Electronic device and slide mechanism
The sliding mechanism with magnetically configured poles addresses the width limitation of camera shutters in electronic devices, enabling a larger sliding distance and stable operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024030267
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2044-02-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing camera shutters in electronic devices with wide viewing angles require a larger sliding distance, which is limited by the width of the shutter mechanism.
A sliding mechanism using magnets with alternating pole configurations on a slider and housing, allowing for a larger sliding distance while minimizing the overall mechanism width, utilizing a movable magnet with wider poles and a fixed magnet with narrower poles at both ends and wider poles in the center.
Achieves a larger sliding distance while maintaining a compact mechanism width, providing a stable and smooth operation with reduced friction and improved usability.
Smart Images

Figure 2025132596000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device and a slide mechanism. [Background technology]
[0002] In electronic devices such as notebook personal computers (notebook PCs), tablet computers (tablet PCs), and multi-function mobile phones (smartphones), optical devices such as cameras are increasingly being installed around the display.
[0003] A camera mounted on a display housing is generally directed toward the user, which can cause users to feel uneasy about the camera taking unintended photos even when it is not in operation. Furthermore, if the camera is exposed, it can ruin the sense of unity in design with the frame. One possible way to conceal the camera is to use a mechanical shutter, as in Patent Document 1, where a cover is manually slid.
[0004] The electronic device described in Patent Document 1 includes a frame that surrounds a display and a camera attached to the upper frame of the frame, and a shielding cover that is slidable along the upper frame between a first position and a second position. The camera is covered when the shielding cover is in the first position and exposed when the cover is in the second position.
[0005] In this electronic device, the movable magnet and fixed magnet are attracted to each other when the slider is in the first and second positions, and because no mechanical elastic material is used, there is no influence from component variations or mechanical fatigue, resulting in a stable clicking sensation and a long lifespan. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-006941 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0007] Some cameras installed in recent electronic devices have a wide viewing angle, and the shutters that cover them need to slide a greater distance, but there is a limit to the width that can be accommodated in the shutter mechanism.
[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an electronic device and a sliding mechanism that can achieve a larger sliding amount while reducing the width of the entire mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]
[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems, an electronic device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a housing in which a display is provided, an optical device provided in the housing and facing forward, a slider that is displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing, a shielding cover that is provided on the slider and that is disposed in a position that covers the front of the optical device when the slider is in the first position and that is disposed in a position that avoids the front of the optical device when the slider is in the second position, a movable magnet that is provided on the slider, and a fixed magnet that is provided on the housing, wherein the fixed magnet faces the movable magnet. On the surface facing the fixed magnet, a total of four poles, N poles and S poles, are arranged alternately along the displacement direction of the slider, and on the surface facing the fixed magnet, one first magnetic pole and one second magnetic pole are arranged along the displacement direction, in an order in which they attract each other to the fixed magnet when the slider is in the first position and the second position, and the width of the two poles at both ends of the fixed magnet in the displacement direction is narrower than the two poles in the middle, and the width of the N pole and S pole of the movable magnet in the displacement direction is the same and wider than the two poles at both ends of the fixed magnet, with the total width being less than half the overall width of the fixed magnet.
