Operating member locking mechanism and electronic device

Abstract

To provide a lock mechanism with a small number of components capable of generating a perceptible clicking sensation to a user and an electronic device including an operation member lock mechanism.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, an operation member lock mechanism includes a lock member that switches an operation member capable of being operated in a predetermined direction between an operable state and an inoperable state and a click-sensation generating unit configured of a part of the lock member and a part of the operation member. When the click-sensation generating unit switches the operation member between the operable state and the inoperable state, a clicking sensation is generated by the part of the lock member overcoming the part of the operation member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an operating member locking mechanism and an electronic device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, electronic devices such as mobile personal computers (PCs) and autofocus cameras are equipped with operating members such as power switches for turning the power on / off and selector switches for switching various contacts. Further, the electronic device is provided with a locking mechanism for preventing accidental operation of the operating member. The locking mechanism has a structure that mechanically switches the operating member between an operable state and an inoperable state, thereby preventing accidental operation of the operating member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the conventional electronic devices as described above, a click feeling generating member such as a spring is separately provided for the operation member and the lock mechanism. Note that click feeling generation means that when a user performs an input operation on an input device, a reaction perceptible to the user (such as a sound or a tactile sensation obtained from a change in torque required for operating the operation member) is generated by the input device. By the user perceiving this click feeling, it can be recognized that the input has been surely performed. The click feeling generating member generates a click feeling for the user when switching the operation member between an operable state and an inoperable state.

[0005] In recent years, in order to reduce the number of parts and the cost of electronic devices, a technique has been required to generate a click feeling for the user when switching the operation member between an operable state and an inoperable state without separately providing a click feeling generating member.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device including a lock mechanism and an operation member lock mechanism that can generate a click feeling perceptible to the user and have a small number of parts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to an embodiment, there are provided a lock member that switches an operation member operable in a preset direction between an operable state and an inoperable state, and a click feeling generating portion constituted by a part of the lock member and a part of the operation member. In the click feeling generating portion, when switching the operation member between the operable state and the inoperable state, a part of the lock member gets over a part of the operation member to generate a click feeling. , a part of the locking member is provided with a protruding portion that protrudes more than other parts, and a part of the operating member is provided with an extending portion that extends toward the protruding portion in an elastically deformable manner. When switching the operating member between an operable state and an inoperable state, the protruding portion of the locking member presses the extending portion of the operating member to cause elastic deformation, so that the protruding portion overrides the extending portion. 。

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] "One Embodiment" FIG. 1 is a contour configuration diagram of the electronic device 1. Examples of the electronic device 1 include, for example, a mobile PC, an autofocus camera, and the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 is assumed to be a mobile PC that can be connected to a wearable device (not shown).

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device (mobile PC) 1 is covered by a device cover 2 having a rectangular three-dimensional contour. The device cover 2 is equipped with a selection / determination button group 3 provided at the central portion of the surface 2a and a connection connector 4 provided at the central portion of the side surface 2b. A plug (not shown) for connecting a wearable device is removably inserted into the connection connector 4.

[0011] Furthermore, an operation member 5 is mounted on one side portion of the side surface 2b of the electronic device 1. Examples of the operation member 5 include a power switch for turning the power on / off and a selector switch for switching various contacts. In the example of FIG. 1, the operation member 5 is assumed to be a power switch for turning the power on / off.

[0012] FIG. 2 is an arrangement configuration diagram of the operation member (power switch) 5 in a plan view. FIG. 3 is an arrangement configuration diagram of the operation member 5 in a cross-sectional view. The operation member 5 has a circular contour in a plan view and is elastically supported by an operation member support portion 8 (see FIG. 4) described later on the device cover 2. In the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation member 5 has a shape in which the outer peripheral contour is generally circular and chamfered linearly at two different positions on a part of the outer periphery, and an operation main body 5a formed at positions where the linearly chamfered shapes face each other, and a disk-shaped main body cover 5b provided so as to cover the operation main body 5a are integrated.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the operation member support portion 8 supports the operation member 5 (operation main body 5a, main body cover 5b) so as to always be in the same position and the same posture. At this time, the operation member 5 is maintained in a state where it can be operated in a preset direction. The preset direction is defined as the direction toward the back direction in the plan view of FIG. 2 (the downward direction G in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3).

[0014] Here, when the user presses the operation member 5 with a finger, the operation member 5 is immersed in the back direction in the plan view of FIG. 2 (the downward direction G in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3), whereby the power on / off operation becomes possible. Then, when the pressing on the operation member 5 is released, the operation member 5 is restored to the same position and the same posture by the restoring force due to the elastic deformation of the operation member support portion 8.

