JPWO2002009976A1 - Video playback device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] An integrated video playback device comprising a playback unit 6 for playing back video information, a display unit 2 for displaying the played back video information, and a chassis for holding these is provided with a support means for supporting the displacement of both units 6, 2 and a fixing means for fixing the displacement, enabling each of both units 6, 2 to be displaced in a predetermined direction and fixed and stored in a predetermined position, thereby providing a small video playback device that is easy to operate and see when in use and has excellent storage efficiency when stored.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of video playback devices for playing and displaying video information, and more particularly to a video playback device installed on the ceiling or the like inside a vehicle.
This invention relates to a video playback device that uses a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) player and a liquid crystal color display to record and play back video and audio, or to record and play back video and images using television, video, internet communication, etc. Background Art Video playback devices that can store a display on the ceiling surface of a vehicle cabin have been known for some time. For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication Nos. 64-15479 and 61-137048, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-1996, which allow viewing by opening the display downwards, have been disclosed.
Further, Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 4-14549 discloses a display that can be moved along the ceiling surface of the vehicle, and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-189620 discloses a display that can be stored at an angle relative to the ceiling surface of the vehicle. In these conventional video playback devices, the display is installed on the ceiling surface of the vehicle, but other CD (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory)
The playback devices for information storage media such as DVD players and video players are installed elsewhere in the vehicle cabin. In this way, in all conventional video playback devices, the display is installed on the ceiling of the vehicle, but the part that plays the video information displayed on the display from the information storage media is installed separately from the display, which creates problems such as the need for wiring or a wireless connection device from the part that plays the video information to the display. Furthermore, since these devices are not configured as a unit that includes a DVD player or the like that plays the video, but are simply based on the opening and closing structure of the display,
The inclusion of other large components has led to problems such as the bulkiness of the overall unit, particularly the increased thickness of the decorative surface below the vehicle ceiling, the increased installation area on the vehicle ceiling, and the reduced ease of inserting and removing information storage media such as discs. For example, when integrating a large component such as a DVD player into a package other than a display, the device installed on the vehicle ceiling becomes large, which can obstruct the rearward visibility from the driver's seat and place it within the head impact zone of passengers, thereby reducing the safety space inside the vehicle. This can also impair the interior design of the limited vehicle interior space. Furthermore, if an insertion slot for an information storage medium such as a disc is provided, there is insufficient clearance between the device and the vehicle ceiling, resulting in reduced ease of inserting and removing discs. Furthermore, because the remote control for operating the device is installed separately from the device itself, users may find it difficult to find and have to search around the vehicle interior. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a compact video playback device that is easy to use and easy to see, and that is efficient to store. Disclosure of the Invention The video playback device of the present invention is an integrated video playback device that includes at least a pair of units and a chassis that holds them. The video playback device includes support means for supporting the displacement of the pair of units and fixing means for fixing the displacement, allowing each of the pair of units to be displaced in a predetermined direction and fixed and stored in a predetermined position. This advantageously provides a compact video playback device that is easy to use and easy to see, and that is efficient to store. The video playback device of the present invention has a pair of units arranged above and below each other. This advantageously reduces the installation area of the device, improves the storage efficiency of the units when stored, and allows for a more compact device. The video playback device of the present invention allows the pair of units to be stored by sandwiching and holding one of the pair of units between the other unit and the chassis. This advantageously allows the pair of units to be stored easily and efficiently. In a video playback device according to the present invention, a pair of units share a support means and are simultaneously displaceable to a predetermined position. This advantageously allows the pair of units to be easily opened and closed. In a video playback device according to the present invention, while one of the pair of units is fixed at a predetermined position, the other unit can be independently displaced and fixed within a predetermined range. This advantageously increases the degree of freedom in unit placement during use. In a video playback device according to the present invention, the device is installed on an installation surface having a recess, and at least one of the pair of units can be partially displaced and stored within the recess. This advantageously reduces the amount of protrusion into the installation space of the device and improves security by concealing the units. In a video playback device according to the present invention, a limiting means is provided for limiting the range of displacement of at least one of the pair of units. This advantageously allows the units to be displaced within the minimum necessary range, thereby saving space. In a video playback device according to the present invention, the limiting means comprises a recess and a protrusion that engages with the recess, provided on the unit to be limited and the chassis. This has the effect of limiting the range of displacement of the units with a simple structure. The video playback device of the present invention includes a temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing the displacement of one of the pair of units and a release means for releasing the temporary fixation, the release means operating in conjunction with the displacement of the other unit. This allows the temporary fixation of one unit to be released and displaced simultaneously by displacing the other unit, thereby enabling the pair of units to be easily opened, closed, and stored. In the video playback device of the present invention, the temporary fixing means comprises a mating recess and a mating protrusion that fit into one of the pair of units and the chassis, and the release means comprises a cam that releases the mating in conjunction with the other unit. This has the effect of enabling the pair of units to be easily opened, closed, and stored with a simple structure. In the video