer surface
of the second case, said cover member comprising:
a second engaging mechanism which comprises:
a first engaging portion provided at a tip end surface of the cover member at
an opposite side of the cover member from the hinge unit; and
second engaging portions provided near to the hinge unit on both side surfaces
of the cover member;
wherein positions of the first and second engaging portions of the second engaging
mechanism correspond to positions on the second cover of the first and second engaging
portions of the first engaging mechanism; and
wherein the first engaging portion of the second engaging mechanism projects
from the tip end surface of the cover member and defines a concavity which engages
the protection of the first engaging portion of the first engaging mechanism when
the second engaging mechanism is engaged with first engaging mechanism;
wherein the cover member is detachably mounted on the outer surface of the second
case by engaging the first and second engaging portions of the first engaging mechanism
with the first and second engaging portions of the second engaging mechanism, respectively.
11. A cover member according to claim 10, wherein a decoration is disposed on
a part of the outer surface of the second case, and an opening is formed in a portion
of the cover member at a position corresponding to the decoration on the outer
surface of the second case.
12. A cover member according to claim 11, wherein the decoration includes at
least one of a symbol, a graphic and a pattern.
13. A cover member according to claim 10, wherein a decoration is disposed on
a part of the outer surface of the second case, and a light transmitting member
is disposed in a portion of the cover member at a position corresponding to the
decoration on the outer surface of the second case.
14. A cover member according to claim 13, wherein the decoration includes at
least one of a symbol, a graphic and a pattern.
15. An electronic device comprising:
two cases;
a hinge unit which connects the two cases to each other and by which the two
cases are openable and closeable;
an electronic unit disposed in at least one of the two cases;
a flat-shaped cover member which is mounted to at least one of the cases and
is overlapped with an outer surface of at least one of the cases to cover the outer surface;
an electronic unit disposed in the cover member; and
an electrically connecting/engaging unit which detachably engages at least one
of the cases and the cover member with each other, and electrically connects the
electronic unit in at least one of the cases and the electronic unit in the cover
member with each other.
16. An electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the electrically connecting/engaging
unit comprises a first electrically connecting/engaging portion which is electrically
connected to the electronic unit in at least one of the cases and is retractably
projected from at least one of both side surfaces of at least one of the cases,
a second electrically connecting/engaging portion which is electrically connected
to the electronic unit in the cover member and is disposed on at least one of both
side surface of the cover member, and
the first electrically connecting/engaging portion is detachably engaged with
the second electrically connecting/engaging portion.
17. An electronic device according to claim 15, wherein a first engaging portion
is disposed on a tip end surface of at least one of the cases, the tip end surface
being positioned opposite to the hinge unit on at least one of the cases; and
a second engaging portion with which the first engaging portion is detachably
engaged is disposed on a tip end surface of the cover member, the tip end surface
being positioned opposite to the hinge unit on the cover member.
18. An electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the electronic unit has
one of a display function, a television tuner function, a speaker function, a power
source function, a camera function, a printer function, and a scanner function.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior
Japanese Patent Applications No. 2002-282845, filed Sep. 27, 2002; and No. 2002-282846,
filed Sep. 27, 2002, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an electronic device such as an electronic dictionary,
a mobile telephone or a mobile terminal, and a cover member thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, an electronic device of one of the above described
types comprises a first case including a plurality of operation keys and a second
case including a display unit, which are connected to each other by a hinge unit
so as to be foldable. When it is carried, the device is made compact by overlapping
the first case and the second case each other. When the device is used, the first
case is held on a palm of an user, and the second case is opened. In order to clearly
differentiate the first case and the second case from each other, the first case
and the second case are colored differently.
In the electronic device in which the first case and the second case are colored
differently, mistake holding of the second case is reduced even at a dark place
so that an operability of the electronic device is improved. However, since the
first and second cases of the electronic device have been colored in predetermined
different colors when the electronic device is shipped, an user who obtains the
electronic device cannot freely change the colors of the first and second cases.
Further, in such an electronic device, only the colors are different between the
first case and the second case, and design of a surface of each case cannot be
changed in accordance with user's taste.
Additionally, to facilitate miniaturization, the electronic device
is designed to perform only minimum necessary functions. However, it is preferable
that more functions can be added to the electronic device to meet user's demand.
In the conventional electronic device, to meet such a demand, a connector is disposed
on one of the first and second cases, a cable is connected to the connector, and
this cable is further connected to an auxiliary device for performing more functions.
