Electronic device and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide an electronic device which offers improved visibility of a display unit even when a light-emitting unit is emitting light, and to provide a method of manufacturing the electronic device.SOLUTION: An electronic device is provided, comprising a housing having a display unit showing at least one of characters, symbols, and figures on a surface thereof, and a light-emitting unit provided inside the housing at a position facing the display unit and configured to emit light to the outside through the housing, where an area of the housing corresponding to the display unit and a surrounding area have different transmittance to the light emitted from the light-emitting unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a method for manufacturing an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a portable electronic device that has a housing, a light-emitting unit disposed inside the housing, and a light-guiding member having a light-receiving surface facing the light-emitting unit to receive light emitted by the light-emitting unit and an emitting surface exposed to the outside of the housing to emit light, and in which surfaces of the light-guiding member other than the light-receiving surface and the emitting surface are subjected to a reflective treatment to reflect light internally.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a portable electronic device that includes a light-transmitting sheet base material, and on a portion of the surface of the sheet base material, an operation unit for user operation is formed, while a substrate is provided on the back side of the sheet base material, and on the surface of the substrate, in an area facing the operation unit, an information acquisition module that acquires operation information that changes in response to the user operation is formed, and a light-emitting element that illuminates the back side of the sheet base material is mounted in an area near the outer edge of the substrate and different from the area where the information acquisition module is formed, and in this portable electronic device, a light-shielding member that extends to surround the substrate is installed on the back side of the sheet base material, and a light-shielding layer that prevents light from entering the sheet base material is formed, and the light-shielding layer extends at least from the area facing the light-emitting element on the back side of the sheet base material outward to the area where the light-shielding member is installed.

[0004] Patent document 3 describes an optical pad that includes a pad body and a light source, the pad body having an equipment mounting surface on top that serves as an operating surface for small equipment equipped with an imaging device, and that forms a light and dark pattern on the equipment mounting surface using light emitted from the light source.

[0005] Patent Document 4 describes an instant printer that includes a loading chamber that stores a film pack containing stacked unexposed instant film and has an outlet formed therein for discharging the instant film one by one; a first transport means that curves and transports the instant film transported from the outlet; a second transport means that transports the instant film transported by the first transport means along the outer periphery of the loading chamber; an exposure head that is located near the outlet and irradiates light onto the instant film transported by the first transport means; and a spreading roller that presses against the instant film transported by the second transport means to spread the developer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-10101 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-250202 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-104020 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-330898 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When a display unit (for example, a logo) is provided on the exterior body of an electronic device, the visibility of the display unit may be reduced by light emitted from a light-emitting unit inside the exterior body.

[0008] Therefore, the technology disclosed herein provides an electronic device that can improve the visibility of a display unit even when a light-emitting unit is emitting light, and a method for manufacturing the electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is an electronic device that includes an exterior body having a display unit that displays at least one of letters, symbols, and figures on its surface, and a light-emitting unit that is located inside the exterior body and opposite the display unit and can emit light through the exterior body to the outside, and in which there is a difference in the transmittance of light emitted from the light-emitting unit between the area of ​​the exterior body corresponding to the display unit and the surrounding area.

[0010] A second aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an electronic device according to the first aspect, in which a transmission-suppressing layer containing a material with lower light transmittance than the surrounding area is formed on the inner surface of the exterior body, thereby suppressing light transmission in the area corresponding to the display unit.

[0011] A third aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the electronic device according to the second aspect, in which the permeation suppression layer is formed by printing.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the electronic device according to the second aspect, in which the permeation suppressing layer is formed by attaching an attachment member.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the electronic device according to the second aspect, in which the material with low light transmittance is a paint that absorbs light with wavelengths in the visible light range.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the electronic device according to the first aspect, wherein the display unit displays at least one of characters, symbols, and figures by using a three-dimensional shape different from the surroundings on the surface.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the electronic device according to the sixth aspect, in which the three-dimensional shape is a shape that is more convex toward the outside of the exterior body than the periphery.

[0016] An eighth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an electronic device according to the first aspect, in which a coating film is formed on the outside of the exterior body, and the thickness of the coating film in the transparent portion through which light from the light-emitting portion passes is set to be thinner than the thickness of the coating film in other areas.

[0017] A ninth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an electronic device according to the first aspect, in which a striped pattern consisting of periodic concaves and convexes is formed on the surface of the exterior body, and the difference in three-dimensional shape is the difference in the height of the convex parts of the striped pattern.