playback device of the present invention, at least one of the pair of units is capable of removing and inserting an information storage medium or component, and is displaceable between a first predetermined position where the one unit is stored and a second predetermined position where the information storage medium or component can be removed and inserted. This facilitates the insertion and removal of information storage media or components, and improves security by concealing the units when stored. The video playback device of the present invention has a pair of units arranged front to back or left to right. This allows the device to be slimmer when stored, and improves the flexibility of the arrangement of each unit when in use. The video playback device of the present invention includes an interlocking means for interlocking the displacement of each of the pair of units, allowing one unit of the pair to be displaced and the other unit to be displaced dependently. This facilitates opening, closing, and storing the pair of units. The video playback device of the present invention includes an interlocking means for disengaging the interlock under predetermined conditions, allowing the other unit to be displaced independently when the displacement of one unit of the pair is fixed or when an external force equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied to the other unit. This improves the flexibility of the arrangement of the units when in use. The video playback device of the present invention has a pair of units in which multiple components are stored. This has the effect of improving the operability of multiple components and reducing the number of units. The video playback device of the present invention is equipped with a door that covers one of a pair of units after it has been stored. This enables dust protection and protection of the stored unit, and concealing the unit improves security. The video playback device of the present invention is equipped with a lamp that illuminates the installation space in which the device is installed, and the door is positioned to block the illumination light within a predetermined range. This has the effect of limiting the illumination range of the illumination light, thereby improving visibility when viewing videos. The video playback device of the present invention has a remote control that can be detachably attached to the device body or one of the units. This has the effect of eliminating the need to search for the remote control and making it easier to use. The video playback device of the present invention is equipped with an opening that allows the remote control to be operated while the remote control is attached. This has the effect of allowing the remote control to be easily operated even when the remote control is attached. The video playback device according to the present invention comprises a pair of units, one of which is a playback unit that plays video information, and the other is a display unit that displays the played-back video information. This provides the advantage of providing a compact video playback device that is easy to operate in the playback unit and easy to see in the display unit when in use, and that is efficient to store when stored. The video playback device according to the present invention is designed to be installed on the ceiling surface of a vehicle interior. This provides the advantage of providing a compact video playback device for vehicles that is easy to operate and easy to see when in use, and that is efficient to store when stored. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention The configuration, operation, and effects of the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a video playback device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the display monitor 2 and playback unit 6, which are the display units of the video playback device according to embodiment 1, in an open state. Also,
Fig. 41 is a block diagram showing the overall functional configuration of a video playback device in an embodiment. The video playback device in this embodiment 1 is installed on the ceiling surface inside the vehicle. Fig. 1 shows the display monitor 2 in a closed state, and when the open/close button 3 is pressed from this state, the display monitor 2 and playback unit 6 such as a DVD player open as shown in Fig. 2, allowing a user seated in the rear seat of the vehicle to view and listen to video and audio. A headphone output terminal 5a is provided on the bottom surface of the main body base cover 1. As a means of listening to audio, in addition to connecting a headphone connection terminal to the headphone output terminal 5a, audio signals can also be transmitted via infrared or RF (Radio Frequency) signals, for example.
The audio signal can be converted into a .ency) signal or the like and wirelessly transmitted to wireless headphones 7 worn by the user for listening. An external input terminal 5b is also provided on the side of the main body base cover 1, allowing for connection and viewing of external sources such as game consoles and video cameras. A remote control storage compartment 4 for storing a detachable remote control 19 for operating the main body is located behind the display monitor 2. The remote control 19 can be removed from the remote control storage compartment 4 when in use and stored away when not in use. Figure 3 is a side view showing the overall structure of the video playback device in embodiment 1, showing the display monitor 2 and playback unit 6 in an open state. The display monitor 2 and playback unit 6 are arranged above and below, sharing a rotation shaft 33 as a support means for supporting their respective rotations. The frame chassis 18 is equipped with a rotation shaft holder 16, which serves as a chassis for holding the display monitor 2 and playback unit 6. The frame chassis 18 has a top cover 36 that is convex with respect to the recess on the back side of the vehicle ceiling surface 8 so that the playback unit 6 can be stored. When the playback unit 6 is closed, all or part of the playback unit 6 can be rotated up to the vehicle ceiling surface 8 for storage. In addition, the opening/closing button 3 for opening and closing and the opening/closing lock claw 17 as a locking mechanism that is a fixing means are
The playback unit 6 is located at the front of the playback unit 6. The playback unit 6 is fixed to the unit deck holder 15 and rotates together with the rotation of the unit deck holder 15. A front electric circuit board 13 is located on the front of the playback unit 6, and has switches for the main body operation buttons 1a and display LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).
The display monitor 2 and playback unit 6 are mounted on the rear panel 1b. ...
By manually pushing open the display monitor 2 from this state, the user can view the image on the display screen 11 as shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of the rotation shaft portion of the video playback device in embodiment 1. The rotation shaft of the unit deck holder 15 and the rotation shaft of the display monitor 2 are on the same rotation shaft 33, and a rotation hook fixing cam 21 is formed on the rotation shaft portion of the unit deck holder 15 as temporary fixing means. A rotation hook release cam 22 is attached to the rotation shaft 33 of the display monitor 2, which is on the same axis, as release means. A rotation hook groove 35 is formed on the rotation hook fixing cam 21 as an engaging recess, and a fixing pin lever 24 has a fixing pin 23 as an engaging protrusion that fits into this.