However, in such a conventional function addition structure, because of the connection
between the case and the auxiliary device through the cable, when the electronic
device together with the auxiliary device is used, the electronic device and the
auxiliary device must both be held by both hands, or at least one of the electronic
device and the auxiliary device must be placed on a table or the like. Thus, the
conventional electronic device is not usable when it is used with the auxiliary
device and the auxiliary device deteriorates mobility of the conventional electronic device.
Regarding the aforementioned conventional electronic device, a first problem
to be solved by the present invention is that the colors or the design of the surfaces
of the first and second cases cannot be freely changed in accordance with user's taste.
A second problem is that not only addition of functions is not easy but also
the
auxiliary device for performing more functions deteriorates mobility of the electronic
device and usability thereof when the electronic device is used with the auxiliary device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the invention, an electronic device comprises
two cases, a hinge unit which connects the two cases to each other and by which
the two cases are openable and closeable, a cover member for decoration which is
mounted on an outer surface of at least one of the two cases, a first engaging
unit which is disposed in at least one of the cases, and a second engaging unit
which is disposed in the cover member to be engaged with the first engaging unit.
And the cover member is detachably mounted on the outer surface of at least one
of the cases by engaging the first and second engaging units with each other.
According to another aspect of the invention, a cover member which is mounted
to an outer surface of at least one of two cases of an electronic device, the cases
being connected to each other by a hinge unit by which the two cases are openable
and closeable, comprises, an engaging unit which is detachably engaged with at
least one of the cases. And, the cover member is detachably mounted on the outer
surface of at least one of the cases by engaging the engaging unit with at least
one of the cases.
According to further aspect of the invention, an electronic device comprises,
two cases, a hinge unit which connects the two cases to each other and by which
the two cases are openable and closeable, an electronic unit disposed in at least
one of the two cases, a flat-shaped cover member which is mounted to at least one
of the cases and is overlapped with an outer surface of at least one of the cases
to cover the outer surface, an electronic unit disposed in the cover member, and
an electrically connecting/engaging unit which detachably engages at least one
of the cases and the cover member with each other, and electrically connects the
electronic unit in at least one of the cases and the electronic unit in the cover
member with each other.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description,
or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the
invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations
particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an electronic dictionary of a first embodiment
of the present invention in a folded-out state for use, in which a cover member
is mounted on the electronic dictionary;
FIG. 2 is a partially broken side view of a carried state of the electronic
dictionary of FIG. 1 on which the cover member is mounted;
FIG. 3 is a front view showing only a second case of the electronic dictionary
of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4A is a partially broken view showing an inner surface of the cover member
of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4B is a sectional view cut along a line A—A of the cover member of
FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a main portion of the cover member of
FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a side view showing a situation of mounting the cover member of FIG.
4A on the second case of the electronic dictionary of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a front view showing an electronic dictionary of a second embodiment
of the present invention in a closed state during carrying, in which a cover member
is mounted on the electronic dictionary;
FIG. 8 is a partially broken side view of the electronic dictionary of FIG.
7 on which the cover member is mounted;
FIG. 9 is a front view showing a second case of the electronic dictionary of
FIG. 7 in a cover member removed state;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the electronic dictionary of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a view showing an inner surface of the cover member of FIG. 7;
FIG. 12 is a front view showing an electronic dictionary of a modification of
the second embodiment in a closed state during carrying, in which a cover member
is mounted on the electronic dictionary;
FIG. 13 is a partially broken side view of the electronic dictionary of FIG.
12 on which the cover member is mounted;
FIG. 14 is a front view showing a second case of the electronic dictionary of
FIG. 12 in a cover member removed state;
FIG. 15 is a front view showing an electronic dictionary of a third embodiment
of the present invention in a closed state during carrying, in which a cover member
is mounted on the electronic dictionary;
FIG. 16 is a partially broken side view of the electronic dictionary of FIG.