[0018] A tenth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is the electronic device according to the first aspect, in which the electronic device has a printer function and has a light-emitting unit disposed opposite a display unit formed on the surface of the exterior body opposite the side where the film containing the photosensitive material is housed.

[0019] An eleventh aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing an electronic device, including: preparing an exterior body having a display unit on its surface that displays at least one of letters, symbols, and figures, and which emits light to the outside by transmitting it through the interior from a light-emitting unit located opposite the display unit; and applying processing to the exterior body to create a difference in the transmittance of light emitted from the light-emitting unit between an area of ​​the exterior body corresponding to the display unit and the surrounding area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9]1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing step according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a painting process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] An example of an embodiment of an electronic device 10 according to the technique of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the width direction, front-rear direction, and height direction of the electronic device 10 are indicated by three arrows, X, Y, and Z. First, the height direction is indicated by arrow Z, and the direction indicated by arrow Z is the upward direction of the electronic device 10, and the opposite direction is the downward direction. The width direction is indicated by arrow X perpendicular to arrow Z, and the direction indicated by arrow X is the rightward direction of the electronic device 10, and the opposite direction is the leftward direction. The front-rear direction is indicated by arrow Y, which is perpendicular to arrows Z and X, and the direction indicated by arrow Y is the forward direction of the electronic device 10, and the opposite direction is the rearward direction. Furthermore, in the following description, expressions using sides, such as upper side, lower side, left side, right side, front side, and rear side, have the same meaning as expressions using directions.

[0023] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 10 has, for example, a printer function. The electronic device 10 is, for example, a portable electronic device. The electronic device 10 is, for example, a mobile printer. For ease of explanation, the following embodiment will be described using a mobile printer 11 as an example. The electronic device 10 is an example of an "electronic device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0024] The mobile printer 11 is capable of communicating with external devices. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the mobile printer 11 is capable of communicating with a smartphone 100. The communication method may be, for example, wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark)), but wired communication may also be used. The mobile printer 11 receives image data IM sent from the smartphone 100 and prints the subject image represented by the received image data IM onto a film F. The film F is, for example, a film containing a photosensitive material (so-called instant film). The film F is an example of the "film" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0025] The mobile printer 11 includes an exterior body 12. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the exterior body 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped housing structure with its longitudinal direction in the X direction. The exterior body 12 houses electronic components and the like for realizing the printer function and other functions of the mobile printer 11. Furthermore, for example, the printed film F is discharged from an outlet 14 provided on the left side surface of the exterior body 12. The exterior body 12 is an example of an "exterior body" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0026] A display unit 16 is formed on the exterior body 12. The display unit 16 displays at least one of letters, symbols, and figures on the surface of the exterior body 12. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 16 is formed on the top surface 12A of the exterior body 12. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 16 displays the letters "ABCD." The content displayed by the display unit 16 may be, for example, a company name, a product name, a person's name, a catchphrase, a logo, and / or a pictogram. The content displayed by the display unit 16 may also be, for example, a symbol (for example, an arrow indicating the film ejection direction) or a figure (for example, a power button mark) for explaining the operation of the mobile printer 11. The display unit 16 is an example of a "display unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0027] 2, as an example, a linear striped pattern is formed on exterior body 12 along the longitudinal direction (here, the X direction). Specifically, a striped pattern consisting of periodic concaves and convexes is formed on the surface of exterior body 12. Below, the striped pattern will be described using upper surface 12A of the surfaces of exterior body 12 as an example, but it goes without saying that similar striped patterns may also be formed on other surfaces of exterior body 12.

[0028] When viewed in a cross section normal to the longitudinal direction (when viewed in a transverse cross section), protrusions 18 are formed periodically on top surface 12A of exterior body 12. When viewed in a transverse cross section, protrusions 18 have a triangular shape, and the vertices are continuous along the longitudinal direction, forming a linear striped pattern. In this way, the periodic presence of protrusions 18 forms a striped pattern consisting of periodic projections and recesses.

[0029] Here, display unit 16 displays at least one of letters, symbols, and figures by virtue of a difference in three-dimensional shape from its surroundings on the surface of exterior body 12. In the example shown in FIG. 2, display unit 16 is convex toward the outside (here, the upper side) of exterior body 12 relative to its surroundings. This results in a difference in three-dimensional shape from its surroundings. Specifically, in the striped pattern described above, the portion corresponding to display unit 16 is a protrusion 20 that is higher than the protrusions 18 present in the surroundings. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the difference in three-dimensional shape is the difference in the height of the convex portions of the striped pattern.

