Panel unit swing mechanism having first and second guide grooves and first and second connecting members

A panel unit swing mechanism for use with a personal information device, said personal information device having a body which includes a key input section and a panel unit, said panel unit comprising a display section opposed to the key input section and said panel unit being movable between a first state in which the panel unit is set with its longer sides parallel to a horizontal direction and a second state in which the panel unit is set with its shorter sides parallel to the horizontal direction, said panel unit swing mechanism comprising:

• a support unit swingably coupled to the body of the personal information device by hinges, said support unit swingably supporting the panel unit;
• a first connecting member coupling the panel unit and the support unit, said first connecting member comprising a shaft around which the panel unit is swingable relative to the support unit;
• a second connecting member coupling the panel unit and the support unit;
• a first guide groove formed in the support unit to regulate movement of the first connecting member, said first connecting member engaging the first guide groove and being movable therein when the panel unit is swung between the first and second states;
• and
• a second guide groove formed in the support unit to regulate movement of the second connecting member, said second connecting member engaging the second guide groove and being movable therein when the panel unit is swung between the first and second states.

A panel unit swing mechanism for use with a personal information device, said personal information device having a body which includes a key input section and a panel unit, said panel unit comprising a display section opposed to the key input section and said panel unit being movable between a first state in which the panel unit is set with its longer sides parallel to a horizontal direction and a second state in which the panel unit is set with its longer sides parallel to a vertical direction, said panel unit swing mechanism comprising:

• a support unit swingably coupled to the body of the personal information device by hinges, said support unit swingably supporting the panel unit;
• a first guide groove formed in the support unit substantially extending in the vertical direction;
• a second guide groove formed in the support unit substantially extending in the horizontal direction;
• a first connecting member coupling the panel unit and the support unit, said first connecting member being coupled to a substantially central portion of the panel unit and comprising a shaft around which the panel unit is swingable relative to the support unit;
• and
• a second connecting member coupling the panel unit and the support unit, said second connecting member being coupled to the panel unit at a position between the substantially central portion of the panel unit and a corner of the panel unit;
• wherein when the display unit is swung relative to the support unit between the first and second states, the first connecting member is guided by the first guide groove to move substantially in the horizontal direction and the second connecting member is guided by the second guide groove to move substantially in the vertical direction.