[0015] Furthermore, the electronic device 1 is provided with an operation member locking mechanism 6 (hereinafter referred to as the locking mechanism 6) for preventing an erroneous operation of the above-described operation member 5. The locking mechanism 6 has a locking member 7 that mechanically switches the operation member 5 between an operable state and an inoperable state. The locking member 7 is arranged in an annular shape so as to surround the operation member 5 in the circumferential direction.

[0016] The locking member 7 is provided with a fitting portion 7p that can be fitted to the device cover 2. In a state where the fitting portion 7p is fitted to the device cover 2, the locking member 7 can be moved (i.e., rotated) along the device cover 2. The fitting portions 7p are arranged one by one between a pair of stoppers 13 and 14 (see FIG. 4) described later and are fitted so as to sandwich a part of the device cover 2.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a lever portion 7a projects radially from the locking member 7. By moving the lever portion 7a in the direction of arrow S1 or in the direction of arrow S2, the locking member 7 can be moved (i.e., rotated) along the circumferential direction.

[0018] For example, when the lever portion 7a is moved in the direction of arrow S1, the operation member 5 is switched to the operable state. At this time, the locking mechanism 6 is in the unlocked state, and the operation member 5 can be pressed. On the other hand, when the lever portion 7a is moved in the direction of arrow S2, the operation member 5 is switched to the inoperable state. At this time, the locking mechanism 6 is in the locked state, and the operation member 5 cannot be pressed.

[0019] FIG. 4 is an arrangement configuration diagram of the operation member 5 and the operation member support portion 8. In the example of FIG. 4, the operation member 5 (specifically, the operation main body 5a) has a contour shape defined by a pair of straight portions 5L and a pair of arc portions 5R in the shape of its outer periphery. The pair of straight portions 5L extend parallel to each other. The pair of arc portions 5R are concentric and are arranged opposite to each other so as to connect both ends of these two straight portions 5L.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the operation member support portion 8 includes a support base 9 and a pair of support arms 10 and 11. The support base 9 has a rectangular outline shape and is welded and fixed to the device cover 2. The pair of support arms 10 and 11 extend from the support base 9 toward the operation member 5 (operation main body 5a). Note that an extension portion 12 of the operation member 5, which will be described later, is supported by the support base 9 so as to be elastically deformable.

[0021] The pair of support arms 10 and 11 have a base end portion E fixed to the support base 9 and a tip end portion T fixed to the operation member 5 (operation main body 5a). In this case, the tip end portion T of one support arm 10 is joined in parallel along one of the pair of straight portions 5L. The tip end portion T of the other support arm 11 is joined in parallel along the other of the pair of straight portions 5L. Thus, both sides of the operation member 5 (operation main body 5a) are elastically supported by the pair of support arms 10 and 11.

[0022] Furthermore, the lock mechanism 6 (specifically, the lock member 7) is provided with a pair of stoppers 13 and 14. These stoppers 13 and 14 are provided to extend at positions facing each other on the inner peripheral side of the annular lock member 7 and with a part thereof protruding inward. The opposing surfaces 13s and 14s of the stoppers 13 and 14 are positioned to face each other in parallel.

[0023] FIGS. 4 to 7 show the unlocked state of the lock mechanism 6. In this state, the pair of stoppers 13 and 14 are positioned so as to avoid the operation member 5 (that is, the operation main body 5a). In other words, the pair of stoppers 13 and 14 are positioned in a state of being deviated outward from the pair of straight portions 5L of the operation member 5 (operation main body 5a).

[0024] Viewed in another way, the maximum mutual distance between the pair of straight portions 5L is designated as W1, and the mutual distance between the pair of stoppers 13, 14 (specifically, the opposing surfaces 13s, 14s) is designated as W3. Then, in the unlocked state of the locking mechanism 6, the pair of straight portions 5L and the pair of stoppers 13, 14 are formed or arranged such that the stoppers 13, 14 and the operating member 5 (operating body 5a) satisfy the relationship W1 < W3.

[0025] At this time, there is nothing that obstructs the operating direction of the operating member 5, whereby the operating member 5 is in an operable state. As a result, by pressing the operating member 5, the ON / OFF operation of the power supply becomes possible.

[0026] Figures 8 to 11 show the locked state of the locking mechanism 6. In this state, the pair of stoppers 13, 14 are positioned in a state of partially overlapping with the operating member 5 (that is, the operating body 5a). In other words, the pair of stoppers 13, 14 are positioned in a state of partially overlapping with the pair of arc portions 5R of the operating member 5 (operating body 5a).

