Electronic device

Abstract

To provide an electronic device configured to suppress an external force which is applied to a light guide protruding from an enclosure.SOLUTION: An electronic device 100 includes: an enclosure having a cover plate 111 and a side plate 113; a light emitting unit 12 provided in the enclosure; a light guide 20 having a tip projection 22; and a pressing structure 30 that presses the light guide 20. The side plate 113 has an insertion portion 116 that penetrates from an inner surface 113a to an outer surface 113b. The light guide 20 can be moved in a direction toward and away from the side plate 113. The tip projection 22 projects so as to protrude or retract from the outer surface 113b of the side plate 113 through the insertion portion 116. The pressing structure 30 presses the light guide 20 with an elastic repulsive force in the projection direction of the tip projection 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] An electronic device has a display unit that emits light using an LED or the like, for example, on the side of a housing. The display unit indicates, for example, that the battery is being charged (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-120979 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the electronic device, the light guide constituting the display unit may be formed to protrude from the side surface of the housing. In such an electronic device, the protruding portion may come into contact with other objects. To avoid damage, it is necessary to prevent excessive external force from being applied to the protruding portion.

[0005] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can suppress external forces applied to a light guide that protrudes from a housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a housing having a cover plate and a side plate formed on a side edge of the cover plate, a light-emitting unit provided inside the housing, a light guide having a tip protrusion and guiding light from the light-emitting unit, and a biasing structure for biasing the light guide, wherein the side plate has an insertion portion formed therein that penetrates from the inner surface to the outer surface, the light guide is movable in directions approaching and moving away from the side plate, the tip protrusion protrudes through the insertion portion from the outer surface of the side plate so as to be able to be retracted, and the biasing structure biases the light guide in the protruding direction of the tip protrusion by an elastic repulsive force.

[0007] It is preferable that the biasing structure is an elastic piece connected to the light guide, and that the repulsive force is obtained by elastic bending deformation.

[0008] It is preferable that the electronic device further includes a holding member for holding the light guide, the holding member including two side walls and a pressure-receiving wall connecting the side walls, and the biasing structure obtains the repulsive force by applying a reaction force to the pressure-receiving wall.

[0009] It is preferable that the electronic device has two side walls and further includes a holding member that holds the light guide between the two side walls, and the biasing structure connects the two side walls and includes a biasing portion that obtains the repulsive force by elastic bending deformation.

[0010] The biasing portion preferably has a curved shape that is convex in the protruding direction.

[0011] It is preferable that the light guide has a receiving recess formed therein for accommodating at least a part of the light emitting portion.

[0012] The biasing structure may be configured to obtain the repulsive force by elastic compressive deformation.

[0013] The cover plate may be formed with a guide portion that guides the light guide in a direction toward and away from the side plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device that can suppress external forces applied to a light guide that protrudes from a housing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a part of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing a structure of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view showing a structure of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the structure of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a part of an electronic device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An electronic device according to an embodiment will be described.

[0017] [Electronic Device] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a portion of electronic device 100. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of electronic device 100. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a portion of electronic device 100. FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective views of a portion of electronic device 100. FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views showing the structure of electronic device 100. FIGS. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views of a portion of electronic device 100. FIGS. 10 and 11 show cross sections along the XZ plane.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, electronic device 100 includes a first housing 101, a second housing 102 (housing), a light-emitting unit 10 (see FIG. 6), a light guide unit 40 (see FIG. 8), and a holding member 50 (see FIG. 6).

[0019] The electronic device 100 is, for example, a notebook PC (PC: personal computer). Ends of a first housing 101 and a second housing 102 are connected via a hinge mechanism 110. The first housing 101 is rotatable relative to the second housing 102 around a rotation axis defined by the hinge mechanism 110.

[0020] The first housing 101 is also called a display housing. The first housing 101 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. Of the ends of the first housing 101, the end where the hinge mechanism 110 is provided is a first base end 101b. The end opposite the first base end 101b is a first open end 101a. The first housing 101 is equipped with a display 103. The display 103 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0021] The second housing 102 is also called a system housing. The second housing 102 is formed in a rectangular plate shape. Of the ends of the second housing 102, the end where the hinge mechanism 110 is provided is the second base end 102b. The end opposite the second base end 102b is the second open end 102a.

