Electronic equipment

Abstract

Provided is an electronic device capable of suppressing an external force applied to a light guide protruding from a housing. [Solution] The electronic device 100 includes a housing having a cover plate 111 and a side plate 113, a light emitting section 12 provided inside the housing, a light guide 20 having a tip protrusion 22, and a biasing structure 30 for biasing the light guide 20. An insertion section 116 is formed in the side plate 113, penetrating from an inner surface 113a to an outer surface 113b. The light guide 20 is movable in a direction approaching and moving away from the side plate 113. The tip protrusion 22 protrudes from the outer surface 113b of the side plate 113 through the insertion section 116 so as to be able to retract. The biasing structure 30 biases the light guide 20 in the protruding direction of the tip protrusion 22 by an elastic repulsive force.

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-120979 A 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 the electronic device having such a configuration, the protruding portion may come into contact with other objects. In order to avoid damage, it is required 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 capable of suppressing an external force applied to a light guide protruding 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 portion provided inside the housing, a light guide having a tip protrusion and guiding light from the light-emitting portion, 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 a direction approaching and moving away from the side plate, the tip protrusion protrudes retractably from the outer surface of the side plate through the insertion portion, and the biasing structure biases the light guide in the protruding direction of the tip protrusion by elastic repulsive force.

[0007] It is preferable that the biasing structure is an elastic piece connected to the light guide, and obtains the repulsive force 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 to each other, and the biasing structure is formed with 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 portion 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 for guiding the light guide in a direction toward and away from the side plate. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an electronic device capable of suppressing an external force applied to a light guide protruding from a housing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 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. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a portion of the electronic device according to the 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 the electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a structure of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a structure of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 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 portion of an electronic device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[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 to each other 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 a rectangular plate shape. 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 to 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 (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 to the second base end 102b is the second open end 102a.

[0022] The second housing 102 is equipped with a keyboard 107 and a touch pad 108. The second housing 102 accommodates 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 of 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 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 housing main portion 120 and a second cover plate 112. The second housing 102 is a flat case. The second housing 102 is made of, for example, plastic, metal, or the like.

[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, the side plate 113 is provided with one or more device-side connectors 130. 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 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C standard. The electronic device 100 can charge the 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 is, for example, circular 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 a surface 111a on the -Z side of the first cover plate 111. The holding protrusion 121 protrudes from the surface 111a to the -Z side. The holding protrusion 121 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. 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 separated from the side plate 113 in the X direction. The two side portions 123 extend parallel to the X direction from one and the other ends 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] 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 surface 111b (the surface on the -Z side of first cover plate 111) of the portion surrounded by holding protrusion 121. Guide groove 125 is formed parallel to the X direction. Guide groove 125 is formed from base 122 to side plate 113. A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of guide groove 125 is, for example, rectangular. Guide groove 125 guides light guide 20 in the X direction (front-rear direction). Guide groove 125 guides light guide 20 in a direction approaching and moving away from side plate 113.

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

[0036] The light emitting section 12 is, for example, a light emitting diode (LED: Light Emission Diode). 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 surface of the substrate 11 on the +Z side. The light emitting section 12 protrudes from the surface of the substrate 11 on the +Z side.

[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 equipment-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 charging rate reaches 100%. For example, the tip protrusion 22 can be controlled to light up with a first color during charging, and the light of the tip protrusion 22 can 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 portion 21 , a tip protrusion portion 22 , and a guide protrusion portion 23 . The main body 21 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A surface (first main surface 21a) on the +Z side of the main body 21 (see FIG. 10) faces a surface 111b surrounded by the holding protrusion 121. A surface (second main surface 21b) on the -Z side 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, for example, parallel to 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 protrusion 23 protrudes from the first main surface 21a of the main body 21 to the +Z side. The guide protrusion 23 extends in the X direction. A cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide protrusion 23 is, for example, rectangular. The guide protrusion 23 is inserted into the guide groove 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 section 12. The receiving recess 24 is rectangular in plan view. The receiving recess 24 is large enough to encompass the light-emitting section 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 section 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 (e.g., 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 portion 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 in 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 "front". The direction in which the light guide 20 moves away from the side plate 113 (to the left in FIG. 10) is the "rear".