[0027] Viewed in another way, the maximum mutual distance between the pair of arc portions 5R is designated as W2 (see Figure 4), and the mutual distance between the pair of stoppers 13, 14 (specifically, the opposing surfaces 13s, 14s) is designated as W3 (see Figure 4). Then, as shown in Figures 8 to 11, in the locked state of the locking mechanism 6, the pair of straight portions 5L and the pair of stoppers 13, 14 are formed or arranged such that the stoppers 13, 14 and the operating member 5 (operating body 5a) satisfy the relationship W3 < W2.

[0028] At this time, a part of the stoppers 13, 14 enters and obstructs the operating direction of the operating member 5, whereby the operating member 5 is maintained in an inoperable state. As a result, it becomes impossible to press the operating member 5, and the ON / OFF operation of the power supply cannot be performed.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 11, a technique for generating a click feeling for the user is applied to the above-described lock mechanism 6 when switching the operation member 5 between an operable state and an inoperable state. In the examples of FIGS. 4 to 11, a click feeling generating portion is constituted by a part of the lock member 7 and a part of the operation member 5.

[0030] According to the click feeling generating portion, when switching the operation member 5 between an operable state and an inoperable state, a part of the lock member 7 overrides a part of the operation member 5 to generate a click feeling. This will be specifically described below.

[0031] A part of the lock member 7 is provided with protruding portions (for example, a first protruding portion 15 and a second protruding portion 16) that protrude more than other parts. These protruding portions 15, 16 are arranged so as to cross the outer periphery of the annular lock member 7. The protruding portions 15, 16 are provided at intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the annular lock member 7.

[0032] In FIGS. 4 to 11, as an example, these two protruding portions 15, 16 are arranged on the outer periphery of the stopper 13 (that is, on the opposite side of the above-described opposing surface 13s). An arcuately recessed portion 17 is provided on the outer periphery of the stopper 13. The recessed portion 17 is arranged adjacent to the second protruding portion 16 and is configured such that the free end 12t of the operation member 5 (extension portion 12) described later can be engaged.

[0033] On the other hand, a part of the operation member 5 is provided with an extension portion 12 that extends toward the protruding portions 15, 16 and is elastically deformable. The extension portion 12 has a cantilever shape having a fixed end 12e fixed to a preset portion and a free end 12t extending toward the protruding portions 15, 16. In this case, the fixed end 12e of the extension portion 12 is fixed to the support base 9 of the operation member support portion 8 described above. Thus, the cantilever-shaped extension portion 12 is elastically deformably supported by the device cover 2 via the support base 9.

[0034] The contour of the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 is configured along the contour of the recess 17 of the stopper 13 described above. Thereby, when the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 engages with the recess 17 of the stopper 13, the free end 12t and the recess 17 are in planar contact, and as a result, a stable engagement state is maintained.

[0035] Here, in the unlocked state of the locking mechanism 6 (see FIGS. 4 to 7), the lever portion 7a is moved in the circumferential direction (arrow S2 direction) to switch the operating member 5 from an operable state to an inoperable state. At this time, the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 is pressed twice by the protruding portions 15 and 16 of the locking member 7 (stopper 13). That is, after the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 is pressed by the first protruding portion 15, subsequently, the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 is pressed by the second protruding portion 16.

[0036] As a result, the cantilever-like extending portion 12 is elastically deformed twice by the two protruding portions 15 and 16. As a result, the two protruding portions 15 and 16 overcome the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 in this order. At this time, according to the timing of the protruding portions 15 and 16 overcoming, the rotational torque required for the operation of the locking member 7 changes, and a click feeling is generated.

[0037] After that, the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 engages with the recess 17 disposed adjacent to the second protruding portion 16 and is maintained in that state. Thus, the locking mechanism 6 becomes a locked state (see FIGS. 8 to 11).

[0038] Next, in the locked state of the locking mechanism 6 (see FIGS. 8 to 11), the lever portion 7a is moved in the circumferential direction (arrow S1 direction) to switch the operating member 5 from an inoperable state to an operable state. At this time, the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 is pressed twice by the protruding portions 16 and 15 of the locking member 7 (stopper 13). That is, after the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 is pressed by the second protruding portion 16, subsequently, the free end 12t of the extending portion 12 is pressed by the first protruding portion 15.

[0039] As a result, the cantilevered extension portion 12 is elastically deformed twice by the two protruding portions 16 and 15. Consequently, the two protruding portions 16 and 15 successively overcome the free end 12t of the extension portion 12. At this time, according to the timing at which the protruding portions 16 and 15 overcome the free end 12t, the rotational torque required for the operation of the locking member 7 changes, generating a click feeling.