[0022] The second housing 102 is equipped with a keyboard 107 and a touchpad 108. The second housing 102 houses electronic components such as a CPU, a memory, a motherboard, a battery, and a storage device.

[0023] With regard to the second housing 102, the positional relationship between each component may be explained using an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The X direction is the longitudinal direction of the first cover plate 111. The Y direction is the lateral direction of the first cover plate 111. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions. The Z direction is the thickness direction of the first cover plate 111. Viewing from the Z direction is called a planar view. +Z is the direction from the second cover plate 112 toward the first cover plate 111. -Z is the direction opposite to +Z. The plane including the X and Y directions is the XY plane. The plane including the X and Z directions is the XZ plane. The plane including the Y and Z directions is the YZ plane.

[0024] The second housing 102 includes a main housing portion 120 and a second cover plate 112. The second housing 102 is a flat case and is made of, for example, plastic or metal.

[0025] The main housing part 120 includes a first cover plate 111 , a pair of side plates 113 , a front plate 114 , and a rear plate 115 . The first cover plate 111 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The pair of side plates 113 are formed on one and the other side edges of the first cover plate 111, respectively. The side plates 113 are formed perpendicular to the first cover plate 111. The side plates 113 are parallel to, for example, the YZ plane. The first cover plate 111 is an example of a "cover plate."

[0026] The front plate 114 is formed on the front edge (second open end 102a) of the first cover plate 111. The rear plate 115 is formed on the rear edge (second base end 102b) of the first cover plate 111.

[0027] The second cover plate 112 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The second cover plate 112 faces the first cover plate 111 with a gap therebetween. When the second housing 102 is placed on a placement surface (such as the top surface of a desk), the second cover plate 112 faces the placement surface. The second cover plate 112 is an example of a "cover plate."

[0028] 2 and 3, one or more device-side connectors 130 are provided on the side plate 113. A connecting-side connector 131 can be connected to the device-side connector 130. The device-side connector 130 and the connecting-side connector 131 are, for example, connectors that comply with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C standard. The electronic device 100 can charge its battery by, for example, connecting the connecting-side connector 131, which is connected to a power supply device, to the device-side connector 130.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, an insertion portion 116 is formed in the side plate 113. The insertion portion 116 is a through hole formed from the inner surface 113a (see Figure 5) to the outer surface 113b of the side plate 113. The insertion portion 116 penetrates the side plate 113 in the thickness direction. The insertion portion 116 has, for example, a circular shape when viewed from the X direction. The inner surface 113a is one surface of the side plate 113. The inner surfaces 113a of the two side plates 113 face each other. The outer surface 113b is the other surface of the side plate 113.

[0030] 5 and 7, a holding protrusion 121 is formed on the -Z side surface 111a of the first cover plate 111. The holding protrusion 121 protrudes from the surface 111a toward the -Z side. The holding protrusion 121 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame. The holding protrusion 121 is formed integrally with the first cover plate 111, for example.

[0031] 7, the holding protrusion 121 includes a base 122 and two side portions 123. The base 122 is formed parallel to the Y direction at a position spaced apart from the side plate 113 in the X direction. The two side portions 123 extend parallel to the X direction from one end and the other end of the base 122 toward the side plate 113. The tips of the side portions 123 reach the inner surface 113a of the side plate 113 (see FIG. 5).

[0032] A locking recess 124 is formed in a portion including the tip of the side portion 123. The locking recess 124 is formed lower than other portions of the side portion 123, thereby forming a concave shape. The locking recess 124 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the Y direction.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 6, a part of the light guide unit 40 (see Fig. 8) and a part of the holding member 50 are accommodated in the space inside the holding protrusion 121. The base 122 restricts the light guide unit 40 and the holding member 50 from moving backward. The side portion 123 restricts the light guide unit 40 and the holding member 50 from moving in the Y direction.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7, a guide groove 125 (guide portion) is formed on the surface 111b (the surface on the -Z side of the first cover plate 111) of the portion surrounded by the holding protrusion 121. The guide groove 125 is formed parallel to the X direction. The guide groove 125 is formed from the base 122 to the side plate 113. A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide groove 125 is, for example, rectangular. The guide groove 125 guides the light guide 20 in the X direction (front-rear direction). The guide groove 125 guides the light guide 20 in directions approaching and moving away from the side plate 113.