[0010] In addition, a slide mechanism according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises a slider that can be displaced between a first position and a second position relative to a housing, a movable magnet provided on the slider, and a fixed magnet provided on the housing, wherein the fixed magnet has a total of four poles, namely north and south poles, arranged alternately along the displacement direction of the slider on the surface facing the movable magnet, and the movable magnet has one first magnetic pole and one second magnetic pole along the displacement direction on the surface facing the fixed magnet, arranged in an order such that they are attracted to the fixed magnet when the slider is at the first position and the second position, and the width of the two poles at both ends of the fixed magnet in the displacement direction is narrower than the two poles at the center, and the width of the north and south poles of the movable magnet in the displacement direction is the same and wider than the two poles at both ends of the fixed magnet, with a total width that is less than half the total width of the fixed magnet. [Effects of the Invention]
[0011] According to the above aspect of the present invention, it is possible to achieve a larger sliding distance while suppressing the width of the entire mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion including a groove in the upper portion of the display housing. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of the upper frame of the display housing when the slider is in the first position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded front view of the upper frame and the slider. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion including a second guide protruding piece in the upper portion of the display housing. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the movable magnet, fixed magnet and their surroundings, where (a) shows the slider in a first position, and (b) shows the slider in a second position. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the facing portions of the movable magnet and the fixed magnet, where (a) is a diagram showing the slider in a first position, and (b) is a diagram showing the slider in a second position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion including a fixed magnet and a movable magnet in the upper portion of the display housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an electronic device and a sliding mechanism according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 10 has a sliding mechanism 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device 10 is a notebook PC. The electronic device according to the present invention is not limited to a notebook PC, and may be, for example, a desktop PC, a mobile tablet terminal, or a multi-function mobile phone.
[0015] The electronic device 10 has a display housing (housing) 16 that can be opened and closed relative to a main housing 14 by means of a hinge 18, and by closing the display housing 16, the electronic device becomes compact and is suitable for mobile use. A keyboard 20 is provided on the top surface of the main housing 14.
[0016] In the following description, the left-right direction relative to the display housing 16 is referred to as the X direction, the up-down direction as the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the display 22 as the Z direction. With respect to the display housing 16, the side connected to the main body housing 14 by the hinge 18 is referred to as the bottom, and the opposite side as the top. The X direction is the displacement direction of a slider 36, which will be described later. The Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction of the slider 36, which will be described later, and the front-to-back direction. With respect to the Z direction, with respect to the display 22, the display surface side is referred to as the front, and the opposite side is referred to as the back. In other words, the Z direction is the front-to-back direction.
[0017] The display housing 16 has a display 22 provided on the front surface, i.e., the display surface, a frame (housing) 24 that surrounds the periphery of the display 22, and a rear cover (housing) 26. The frame 24 and rear cover 26 form part of the housing. The rear cover 26 and frame 24 are made of a resin material. The rear cover 26 is slightly larger in area than the display 22 and covers the rear of the display 22. The display 22 is a thin, rectangular color LCD display that occupies most of the front surface of the display housing 16. The frame 24 is narrow, forming a so-called narrow bezel.
[0018] 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion including groove 31a in the upper portion of display housing 16. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a camera (optical device) 28 and a camera lamp (optical device) 29 are provided at a rear position of upper frame 24a of frame body 24 in rear cover 26, facing forward.
[0019] Glass 34 is provided on the front of the display housing 16. The glass 34 covers the display 22 and the front portion of the upper frame 24a. The portion of the glass 34 that covers the upper frame 24a is painted black so that the structure of the upper frame 24a is not visible. However, the front portions of the camera 28 and camera lamp 29 form uncolored transparent windows that are exposed. The camera 28 and camera lamp 29 can also be shielded by a first shielding cover 46a and a second shielding cover 46b, which will be described later. The camera 28 is provided in approximately the center of the upper frame 24a in the left-right direction. The upper frame 24a may also be provided with a microphone, an infrared port, etc.
[0020] Narrow edge walls 30 are provided around the four periphery of the rear cover 26. A narrow outer peripheral wall 31 is provided around almost the entire periphery of the frame 24. The outer peripheral wall 31 is in contact with the inner periphery of the edge wall 30. The outer peripheral wall 31 protrudes slightly beyond the front edge of the edge wall 30.
[0021] A groove 31a is formed in the approximate center of the upper frame 24a portion of the outer peripheral wall 31. An operation knob 32 is provided in the groove 31a. The operation knob 32 has a narrower width in the X direction than the groove 31a. The operation knob 32 and the outer peripheral wall 31 have the same width in the Y direction. The operation knob 32 protrudes forward from between the edge wall 30 and the glass 34 to the same extent as the outer peripheral wall 31. The operation knob 32 is small and fits within the width of the outer peripheral wall 31 in both the Y and Z directions, making it unnoticeable and favorable in appearance.