[0040] After that, the free end 12t of the extension portion 12 is maintained in a free state via the first protruding portion 15. Thus, the locking mechanism 6 enters an unlocked state (see FIGS. 4 to 7).

[0041] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a click feeling generating portion is constituted by a part of the locking member 7 and a part of the operation member 5. As a result, it is not necessary to separately provide a click feeling generating component as in the prior art. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the cost of the electronic device 1 (locking mechanism 6).

[0042] According to the present embodiment, a click feeling is generated when a part of the locking member 7 overcomes a part of the operation member 5. As a result, when switching the operation member 5 between an operable state and an inoperable state, the user can be made aware of the change between the unlocked state and the locked state of the locking mechanism 6. Consequently, erroneous operation of the operation member 5 can be reliably prevented.

[0043] According to the present embodiment, the arrangement interval between the two protruding portions 16 and 15 can be easily changed. As a result, the timing at which the protruding portions 16 and 15 overcome the free end 12t of the extension portion 12 can be freely changed. Consequently, a click feeling according to needs can be generated.

[0044] "Modification Example" In the above-described embodiment, the case where two protruding portions 15 and 16 are provided on the locking member 7 is assumed. However, instead of this, for example, one or three or more protruding portions may be provided.

[0045] As described above, one embodiment and a modified example of the present invention have been explained. However, these embodiments and modified examples are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modified examples can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modified examples are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0046] 1... Electronic device, 2... Device cover, 3... Selection / determination button group, 4... Connector for connection, 5... Operating member, 5a... Operating body, 5b... Body cover, 6... Lock mechanism, 7... Lock member, 7a... Lever portion, 7p... Fitting portion, 8... Operating member support portion, 9... Support base, 10, 11... Support arms, 12... Extension portion, 12e... Fixed end, 12t... Free end, 13, 14... Stoppers, 15... First protrusion, 16... Second protrusion, 17... Recess.

Claims

1. A locking member that switches an operation member that can be operated in a preset direction between an operable state and an inoperable state, and a click feeling generating portion constituted by a part of the locking member and a part of the operation member. In the click feeling generating portion, when the operation member is switched between the operable state and the inoperable state, a part of the locking member overrides a part of the operation member to generate a click feeling. A protruding portion that protrudes more than other portions is provided on a part of the locking member. An extending portion that extends toward the protruding portion is provided on a part of the operation member in an elastically deformable manner. An operation member locking mechanism in which, when the operation member is switched between the operable state and the inoperable state, the extending portion of the operation member is pressed by the protruding portion of the locking member and elastically deformed, so that the protruding portion overrides the extending portion.

2. The extending portion of the operation member has a cantilever shape having a fixed end fixed to a preset portion and a free end extending toward the protruding portion. The operation member locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein when the operation member is switched between the operable state and the inoperable state, the free end of the extending portion is pressed by the protruding portion of the locking member, so that the cantilever-shaped extending portion is elastically deformed.

3. The locking member is arranged to surround the operation member in the circumferential direction and has an annular shape that can be moved along the circumferential direction. The protruding portion is arranged on the outer periphery of the annular locking member. The operation member locking mechanism according to claim 1, wherein when the locking member is moved in the circumferential direction, the protruding portion of the locking member presses and elastically deforms the extending portion of the operation member, so that the protruding portion overrides the extending portion.

4. The operation member locking mechanism according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the protruding portions are provided on the outer periphery of the annular locking member at intervals along the circumferential direction.

5. Stoppers are provided on the locking member at positions facing each other on the inner circumferential side of the locking member, and a part of the stoppers extends so as to protrude inward. When the locking member is moved in the circumferential direction to switch the operation member from the operable state to the inoperable state, the operation member is maintained in the inoperable state by a partial overlap between the stopper and the operation member. The protruding portion disposed on the outer peripheral side of the lock member is disposed on the outer periphery of the stopper. The operating member locking mechanism according to claim 3.

6. An electronic device including the operating member locking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electronic device is covered by a device cover, the lock member is provided with a fitting portion that can be fitted to the device cover, and the lock member is movable along the device cover in a state where the fitting portion is fitted to the device cover. The electronic device.

7. The operating member is supported by the device cover so as to be operable in the preset direction by an operating member support portion, the operating member support portion is provided with an elastic deformable support arm extending toward the operating member, the support arm has a base end portion fixed to the device cover, and a tip end portion fixed to the operating member. The electronic device according to claim 6.

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