is attached to the rotary shaft holder 16. This fixed pin lever 24 is positioned so that the fixed pin 23 is pressed against the rotary hook fixing cam 21 by a lever spring 25. The unit deck holder 15 is equipped with a deck holder gear 30, and a rotation transmission gear 28 and a damper 29 for braking rotation mesh together to form a rotation braking unit. The unit deck holder 15 also includes a tilt limiter mechanism consisting of a tilt limiter pin 31 and a tilt limiter hole 32, which are convex and concave portions that engage as limiting means to prevent the playback unit 6 from tilting beyond a predetermined opening/closing angle from the vehicle ceiling surface 8 due to rotation. The rotary shaft configuration shown in Figure 7 can also be provided on both the left and right sides of the rotary shaft 33. Figures 8 and 9 are side views showing the structure of the rotary shaft of the video playback device in embodiment 1, illustrating the operation of the rotary hook mechanism when the unit deck holder 15 rotates. When the playback unit 6 in Figure 8 is closed to the device body, the rotary hook fixing cam 2
1 pushes up the fixing pin 23, and the tilt limiter pin 31 is positioned at the lower limit of the tilt limiter hole 32. As shown in FIG. 9, when the unit deck holder 15 rotates and the playback unit 6 opens, tilting to the set tilt angle, the fixing pin 23 fits into the rotation hook groove 35, fixing the tilt angle. At this time, the tilt limiter pin 31 is also positioned near the upper limit of the tilt limiter hole 32. The tilt angle is determined by the fixing pin 23, and the tilt limiter pin 31 functions as a safety device when an abnormal rotation moment is applied. FIGS. 10 to 12 are side views showing the structure of the rotation shaft of the video playback device in embodiment 1, and show the operation of the rotation hook release cam 22 that releases the fixing pin 23 from the rotation hook groove 35 when closing the open display monitor 2. FIG. 10 shows the display monitor 2 in an open state during use. FIG. 11 shows the display monitor 2 being closed just as the playback unit 6 is about to be opened.
12 shows the state immediately before the display monitor 2 and playback unit 6 are completely closed. From the state shown in FIG. 11 to the state shown in FIG. 12, the rotary hook release cam 22 acts on the fixing pin 23, and the hook is released. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the entire structure of the rotary shaft of the video playback device in embodiment 1, as seen from the front of the main body. In this example, the rotary hook mechanism 21 is attached to both the left and right rotary shafts.
-25, and tilt limiter mechanism units 31-32 are arranged, and rotation braking units 28-30
is disposed only on the left rotation shaft. Fig. 14 is a front view showing the structure of the opening/closing mechanism in the video playback device in embodiment 1. When the device main body is closed, the opening/closing lock claw 17 constituting the opening/closing mechanism is positioned in the display monitor recess 2a, so that the playback unit 6 is sandwiched and held between the main body chassis and the display monitor 2 and stored. A deck pressing cushion 37 and a display monitor pressing cushion 38 are provided on the top and bottom of the playback unit 6, respectively, to prevent the playback unit 6 from being damaged by impact or vibration.
FIG. 15 shows the opening/closing locking claw 17 in the video playback device according to the first embodiment.
16 and 17 are perspective and front views showing the structure and operation of the opening/closing mechanism of the video playback device in embodiment 1. The opening/closing mechanism is located on the underside of the frame chassis 18, and in FIG. 16, the top cover 36 is shown in a see-through illustration. FIG. 17 shows the operation of the opening/closing lock claw 47 being released when the opening/closing button 3 is pressed. The opening/closing button 3 is fitted into the button holder 39, and the provided spring 41
16, the button holder 39 is pressed downward, and the claws 39a abut against the button base 40 to position it. Button levers 42 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the button base 40, with the tips of the button levers 42 abutting the surface of the button holder 39. One end of a slider rod 43 is connected to the other end of the button lever 42 by a pin. The slider rod 43 has a slider pin hole 44 at a position a suitable distance from the button lever 42, and engages with a slider pin 45 fixed to the frame chassis 18. The other end of the slider rod 43 abuts against a slider receiving surface 46, which is a component of the open/close lock claw 17. The open/close lock claw 17 has a fulcrum above the slider receiving surface 46, and is configured to pivot left and right in FIG. 17 around a shaft 48a of an open/close lock claw holder 48 fixed to the top cover 36. The spring 49 acts to press the open/close lock claw 17 toward the inside where the display monitor 2 is located, and the slider receiving surface 46 presses the slider rod 43 toward the open/close button 3, so that the slider receiving surface 46 and the slider rod 43
3, and between the button lever 42 and the button holder 39. The open/close lock claws 17 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right, and the button lever 42, slider rod 43, slider pin hole 44, and slider pin 45 that act on them are also arranged symmetrically on the left and right. With this configuration, when the open/close button 3 is pressed as shown in Figure 17, the button lever 42 rotates and the slider mechanism, consisting of the slider pin hole 44 and slider pin 45, causes the slider rod 43 to press the slider receiving surface 46 almost parallel, and the open/close lock claws 17 rotate outward, disengaging the open/close lock claws 47 from the display monitor recess 2a. Although not shown, recesses similar to the display monitor recess 2a may be provided on the left and right sides of the playback unit 6 in Figure 14, and the recesses of the playback unit 6 may be fixed by the open/close lock claws 17 in the open state shown in Figure 15. At this time, by fixing it at a position sufficiently distant from the rotation axis 33, the tilt angle of the playback unit 6 when opened can be maintained and fixed with high precision. Next, Figs. 18 to 22 show the storage structure of the remote control 19 of the video playback device in embodiment 1. Figs. 18 to 20 are cross-sectional views of the remote control storage section 4 in embodiment 1.