[0022] The operation knob 32 is part of the slider 36 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, and slides in the X direction together with the slider 36. In other words, the slider 36 is displaceable in the X direction between a first position and a second position relative to the display housing 16. The operation knob 32 is slidable between a first position (see FIG. 6(a)) and a second position (see FIG. 6(b)) within the width of the groove 31a. A notch 32a is formed in the operation knob 32, making it easy to operate with a finger or nail. The notch 32a is positioned so as to be just above the camera 28 when the slider 36 is in the first position, allowing for intuitive operation to cover the camera 28.
[0023] Fig. 3 is an enlarged front view of the upper frame 24a of the display housing 16 with the slider 36 in the first position. In Fig. 3, the glass 34 has been removed so that the structure of the upper frame 24a can be seen. Fig. 4 is an exploded front view of the upper frame 24a and the slider 36.
[0024] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a slider 36 is provided on the upper frame 24a. The slider 36 is displaceable in a direction along the edge wall 30 (i.e., the X direction). When the slider 36 is displaced to the leftmost position in a front view, the operation knob 32 abuts against a first abutment portion 31aa, which is the left end of the groove 31a, and is restricted from moving leftward (see Figure 3). This position of the slider 36 is referred to as the first position. When the slider 36 is displaced to the rightmost position in a front view, the operation knob 32 abuts against a second abutment portion 31ab, which is the right end of the groove 31a, and is restricted from moving rightward. This position of the slider 36 is referred to as the second position. In this embodiment, the first position is the left side along the X direction (one side along the displacement direction), and the second position is the right side (the other side along the displacement direction).
[0025] The slider 36 is constructed with a metal plate 38 as a base. The metal plate 38 is made of ferrite material. The metal plate 38 has a generally rectangular main portion 38a on the left side and an arm 38b protruding to the right from below the main portion 38a. The operation knob 32 is integrally molded on the upper left portion of the main portion 38a. A first guide protruding piece 39 (see FIG. 2) and a first sliding piece 40 (see FIG. 2) are provided behind the operation knob 32. A second sliding piece 41 (see FIG. 5) protruding rearward and a second guide protruding piece 42 (see FIG. 5) protruding upward from the rear end of the second sliding piece 41 are integrally molded on the upper right portion of the main portion 38a.
[0026] A horizontally elongated exposure hole 44 is formed in approximately the center of the main portion 38a. The portion of the main portion 38a to the left of the exposure hole 44 is a first shielding cover 46a, and the portion to the right of the exposure hole 44 is a second shielding cover 46b. When the slider 36 is in the first position (see FIG. 3), the first shielding cover 46a is positioned to cover the front of the camera 28, and the second shielding cover 46b is positioned to cover the front of the camera lamp 29. When the slider 36 is in the second position, the first shielding cover 46a is positioned to avoid the front of the camera 28, and the second shielding cover 46b is positioned to avoid the front of the camera lamp 29. When the slider 36 is in the second position, the camera lamp 29 is exposed through the exposure hole 44.
[0027] Returning to Figure 2, the first guide protrusion 39 is continuous with the operation knob 32 and protrudes slightly rearward. The rear cover 26 has a guide base 47 at the corner between the edge wall 30 and the bottom surface 43. The guide base 47 has a protrusion 47a that protrudes slightly forward from its lower portion. A first guide groove 49 is formed between the protrusion 47a and the edge wall 30.
[0028] The first sliding piece 40 projects rearward slightly below the first guide protrusion 39 and in parallel with the first guide protrusion 39. The first sliding piece 40 abuts and slides against the bottom surface 43. The first sliding piece 40 has an appropriate width in the Y direction, allowing the slider 36 to stably support and slide relative to the rear cover 26. A second guide groove 50 is formed between the first guide protrusion 39 and the first sliding piece 40.