15 on which the cover member is mounted;
FIG. 17 is a side view showing a situation of mounting a cover member on a second
case of an electronic dictionary of a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view of an engaging unit cut along a line B—B
of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a side view showing a situation of mounting a cover member on a second
case of an electronic dictionary of a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the cover member of FIG. 19;
FIG. 21 is a side view showing a situation of mounting a cover member on a second
case of an electronic dictionary of a modification of the fifth embodiment;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the cover member of FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is a side view showing a situation of mounting a cover member on a second
case of an electronic dictionary of a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 24 is a view showing an inner surface of the cover member of FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is an enlarged sectional view of a main portion of the cover member
of FIG. 23;
FIG. 26 is a side view showing a situation of mounting a cover member on a second
case of an electronic dictionary of a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 27 is a view showing an inner surface of the cover member of FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is a side view showing a situation of mounting a cover member on a second
case of an electronic dictionary of an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is a view showing an inner surface of the cover member of FIG. 28;
FIG. 30 is a side view showing a situation of mounting a cover member on a second
case of an electronic dictionary of a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the cover member of FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a front view showing a state in which the cover member is mounted
on the second case of the electronic dictionary of FIG. 30;
FIG. 33 is a side view showing a situation of mounting a cover member on a second
case of an electronic dictionary of a tenth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 34 is a view showing an inner surface of the second case of FIG. 33;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing an open state set by rotating the cover
member of FIG. 34 with respect to the second case of FIG. 33;
FIG. 36 is a front view showing a mobile telephone of an eleventh embodiment
of the present invention in a folded-out state for use, in which a cover member
is mounted on the mobile telephone;
FIG. 37 is a partially broken side view showing the mobile telephone of FIG.
36 on which the cover member is mounted, in a closed state;
FIG. 38 is a front view showing a second case of the mobile telephone of FIG.
36 in a cover member removed state;
FIG. 39 is a view showing an inner surface of the cover member of FIG. 37;
FIG. 40 is a front view showing an electronic dictionary of a twelfth embodiment
of the present invention in a folded-out state for use, in which a cover member
is mounted on the electronic dictionary;
FIG. 41 is a partially broken side view showing the electronic dictionary of
FIG. 40 on which the cover member is mounted, in a closed state during carrying;
FIG. 42 is a front view showing only a second case of the electronic dictionary
of FIG. 40;
FIG. 43 is a front view of the second case of the electronic dictionary of FIG.
41 on which the cover member is mounted;
FIG. 44 is an enlarged sectional view of main portions of the cover member and
the second case cut along a line C—C of FIG. 43;
FIG. 45 is an enlarged sectional view of main portions of the cover member and
the second case cut along a line D—D of FIG. 43;
FIG. 46 is a side view showing a situation of mounting the cover member on the
second case of FIG. 42;
FIG. 47 is a front view showing a second case of an electronic dictionary of
a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention in a cover member mounted state; and
FIG. 48 is an enlarged sectional view of main portions of the cover member and
the second case cut along a line E—E of FIG. 47.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of
the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed
description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
Next, an electronic dictionary of a first embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic dictionary comprises first and second
cases 1 and 2, a hinge unit 3 which connects the first and
second cases 1 and 2 with each other so that the first and second
cases 1 and 2 are openable and closeable, and a decoration cover
member 4 detachably attached on an outer surface of the second case 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first case 1 is formed in a nearly flat plate shape
which is long in lateral directions, and a keyboard 5 is disposed therein.
The keyboard 5 is exposed in an inner surface of the first case 1
which faces the second case 2 while the first and second cases 1
and 2 are in a closed state, and includes various keys such as character,
cursor and functions keys.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the second case 2 has a flat plate shape of a
size approximately equal to that of the first case 1, and a display unit
6 is disposed therein. The display unit 6 comprises a planar display
device such as a liquid crystal display device or an electroluminescence (EL) device.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a screen of the display unit 6 is exposed in
an opening 7 formed in an inner surface of the second case 2 which
faces the first case 1 while the first and second cases 1 and 2
are in the closed state.
As shown in FIG. 1, the hinge unit 3 comprises a first projecting portion
8 formed on an end surface of the first case 1 excluding both lateral
side portions thereof, and a pair of second projecting portions 9 formed
on both lateral side portions of an end surface of the second case 2. The
first and second projecting portions 8, 9 are rotatably connected
to each other by a connecting rod 10 in a state in which the first projecting
portion 8 of the first case 1 is arranged between the pair of second
projecting portions 9 of the second case 2. Electric and/or electronic
units in the first and second cases 1, 2 are electrically connected
to each other through the hinge unit 3 by a well-known connection member
(not shown) such as a flexible wiring board.
The cover member 4 is a thin metal plate made of such as a stainless steel
or the like, and covers an outer surface 2
a (upper surface in FIG.
6) of the second case 2. The cover member 4 also covers the other
end, i.e., another end surface 2
b (upper side in FIG. 3) of a tip
end portion (being positioned away from the hinge unit 3) of the second
case 2, and both lateral side surfaces 2
c (right and left
sides in FIGS. 1 and 3) of the second case 2. That is, as shown in FIGS.