[0035] 6 and 10, the light-emitting unit 10 includes a substrate 11 and a light-emitting section 12. The light-emitting unit 10 is provided inside a second housing 102. The substrate 11 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate parallel to the XY plane. In plan view, the substrate 11 has a rectangular shape with its long sides aligned along the X direction. The substrate 11 may be a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a rigid printed circuit. A portion of the substrate 11 including its front end is disposed in the opening 58 of the holding member 50 in plan view.

[0036] The light emitting section 12 is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The light emitting section 12 emits visible light (for example, a wavelength of 380 nm to 770 nm). The light emitting section 12 is formed on the +Z side surface of the substrate 11. The light emitting section 12 protrudes from the +Z side surface of the substrate 11.

[0037] 2 and 3, the electronic device 100 can charge the battery when, for example, a connection-side connector 131 connected to a power supply device is connected to an device-side connector 130. The electronic device 100 has a control unit (not shown) that controls the light-emitting unit 10.

[0038] For example, when the connection-side connector 131 is not connected to the device-side connector 130, the control unit does not cause the light-emitting unit 12 to emit light. Therefore, the tip protrusion 22 does not light up (see FIG. 2). For example, when the connection-side connector 131 is connected to the device-side connector 130 and the battery is being charged, the control unit causes the light-emitting unit 12 to emit light. As a result, the tip protrusion 22 lights up (see FIG. 3).

[0039] The user can recognize that the battery is being charged by the lighting of the tip protrusion 22. The control unit may change the color of the light of the light-emitting unit 12 when the battery reaches 100% charge. For example, the tip protrusion 22 can be controlled to light up with a first color while charging, and to change to another color when charging is complete.

[0040] 8 and 10, the light guide unit 40 includes a light guide 20 and a biasing structure 30. The light guide unit 40 is provided inside the second housing 102.

[0041] The light guide 20 is transparent. Visible light can pass through the light guide 20. The light guide 20 is made of a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, or acrylic resin. The light guide 20 guides the light from the light emitting section 12.

[0042] The light guide 20 has a main body 21, a tip protrusion 22, and a guide projection 23. The main body 21 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The +Z side surface (first main surface 21a) of the main body 21 (see FIG. 10) faces the surface 111b surrounded by the holding protrusion 121. The -Z side surface (second main surface 21b) of the main body 21 is parallel to the first main surface 21a. The first main surface 21a and the second main surface 21b are parallel to, for example, the XY plane.

[0043] The front end surface 21c of the main body 21 faces the inner surface 113a of the side plate 113 (see FIG. 10). The rear end surface 21d is the surface opposite to the front end surface 21c. The front end surface 21c and the rear end surface 21d are perpendicular to the first main surface 21a. The front end surface 21c and the rear end surface 21d are parallel to, for example, the YZ plane.

[0044] The guide protrusions 23 protrude from the first main surface 21a of the main body 21 to the +Z side. The guide protrusions 23 extend in the X direction. A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide protrusions 23 is, for example, rectangular. The guide protrusions 23 are inserted into the guide grooves 125.

[0045] A receiving recess 24 is formed on the second main surface 21b (outer surface) of the main body 21. The receiving recess 24 is capable of accommodating at least a portion of the light-emitting unit 12. The receiving recess 24 is rectangular in plan view. The receiving recess 24 is large enough to encompass the light-emitting unit 12 in plan view. The receiving recess 24 has a rectangular bottom surface 24a and four side surfaces 24b. The bottom surface 24a is parallel to the second main surface 21b. The side surfaces 24b are perpendicular to the bottom surface 24a. It is desirable that the inner surface of the receiving recess 24 does not come into contact with the light-emitting unit 12.

[0046] The tip protrusion 22 protrudes forward (to the right in FIG. 10) from the tip surface 21c of the main body 21 toward the insertion portion 116. The tip protrusion 22 is formed in the center of the tip surface 21c. The tip protrusion 22 protrudes perpendicular to the tip surface 21c.

[0047] The tip protrusion 22 has a main portion 25 and a tip convex portion 26. The main portion 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis parallel to the X direction. The tip convex portion 26 is formed at the tip of the main portion 25. The outer surface of the tip convex portion 26 is a curved convex surface (for example, a spherical surface) that convex forward. The tip convex portion 26 is formed integrally with the main portion 25.