[0029] The first guide protrusion 39 fits into the first guide groove 49, and the protrusion 47a fits into the second guide groove 50. This restricts displacement of the slider 36 in the Y direction and ensures that the slider 36 is properly guided in the X direction when sliding. In this way, the protrusion 47a serves as a rail guide that guides the slider 36 in the X direction.
[0030] However, a narrow gap G1 in the Y direction is formed between the first guide protrusion piece 39 and the protrusion piece 47a, and a narrow gap G2 in the Y direction is formed between the protrusion piece 47a and the first sliding piece 40, allowing the slider 36 to tilt slightly. When the slider 36 is in the first or second position, the slider 36 is urged upward by the attraction between the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56, which will be described later, and no gap is formed between the first guide protrusion piece 39 and the edge wall 30, resulting in a desirable appearance.
[0031] 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion including the second guide protrusion 42 in the upper part of the display housing 16. The rear surfaces of the second sliding piece 41 and the second guide protrusion 42 form a continuous surface that abuts and slides against the bottom surface 43. The rear surfaces of the second sliding piece 41 and the second guide protrusion 42 have an appropriate area, allowing the slider 36 to be stably supported and slidable relative to the rear cover 26.
[0032] A portion of the upper frame 24a forms a protruding piece 24aa that protrudes rearward. A guide gap 52 is formed between the protruding piece 24aa and the bottom surface 43. The second guide protruding piece 42 fits into the guide gap 52. This restricts displacement of the slider 36 in the Z direction and properly guides it in the X direction when sliding. In this way, the protruding piece 24aa serves as a rail guide that guides the slider 36 in the X direction. When the slider 36 is in the first or second position, the slider 36 is urged upward by the attraction between the fixed magnet 56 and the movable magnet 54, which will be described later, and the second guide protruding piece 42 abuts against the edge wall 30, restricting upward displacement and stabilizing the slider. Note that the second guide protruding piece 42 is not restricted from downward displacement.
[0033] Returning to Figures 3 and 4, a movable magnet 54 is provided at the right end of arm 38b. The movable magnet 54 is held in place by folding and enveloping a portion of arm 38b (see also Figure 8). The movable magnet 54 is rectangular and has multiple magnetized poles on both the top and bottom surfaces. The top surface is magnetized so that the north and south poles are aligned from left to right, forming a two-pole configuration. The bottom surface is magnetized so that the south and north poles are aligned from left to right. For convenience, these magnetized portions are referred to as magnets 54a and 54b from left to right, but they may also be referred to by other names, such as magnetic pole portions. In each figure in this application, the north pole is indicated by a dotted background to facilitate identification of polarity.
[0034] A fixed magnet 56 is provided above the range of movement of the movable magnet 54 in the X direction on the upper frame 24a. That is, the fixed magnet 56 and the movable magnet 54 are arranged side by side in the Y direction, which makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the display housing 16 in the Z direction.
[0035] Fixed magnet 56 is held by a part of upper frame 24a (see also Figure 8). Fixed magnet 56 is a rectangular magnet with multiple poles magnetized on both the top and bottom surfaces, with the bottom surface magnetized with a four-pole configuration of south, north, south, and north poles aligned from left to right. The top surface is magnetized with a four-pole configuration of north, south, north, and south poles aligned from left to right. For convenience, these magnetized portions are referred to as magnets 56a, 56b, 56c, and 56d from left to right, but they may also be referred to by other names such as magnetic pole portions.
[0036] In other words, the fixed magnet 56 has a total of four poles, consisting of N and S poles, arranged alternately along the X direction on the surface facing the movable magnet 54. The movable magnet 54 has a total of two poles, consisting of N and S poles, arranged along the X direction on the surface facing the fixed magnet 56, and these poles are arranged in an order such that they attract each other when the slider 36 is in the first position and the second position (see FIG. 6). The movable magnet 54 has two fewer poles than the fixed magnet 56.