4A and 4B, the cover member 4 includes a planar portion 4
a which
covers the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2, a tip end
skirt 4
b which covers the end surface 2
b (upper side
in FIG. 3) of the tip end portion of the second case 2, and both lateral
side skirts 4
c which cover both left and right lateral side surfaces
2
c of the second case 2. At least one of various designs (not
shown) such as a color, a pattern, a graphic and a mark is formed on an outer surface
of the planar portion 4
a, and a plurality of cover members 4
different from one another in design are prepared.
As shown in FIG. 3, engaging projections 11, 12 are disposed on
the end surface 2
b (upper side in FIG. 3) of the tip end portion
of the second case 2 and both left and right lateral side surfaces 2
c
thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, the engaging projection 11 on the tip end
surface 2
b of the second case 2 has a semicircular cross section,
and it is thin and long in right and left lateral directions at a middle portion
on the tip end surface 2
b of the second case 2 in a thickness
direction thereof and in the right and left lateral directions in FIG. 3. Such
an engaging projection 11 on the tip end surface 2
b of the
second case 2 provides decoration to the tip end surface 2
b of
the second case 2.
As shown in FIG. 3, each of the engaging projections 12 on both right and
left lateral side surfaces 2
c of the second case 2 has a semicircular
cross section as in the case of the engaging projection 11 on the tip end
surface 2
b, and is positioned at a middle portion on each of both
right and left lateral side surfaces 2
c in the thickness direction
of the second case 2 and in the vicinity of the hinge unit 3 (bottom
end in FIG. 3). Each of the engaging projections 12 is long in back-and-forth
directions (up-and-down directions in FIG. 3). The engaging projections 12
on both right and left lateral side surfaces 2
c of the second case
2 also provide decoration to both lateral side surfaces 2
c of
the second case 2.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, engaging portions 13, 14 which are
detachably engaged with the engaging projections 11, 12 on the end
surface 2
b and both side lateral surfaces 2
c of the
second case 2 are formed on the tip end skirt 4
b and the lateral
side skirts 4
c of the cover member 4. As shown in FIG. 5,
the engaging portion 13 of the tip end skirt 4
b of the cover
member 4 which is engaged with the engaging projection 11 of the
end surface 2
b of the second case 2 has a concavity 13
a
formed on an inner surface of a projection disposed on the tip end skirt 4
b
of the cover member 4 and having a semicircular cross section as in
the case of the engaging projection 11 of the second case 2. The
concavity 13
a has the same shape and dimensions as those of the engaging
projection 11 which is engaged therewith. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each
of the engaging portions 14 on both lateral side skirts 4
c of
the cover member 4 which are engaged with the engaging projections 12
on both lateral side surfaces 2
b of the second case 2 is formed
to be a thin and long hole having the same shape and dimensions as those of each
of the engaging projections 12 on both side lateral surfaces 2
c
of the second case 2.
Next, an operation for mounting the cover member 4 on the second case
2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the concavity 13
a of
the tip end skirt 4
b of the cover member 4 is hooked on the
engaging projection 11 of the end surface 2
b of the second
case 2. Then, in this state, the cover member 4 is rotated around
the engaging projection 11 of the end surface 2
b of the second
case 2 toward the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2.
The planar portion 4
a of the cover member 4 is arranged to
be overlapped on the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2,
and the right and left lateral side skirts 4
c of the cover member
4 are arranged to be overlapped on the right and left lateral side surfaces
2
c of the second case 2. Then, the engaging projections 12
on both lateral side surfaces 2
c of the second case 2 are
inserted into and engaged with the engaging portions 14 of both lateral
side skirts 4
c of the cover member 4.
As a result, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover member 4 is mounted on
the second case in the state of covering the outer surface (upper surface in FIG.
6) of the second case 2, the end surface 2
b of the tip end
portion of the second case 2, and both right and left lateral side surfaces
2
c of the second case 2. To remove the cover member 4
from the second case 2, first, the engaging projections 12 of both
lateral side surfaces 2
b of the second case 2 are separated
from the engaging portions 14 of both lateral side skirts 4
c of
the cover member 4. Then, the cover member 4 is rotated around the
engaging projection 11 of the tip end surface 2
b of the second
case 2 in a direction in which the cover member 4 is separated from
the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2. Lastly, the concavity
13
a of the engaging portion 13 of the tip end skirt 4
b
of the cover member 4 is separated from the engaging projection 11
of the tip end surface 2
b of the second case 2.