These are a longitudinal cross-sectional view and a bottom view, respectively, showing the remote control 19 attached to the remote control storage compartment 4. In this example, the remote control holder is configured separately from the main body base cover 1. The remote control holder 50 has a remote control holding tab 51 at the tip, which engages with a fitting recess 19a on the remote control 19 to store and hold it. To remove the remote control 19, a remote control removal opening 53 is provided on the target side of the remote control 19, and a finger is inserted into this opening to pull out the remote control 19. The operation buttons on the remote control 19 may face either the inside or outside of the main body base cover 1. In this example, the operation buttons are positioned on the inside to provide clearance for the operation buttons, and guide protrusions 52 are provided to eliminate rattle around the entire periphery of the remote control 19. Figures 21 and 22 are cross-sectional and bottom views, respectively, showing a modified storage structure for the remote control 19, in which the remote control holder is configured integrally with the main body base cover 1. Regarding the positional relationship between the remote control holding tab 51 and the remote control outlet 53, and the number of remote control holding tabs 51, for example, as shown in FIG. 22, multiple tabs may be used, and the remote control outlets 53 may be arranged on the same surface. Thus, according to the video playback device of embodiment 1, the playback unit 6 and the display monitor 2 are installed on the vehicle ceiling surface 8, allowing for easy rotation, fixation, and storage in a predetermined position, resulting in a compact video playback device for a vehicle that is easy to operate and see when in use, and has excellent storage efficiency when stored. Furthermore, according to embodiment 1, by arranging the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6 above and below, the area occupied by the device main body on the vehicle ceiling surface 8 can be reduced, and the device main body can be packaged compactly. Furthermore, according to embodiment 1, simply by fixing the display monitor 2 placed on the lower level with the opening/closing lock tab 17, the playback unit 6 on the upper level can be attached to the frame chassis 1.
8, realizing a simple opening and closing mechanism. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the rotation axis 33 of the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6 is arranged on a single axis, and the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6 are stacked one on top of the other. This allows the two units to rotate integrally, making them easy to open and close. Furthermore, the structure for rotating the two units, locking and unlocking the tilt angle, and storing them can be consolidated and simplified. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, after the playback unit 6 is rotated and locked at a predetermined angle, the display monitor 2 can be further rotated to any or a predetermined angle and locked. This allows the position of the display monitor 2 to be freely changed when watching videos, improving visibility. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the playback unit 6, including the disc insertion slot 10, is designed to fit into the recessed portion on the back side of the vehicle ceiling surface 8, and the playback unit 6 can be rotated so that the disc insertion slot 10 faces downward from the vehicle ceiling surface 8. This facilitates loading and unloading of the disc 12, and allows the thickness of the main body design portion below the vehicle ceiling surface 8 to be reduced. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when the playback unit 6 and the display monitor 2 are closed and stored, the device body can be hidden, improving security.
The provision of the inclined limiter hole 32 along the circumference centered on the rotation axis 33 and the inclined limiter pin 31 engaging therewith allows the playback unit 6 to rotate within the minimum necessary range, thereby saving space. Furthermore, even when an abnormal rotational moment is applied, unnecessary rotation can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the playback unit 6 can be fixed at a predetermined angle by a structure including a fixing pin 23 and a recessed rotation hook groove 35 that fits into the fixing pin 23. Furthermore, the rotation axis of the display monitor 2 is provided with a rotation hook release cam 22 for removing the fixing pin 23. Therefore, by rotating the display monitor 2, the playback unit 6 can be simultaneously released and rotated, allowing both units to be easily opened, closed, and stored. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the coaxial rotation opening/closing mechanism prevents radial positional misalignment between the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6, facilitating alignment. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the provision of the remote control storage section 4 for storing the remote control 19 in the device main body eliminates the need for the user to search for the remote control 19, allowing the user to take out and use the remote control 19 at any time. Embodiment 2. Next, as a second embodiment, an example in which the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6 are arranged front to back on a plane is shown. Figs. 23 to 30 show the structure of a video playback device in the second embodiment. Fig. 23 is a side view showing the overall structure of the video playback device in the second embodiment. In this example, the rotation shafts of the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6 are arranged close to each other, and when the device is closed, the surface of the display screen 11 of the display monitor 2 faces the outside of the main body base cover 1. Fig. 24 is a side view showing the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6 of the video playback device in the second embodiment in an open state. As shown in Fig. 24, when the device is opened, the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6 are configured to rotate in opposite directions. For example, in the case of Fig. 24, when the tilt angle of the playback unit 6 side is opened to 15 degrees, the tilt angle of the display monitor 2 side is 60 degrees.
25 to 28 show the structure of the rotation shaft when a rotation interlocking mechanism is provided as an interlocking means for interlocking the rotations of the respective units, and when one playback unit 6 rotates, the other display monitor 2 rotates accordingly. Figs. 25 and 26 are a perspective view and a side view showing the rotation shaft in the second embodiment. The display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6 are rotated by separate rotation shafts 33a and 3
3b, each of which is provided with a display-side shaft gear 54 and a deck holder gear 30, which are meshed with each other at a predetermined gear ratio. As shown in FIG. 24, when the tilt angle of the playback unit 6 is opened to 15 degrees,
To rotate the display monitor 2 to an inclination angle of 60 degrees, the gear ratio should be set to 1:4. Figures 27 and 28 are side and front views showing a modified example of the rotating shaft portion in the second embodiment. This shows a structure that makes it easy to arbitrarily set the gear ratio of both the rotating bodies of the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6, and allows the two rotating shafts 33a, 33b to be set coaxially or at any axial position. Furthermore, by providing a slip rotation mechanism in the rotation interlocking mechanism as an interlock release means, when one unit is arbitrarily fixed, the other unit can be allowed to rotate independently above a certain rotation moment. When the unit deck holder 15 to which the playback unit 6 is fixed opens, the deck holder gear 30
The rotation is transmitted to gear a55 and slip gear a58, which then mesh with the display monitor-side shaft gear 54 of the display monitor 2 and rotate to open. At this time, the opening and closing angles of the two rotating bodies can be set arbitrarily by presetting the ratio of each gear. Furthermore, for example, by providing a slip rotation mechanism for the intermediate gear, slip gear a58, the interlocking rotating bodies can rotate independently when a rotation moment exceeds a predetermined value. The gear holder 61 shown in Figure 28 holds the intermediate gears, gear a55 and slip gear a58, to form a rotation interlocking mechanism. However, this is not a limitation, and the display monitor 2 and playback unit 6 may always rotate independently. Next, Figures 29 and 30 are perspective and side views showing the opening and closing mechanism of the playback unit 6 in embodiment 2. The open/close lock lever 63 is fixed to the playback unit 6, and the open/close lock pin 68 is formed on the frame chassis 18. When in the closed state, the open/close lock lever 63 engages the upper open/close lock pin 68a.