[0048] The main body 21 receives the light emitted by the light emitting unit 12 in a receiving recess 24. The tip protrusion 22 guides the light from the main body 21 and causes it to exit from a tip protrusion 26.

[0049] The light guide 20 is movable along the guide groove 125 with the guide protrusion 23 inserted into the guide groove 125 (see FIG. 11). The direction in which the light guide 20 approaches the side plate 113 (to the right in FIG. 10) is the "forward" direction. The direction in which the light guide 20 moves away from the side plate 113 (to the left in FIG. 10) is the "rear" direction.

[0050] The biasing structure 30 is an elastic piece connected to the main body 21. The biasing structure 30 is formed in a plate shape that can be elastically bent and deformed. The biasing structure 30 biases the light guide 20 forward by an elastic repulsive force.

[0051] The biasing structure 30 extends from the end of the rear end surface 21d on the -Z side as a base end. The biasing structure 30 may be a plate-like shape curved in the thickness direction. The biasing structure 30 extends rearward from the base end while inclining toward the +Z side. The inclination angle of the biasing structure 30 with respect to the X direction increases toward the tip. For example, the biasing structure 30 is curved in an arc shape when viewed from the Y direction. The width (dimension in the Y direction) of the biasing structure 30 may be the same as the width of the main body portion 21. For example, the biasing structure 30 is formed integrally with the main body portion 21. For example, the biasing structure 30 is made of the same material as the light guide 20.

[0052] 9, the holding member 50 includes a main wall 51, two side walls 52, a rear wall 53 (pressure-receiving wall), and two locking protrusions 54. The holding member 50 holds the light guide unit 40 between the two side walls 52.

[0053] The main wall 51 is formed in an overall rectangular shape. The main wall 51 is on the -Z side of the light guide unit 40 and can restrict movement of the light guide unit 40 in the -Z side. The main wall 51 is, for example, in the shape of a plate parallel to the XY plane. The main wall 51 includes a front portion 56 and two side portions 57. The front portion 56 is in the shape of a long plate extending along the Y direction. The two side portions 57 extend rearward from one end and the other end of the front portion 56, respectively. The two side portions 57 are spaced apart in the Y direction. An opening 58 formed between the two side portions 57 exposes the receiving recess 24.

[0054] The two side walls 52 protrude from one and the other side edges of the main wall 51 toward the +Z side. The side walls 52 are, for example, rectangular plates parallel to the XZ plane. The side walls 52 extend in the X direction. The side walls 52 can restrict movement of the light guide unit 40 in the Y direction. The two side walls 52 may also have a function of guiding movement of the light guide 20 in the front-rear direction.

[0055] The rear wall 53 connects the rear ends of the two side walls 52. The rear wall 53 has a rectangular plate shape parallel to the YZ plane. The rear wall 53 is located on the rear side of the light guide unit 40. The space surrounded by the main wall 51, the two side walls 52, and the rear wall 53 is a housing space for housing the light guide unit 40. A portion of the side wall 52 (portion on the +Z side) and a portion of the rear wall 53 (portion on the +Z side) are disposed inside the holding protrusion 121.

[0056] The two locking protrusions 54 are formed on the front portions of the two side walls 52, respectively. They protrude outward from the outer surfaces of the side walls 52. This "outward" refers to the direction in which the two side walls 52 move away from each other. The locking protrusions 54 are, for example, rectangular plate-shaped and parallel to the XY plane. The locking protrusions 54 engage with the locking recesses 124 (see FIG. 7) of the holding protrusions 121.

[0057] The holding member 50 can be made of rubber, resin, or the like.

[0058] 10, when the light-emitting unit 12 emits light, the light enters the main body 21 from the bottom surface 24a and side surface 24b of the receiving recess 24. A portion of the light enters the tip protrusion 22 and exits from the tip convex portion 26. This causes the tip protrusion 22 to light up.

[0059] The operation of the light guide 20 and the biasing structure 30 will now be described. 10 and 11, the light guide 20 can be switched between a forward position (see FIG. 10) and a rearward position (see FIG. 11) by moving in the front-rear direction. In the forward position (see FIG. 10), the tip of the tip protrusion 22 (the portion including the tip convex portion 26) protrudes from the outer surface 113b of the side plate 113. In the rearward position (see FIG. 11), the tip protrusion 22 does not protrude from the outer surface 113b (i.e., is in a non-protruding state). Therefore, the tip protrusion 22 can appear and disappear from the outer surface 113b of the side plate 113.