[0030] The difference in three-dimensional shape between the display unit 16 and the other areas causes a difference in the way natural light (here, ambient light) is reflected. In this way, the difference in three-dimensional shape from the surroundings makes the display unit 16 visually recognizable (here, the letters ABCD appear to stand out).

[0031] As an example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the exterior body 12 is configured to include a first member 22 and a second member 24 disposed adjacent to the first member 22. The first member 22 is, for example, a cover member that forms the upper side of the exterior body 12, and the second member 24 is, for example, a cover member that forms the lower side of the exterior body 12. The mobile printer 11 is provided with a light-emitting unit 26 inside the exterior body 12. The light-emitting unit 26 is provided inside the exterior body 12 at a position facing the display unit 16. The light-emitting unit 26 is capable of transmitting light L through the exterior body 12 to the outside. The emitted light L is, for example, light having a wavelength in the visible light range. The light-emitting unit 26 is an example of a "light-emitting unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the light-emitting unit 26 includes, for example, LED (Light Emitting Diode) light sources 26A-26C. The LED light sources 26A-26C are arranged linearly in order from the right side inside the exterior housing 12. Here, an example in which three LED light sources 26A-26C are arranged has been described, but this is merely an example, and two or fewer, or four or more LED light sources may be arranged. In addition, the spacing between the LED light sources, as well as their positions and arrangement method (e.g., circumferential arrangement, arrangement at the vertices of a square, etc.) can also be set appropriately. In addition, each of the LED light sources 26A-26C includes an RGB light-emitting element, and the color and light intensity of the emitted light L can be changed by controlling the light-emitting mode of each light-emitting element.

[0033] 3, the light-emitting unit 26 is housed inside a first member 22 that constitutes an upper portion of the exterior body 12. The first member 22 has an abutting portion 23 that abuts against the second member 24. Specifically, the first member 22 has a bottom plate portion 22A that is a plate-shaped portion having a thickness in the height direction, and a side wall portion 22B that stands upright along the height direction from the periphery of the bottom plate portion 22A. Here, when the first member 22 and the second member 24 are combined, the side wall portion 22B stands upright toward the second member 24. As will be described in detail later, the side wall portion 22B abuts against the second member 24 and also functions as the abutting portion 23.

[0034] Light-emitting unit 26 is provided at a position facing the inner surface of bottom plate portion 22A. Emitted light L from light-emitting unit 26 passes through bottom plate portion 22A and is emitted to the outside of exterior body 12. Here, the transmission of emitted light L includes the emitted light L being scattered in exterior body 12 and being emitted to the outside. Here, because exterior body 12 is made of a resin material, the emitted light L is scattered when passing through bottom plate portion 22A, and the emission range of emitted light L to the outside is expanded.

[0035] Furthermore, a space 28 capable of accommodating a film F is formed in the second member 24 that constitutes the lower portion of the exterior body 12. The film F is accommodated inside the space 28 via a cover (not shown). Here, for convenience of explanation, a single film F is depicted, but it goes without saying that multiple films F may be accommodated in the space 28. The space 28 is openable to the lower surface of the exterior body 12. In other words, a light-emitting unit 26 is provided at a position facing a display unit 16 formed on the surface of the exterior body 12 opposite the side where the film F is accommodated (here, the upper surface). The second member 24 also has a shape similar to that of the first member 22.

[0036] 4, the transmissive portion 36, which is a region through which the emitted light L passes through the exterior body 12, is determined by the distance between the light-emitting portion 26 and the inner surface of the exterior body 12 and the spread angle of the emitted light L. Specifically, the transmissive portion 36 is determined by the distance between the LED light sources 26A to 26C of the light-emitting portion 26 and the inner surface 22A1 of the bottom plate portion 22A and the spread angle of the emitted light L from the LED light sources 26A to 26C. In other words, the first member 22 of the exterior body 12 has the transmissive portion 36 that transmits the emitted light L from the light-emitting portion 26. The transmissive portion 36 is an example of a "transmissive portion" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0037] In the mobile printer 11, the light-emitting unit 26 may be illuminated (e.g., lit or flashing). This can notify the user of the operating status of the mobile printer 11 and improve the user experience (e.g., increase the enjoyment the user feels when using the device). When the exterior body 12 of the mobile printer 11 is viewed in plan (here, from above), the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 26 overlaps the display unit 16 (i.e., the light-emitting unit 26 faces the display unit 16). In this case, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 26 makes the display unit 16 difficult to see. In other words, when the light-emitting unit 26 emits light, the emitted light L that passes through the exterior body 12 becomes more visible, while the reflected light from the display unit 16 (e.g., reflected light due to differences in the three-dimensional shape of the display unit 16 from its surroundings) becomes less visible. As a result, the visibility of the display unit 16 decreases.