A spring 66 is hooked on the lever rotation shaft 65, and a moment is applied so that the lever is always caught on the open/close lock pin 68. One end of the spring 66 is hooked on the open/close lock lever 63, and the other end is hooked on a spring receiver 67 of the playback unit 6. By pushing and pulling down the open/close lock release button 62 in the direction in which the open/close lock pin 68 is released, the playback unit 6 rotates and opens. When the open/close lock release button 62 is returned after opening, the open/close lock lever 63 is hooked on the open/close lock pin lower stage 68.
b and fixed. The open/close lock levers 63 are arranged on both the left and right sides and are connected via the open/close lock stays 64, to which the open/close lock release button 62 is fixed. Note that in this example, the display monitor 2 and the playback unit 6 are arranged front to back on a plane, but they may also be arranged left to right on a plane or diagonally on a plane. In this way, according to the video playback device of the second embodiment, the display monitor 2
By arranging the playback unit 6 on a flat surface, the design surface of the device main body can be made even thinner. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, a rotation interlocking mechanism that links the two rotating shafts is provided, and the rotating shafts are integrated into a structure, thereby simplifying the locking mechanism. Furthermore, simply opening or closing one unit allows the other unit to open or close independently, eliminating the need for the user to open or close both units separately. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, a slip rotation mechanism is provided, so that when the rotation of one unit is fixed, the other unit can rotate independently above a predetermined rotation moment, thereby improving the flexibility of the placement of the other unit during use. Embodiment 3. Next, as an example of the third embodiment, a plurality of subunits 69 each having a slot opening 70 as a component are arranged in the playback unit 6 of the first embodiment. Third Embodiment
Figures 1 to 37 show the structure of a video playback device according to the third embodiment. Figure 31 is a perspective view showing an example of the playback unit 6 of the video playback device according to the third embodiment. In Figure 31, objects that can be inserted or removed through the slot opening 70 include media such as magnetic or optical disks, card-shaped memories or stick-shaped memories used for PCMCIA, etc., as well as any other components such as an expansion circuit board or the subunit 69 itself. Figures 32 to 37 show the attachment/detachment structure of the remote control 19 according to the third embodiment. Here, as an example of the subunit 69 in Figure 31, the remote control 19 shown in the first embodiment is shown stored in the playback unit 6. Figures 32 and 33 are perspective and bottom views showing the attachment/detachment structure of the remote control 19 according to the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 32, the remote control 19 is inserted or removed from a remote control storage section 71 having a remote control insertion port 75 on the front surface of the playback unit 6. As shown in Figure 33, the bottom surface of the remote control storage section 71 is provided with a remote control holding tab 72 for storing the remote control 19. An opening 73 for the remote control buttons is provided so that the remote control operation buttons 74 can be operated while the remote control 19 is stored. Figures 34 to 36 are side and front views showing the attachment/detachment structure of the remote control 19 in embodiment 3, illustrating the state in which the remote control 19 is stored and removed. Figure 37 is a perspective view of the remote control 19 itself. When the remote control 19 is stored, as shown in Figure 34, the push-out spring 78 is pressed via the push-out plate 79, and the remote control holding claw 77 engages with the remote control recessed claw receiver 76, thereby storing the remote control 19. When removing the remote control 19, the tip of the remote control holding portion 72 is pressed to release the remote control holding claw 77, and the push-out spring 78 acts to cause the remote control 19 to protrude, as shown in Figure 35. To prevent the remote control 19 from protruding, the remote control holding claw 77 is hooked onto the slanted step 81 of the remote control operation recess 80, after which the remote control can be removed by hand. Because the remote control holding claw 77 is hooked onto the slanted step 81, it slides down the slope and is released. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the remote control storage section 71 as seen from the front. The operation surface of the remote control 19 forms a remote control operation recess 80 so that the remote control operation buttons 74 do not touch the bottom surface 71a of the remote control storage section. Thus, according to the third embodiment, since a plurality of sub-units each having a slot opening 70 are arranged in the playback unit 6, the operability of inserting and removing media from the slot opening 70 is improved. Furthermore, since a plurality of units can be combined into one, the number of units can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, regardless of whether or not a slot opening 70 is provided for the plurality of sub-units, it is easy to operate the various operation buttons on the front surface of each sub-unit, view the various display elements, and send and receive signals with the external remote control 19 and communication elements. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, since the remote control storage section 71 is provided in the playback unit 6, the remote control 19, including the remote control storage section 71, can be hidden from the design when the device body is closed, improving security. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the remote control button opening 7 is provided on the bottom surface of the playback unit 6.