[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 is elastically bendable and deformable. 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 in the form of a plate curved in the thickness direction. The biasing structure 30 extends rearward from the base end while inclining toward the +Z side. The biasing structure 30 has an increasing inclination angle with respect to the X direction as it approaches the tip. The biasing structure 30 is curved, for example, 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. The biasing structure 30 is formed, for example, integrally with the main body portion 21. The biasing structure 30 is made of, for example, 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 a rectangular shape as a whole. The main wall 51 is on the -Z side with respect to the light guide unit 40, and can restrict the light guide unit 40 from moving in the -Z side. The main wall 51 is, for example, in a plate shape 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 to the +Z side, respectively. The side walls 52 are, for example, rectangular plate-shaped 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 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 an accommodation space for accommodating the light guide unit 40. A portion of the side wall 52 (a portion on the +Z side) and a portion of the rear wall 53 (a 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 the side surface 24b of the receiving recess 24. A part of the light enters the tip protrusion 22 and exits from the tip protrusion 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 front position (see FIG. 10) and a rear position (see FIG. 11) by moving in the front-rear direction. In the front position (see FIG. 10), the tip (portion including the tip convex portion 26) of the tip protrusion 22 protrudes from the outer surface 113b of the side plate 113. In the rear position (see FIG. 11), the tip protrusion 22 does not protrude from the outer surface 113b (i.e., 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 light guide unit 40 from moving backward. 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 arrows in Fig. 10, an external force may be applied to tip protrusion 22, which is a portion protruding from side plate 113, by contacting an external object, for example. In the example shown in Fig. 11, application of an external force to tip protrusion 22 causes light guide 20 to retract, and tip protrusion 22 becomes non-protruding. As light guide 20 retracts, biasing structure 30 is pressed against rear wall 53 and bent. Biasing structure 30 receives a reaction force from rear wall 53 and presses light guide 20 forward by elastic repulsion. Therefore, when the external force weakens, 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 capable of protruding and retracting 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 in a non-protruding state. This reduces the impact applied to the tip protrusion 22 and makes the tip protrusion 22 less likely to be damaged. Since the tip protrusion 22 is capable of protruding and retracting, when an external object comes into contact with the tip protrusion 22, the object is less likely to be damaged.

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

[0064] The biasing structure 30 obtains an elastic repulsive force by applying a reaction force to the rear wall 53 of the holding member 50, and therefore, a sufficient biasing force against the light guide 20 can be obtained. 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. This allows for space saving.

[0066] Since the first cover plate 111 has a guide groove 125 for guiding the light guide 20 in the front-rear direction, the light guide 20 can be operated stably.

[0067] [Electronic Device] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of electronic device 200 according to the second embodiment. FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing the structure of electronic device 200. FIGS. 15 and 16 are plan views of a portion of electronic device 200. FIGS. 17 and 18 are cross-sectional views of a portion of electronic device 200. FIGS. 17 and 18 show cross sections along the XZ plane. Configurations common to electronic device 100 according to the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 11) are given 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 an opening 258 of the holding unit 250.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 13, the light guide 220 has a similar configuration to 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 protrusion 23 inserted into the guide groove 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 on the -Z side with respect to the light guide 220 and can restrict the light guide 220 from moving in the -Z side. The main wall 251 is, for example, in the form 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 form of a long plate extending along the Y direction. The two side portions 257 extend rearward from one 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 to the +Z side, respectively. The side walls 252 are, for example, rectangular plate-shaped 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 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 an accommodation space for accommodating the light guide 220 . A portion of the side wall 252 (a portion on the +Z side) and a portion of the biasing structure 230 (a 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 is elastically bendable and deformable. 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 to each other. 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 a plate shape curved in the thickness direction. At least a part of the urging structure 230 is located on the rear side with respect to the light guide 220. The urging structure 230 is formed, for example, integrally with the holding member 260. The urging structure 230 is made of, for example, the same material as the holding member 260.

[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 portion 123 restricts 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 the side surface 24b of the receiving recess 24. A part of the light enters the tip protrusion 22 and exits from the tip protrusion 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 front position (see Figs. 15 and 17) and a rear position (see Figs. 16 and 18) by moving in the front-rear direction. In the front position (see Figs. 15 and 17), the tip (portion including the tip convex portion 26) of the tip protrusion 22 protrudes from the outer surface 113b of the side plate 113. In the rear position (see Figs. 16 and 18), the tip protrusion 22 does not protrude from the outer surface 113b (i.e., 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 front 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 plate 113, may be subjected to an external force, for example, by contacting an external object. In the example 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 urging portion 231 is pushed by the light guide 220 and bends. The urging 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 electronic device 200, light guide 220 has tip protrusion 22 that can protrude and retract from side plate 113. Therefore, when an external force is applied to tip protrusion 22, light guide 220 retracts and tip protrusion 22 becomes non-protruding. This reduces the impact applied to tip protrusion 22 and makes tip protrusion 22 less likely to be damaged. Because tip protrusion 22 can protrude and retract, when an external object comes into contact with tip protrusion 22, the object is less likely to be damaged.