[0038] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 as an example, in this embodiment, a difference is made in the transmittance of light L emitted from the light-emitting unit 26 between a region of the exterior body 12 corresponding to the display unit 16 and the surrounding region. Specifically, a transmission suppressing layer 30 containing a material with lower light transmittance than the surrounding region is formed on the inner surface of the exterior body 12. More specifically, in the first member 22 of the exterior body 12, the transmission suppressing layer 30 is formed on the inner surface 22A1 of the bottom plate portion 22A. The transmission suppressing layer 30 is formed in the region corresponding to the display unit 16. The region corresponding to the display unit 16 is, for example, the back surface of the display unit 16 and has the same size as the display unit 16. In the example shown in FIG. 5, transmission suppressing layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are formed, each having a shape obtained by inverting the letters "ABCD" displayed on the display unit 16. The region corresponding to the display unit 16 does not have to be the same size as the display unit 16, and the size may be changed as appropriate. The permeation suppressing layers 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are examples of the "permeation suppressing layer" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0039] The transmission suppression layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are formed on the inner surface 22A1 of the first member 22 by printing. Specifically, the transmission suppression layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are formed by printing using paint containing a material that absorbs wavelengths in the visible light range. For example, the transmission suppression layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are printed using black paint. A portion of the emitted light L is absorbed or reflected due to interaction with the transmission suppression layer 30. In this way, transmission of the emitted light L in the area corresponding to the display unit 16 is suppressed.

[0040] As described above, the light-emitting unit 26 is disposed at a position facing the display unit 16. Furthermore, a transmission suppressing layer 30 is formed inside the exterior body 12 in a region corresponding to the display unit 16. Therefore, the transmission of part of the emitted light L from the light-emitting unit 26 is suppressed by the transmission suppressing layer 30. Here, the black paint contained in the transmission suppressing layer 30 absorbs part of the emitted light L. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 5 , when the first member 22 is viewed from the inside surface side (here, when viewed from below), the transmission suppressing layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D have shapes that are each a reversed version of the letters "ABCD." Therefore, the emitted light L is suppressed from transmitting through the exterior body 12 in the regions that have the shapes that are each a reversed version of the letters "ABCD."

[0041] As an example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the mobile printer 11, when the light-emitting unit 26 emits light, the transmission of the emitted light L is suppressed by the transmission-suppressing layer 30 provided in the area corresponding to the display unit 16, as described above. This makes it difficult for the emitted light L to transmit through the display unit 16, making it easier to view the display unit 16. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the transmission-suppressing layer 30 has a shape in which each of the letters "ABCD" is reversed, making the letters "ABCD" on the display unit 16 easier to view. Furthermore, within the area illuminated by the emitted light L, the content displayed by the transmission-suppressing layer 30 (here, the letters "ABCD") appears as a shadow, improving the design.

[0042] Incidentally, the portion of exterior body 12 facing light-emitting unit 26 is required to contain a material with relatively high transparency in order to transmit light L emitted from light-emitting unit 26. On the other hand, the portion opposite the portion facing light-emitting unit 26 is required to contain a material with relatively low transparency. This is to prevent unnecessary external light from entering the interior of exterior body 12.

[0043] When two types of components with different optical properties (e.g., optical transparency) are combined to form exterior body 12, the difference in optical properties makes it obvious that they are separate components at the contact point. As a result, exterior body 12 as a whole lacks unity, and the appearance may be impaired.

[0044] Therefore, as an example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the thickness of the coating film 32 is adjusted in the first member 22 of the exterior body 12. The first member 22 has the coating film 32 and a base 34. The coating film 32 is formed on the surface of the base 34. The base 34 is formed including a translucent material. Here, the translucent material is a material that transmits light while scattering it. The base 34 is, for example, a milky white resin. The coating film 32 is formed by adhering paint to the surface of the base 34, and the type of paint is appropriately selected depending on the color variation of the exterior body 12. As described above, the emitted light L from the light-emitting unit 26 is emitted to the outside through the first member 22. By forming the first member 22 from a translucent material, the emitted light L is more easily emitted to the outside of the exterior body 12, making the emitted light L more easily visible. The coating film 32 is an example of a “coating film” according to the technology disclosed herein.