3, when the remote control 19 is stored in the remote control storage section 71,
The remote control operation button 74 can be operated. Embodiment 4 Next, as embodiment 4, an example in which a door for storing and protecting the display monitor 2 in embodiment 2 is provided is shown. Figs. 38 to 40 show the structure of the video playback device in embodiment 4. Fig. 38 is a side view showing the overall structure of the video playback device in embodiment 4. Here, a sliding door 82 of a sliding type is provided as a door for storing and protecting the display monitor 2. The sliding door 82 has a flat shape, and is configured so that a claw 82a engages with a guide groove 83 in the main body base cover 1, and slides back when the display monitor 2 is raised. However, this is not limiting, and the sliding door 82 may be opened and closed in the left-right direction of the display monitor 2 or forward, for example. Also, in this example, the main electric circuit board 20 arranged inside the main body base cover 1 is
The vehicle's interior lighting 84 is provided on the display monitor 2. FIG. 39 is a side view showing the illumination range of the interior lighting 84 when the display monitor 2 is stored. In this case, as shown in FIG. 39, when the display monitor 2 is closed and the sliding door 82 is closed, the illumination light from the interior lighting 84 passes through the illumination panel 85 and illuminates almost the entire interior of the vehicle. The illumination light is also directed toward the user viewing the image on the display monitor 2 at an angle a. FIG. 40 is a side view showing the illumination range of the interior lighting 84 when viewing the display monitor 2. As described above, when viewing an image with the display monitor 2 open and raised, the illumination light can be blocked up to an angle b by fastening the sliding door 82 midway along the guide groove 83. As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the sliding door 82 is provided to store and protect the display monitor 2. Therefore, when the display monitor 2 is closed, the surface of the display screen 11 is protected by the sliding door 82, preventing the surface of the display screen 11 from becoming dirty or damaged when not in use. Furthermore, concealing the display monitor 2 improves security. Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, the main electric circuit board 20 disposed in the device main body is provided with the interior lighting 84 of the vehicle, and the light from the interior lighting 84 can be partially blocked by the sliding door 82, so that the light from the interior lighting 84 can illuminate only the front seat area of the vehicle and not the rear seat area. As a result, when a user seated in the rear seat watches an image on the display screen 11, backlighting from the lighting can be blocked, improving the visibility of the screen. In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a DVD was used as the information storage medium to be played back by the playback unit 6, but this is not limited to this, and other media such as video CDs, CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-ROMs, etc. can also be used.
R (Recordable), CD-RW (Rewritable), DVD-
ROM, DVD-RAM (Random Access Memory), DV
Other optical disks such as D-RW and MD (Mini Disk), magnetic disks such as flexible disks and hard disks, and IC (Integrated C)
Other information storage media may be used, such as memory cards, such as a circuit memory card, a magnetic memory card, an optical memory card, magnetic tapes, such as video tapes, and removable solid-state memory media using memory ICs. Also, in the embodiment, an example in which a liquid crystal display is used as an example of a display unit is shown, but other types of displays, such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a plasma display, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. may also be used.
e) Display, LED display, VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent
Various other display monitors may also be used, such as a Scent Display, a projection display, a head-up display, etc. In the embodiment, an example has been shown in which the present invention is applied to a video playback device that mainly plays back video information such as movies stored on DVDs, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in addition to television and video images, image information such as maps and routes from a car navigation device, and information from a VICS (Vehicle Information and Communications System) may also be used.
The present invention may also be applied to a device for reproducing and displaying traffic information such as traffic congestion information from a vehicle unification system receiving device, vehicle information such as vehicle speed and engine RPM from a vehicle electronic control unit, and image information from an in-vehicle PC (Personal Computer), thereby providing a compact in-vehicle information reproducing device capable of reproducing and displaying various information within the vehicle cabin. Also, in the embodiment, an example was shown in which a video reproducing device mounted mainly on a vehicle was assumed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may also be applied to a video reproducing device mounted on other moving bodies such as a train, a ship, an airplane, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).
The present invention may also be applied to portable information terminal devices carried by people, such as digital assistants. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to devices mounted on mobile objects, but may also be applied to video playback devices fixedly installed in offices, home viewing rooms, etc., and similar effects can be obtained in such cases. As described in the above embodiments, the present invention has the following features: An integrated video playback device composed of multiple functionally divided units, in which at least two or more units are arranged vertically, and a rotating shaft is provided on a chassis holding the vertically arranged units so that each unit can rotate. The vertically arranged units are structured to rotate simultaneously on the same axis to a predetermined angle when rotated, and an opening/closing mechanism is provided, in which the opening/closing mechanism is structured to sandwich and hold the units between the chassis and at least one unit, and after the units have rotated and been fixed at the predetermined angle, at least one unit can be further rotated to any or a predetermined angle and fixed. When the units are rotated and closed, some or all of the units are recessed inside the installation surface on which the device is installed, reducing the amount of protrusion into the space outside the installation surface. At least one unit has a slotted hole along the circumference of a circle centered on the rotation axis and a pin that engages with it as a means for limiting the opening/closing angle, while the unit that is fixed at a predetermined angle has a structure with a pin and a recessed groove that fits into it to fix its rotation, and a cam is provided on the rotation axis of the other unit to disengage the pin.The rotation unit is composed of an information storage medium that can be removed and inserted or an optional subunit, etc., and after rotation, it is fixed at a predetermined angle from the original installation surface on which the device main body is installed, so that the removal and insertion surface protrudes from the original installation surface, allowing the object to be removed and inserted at a predetermined angle from the installation surface.A remote control for operating the device can be detachably attached to the device main body.A structure in which each unit is arranged front to back or left to right, with a rotation axis provided on each unit, allowing each to rotate independently and have an opening/closing mechanism that can be fixed at any position.A rotation interlocking mechanism that interlocks the rotation of each unit allows one unit to rotate independently and the other unit to rotate dependently. A structure in which a slip rotation mechanism is provided in the rotation interlocking mechanism, allowing the other unit to rotate independently when a predetermined rotation moment is exceeded when one unit is arbitrarily fixed. A structure in which multiple components are housed in one rotating unit. A structure in which an insertion and retention mechanism is provided in one rotating unit that allows a remote control to be attached and detached to it, and an opening is provided in the rotating unit that allows the remote control's operation buttons to be operated while the unit is attached. A structure in which a door is provided in the device main body to cover the rotating unit after it is stored in the device main body. A structure in which an interior lighting fixture is provided in the device main body, and a door is provided so that the illumination light from the interior lighting fixture can be blocked within a predetermined range. Furthermore, this invention realizes a compact, packaged, all-in-one video playback device for vehicles that is installed on the ceiling surface of the vehicle cabin and minimizes the installation projection area on the vehicle ceiling surface and the design surface height from the vehicle ceiling surface, and has the following features: A structure in which a DVD player and a display monitor are arranged above and below on the vehicle ceiling surface to form an integrated device. The display monitor is placed under the DVD player, and the chassis that holds both is equipped with a rotating shaft, allowing both to rotate. The rotating shaft is equipped with a mechanism to fix the DVD player at a specified angle and a cam mechanism to release this. A locking mechanism is provided to hold the DVD player together with the chassis and display monitor, and when in use, the lock is released by pressing the open/close button, allowing the DVD player to be opened.