[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the movable magnet 54, the fixed magnet 56 and their surrounding areas, where (a) shows the slider 36 in a first position, and (b) shows the slider 36 in a second position.
[0038] The sizes of the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 will be described below, but of course, all of these are examples. The width L1 in the X direction of the movable magnet 54 is 4 mm. The width L2 in the X direction of the fixed magnet 56 is 9 mm. The width L10 in the X direction of the magnets 54a and 54b is 2 mm, half of L1. The widths of the magnets 56a and 56d at both ends of the fixed magnet 56 are equal to L21, which is 1.4 mm. The widths of the central magnets 56b and 56c are equal to L22, which is 3.1 mm. Because the fixed magnet 56 is formed by magnetizing a single magnetic material, there is no gap between the magnets 56b and 56c, and a strong magnetic force can be generated by ensuring an appropriately large width L22.
[0039] In other words, the width of the fixed magnet 56 in the X direction is narrower for the two-pole magnets 56a and 56d at both ends than for the two-pole magnets 56c and 56d in the center. Furthermore, the width of the movable magnet 54 in the X direction is the same for magnets 54a and 54b, but wider than magnets 56a and 56d, with the total width L1 being less than half the overall width L2 of the fixed magnet 56. Setting the width L1 of the movable magnet 54 sufficiently shorter than the width L2 of the fixed magnet 56 ensures a long operating stroke. Furthermore, the weight of the slider 36, which is the moving body, is reduced, improving dynamic characteristics.
[0040] When the slider 36 is in the first position (FIG. 6(a)) or the second position (FIG. 6(b)), some of the magnets of the same pole overlap at the opposing portions of the fixed magnet 56 and the movable magnet 54. That is, in the first position, the north-pole magnets 54a and 56b overlap, and in the second position, the south-pole magnets 54b and 56c overlap. The width L3 of these overlaps is narrower than the width L21 of the magnets 56a and 56d at both ends of the fixed magnet 56.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when the slider 36 is in the first position, the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are arranged so that their opposite poles face each other and are attracted to each other. Specifically, a portion of the north pole of magnet 54a faces a portion of the south pole of magnet 56a, and a portion of the south pole of magnet 54b faces a portion of the north pole of magnet 56b and are attracted to each other, thereby maintaining the slider 36 in the first position. When the slider 36 is in the first position, movement to the left is restricted by the first contact portion 31aa (see FIG. 3). At this time, the left ends of the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are positioned so that they are substantially aligned.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 6(b), when the slider 36 is in the second position, the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are arranged so that their opposite poles face each other and are attracted to each other. Specifically, a portion of the north pole of magnet 54a faces a portion of the south pole of magnet 56c, and a portion of the south pole of magnet 54b faces a portion of the north pole of magnet 56d and are attracted to each other, maintaining the slider 36 in the second position. When the slider 36 is in the second position, movement to the right is restricted by the second abutment portion 31ab (see FIG. 3). At this time, the right ends of the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are positioned so that they are substantially aligned.
[0043] Thus, when the slider 36 is in the first position, the left ends of the fixed magnet 56 and the movable magnet 54 are in the same position, and when the slider 36 is in the second position, the right ends of the fixed magnet 56 and the movable magnet 54 are in the same position, ensuring a long stroke by effectively utilizing the entire width L2 of the fixed magnet 56. If the left end of the movable magnet 54 in the first position and the right end in the second position protruded beyond the range of width L2 of the fixed magnet 56, the space occupied by the slide mechanism 12 would increase, so it is desirable to keep them within the range of width L2. In this embodiment, the stroke of the slider 36 between the first and second positions is 4.9 mm.
[0044] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing the facing portions of the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56, with (a) showing the slider 36 in a first position and (b) showing the slider 36 in a second position. In Fig. 7, the attractive forces between the south and north poles of the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are shown by arrows.