[0060] 10, in the forward position, for example, the rear wall 53 of the holding member 50 restricts the retraction of the light guide unit 40. Therefore, a state in which a part of the tip protrusion 22 protrudes from the outer surface 113b is maintained. In this state, the tip protrusion 22 protrudes from the outer surface 113b, so that the position can be confirmed by touching it with a finger.

[0061] As shown by the arrow in Fig. 10, the tip protrusion 22, which is the portion protruding from the side panel 113, may be subjected to an external force, for example, by contact with an external object. In the example shown in Fig. 11, when an external force is applied to the tip protrusion 22, the light guide 20 retracts, and the tip protrusion 22 becomes non-protruding. As the light guide 20 retracts, the biasing structure 30 is pressed against the rear wall 53 and bends. The biasing structure 30 receives a reaction force from the rear wall 53 and presses the light guide 20 forward by an elastic repulsive force. Therefore, when the external force weakens, the light guide 20 returns to the forward position (see Fig. 10).

[0062] [Effects of the Electronic Device According to the Embodiment] According to the electronic device 100, the light guide 20 has the tip protrusion 22 that can be protruded and retracted from the side plate 113. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the tip protrusion 22, the light guide 20 retracts, and the tip protrusion 22 becomes non-protruding. This reduces the impact applied to the tip protrusion 22, making it less likely that the tip protrusion 22 will be damaged. Because the tip protrusion 22 is retractable, it is also less likely that an external object will be damaged if it comes into contact with the tip protrusion 22.

[0063] Since the biasing structure 30 is an elastic piece that obtains a repulsive force through bending deformation, the structure for biasing the light guide 20 can be simplified.

[0064] The biasing structure 30 generates an elastic repulsive force by applying a reaction force to the rear wall 53 of the holding member 50, and therefore can generate a sufficient biasing force against the light guide 20. Since the electronic device 100 includes the holding member 50, leakage of light from the light-emitting unit 12 can be suppressed.

[0065] The main body 21 has a receiving recess 24 that accommodates at least a part of the light emitting section 12. This structure makes it possible to reduce the overall height dimension (dimension in the Z direction) of the light guide 20 and the light emitting unit 10, thereby enabling space saving.

[0066] The first cover plate 111 is formed with a guide groove 125 for guiding the light guide 20 in the front-rear direction, so that the light guide 20 can be operated stably.

[0067] [Electronic Device] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the electronic device 200 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing the structure of the electronic device 200. FIGS. 15 and 16 are plan views of a portion of the electronic device 200. FIGS. 17 and 18 are cross-sectional views of a portion of the electronic device 200. FIGS. 17 and 18 show cross sections along the XZ plane. Configurations common to the electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 11) are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0068] 12, electronic device 200 includes first housing 101 (see FIG. 1), second housing 102 (see FIG. 1), light-emitting unit 10, light guide 220, and holding unit 250. Electronic device 200 differs from electronic device 100 (see FIG. 6) in that light guide 220 is used instead of light guide unit 40 (see FIG. 8) and holding unit 250 is used instead of holding member 50.

[0069] 12 and 15, the light-emitting unit 10 includes a substrate 11 and a light-emitting portion 12. A portion of the substrate 11 including its front end is disposed in the opening 258 of the holding unit 250.

[0070] 13, the light guide 220 has the same configuration as the light guide 20 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the light guide 220 is movable along the guide groove 125 with the guide protrusions 23 inserted into the guide grooves 125.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the holding unit 250 includes a holding member 260 and a biasing structure 230. The holding member 260 includes a main wall 251, two side walls 252, and two locking protrusions 54. The holding member 260 holds the light guide 220 between the two side walls 252.

[0072] The main wall 251 is located on the -Z side with respect to the light guide 220 and can restrict movement of the light guide 220 in the -Z side. The main wall 251 is, for example, in the shape of a plate parallel to the XY plane. The main wall 251 includes a front portion 256 and two side portions 257. The front portion 256 is in the shape of a long plate extending along the Y direction. The two side portions 257 extend rearward from one end and the other end of the front portion 256, respectively. The two side portions 257 are spaced apart in the Y direction. An opening 258 formed between the two side portions 257 exposes the receiving recess 24.