The DVD player and display monitor rotate open simultaneously, the DVD player rotates to a specified angle and locks in place, and the display monitor, which rotates in tandem, can then be rotated open to allow viewing at any angle. When the unit is closed and stored, the DVD player is recessed into the vehicle ceiling, and when open for use, it is fixed at an angle relative to the vehicle ceiling with the DVD player's disc insertion slot exposed. The remote control can be detachably attached to the device itself or to either unit.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the video playback device of the present invention is suitable for installation on the ceiling surface or the like inside a vehicle cabin, and is suitable for obtaining a small video playback device that is easy to operate and see when in use and has excellent storage efficiency when stored.

[Brief explanation of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a video playback device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display monitor 2 and playback unit 6 of the video playback device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention are open. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the overall structure of the video playback device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a state in which the display monitor 2 and playback unit 6 of the video playback device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention are closed. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state in which the playback unit 6 of the video playback device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is opened to a predetermined tilt angle. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which the display monitor 2 of the video playback device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention is opened to a predetermined tilt angle. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the structure of a rotating shaft according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the structure of a rotating shaft according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side view showing the structure of a rotating shaft according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the structure of a rotating shaft according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the structure of a rotating shaft according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a side view showing the structure of the rotating shaft portion in embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a front view showing the overall structure of the rotating shaft portion in embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 14 is a front view showing the structure of the opening/closing mechanism in embodiment 1 of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a front view showing the opening/closing lock claw portion 1 of the opening/closing mechanism in embodiment 1 of the present invention.
1 is a front view showing a state when the remote control storage section 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is disengaged. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the structure of the opening/closing mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a front view showing the operation of the opening/closing mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the remote control storage section 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the remote control storage section 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the remote control storage section 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the remote control storage section 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a bottom view showing a modified example of the remote control storage section 4 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a side view showing the overall structure of a video playback device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a side view showing a state in which the display monitor 2 and playback unit 6 of the video playback device according to the second embodiment of the present invention are open. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a rotation shaft according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a side view showing a rotation shaft according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 27 is a side view showing a modified example of the rotating shaft portion in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is a front view showing a modified example of the rotating shaft portion in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing an opening/closing mechanism of the playback unit 6 in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 30 is a side view showing an opening/closing mechanism of the playback unit 6 in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 31 is a perspective view showing an opening/closing mechanism of the playback unit 6 in the video playback device in the third embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a perspective view showing an example of the structure of the remote control 19 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the detachable structure of the remote control 19 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is a bottom view showing the detachable structure of the remote control 19 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 is a side view showing the detachable structure of the remote control 19 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is a side view showing the detachable structure of the remote control 19 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 is a front view showing the detachable structure of the remote control 19 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the remote control 19 main body according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38 is a side view showing the overall structure of the video playback device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39 is a side view showing the illumination range of the interior illumination lamp 84 when the display monitor 2 is stored according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 40 is a side view showing the illumination range of the interior illumination lamp 84 when viewing the display monitor 2 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 41 is a block diagram showing the overall functional configuration of the video playback device according to the embodiment. The symbols used in the above figures are explained below: 1: Main unit base cover, 1a: Main unit operation buttons, 1b: Transparent panel, 2: Display monitor, 2a: Display monitor recess, 3: Open/close button, 4: Remote control storage section, 5: External terminal, 5a: Headphone output terminal, 5b: External input terminal, 6: Playback unit, 7: Wireless headphones, 8: Vehicle ceiling surface, 9: Display L
ED, 10: disc insertion slot, 11: display screen, 12: disc, 13: front electrical circuit board, 14: infrared LED, 15: unit deck holder, 16: rotating shaft holder, 17: open/close lock claw, 18: frame chassis, 19: remote control, 19a: fitting recess, 20: main electrical circuit board, 21: rotating hook fixing cam, 22: rotating hook release cam, 23: fixing pin, 24: fixing pin lever, 25: lever spring, 26: display monitor shaft joint, 27
: Display monitor shaft stay, 28: Rotation transmission gear, 29: Damper, 30
: Deck holder gear, 31: Tilt limiter pin, 32: Tilt limiter hole,
33: Rotating shaft, 33a: Rotating shaft, 33b: Rotating shaft, 34: Unit deck, 35
: Groove for rotating hook, 36: Top cover, 37: Deck pressing cushion, 38:
Display monitor press cushion, 39: button holder, 39a: claw, 4
0: Button base, 41: Spring, 42: Button lever, 43: Slider rod, 44: Slider pin hole, 45: Slider pin, 46: Slider receiving surface, 47: Opening/closing lock claw, 48: Opening/closing lock claw holder, 48a: Shaft, 49: Spring, 50: Remote control holder, 51: Remote control holding claw, 52: Guide protrusion, 53: Remote control removal port, 54: Display side shaft gear, 55: Gear a, 56
: Pinion a, 57: Gear a, 58: Slip gear b, 59: Pinion b, 60:
Large gear b, 61: gear holder, 62: unit open/close lock release button, 63:
Open/close lock lever, 64: open/close lock stay, 65: lever rotation axis, 66: spring, 67: spring receiver, 68: open/close lock pin, 68a: open/close lock pin upper section, 68b: open/close lock pin lower section, 69: sub-unit, 70: slot opening, 71: remote control storage section, 71a: bottom surface of remote control storage section, 72: remote control holding section, 73: opening for remote control button, 74: remote control operation button, 75: remote control insertion port, 76: remote control concave claw receiver, 77: remote control holding claw, 78: extrusion spring, 79: extrusion plate, 80: remote control operation concave surface, 81: diagonal step, 82: sliding door, 82a: sliding door claw, 83: guide groove, 84: interior lighting, 85: lighting panel.