[0045] The coating film 32 has a thickness t1 on the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22. On the other hand, the coating film 32 has a thickness t2 on the bottom plate portion 22A of the first member 22. The thickness t1 of the coating film 32 on the side wall portion 22B is thicker than the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 on the bottom plate portion 22A. In other words, in the transmission portion 36 (see FIG. 4) of the bottom plate portion 22A through which the emitted light L passes, the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 is thinner than the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 on the side wall portion 22B.

[0046] Specifically, the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 on the side wall portion 22B is 1.5 times or more the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 on the bottom plate portion 22A. More specifically, the thickness t1 is, for example, about 20 μm, and the thickness t2 is, for example, about 10 to 12 μm.

[0047] The second member 24 has a bottom plate portion 24A and a side wall portion 24B extending vertically from the periphery of the bottom plate portion 24A. The second member 24 is formed of a non-transparent material. Here, the non-transparent material is a material that blocks light. Specifically, the non-transparent material is, for example, a material in which titanium oxide particles are dispersed in a resin that serves as a base material. That is, the second member 24 is formed of, for example, a resin containing titanium oxide. As described above, the second member 24 has a space 28 formed therein in which the film F is housed. Because the second member 24 is formed of a non-transparent material, external light is prevented from entering the interior of the second member 24.

[0048] The first member 22 and the second member 24 are joined adjacent to each other. The first member 22 abuts against the second member 24 via the abutment portion 23. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22 abuts against the side wall portion 24B of the second member 24. That is, in the first member 22, the side wall portion 22B serves as the abutment portion 23. Specifically, the lower surface of the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22 and the upper surface of the side wall portion 24B of the second member 24 are in contact with each other. As described above, the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 on the side wall portion 22B is greater than the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 on the bottom plate portion 22A. That is, the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 on the abutment portion 23 is greater than the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 on the transmission portion 36.

[0049] The first member 22 and the second member 24 are joined together with the side wall portion 22B and the side wall portion 24B in contact with each other. The joining method of the first member 22 and the second member 24 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a mechanical fastening method that combines a fixing means in which fixing claws are fitted into holes with screws, or they may be joined together with an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or the like.

[0050] 8, consider a case where the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 on the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as coating film thickness t1) is thinner than the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 on the bottom plate portion 22A of the first member 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as coating film thickness t2). In this case, the difference in light transmittance between the first member 22 and the second member 24 at the contact portion (here, the side wall portion 22B and the side wall portion 24B) makes it clear that they are separate parts.

[0051] 8, consider a case where the coating thickness t1 of the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22 is thicker than the coating thickness t2 of the bottom plate portion 22A of the first member 22. In this case, the light transmittance of the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22 becomes closer to that of the side wall portion 24B of the second member 24, making the difference between the first member 22 and the second member 24 less noticeable. As a result, the overall appearance of the exterior body 12 becomes more unified, improving its appearance.

[0052] Next, the processing step and the painting step according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The processing step and the painting step are part of the manufacturing process of the mobile printer 11. The flow of the processing step shown in Figure 9 is an example of the "manufacturing method for an electronic device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0053] 9, in the processing step, first, in step ST12, exterior body 12 having display unit 16 is prepared. After the process of step ST12 is performed, the processing step proceeds to step ST14.

[0054] In step ST14, a process is performed on the area of ​​the exterior body 12 corresponding to the display unit 16 to create a difference in the transmittance of light L emitted from the light-emitting unit 26 (i.e., emitted light L). Specifically, a permeation-suppressing layer 30 is formed by printing on the inner surface of the exterior body 12 in the area corresponding to the display unit 16 of the exterior body 12. After step ST14 is performed, the processing process ends.

[0055] 10, in the painting process, first, in step ST22, the first member 22 of the exterior body 12 is prepared. After the process of step ST22 is performed, the painting process proceeds to step ST24.

[0056] In step ST24, the coating film 32 on the side wall portion 22B of the first member 22 is provided to be thicker than the coating film 32 on the bottom plate portion 22A. After step ST24 is performed, the painting process is completed.