[0073] The two side walls 252 protrude from one and the other side edges of the main wall 251 toward the +Z side. The side walls 252 are, for example, rectangular plates parallel to the XZ plane. The side walls 252 extend in the X direction. The side walls 252 can restrict movement of the light guide 220 in the Y direction. The two side walls 252 may also have a function of guiding movement of the light guide 220 in the front-rear direction.

[0074] The space surrounded by the main wall 251 and the two side walls 252 is a housing space that houses the light guide 220. A portion of the side wall 252 (portion on the +Z side) and a portion of the biasing structure 230 (portion on the +Z side) are disposed inside the holding protrusion 121.

[0075] The biasing structure 230 is an elastic structure connected to the holding member 260. The biasing structure 230 is formed in a plate shape that can be elastically bent and deformed. The biasing structure 230 biases the light guide 220 forward by an elastic repulsive force.

[0076] The urging structure 230 connects the rear ends of the two side walls 252. The urging structure 230 spans between the rear end of one side wall 252 and the rear end of the other side wall 252. The urging structure 230 is formed with a urging portion 231 having a curved shape that is convex forward. The urging portion 231 is curved, for example, in an arc shape in a plan view. The urging portion 231 may be in the shape of a plate that is curved in the thickness direction. At least a portion of the urging structure 230 is located on the rear side of the light guide 220. The urging structure 230 is formed integrally with the holding member 260, for example. The urging structure 230 is made of the same material as the holding member 260, for example.

[0077] The holding unit 250 can be made of rubber, resin, or the like.

[0078] 12, a part of the light guide 220 and a part of the holding unit 250 are accommodated in the space inside the holding protrusion 121. The base 122 restricts the light guide 220 and the holding unit 250 from moving backward. The side portions 123 restrict the light guide 220 and the holding unit 250 from moving in the Y direction.

[0079] 17, when the light-emitting unit 12 emits light, the light enters the main body 21 from the bottom surface 24a and side surface 24b of the receiving recess 24. A portion of the light enters the tip protrusion 22 and exits from the tip convex portion 26. This causes the tip protrusion 22 to light up.

[0080] The operation of the light guide 220 and the biasing structure 230 will now be described. As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the light guide 220 can be switched between a forward position (see FIGS. 15 and 17) and a rearward position (see FIGS. 16 and 18) by moving in the front-rear direction. In the forward position (see FIGS. 15 and 17), the tip of the tip protrusion 22 (the portion including the tip convex portion 26) protrudes from the outer surface 113b of the side plate 113. In the rearward position (see FIGS. 16 and 18), the tip protrusion 22 does not protrude from the outer surface 113b (i.e., is in a non-protruding state). Therefore, the tip protrusion 22 can appear and disappear from the outer surface 113b of the side plate 113.

[0081] 15 and 17, in the forward position, the retraction of the light guide 220 is restricted by, for example, the biasing portion 231 of the holding unit 250. Therefore, the state in which a part of the tip protrusion 22 protrudes from the outer surface 113b is maintained.

[0082] As shown by the arrow in Fig. 17, the tip protrusion 22, which is the portion protruding from the side panel 113, may be subjected to an external force, for example, by contact with an external object. In the examples shown in Figs. 16 and 18, when an external force is applied to the tip protrusion 22, the light guide 220 retracts, and the tip protrusion 22 becomes non-protruding. As the light guide 220 retracts, the biasing portion 231 is pushed by the light guide 220 and bends. The biasing structure 230 presses the light guide 220 forward by an elastic repulsive force. Therefore, when the external force weakens, the light guide 220 returns to the forward position (see Figs. 15 and 17).

[0083] [Effects of the Electronic Device According to the Embodiment] According to the electronic device 200, the light guide 220 has the tip protrusion 22 that can be protruded and retracted from the side plate 113. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the tip protrusion 22, the light guide 220 retracts, and the tip protrusion 22 becomes non-protruding. This reduces the impact applied to the tip protrusion 22, making it less likely that the tip protrusion 22 will be damaged. Because the tip protrusion 22 can be protruded and retracted, it is also less likely that an external object will be damaged if it comes into contact with the tip protrusion 22.