───────────────────────────────────────────────────── Continued from the front page (72) Inventor: Toyoaki Kitano 2-2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Ryo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor: Yukio Saga 2-2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Ryo Electric Co., Ltd. (Note) This publication is based on the publication published internationally by the International Bureau of Patents (WIPO). The effect of the international publication of the Japanese patent application (Japanese utility model registration application) related to this publication arises pursuant to Article 184-10, Paragraph 1 of the Patent Act (Article 48-13, Paragraph 2 of the Utility Model Act) and is unrelated to this publication.

Claims (21)

[Claims] [Claim 1] An integrated video playback device comprising at least a pair of units and a chassis for holding them, characterized in that the video playback device is provided with a support means for supporting the displacement of the pair of units and a fixing means for fixing the displacement, allowing each of the pair of units to be displaced in a predetermined direction and fixed and stored in a predetermined position. 2. The video reproducing device according to claim 1, wherein a pair of units are arranged one above the other. [Claim 3] A video playback device as described in claim 2, characterized in that the pair of units can be stored by holding one of the units between the other unit and the chassis. 4. The video reproducing device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of units share a support means and are capable of being displaced simultaneously to a predetermined position. [Claim 5] A video playback device as described in claim 1, characterized in that when the displacement of one unit of a pair of units is fixed at a predetermined position, the other unit can be independently displaced and fixed within a predetermined range. [Claim 6] A video playback device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the device is installed on an installation surface having a recess, and a portion of at least one of the pair of units can be displaced so that it can be stored within the recess. 7. The video reproducing device according to claim 1, further comprising limiting means for limiting the range of displacement of at least one of the pair of units. 8. The video playback device according to claim 7, wherein the limiting means comprises a recessed portion provided on the unit to be limited and the chassis, and a protruding portion that engages with the recessed portion. [Claim 9] A video playback device as described in claim 1, comprising a temporary fixing means for temporarily fixing the displacement of one of a pair of units, and a release means for releasing the temporary fixation, wherein the release means performs a release operation in conjunction with the displacement of the other unit. 10. The present invention is characterized in that the temporary fixing means is provided in one of the pair of units and the chassis with a fitting recess and a fitting protrusion that fits therein, and the releasing means is provided with a cam that releases the fitting in conjunction with the other unit.
Item 1. A video playback device. [Claim 11] A video playback device as described in claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the pair of units is capable of removing and inserting an information storage medium or component, and is displaceable between a first predetermined position in which the one unit is stored and a second predetermined position in which the information storage medium or component can be removed and inserted. 12. The video reproducing device according to claim 1, wherein a pair of units are arranged front to back or left to right. 13. A coupling means for coupling the displacements of the pair of units with each other,
2. The video reproducing device according to claim 1, wherein one of the pair of units can be displaced to cause the other unit to be displaced in a dependent manner. [Claim 14] A video playback device as described in claim 13, characterized in that the interlocking means is provided with an interlocking release means that releases the interlock under predetermined conditions, and when the displacement of one of the pair of units is fixed or when an external force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the other unit, the other unit can be displaced independently. 15. The video reproducing device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of components are housed in one of the pair of units. 16. The video playback device according to claim 1, further comprising a door for covering and concealing either one of the pair of units after the unit is stored. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising an illumination lamp for illuminating an installation space in which the apparatus is installed, and a door arranged so as to be able to block the illumination light within a predetermined range.
Item 1. A video playback device. 18. The video playback device according to claim 1, wherein a remote controller for operating the device is detachably provided on the device main body or any one of the units. 19. The video playback device according to claim 18, further comprising an opening that allows the remote controller to be operated while the remote controller is still attached. [Claim 20] A video playback device as described in claim 1, characterized in that one unit of a pair of units is a playback unit that plays back video information, and the other unit is a display unit that displays the played back video information. 21. The video playback device according to claim 1, wherein the device is installed on a ceiling surface inside a vehicle.