[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 cause an elastic repulsive force to act on the light guide 220 efficiently.

[0086] Since the main body 21 has the receiving recess 24 that accommodates at least a part of the light emitting section 12, it is possible to reduce the height dimension (dimension in the Z direction) of the light guide 220 and the light emitting unit 10. This makes it possible to save space.

[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 given 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 surface 111a of the first cover plate 111 is formed with a frame-shaped holding protrusion 421 and one or more fixed projections 422. 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, a guide protrusion 425 (guide portion) is formed on a surface (the -Z side surface of first cover plate 111) surrounded by holding protrusion 421. Guide protrusion 425 protrudes on the -Z side. Guide protrusion 425 extends in the X direction. Guide protrusion 425 guides light guide 320 in a direction (front-rear direction) toward and away from side plate 413.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 19, the light guide 320 has a main body portion 321 and a tip protrusion portion 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 to the front surface 321c.

[0093] The tip protruding portion 322 protrudes forward (to the right in FIG. 19) from a front surface 321c of the main body portion 321. The tip protruding portion 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 having 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 (e.g., a spherical surface) that convexly faces forward.

[0094] The main body 321 receives the light emitted by the light emitting unit 12 at a second main surface 321b (the surface on the -Z side). 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-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 based on 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 (a portion including the tip convex portion 326) of the tip protrusion 322 protrudes from the outer surface 413b of the side plate 413. When the light guide 320 is in the rearward 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 tip protrusion 322, which is a portion protruding from side plate 413, by contacting an external object, for example. When an external force is applied to tip protrusion 322, light guide 320 retracts and tip protrusion 322 becomes non-protruding. As light guide 320 retracts, biasing structure 330 elastically undergoes compressive deformation. Biasing structure 330 presses light guide 320 forward by an elastic repulsive force. Therefore, when the external force weakens, light guide 320 returns to its forward position.

[0102] [Effects of the Electronic Device According to the Embodiment] According to electronic device 300, tip protrusion 322 of light guide 320 is capable of protruding and retracting with respect to side plate 413. Therefore, when an external force is applied to tip protrusion 322, light guide 320 retracts and tip protrusion 322 becomes in a non-protruding state. This reduces the impact applied to tip protrusion 322 and makes tip protrusion 322 less likely to be damaged. Because tip protrusion 322 is capable of protruding and retracting, 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 the repulsive force by compressive deformation, so that the biasing force can be easily set. The biasing structure 330 is superior in durability to a structure that utilizes bending deformation. Since electronic device 300 includes holding member 360, leakage of light from light-emitting unit 12 can be suppressed.

[0104] The specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and includes designs and the like within the scope of the gist of the present invention. The configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be combined in any combination. 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 the side plate 113 and may be formed in the front plate 114 or the rear plate 115. The front plate 114 and the rear plate 115 are examples of the 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, 22,322...tip protrusion, 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 (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 for biasing the light guide; A holding member for holding the light guide; Equipped with The side plate is formed with an insertion portion penetrating 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 in a retractable manner; the biasing structure is an elastic piece connected to the light guide, and generates a repulsive force by elastic bending deformation, and biases the light guide in the protruding direction of the tip protrusion by the elastic repulsive force; 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. electronic equipment.

2. A receiving recess for receiving at least a part of the light emitting portion is formed in the light guide.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1.

3. 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 for biasing the light guide; a holding member having two side walls and holding the light guide between the two side walls; Equipped with The side plate is formed with an insertion portion penetrating 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 in a retractable manner; The biasing structure connects the two side walls together, The biasing structure is provided with a biasing portion that obtains a repulsive force by elastic bending deformation, The biasing structure biases the light guide in a protruding direction of the tip protrusion portion by the elastic repulsive force. electronic equipment.

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

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

5. A receiving recess for receiving at least a part of the light emitting portion is formed in the light guide.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3.

6. 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 for biasing the light guide body, The side plate is formed with an insertion portion penetrating 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 in a retractable manner; the biasing structure biases the light guide in a protruding direction of the tip protrusion by an elastic repulsive force, A guide portion is formed on the cover plate to guide the light guide body in a direction toward and away from the side plate. electronic equipment.

7. A receiving recess for receiving at least a part of the light emitting portion is formed in the light guide.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6.

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