[0045] 7(a), when the slider 36 is in the first position, the center of the magnet 54a is shifted slightly to the right in the X direction from the center of the magnet 56a, and the center of the magnet 54b is shifted slightly to the right in the X direction from the center of the magnet 56b. As a result, the movable magnet 54 and the left half of the fixed magnet 56 are attracted to each other in the Y direction, and the slider 36 is urged leftward in the X direction, causing the operation knob 32 of the slider 36 to press against the first contact portion 31aa.
[0046] Furthermore, the left ends of the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are positioned approximately in the same position, but because the width L10 of the magnet 54a is wider than the width L21 of the magnet 56a, the direction of the attractive force therebetween is moderately inclined, allowing the movable magnet 54 to be reliably urged leftward, and even if a small external force is applied, the slider 36 will not wobble to the right. Furthermore, the width L22 of the magnet 56b is ensured to be wider than the width L10 of the magnet 54b, generating a strong magnetic force and obtaining a moderately strong attractive force between the magnets 56b and 54b.
[0047] 7(b), when the slider 36 is in the second position, the center of the magnet 54a is shifted slightly to the left in the X direction from the center of the magnet 56a, and the center of the magnet 54b is shifted slightly to the left in the X direction from the center of the magnet 56b. As a result, the movable magnet 54 and the right half of the fixed magnet 56 are attracted to each other in the Y direction, and the slider 36 is urged rightward in the X direction, causing the operation knob 32 of the slider 36 to press against the second contact portion 31ab.
[0048] Furthermore, the right ends of the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are positioned approximately in the same place, but because the width L10 of magnet 54b is wider than the width L21 of magnet 56d, the direction of the attractive force between them is moderately tilted, allowing the movable magnet 54 to be reliably urged toward the right, and even if a small external force is applied, the slider 36 will not wobble to the left. Furthermore, the width L22 of magnet 56c is ensured to be wider than the width L10 of magnet 54a, generating a strong magnetic force and obtaining a moderately strong attractive force between magnet 56c and magnet 54a.
[0049] In other words, conceptually, narrow magnets 56a and 56d can urge movable magnet 54 in the left-right direction, but the attractive force itself tends to be small. However, wide magnets 56c and 56d with strong attractive force can compensate for the static upward urging force and the dynamic urging force during sliding.
[0050] Furthermore, the width L21 of the magnets 56a, 56d is relatively narrow, but is set to be at least wider than the width L3 (see FIG. 6) where the same poles overlap at the facing portion, as a necessary minimum. Furthermore, if the width L3 were excessively wide, the repulsive force between the same poles would increase, reducing the attractive force between the opposite poles. However, in this embodiment, the width L3 is set to be narrower than the width L21, ensuring an appropriate attractive force.
[0051] Furthermore, the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are always spaced apart, and a narrow gap G3 is formed when the slider 36 is in the first position or the second position (see also FIG. 8). As a result, the slider 36 is urged upward by the movable magnet 54, which acts to press the second guide protrusion 42 against the edge wall 30 (see FIG. 5). By setting the gap G3 appropriately, the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 can be kept spaced apart even if there is some dimensional error or shaking during operation.
[0052] In this way, when the slider 36 is in the first position or the second position, the operating knob 32 abuts against the first abutment portion 31aa or the second abutment portion 31ab without any gap, and the second guide protrusion 42 abuts against the edge wall 30 without any gap, and each is pressed appropriately, resulting in a stable state with no play in the X direction or the Y direction, improving usability.
[0053] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper portion of the display housing 16, including the fixed magnet 56 and the movable magnet 54. As described above, the fixed magnet 56 is held by the upper frame 24a made of resin, and the movable magnet 54 is held by the arm 38b made of ferrite. The display housing 16 is thin, and the upper frame 24a is made of resin and requires a moderate thickness for strength and molding conditions. This limits the width H1 of the fixed magnet 56 in the Z direction, making it somewhat narrow. On the other hand, the arm 38b is made of ferrite, a metal plate, and can be made thin while maintaining strength. This allows the width H2 of the movable magnet 54 (H2 > H1) to be set appropriately wide. In other words, even if the width H1 of the fixed magnet 56 is relatively small, the width H2 of the movable magnet 54 is set to a relatively large value, allowing the magnetic force (attraction and repulsion) between the two to be appropriately large.