According to such an electronic dictionary, when the first case 1
and the second case 2 are rotated around the hinge unit 3 to be folded
out, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of keys of the keyboard 5 in the inner
surface of the first case 1 are exposed to external space, and a screen
of the display unit 6 in the opening 7 of the inner surface of the
second case 2 is exposed to the external space. Thus, while a user of the
electronic dictionary of this embodiment watches the screen of the display unit
6, the user operates the plurality of keys of the keyboard 5 to put
information into the internal electric and/or electronic unit of at least one of
the first case 1 and the second case 2, and the entered information
and desired information processed by the electric and/or electronic unit based
on the entered information can be displayed on the screen of the display unit 6.
When the first case 1 and the second case 2 are rotated around the
hinge unit 3 to be closed, as shown in FIG. 2, the first case 1 and
the second case 2 overlap each other to make the electronic dictionary compact.
Thus, mobility of the electronic dictionary can be improved. In this case, it is
possible to obtain advantages of the decoration of the outer surface of the cover
member 4 mounted on the second case 2.
Thus, according to the electronic dictionary, by detachably engaging the engaging
portions 13, 14 of the cover member 4 with the engaging projections
11, 12 disposed in at least the second case 2 of the first
and second cases 1, 2, the cover member 4 for decoration can
be detachably mounted on the outer surface of the second case 2. Accordingly,
free replacement can be made among the plural kinds of cover members 4 for
decoration which are prepared beforehand, and the design such as a color, graphic,
and/or pattern of the surface of the electronic dictionary can be freely changed
in accordance with user's taste. When the cover member 4 is removed from
the second case 2, the engaging projections 11, 12 disposed
on the tip end surface 2
c and both side surfaces 2
b of
the second case 2 are exposed to the external space. However, the engaging
projections 11, 12 of the second case 2 also provide decorativeness
to the outer surface of the second case 2. Thus, a good appearance can be
provided to the electronic dictionary in a state in which the cover member 4
is removed from the second case 2.
Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary, the engaging projections
11, 12 of the second case 2 are disposed on the tip end surface
2
b positioned away from the hinge unit 3 and on both lateral
side surfaces 2
c in the vicinity of the hinge unit 3 on the
second case 2, and the engaging portions 13, 14 of the cover
member 4 are disposed on the tip end skirt 4
b and both lateral
side skirts 4
c of the cover member 4 corresponding to the
tip end surface 2
b and both lateral side surfaces 2
c of
the second case 2. Thus, when the cover member 4 is mounted on the
second case 2, the cover member 4 can be mounted on the outer surface
of the second case 2 in a sure and stable state.
Second Embodiment
Next, an electronic dictionary of a second embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. Portions of the second embodiment
similar to those of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.
1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting the same portions
of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the electronic dictionary, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, a decoration 201
is disposed on an outer surface of a second case 2 on which a cover member
4 is mounted. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an opening 202 is formed
in the cover member 4 corresponding to the decoration 201 on the
outer surface of the second case 2. Other components of the electronic dictionary
of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the decoration 201 of the second case 2
is a projecting portion of a thin and long shape in which both ends in its longitudinal
direction are formed semicircular, and disposed in a position slightly closer to
a tip end surface (bottom side in FIG. 9) of the second case than the center on
the outer surface of the second case 2. A satin-finish is performed on an
outer surface of the decoration 201, and a mark 203 such as a symbol,
a graphic, and/or a pattern is disposed thereon. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, the
opening 202 of the cover member 4 also has a thin and long shape
in which both ends in its longitudinal direction are formed semicircular. It is
similar in shape to the decoration 201 on the outer surface of the second
case 2, but slightly larger in dimensions. Thus, when the cover member 4
is mounted on the second case 2, as shown in FIG. 8, the decoration 201
on the outer surface of the second case 2 is arranged in the opening 202
of the cover member 4, and exposed through the opening 202 to external space.
According to such an electronic dictionary, it is possible to obtain technical
advantages similar to those of the first embodiment. Irrespective of mounting of
the cover member 4 on the outer surface of the second case 2, the
decoration 201 of the second case 2 can be seen from the external space.
Modification of Second Embodiment
Next, a modification of the second embodiment of the present invention will
be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14. Portions of the modification similar
to those of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6
and those of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 7 to
11 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting the same portions
of the first and second embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the modification of the second Embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, a decoration
205 is disposed along an end (upper side in FIG. 12) adjacent to a hinge
unit 3, i.e., a base end, on an outer surface of a second case 2.