[0057] As described above, in the electronic device 10 according to this embodiment, the exterior body 12 has a display unit 16. The display unit 16 displays characters and the like on the surface of the exterior body 12. Furthermore, a light-emitting unit 26 is provided inside the exterior body 12 at a position facing the display unit 16. The light-emitting unit 26 emits light L that passes through the exterior body 12 to the outside. The transmittance of the light L emitted from the light-emitting unit 26 differs between the region of the exterior body 12 corresponding to the display unit 16 and the surrounding region. This allows the region corresponding to the display unit 16 to be distinguished from other regions due to the difference in the degree of visual recognition, making it easy to recognize the display unit 16 even when the light-emitting unit 26 provided inside the exterior body 12 is lit.

[0058] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to this embodiment, a transmission suppressing layer 30 containing a material with lower light transmittance than the surrounding area is formed on the inner surface of the exterior body 12, thereby suppressing transmission of the emitted light L in the area corresponding to the display unit 16. This reduces the impact on the appearance (for example, the impact on the appearance of the display unit 16) compared to when the transmission suppressing layer 30 is formed on the outer surface of the exterior body 12, for example.

[0059] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to this embodiment, the permeation suppression layer 30 is formed by printing, which can contribute to improving the productivity of the electronic device 10 compared to, for example, forming the permeation suppression layer 30 by attaching a sticker.

[0060] In the electronic device 10 according to this embodiment, the material with low light transmittance is a paint that absorbs light with wavelengths in the visible light range. This allows the transmission suppression layer 30 to absorb light with wavelengths in the visible light range that is emitted from the light-emitting unit 26, thereby further improving the visibility of the display unit 16.

[0061] Furthermore, in electronic device 10 according to this embodiment, display unit 16 displays at least one of letters, symbols, and figures by using a three-dimensional shape that differs from the surroundings on the surface of exterior body 12. This allows letters and the like to be displayed on exterior body 12 by using a three-dimensional shape that differs, thereby improving the design of the exterior of exterior body 12.

[0062] Furthermore, in electronic device 10 according to this embodiment, the three-dimensional shape has a shape that is more convex toward the outside of exterior body 12 than the surrounding area. This ensures a sufficient distance between light-emitting unit 26 and display unit 16, widens the emission range of emitted light L, and contributes to a more compact exterior body 12, compared to when the three-dimensional shape is recessed toward the inside of exterior body 12, for example.

[0063] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 according to this embodiment, a coating film 32 is formed on the exterior of the exterior body 12, and the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 on the side wall portion 22B is greater than the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 on the bottom plate portion 22A. In other words, the thickness t2 of the coating film 32 in the transmission portion 36 through which light from the light-emitting portion 26 passes is set to be thinner than the thickness t1 of the coating film 32 in other regions. As a result, even if the thickness of the coating film 32 is partially thinned to facilitate the transmission of the emitted light L from the light-emitting portion 26, this configuration makes it easy to improve the visibility of the display unit 16. In other words, the thinner the coating film 32, the more strongly the emitted light L is perceived, but the difference in visibility between the region corresponding to the display unit 16 and other regions results in improved visibility of the display unit 16.

[0064] Furthermore, in electronic device 10 according to this embodiment, a striped pattern consisting of periodic projections and recesses is formed on the surface of exterior body 12, and the differences in the three-dimensional shape of display unit 16 are the differences in height of the protruding portions of the striped pattern. When a striped pattern is formed on the surface of exterior body 12 to enhance design, display unit 16 is formed by the differences in height of the three-dimensional shape. In this case, emitted light L is more likely to pass through the valleys of the projections and recesses of the striped pattern, and this configuration makes it easier to make display unit 16 stand out.

[0065] Furthermore, the electronic device 10 according to this embodiment has a printer function. Furthermore, in the exterior body 12, a film F containing photosensitive paint is housed in the lower second member 24. A light-emitting unit 26 is provided at a position facing the display unit 16 formed on the upper surface 12A of the exterior body 12. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 26 on the film F housed inside the exterior body 12.

[0066] (Variation) In the above embodiment, an example in which the permeation suppression layer 30 is formed by printing has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this modified example, the permeation suppression layer 30 is formed by attaching a seal member 40.