[0054] Furthermore, by providing ferrite on the non-attaching surface of the movable magnet 54 opposite the attracting surface, magnetic leakage to the non-attaching surface can be prevented and magnetic flux can be guided toward the attracting surface, increasing the magnetic flux density on the attracting surface side. This increases the attractive force of the movable magnet 54, improving the feel. Furthermore, since ferrite material is magnetically attracted, it is attracted to the movable magnet 54 during assembly, making assembly easier. The width Y1 in the Y direction of the fixed magnet 56 and the width Y2 in the Y direction of the movable magnet 54 can be set to dimensions that allow them to be mounted in the area surrounding the display 22 in a typical display housing 16.
[0055] 3, when the slider 36 is in the first position, the camera 28 is covered by the first shielding cover 46a, and the camera lamp 29 is covered by the second shielding cover 46b. As described above, the slider 36 is maintained in the first position by the attractive action between the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56, and is biased leftward and upward, preventing any rattling.
[0056] When using the camera 28, the operation knob 32 is operated to the right to move the slider 36 to the second position. At this time, because a gap G3 is secured between the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56, the slider 36 does not generate unpleasant frictional resistance at least in this area, and the operation knob 32 starts moving smoothly. However, because the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are attracted to each other in the first position, a moderate magnetic resistance is felt when moving the slider 36, and this resistance increases according to the amount of displacement.
[0057] When the slider 36 moves to the second position, the first shielding cover 46a retracts to a position that avoids the front of the camera 28, and the second shielding cover 46b retracts to a position that avoids the camera lamp 29. The front of the camera 28 and camera lamp 29 are exposed, enabling them to function as optical devices. As described above, the slider 36 is maintained in the second position by the attractive action between the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56, and is biased to the right and upward, preventing rattling. Note that displacing the slider 36 from the second position to the first position is the reverse of the above operation, and therefore will not be described here.
[0058] When the slider 36 is displaced and is halfway between the first and second positions (not shown), the north pole of magnet 54a faces the north pole of magnet 56b, and the south pole of magnet 54b faces the south pole of magnet 56c, and like poles face each other and repel each other due to repulsive force, resulting in a moderate sense of resistance, and once the slider 36 passes the midpoint, the direction of the force acting due to attractive force is perceived to be reversed, resulting in a moderate clicking sensation.
[0059] As described above, a gap G1 is formed between the first guide projection 39 and the projection 47a, and a gap G2 is formed between the projection 47a and the first sliding piece 40. Furthermore, the second guide projection 42 is not restricted from moving downward, allowing the slider 36 to tilt slightly. Therefore, when a repulsive force is generated between the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56, the right arm 38b of the slider 36 tilts from the left main portion 38a as a starting point, and the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56 are spaced further apart than the gap G3. This somewhat reduces the repulsive force acting between the movable magnet 54 and the fixed magnet 56, preventing excessive resistance to the displacement of the slider 36. Furthermore, excessive friction is prevented between the first guide projection 39 (see FIG. 2 ) and the first sliding piece 40 and the first guide groove 48 and second guide groove 50. Furthermore, when operating a control knob using a mechanism that uses a leaf spring as shown in Patent Document 1, the control knob tilts slightly due to the action of the leaf spring, but a similar tilt can be achieved in this embodiment, making it possible to operate it without any discomfort compared to conventional mechanisms.