In this case, in a cover member 4, an opening 206 is disposed along
the end (upper side in FIG. 12) adjacent to the hinge unit 3 corresponding
to the decoration 205. As in the case of the aforementioned decoration 201,
the decoration 205 is formed in a projecting shape to project from the outer
surface of the second case 2, and the opening 206 can be formed as
a notch in the end (upper side in FIG. 12) of the cover member 4. The opening
206 is similar in shape to the decoration 205, but slightly larger
in dimension. Thus, when the cover member 4 is mounted, as shown in FIG.
13, the decoration 205 on the outer surface of the second case 2
is arranged in the opening 206 of the cover member 4, and exposed
through the opening 206 to external space. That is, according to the modification,
technical advantages similar to those of the second embodiment can be provided.
Third Embodiment
Next, an electronic dictionary of a third embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. Portions of the third embodiment
similar to those of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.
1 to 6 and those of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.
7 to 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting the same portions
of the first and second embodiments, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the electronic dictionary, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a decoration 207
is disposed on an outer surface of a second case 2 on which a cover member
4 is mounted. A transparent light transmit member 208 is disposed
in the cover member 4 corresponding to the decoration 207 of the
second case 2. Other components of the electronic dictionary of the third
embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the decoration 207 of the second case 2
is a thin and long flat portion in which both ends in its longitudinal direction
are formed semicircular, and is disposed in a position slightly closer to a tip
end surface of the second case than the center (bottom side in FIG. 15) on the
outer surface of the second case 2 as in the case of the decoration 201
of the second embodiment. A satin-finish is performed on an outer surface of the
decoration 207, and a mark 203 such as a symbol, a graphic, and/or
a pattern is disposed thereon. The transparent light transmit member 208
of the cover member 4 also has a thin and long shape in which both ends
in its longitudinal direction are formed semicircular. It is similar in shape to
the decoration 207 on the outer surface of the second case 2, but
slightly larger in dimensions. Thus, when the cover member 4 is mounted
on the second case 2, as shown in FIG. 15, the decoration 207 on
the outer surface of the second case 2 is arranged to face the transparent
light transmit member 208 of the cover member 4, and the decoration
can be viewed through the light transmit member 208 from external space.
According to such an electronic dictionary, it is possible to obtain technical
advantages similar to those of the first embodiment. Irrespective of mounting of
the cover member 4 on the outer surface of the second case 2, the
decoration 207 of the second case 2 can be seen from the external space.
Modification of Third Embodiment
Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference
to FIGS. 12 to 14 showing the modification of the second embodiment and FIG. 15
showing the third embodiment.
In the modification of the third embodiment, as in the case of the modification
of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the
decoration 207 is disposed along an end (upper side in FIG. 15) adjacent
to the hinge unit 3 on the outer surface of the second case 2. In
the cover member 4, the transparent light transmit member 208 can
be disposed along the end (upper side in FIG. 15) adjacent to the hinge unit 3
corresponding to the decoration 207. According to the modification, technical
advantages similar to those of the third embodiment can be provided.
According to the first to third embodiments, and the modifications of the
second and third embodiments, the engaging projections 11, 12 are
disposed on the tip end surface 2
b of the second case 2 and
on both lateral side surfaces 2
c at the positions adjacent to the
hinge unit 3, and the engaging portions 13, 14 which are detachably
engaged with the engaging projections 11, 12 of the second case 2
are disposed on the tip end skirt 4
b of the cover member 4
and on both lateral side skirts 4
c at the positions adjacent to the
hinge unit 3. Instead, however, for example, a structure can be employed
in which an engaging projection 11 is disposed on the tip end surface 2
b
of the second case 2, an engaging concavity (not shown) is disposed
on a portion adjacent to the hinge unit 3 except the decoration 201,
205 or 207 on the outer surface of the second case 2, an engaging
portion 13 is disposed on the tip end skirt 4
b of the cover
member 4 to be detachably engaged with the engaging projection 11
of the second case 2, and an engaging projecting portion (not shown) is
disposed on the inner surface of the cover member 4 corresponding to the
outer surface of the cover member 4 to be detachably fitted in the engaging
concavity on the outer surface of the second case 2.
Fourth Embodiment
Next, an electronic dictionary of a fourth embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. Portions of the fourth embodiment
similar to those of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.
1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting the same portions
of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the electronic dictionary, engaging portions 20 are disposed in both
right and left lateral side surfaces 2
c of a second case 2
at positions adjacent to a hinge unit 3. The engaging portions 20
are detachably engaged with engaging portions 14 disposed on both right
and left side skirts 4
c of a cover member 4. Other components
of the electronic dictionary of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of
the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 18, the engaging portion 20 includes an engaging projection
22 and an urging member 23 such as a coil spring, and the engaging
projection 22 and the urging member 23 are housed in a concavity
21 disposed in each of both right and left lateral side surfaces 2
c
(only one lateral side surface is shown in FIG. 18) of the second case 2.