[0067] As an example, as shown in FIG. 11 , in this modification, a transmission suppression layer 30 containing a material with lower light transmittance than the surrounding area is formed on the inner surface of the exterior body 12. Specifically, a seal member 40 is attached to the inner surface 22A1 of the bottom plate portion 22A of the first member 22 of the exterior body 12. The seal member 40 has, for example, a laminated structure and includes an adhesive layer, a transmission suppression layer 30, and a coating layer. The seal member 40 is attached to the exterior body 12 via the adhesive layer. A transmission suppression layer 30 corresponding to the content displayed on the display unit 16 is formed on the adhesive layer. The transmission suppression layer 30 contains a material that absorbs wavelengths in the visible light range. The transmission suppression layer 30 is protected by the coating layer. By attaching the seal member 40, the transmission suppression layer 30 is formed in an area corresponding to the display unit 16. The seal member 40 is an example of an "attached member" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0068] 11, transmission suppressing layers 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D are formed, each having a shape obtained by inverting the letters "ABCD" displayed by the display unit 16. The sealing member 40 is attached to the inner surface 22A1 of the first member 22 of the exterior body 12. In this manner, transmission of the emitted light L in the region corresponding to the display unit 16 is suppressed. As a result, a difference occurs in the transmittance of the emitted light L emitted from the light-emitting unit 26 between the region corresponding to the display unit 16 and the surrounding region.

[0069] As described above, in the electronic device 10 according to this modification, the permeation suppression layer 30 is formed by attaching the sealing member 40. This contributes to reducing the manufacturing cost of the electronic device 10, since the permeation suppression layer 30 can be formed by attaching the sealing member 40.

[0070] In the above embodiment, an example in which the display unit 16 is provided on the upper surface 12A of the exterior body 12 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The display unit 16 may be provided on another surface of the exterior body 12. Furthermore, a plurality of display units 16 may be provided on the surface of the exterior body 12.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the three-dimensional shape of the display unit 16 is described as being convex relative to the surrounding area, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the three-dimensional shape of the display unit 16 may be concave relative to the surrounding area, or the surrounding area may be roughened and the display unit 16 may have a smooth surface.

[0072] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example in which the transmission suppression layer 30 is formed by printing has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the transmission suppression layer 30 may be formed by partially molding a resin that is difficult for light to transmit, or by attaching a light-blocking cover that is a separate part from the exterior body 12 to the inside.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example in which transmission of the emitted light L is suppressed in the region corresponding to the display unit 16 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a mode in which transmission of the emitted light L is promoted in the region corresponding to the display unit 16 may also be adopted. Specifically, the transmission of light in the region corresponding to the display unit 16 may be promoted by forming a transmission suppressing layer 30 in a portion other than the region corresponding to the display unit 16. In this way, a difference in light transmittance is created between the region corresponding to the display unit 16 and the surrounding area.

[0074] In the above embodiment, an example in which a striped pattern having periodic irregularities is formed on the surface of the exterior body 12 has been described, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The surface of the exterior body 12 may have a structure other than a striped pattern that enhances the design, or may be a smooth surface.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the first member 22 and the second member 24 have symmetrical shapes when viewed in cross section, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the first member 22 may have a side wall portion 22B, and the second member 24 may be a plate-shaped member. In this case, the end face of the side wall portion 22B abuts against the periphery of the second member 24.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the exterior body 12 is described as having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the exterior body 12 may be square, spherical, or cylindrical.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the electronic device 10 is described as a mobile printer 11, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The electronic device 10 may be, for example, a portable electronic device such as an instant camera, a digital camera, a smartphone, a tablet device, a notebook computer, or a mobile battery. The electronic device 10 may also be a stationary electronic device such as a desktop computer, a printer, a television, or a display.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the film F is a so-called instant film containing a photosensitive material, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, photographic paper containing a heat-sensitive material may be used instead of the film F.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the light-emitting unit 26 is configured from an LED light source, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the light-emitting unit 26 may be configured from an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) light-emitting element.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the coating film 32 is thickened on the entire side wall portion 22B, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The coating film 32 may be thickened on the half of the side wall portion 22B facing the second member 24.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the coating film 32 is thinned overall on the bottom plate portion 22A, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The coating film 32 may be thinned in an elliptical region including the transmission portion 36, or may be thinned only in the region corresponding to the transmission portion 36.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the base 34 of the first member 22 is made of a translucent material, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the base 34 may be made of a transparent material. However, as described above, it is preferable that the base 34 be made of a translucent material, as this makes it easier to adjust the appearance using the coating film 32.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the second member 24 is described as being made of a non-transparent resin, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second member 24 may also be configured with a coating film (e.g., a coating film containing titanium oxide) formed on a substrate made of a translucent material. However, as described above, it is preferable that the second member 24 be made of a non-transparent material in order to prevent external light from entering.

[0084] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0085] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed connected by "and / or."