[0084] Since the biasing structure 230 has the biasing portion 231 that obtains a repulsive force by bending deformation, the structure for biasing the light guide 220 can be simplified. Since the electronic device 200 includes the holding member 260, leakage of light from the light-emitting unit 12 can be suppressed.

[0085] The biasing portion 231 has a curved shape that is convex forward, and therefore can apply an elastic repulsive force to the light guide 220 efficiently.

[0086] The main body 21 has a receiving recess 24 that accommodates at least a part of the light emitting section 12, which allows the height dimension (dimension in the Z direction) of the light guide 220 and the light emitting unit 10 to be reduced, thereby enabling space saving.

[0087] Since the guide groove 125 is formed in the first cover plate 111, the light guide 220 can be operated stably.

[0088] [Electronic Device] (Third Embodiment) Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of electronic device 300 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of electronic device 300. Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of electronic device 300. Configurations common to electronic devices according to other embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the electronic device 300 includes a first housing 101 (see FIG. 1), a second housing 102 (see FIG. 1), a light emitting unit 10, a light guide 320, and a holding unit 350.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 20, a frame-shaped holding protrusion 421 and one or more fixed projections 422 are formed on a surface 111a of the first cover plate 111. As shown in FIG. 19, the substrate 11 of the light emitting unit 10 is fixed to the fixed protrusion 422 by a fixture 430.

[0091] 21, guide protrusions 425 (guide portions) are formed on the surface of the portion surrounded by the holding protrusions 421 (the surface on the -Z side of the first cover plate 111). The guide protrusions 425 protrude on the -Z side. The guide protrusions 425 extend in the X direction. The guide protrusions 425 guide the light guide 320 in directions (front-rear directions) that move it toward and away from the side plate 413.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 19, the light guide 320 has a main body 321 and a tip protrusion 322. The main body 321 is formed in a block shape. A front surface 321c of the main body 321 faces an inner surface 413a of the side plate 413. A rear end surface 321d is the surface opposite the front surface 321c.

[0093] The tip protrusion 322 protrudes forward (to the right in FIG. 19) from the front surface 321c of the main body 321. The tip protrusion 322 is inserted into the insertion portion . The tip protrusion 322 has a main portion 325 and a tip convex portion 326. The main portion 325 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a central axis parallel to the X direction. The tip convex portion 326 is formed at the tip of the main portion 325. The outer surface of the tip convex portion 326 is a curved convex surface (for example, a spherical surface) that convex forward.

[0094] The main body 321 receives, at its second main surface 321b (the surface on the -Z side), the light emitted by the light emitting unit 12. The tip protrusion 322 guides the light from the main body 321 and causes it to exit from the tip convex portion 326.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 21, the holding unit 350 includes a holding member 360 and a biasing structure 330 . The holding member 360 includes a main wall 351 and two side walls 352. The holding member 360 holds the light guide 320 between the two side walls 352.

[0096] The main wall 351 is, for example, in the shape of a plate parallel to the XY plane. An opening 358 is formed in the main wall 351. The opening 358 encompasses the light-emitting unit 12 in a plan view. It is desirable that the main wall 351 is not in contact with the light guide 320. When the main wall 351 is not in contact with the light guide 320, the light guide 320 can easily move in the front-to-rear direction. The two side walls 352 protrude from one and the other side edges of the main wall 351 toward the +Z side, respectively.

[0097] 19, the biasing structure 330 is formed in a block shape. The biasing structure 330 is formed integrally with the holding member 360. At least a portion of the biasing structure 330 is provided on the rear side of the main body portion 321. A front surface 330a of the biasing structure 330 faces a rear end surface 321d of the main body portion 321.

[0098] The biasing structure 330 is elastically compressible and deformable in the front-rear direction. The biasing structure 330 biases the light guide 320 forward by an elastic repulsive force. The biasing structure 330 preferably has a durometer A hardness of 70 or more and 90 or less according to JIS K6253-3 (2012), for example.

[0099] The holding unit 350 can be made of rubber, resin, or the like.

[0100] The operation of the light guide 320 and the biasing structure 330 will now be described. When the light guide 320 is in the forward position, the tip of the tip protrusion 322 (the portion including the tip convex portion 326) protrudes from the outer surface 413b of the side plate 413. When the light guide 320 is in the rear position, the tip protrusion 322 does not protrude from the outer surface 413b (i.e., is in a non-protruding state).