[0060] As described above, in electronic device 10, the X-direction width of fixed magnet 56 is narrower for magnets 56a and 56d, which are the two poles at both ends, than for magnets 56b and 56c, which are the two poles in the center. Furthermore, the X-direction width of movable magnet 54 is the same for magnets 54a and 54a, but is wider than that of magnets 56a and 56d of fixed magnet 56. This allows the attractive forces between magnets 54a and 56a and between magnets 54b and 56d to be appropriately tilted, providing an appropriate biasing force to the left and right. This allows for a large sliding distance for slider 36 while limiting the X-direction width of slide mechanism 12. Furthermore, because total width L1 is less than half of total width L2 of fixed magnet 56, a stroke of at least L2 / 2 can be ensured when sliding across the entire length of width L2.
[0061] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can of course be freely modified within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]
[0062] 10 Electronic equipment 12 Slide mechanism 14 Main unit housing 16 Display housing 28 Camera (Optical Device) 29 Camera lamp 31aa 1st contact part 31ab 2nd contact part 32 Operation knob 36 Slider 46a First shielding cover 46b Second shielding cover 54 Moving Magnet 54a, 54b Magnet 56 Fixed magnet 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d Magnets
Claims
1. a housing provided with a display; an optical device provided in the housing and directed forward; a slider that is displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing; a shielding cover provided on the slider, the shielding cover being disposed at a position that covers the front of the optical device when the slider is at the first position and being disposed at a position that avoids the front of the optical device when the slider is at the second position; a movable magnet provided on the slider; a fixed magnet provided in the housing; and The fixed magnet has a total of four poles, N poles and S poles, arranged alternately along the displacement direction of the slider on a surface facing the movable magnet, the movable magnet is arranged in such an order that one first magnetic pole and one second magnetic pole are aligned along the displacement direction on a surface facing the fixed magnet, and that the movable magnet attracts the fixed magnet when the slider is at the first position and the second position; The fixed magnet has two poles at both ends each having a narrower width in the displacement direction than the two poles at the center, The movable magnet has an N pole and an S pole with the same width in the displacement direction, and is wider than the two poles at both ends of the fixed magnet, with the total width being 1 / 2 or less of the overall width of the fixed magnet. An electronic device characterized by:
2. 10. The electronic device according to claim 1, a first contact portion that the slider contacts and limits the displacement of the slider when the slider is displaced to the first position; a second contact portion with which the slider comes into contact when the slider is displaced to the second position, thereby limiting the displacement of the slider; and The fixed magnet and the movable magnet are arranged such that one N pole and the other S pole are offset along the displacement direction of the slider so that the slider is pressed against the first contact portion when the slider is at the first position, and one N pole and the other S pole are offset along the displacement direction of the slider so that the slider is pressed against the second contact portion when the slider is at the second position. An electronic device characterized by:
3. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, When the slider is in the first position or the second position, The overlap width of the fixed magnet and the movable magnet at the mutually facing portions of the same poles is narrower than the width of the poles at both ends of the fixed magnet. An electronic device characterized by:
4. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, the first position is one side along the displacement direction, and the second position is the other side along the displacement direction; When the slider is in the first position, one end of each of the fixed magnet and the movable magnet is at the same position; When the slider is in the second position, the other ends of the fixed magnet and the movable magnet are at the same position. An electronic device characterized by:
5. a slider that is displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing; a movable magnet provided on the slider; a fixed magnet provided in the housing; and The fixed magnet has a total of four poles, N poles and S poles, arranged alternately along the displacement direction of the slider on a surface facing the movable magnet, the movable magnet is arranged in such an order that one first magnetic pole and one second magnetic pole are aligned along the displacement direction on a surface facing the fixed magnet, and that the movable magnet attracts the fixed magnet when the slider is at the first position and the second position; The fixed magnet has two poles at both ends each having a narrower width in the displacement direction than the two poles at the center, The movable magnet has an N pole and an S pole with the same width in the displacement direction, and is wider than the two poles at both ends of the fixed magnet, with the total width being 1 / 2 or less of the overall width of the fixed magnet. A slide mechanism characterized by:
Citation Information
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