[0086] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0087] The following is further disclosed regarding the above embodiment. <Appendix 1> an exterior body having a display unit on a surface thereof that displays at least one of letters, symbols, and figures; a light-emitting unit that is provided inside the exterior body at a position facing the display unit and that is capable of transmitting light through the exterior body to the outside, The region of the exterior body corresponding to the display unit and the surrounding region have different transmittances for light emitted from the light-emitting unit. electronic equipment. <Appendix 2> A transmission suppressing layer containing a material with lower light transmittance than the surrounding area is formed on the inner surface of the exterior body, thereby suppressing transmission of the light in the area corresponding to the display unit. 1. The electronic device described in Appendix 1. <Appendix 3> The permeation suppression layer is formed by printing. 1. An electronic device as described in Appendix 2. <Appendix 4> The permeation suppression layer is formed by attaching an adhesive member. 1. An electronic device as described in Appendix 2. <Appendix 5> The material with low light transmittance is a paint that absorbs light with wavelengths in the visible light range. 5. The electronic device according to claim 2. <Appendix 6> The display unit displays at least one of characters, symbols, and figures by using a three-dimensional shape different from the surroundings on the surface. 6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. <Appendix 7> The three-dimensional shape is a shape that is convex toward the outside of the exterior body from the periphery. 10. The electronic device described in Appendix 6. <Appendix 8> In the above-mentioned exterior body, a coating film is formed on the outside, The thickness of the coating film in the transmission portion through which the light from the light emitting portion is transmitted is set to be thinner than the thickness of the coating film in other regions. 8. The electronic device according to claim 1. <Appendix 9> a striped pattern consisting of periodic concaves and convexes is formed on the surface of the exterior body, The difference in the three-dimensional shape is the difference in the height of the convex parts of the striped pattern. 10. The electronic device described in Appendix 6. <Appendix 10> The electronic device has a printer function, The light emitting section is provided at a position facing the display section formed on the surface of the exterior body opposite to the side where the film containing the photosensitive material is housed. 10. The electronic device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10 Electronic equipment 11 Mobile Printer 12 Exterior body 12A top 14 Exit 16 Display section 18,20 Protrusion 22 First member 22A Bottom plate part 22A1 Inner surface 22B Side wall part 23 Contact part 24 Second member 24A Bottom plate part 24B Side wall part 26 Light-emitting part 26A,26B,26C LED light source 28 Space 30,30A,30B,30C,30D Transmission suppression layer 32 Paint film 34 Base 36 Contact part 40 sealing material 100 smartphones F film IM image data L Output light

Claims

1. an exterior body having a display unit on a surface thereof that displays at least one of letters, symbols, and figures; a light-emitting unit that is provided inside the exterior body at a position facing the display unit and that is capable of emitting light to the outside through the exterior body, The region of the exterior body corresponding to the display unit and the surrounding region have different transmittances for light emitted from the light-emitting unit. electronic equipment.

2. A transmission suppressing layer containing a material with lower light transmittance than the surrounding area is formed on the inner surface of the exterior body, thereby suppressing transmission of the light in the area corresponding to the display unit. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. The permeation suppression layer is formed by printing. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

4. The permeation suppression layer is formed by attaching an adhesive member. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

5. The material with low light transmittance is a paint that absorbs light with wavelengths in the visible light range. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

6. The display unit displays at least one of characters, symbols, and figures by using a three-dimensional shape different from the surroundings on the surface. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

7. The three-dimensional shape is a shape that is convex toward the outside of the exterior body from the periphery.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6.

8. The exterior body has a coating film formed on the outside, The thickness of the coating film in the transmission portion through which the light from the light emitting portion is transmitted is set to be thinner than the thickness of the coating film in other regions. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

9. a striped pattern consisting of periodic concaves and convexes is formed on the surface of the exterior body, The difference in the three-dimensional shape is the difference in the height of the convex portions of the striped pattern.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6.

10. the electronic device has a printer function, The light-emitting section is provided at a position facing the display section formed on the surface of the exterior body opposite to the side where the film containing the photosensitive material is housed. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

11. An exterior body having a display unit that displays at least one of characters, symbols, and figures on a surface thereof, the exterior body emitting light from a light-emitting unit provided at a position opposite the display unit through the interior thereof to the outside; and performing processing to cause a difference in transmittance of light emitted from the light-emitting unit between a region corresponding to the display unit and a surrounding region of the exterior body; A method for manufacturing an electronic device, comprising:

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