[0101] An external force may be applied to the tip protrusion 322, which is the portion protruding from the side panel 413, by coming into contact with an external object, for example. When an external force is applied to the tip protrusion 322, the light guide 320 retracts, and the tip protrusion 322 becomes non-protruding. As the light guide 320 retracts, the biasing structure 330 undergoes elastic compressive deformation. The biasing structure 330 presses the light guide 320 forward by an elastic repulsive force. Therefore, when the external force weakens, the light guide 320 returns to its forward position.

[0102] [Effects of the Electronic Device According to the Embodiment] According to electronic device 300, light guide 320 is configured so that tip protrusion 322 can be projected and retracted relative to side plate 413. Therefore, when an external force is applied to tip protrusion 322, light guide 320 retracts, and tip protrusion 322 becomes non-projecting. This reduces the impact applied to tip protrusion 322, making tip protrusion 322 less likely to be damaged. Because tip protrusion 322 is projectible and retractable, it is also possible to make it less likely that an external object will be damaged when it comes into contact with tip protrusion 322.

[0103] The biasing structure 330 obtains a repulsive force through compressive deformation, making it easy to set the biasing force. The biasing structure 330 is superior in durability to structures that utilize bending deformation. Since the electronic device 300 includes the holding member 360, leakage of light from the light-emitting unit 12 can be suppressed.

[0104] The specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The configurations described in the above-described embodiment can be combined in any manner. In the electronic device of the embodiment, the configuration shown in FIG. 6 (light-emitting unit 10, light guide unit 40, and holding member 50) may be provided on only one of the two side plates 113, or on both of the two side plates 113.

[0105] 2, the insertion portion 116 through which the tip protrusion 22 is inserted is formed in the side plate 113, but the insertion portion 116 is not limited to being formed in the side plate 113, and may also be formed in the front plate 114 or the rear plate 115. The front plate 114 and the rear plate 115 are examples of side plates.

[0106] Although the electronic devices 100, 200, and 300 in the embodiments are notebook PCs, the electronic devices are not limited to notebook PCs and may be tablet terminals, smartphones, desktop PCs, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 12...light emitting portion, 20, 220, 320...light guide body, 22, 322...tip protrusion portion, 24...receiving recess, 30, 230, 330...urging structure, 50, 260, 360...holding member, 52, 252, 352...side wall, 53...rear wall (pressure receiving wall), 100, 200, 300...electronic device, 102...second housing (housing), 111...first cover plate (cover plate), 113, 413...side plate, 113a, 413a...inner surface, 113b, 413b...outer surface, 116...insertion portion, 125...guide groove (guide portion), 231...urging portion, 425...guide protrusion portion (guide portion)

Claims

1. a housing having a cover plate and a side plate formed on a side edge of the cover plate; a light emitting unit provided inside the housing; a light guide having a tip protrusion and guiding light from the light emitting portion; a biasing structure that biases the light guide, The side plate is formed with an insertion portion that penetrates from the inner surface to the outer surface, the light guide is movable in a direction toward and away from the side plate; the tip protruding portion protrudes from the outer surface of the side plate through the insertion portion so as to be able to be retracted; the biasing structure biases the light guide body in the protruding direction of the tip protrusion by an elastic repulsive force; electronic equipment.

2. the biasing structure is an elastic piece connected to the light guide, and generates the repulsive force by elastic bending deformation; The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. Further provided is a holding member for holding the light guide body, the holding member includes two side walls and a pressure-receiving wall connecting the side walls, The biasing structure obtains the repulsive force by applying a reaction force to the pressure-receiving wall.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2.

4. a holding member having two side walls and holding the light guide between the two side walls; the biasing structure connects the two side walls together; The biasing structure is formed with a biasing portion that obtains the repulsive force by elastic bending deformation. The electronic device according to claim 1.

5. The biasing portion has a curved shape that is convex in the protruding direction.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4.

6. The light guide has a receiving recess formed therein for accommodating at least a part of the light emitting portion. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

7. the biasing structure obtains the repulsive force by elastic compressive deformation; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

8. The cover plate is formed with a guide portion that guides the light guide in a direction toward and away from the side plate. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

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