A hole 24 through which a tip end portion of the engaging projection 22
can projects out from and retracts in the concavity 21 is formed continuously
from the concavity 21 to the lateral side surface 2
c of the
second case 2. A flange 22
a is disposed on an outer periphery
of the engaging projection 22, the flange 22
a abuts a region
of an inner surface of the concavity 21 around an inner end of the hole
24 to prevent the engaging projection 22 from falling out through
the hole 24 from the concavity 21. The tip end portion of the engaging
projection 22 is projected out from the concavity 21 to the outside
through the hole 24 by an urging force of the urging member 23.
According to such an electronic dictionary, it is possible to obtain technical
advantages similar to those of the first embodiment. Further, the following technical
advantages can be obtained. That is, since the engaging projection 22 of
the engaging portion 20 can be projected from and retracted in the second
case under the urging force of the urging member 23, the engaging projection
22 can be surely engaged with the engaging portion 14 of the cover
member 4 by the urging force of the urging member 23. By pressing
the engaging projection 22 into the concavity 21 of the second case
2 through the hole 24 against the urging force of the urging member
23, detachable attachment of the engaging portion 14 of the cover
member 4 to the engaging projection 22 can be facilitated. Thus,
the work for mounting the cover member 4 on the second case 2 is
improved in the fourth embodiment.
Fifth Embodiment
Next, an electronic dictionary of a fifth embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. Portions of the fifth embodiment
similar to those of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.
1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting the same portions
of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the electronic dictionary, engaging portions 30 are disposed on a pair
of second projecting portions 9 of a hinge unit 3 positioned on both
right and left lateral side surfaces 2
c of a second case 2,
and engaging portions 31 are formed on both right and left side skirts 4
c
of a cover member 4 to be detachably engaged with the pair of second
projecting portions 9 of the hinge unit 3. Other components of the
electronic dictionary of the fifth embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the engaging portion 30 on each
of both right and left lateral side surfaces 2
c of the second case
2 has a semicircular-arc groove formed on an outer surface of each of the
pair of second projecting portions 9 of the hinge unit 3. As shown
in FIGS. 19 and 20, the engaging portion 31 on each of both right and left
lateral side skirts 4
c of the cover member 4 includes a circular
plate 33 on a tip end of an arm 32 extended from each of both right
and left lateral side skirts 4
c of the cover member 4. A semicircular-arc
engaging projecting portion 34 is formed on an inner surface of the circular
plate 33. The pair of arms 32 can be flexible in directions in which
the pair of arms 32 approach each other and move away from each other.
According to such an electronic dictionary, it is possible to obtain technical
advantages similar to those of the first embodiment. Further, the following technical
advantages can be obtained. By flexing the pair of arms 32 extended from
both right and left lateral side skirts 4
c of the cover member 4
in the mutually moving away direction, when the cover member 4 is mounted
on the second case 2, the semicircular-arc engaging projecting portion 34
of the circular plate 33 on the tip of each of the pair of arms 32
can be detachably engaged easily with the semicircular-arc engaging portion 30
disposed on the outer surface of each of the pair of second projecting portions
9 of the hinge unit 3 on both right and left lateral side surfaces
2
c of the second case 2. Thus, as in the case of the fourth
embodiment, the work for mounting the cover member 4 on the second case
2 is improved in the fifth embodiment.
Modification of Fifth Embodiment
Next, an electronic dictionary of a modification of the fifth embodiment of
the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22. Portions
of the modification similar to those of the first embodiment described above with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 and the fifth embodiment described above with reference
to FIGS. 19 and 20 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting
the same portions of the first and fifth embodiments, and detailed description
thereof will be omitted.
According to the fifth embodiment, the semicircular-arc engaging projecting
portions 34 are disposed on the inner surfaces of the circular plates 33
on the tip ends of the pair of arms 32 extended from both side skirts 4
c
of the cover member 4, and the semicircular-arc grooves of engaging
portions 30 are disposed on the outer surfaces of the pair of second projecting
portions 9 of the hinge unit 3 on both lateral side surfaces 2
c
of the second case 2.
However, instead of this structure, for example, a structure as shown in
FIGS. 21 and 22 can be employed in which columnar engaging projecting portions
35 are disposed on centers of the inner surfaces of the circular plates
33 on the tip ends of the pair of arms 32 of the cover member 4,
and circular holes 36 of engaging portions which can detachably engage the
engaging projecting portions 35 are disposed on centers of outer lateral
side surfaces of the pair of second projecting portions 9 of the hinge unit
3 of the second case. According to such a modification, technical advantages
similar to those of the fifth embodiment can be provided.
Sixth Embodiment
Next, an electronic dictionary of a sixth embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25. Portions of the sixth embodiment
similar to those of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.
1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting the same portions
of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the electronic dictionary, in place of the engaging portions 14 disposed
on both right and left lateral side skirts 4
c of the cover member
4, engaging portions having attractive members such as a pair of sucking
disks 40 are disposed on an inner surface of a planar portion 4
a
of the cover member 4 in the vicinity of a hinge unit 3, and
another engaging portion having an attractive member such as an attracted portion
41 is disposed on an outer surface 2
a of a second case 2.
Other components of the electronic dictionary of the sixth embodiment are the same
as those of the first embodiment.
More specifically, each of the sucking disks 40 can be made of a soft
synthetic resin such as vinyl chloride, and has a roughly dish shape as shown in
FIG. 25. A bottom of each sucking disk 40 is attached to the inner surface
of the planar portion 4
a of the cover member 4. When the planar
portion 4
a of the cover member 4 is overlapped on the outer
surface 2
a of the second case 2 and the sucking disks 40
are pressed on the attracted portion 41 of the outer surface 2
a
of the second case 2, the dish-shaped sucking disks 40 are elastically
deformed to discharge air from their indents, and attract the attracted portion
41 of the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2. The
attracted portion 41 of the second case 2 is constituted by smoothing
a part of the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2.
According to such an electronic dictionary, it is possible to obtain technical
advantages similar to those of the first embodiment. Further, the following technical
advantages can be obtained in the electronic dictionary. In a state in which the
engaging portion 13 of the tip end skirt 4
b of the cover member
4 is hooked on the engaging projection 11 of the tip end surface
of the second case 2, the pair of sucking disks 40 attract the attracted
portion 41 of the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2
by pressing the cover 4 on the outer surface 2
a of the second
case 2. Thus, as in the case of the fourth embodiment, the cover member
4 can be detachably mounted on the second case 2 easily. Since the
sucking disks 40 are disposed on the cover member 4, an appearance
of the second case 2 is good even when the cover member 4 is removed
from the second case 2.
Seventh Embodiment
Next, an electronic dictionary of a seventh embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. Portions of the seventh embodiment
similar to those of the sixth embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.
23 to 25 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those denoting the same
portions of the sixth embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
In the electronic dictionary, in place of the sucking disks 40 and the
attracted surface 41 of the sixth embodiment, for example, a pair of magnets
42 as attracting members are disposed in an inner surface of a planar portion
4
a of a cover member 4 in the vicinity of a hinge unit 3
and, for example, a pair of magnetic material portions 43 as other attractive
members are disposed in an outer surface 2
a of a second case 2
in the vicinity of the hinge unit 3. Other components of the electronic
dictionary of the seventh embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
According to such an electronic dictionary, it is possible to obtain technical
advantages similar to those of the first embodiment. Further, the following technical
advantages can be obtained in the seventh embodiment. That is, in a state in which
the engaging portion 13 of the tip end skirt 4
b of the cover
member 4 is hooked on the engaging projection 11 of the tip end surface
2
b of the second case 2, the cover member 4 is rotated
toward the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2, whereby
the pair of magnets 42 disposed in the inner surface of the planar portion
4
a of the cover member 4 and the pair of magnetic material
portions 43 disposed in the outer surface 2
a of the second
case are attracted each other by magnetic forces. Thus, as in the case of the sixth
embodiment, the cover member 4 can be detachably mounted on the second case
2 easily. Since the magnetic material portions 43 are embedded in
the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2 in this embodiment,
an appearance of the second case 2 is good even when the cover member 4
is removed from the second case 2.
According to the seventh embodiment, the magnets 42 are disposed
in the cover member 4, and the magnetic material portions 43 are
embedded in the second case 2. However, instead of this structure, for example,
a structure may be employed in which at least one magnet 42 is embedded
in the outer surface 2
a of the second case 2 and the cover
member 4 is made of a magnetic material or at least one magnetic material
portion is embedded in the inner surface of the cover member 4. With this
alternative structure, technical advantages similar to those of the seventh embodiment
can be obtained. Moreover, even when the cover member 4 is removed from
the second case 2, appearances of the second case 2 and the cover
member 4 are both good because the magnet 42 is not exposed on the
outer s
