electronic machines

Abstract

This electronic device provided with a first unit and a second unit that are attachable / detachable to / from each other, is provided with: a first connector provided in the first unit; a socket that is provided in the second unit and to which the first unit is detachably attached in a first direction; a second connector that is provided in the socket and that electrically connects with the first connector by contacting in the first direction; and a lock mechanism that is provided in the socket and that draws the first unit all the way into the socket in the first direction to maintain the contact between the first unit and the socket.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device having a tablet terminal (first unit) equipped with a touch screen and a keyboard unit (second unit) detachably attached to the tablet terminal and equipped with a keyboard. The keyboard unit has a socket into which the tablet terminal is attached. A connector is provided within the socket to make contact with and electrically connect to the connector of the tablet terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-67437 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, when used in a harsh environment where large vibrations occur, the electrical connection between the tablet device and the keyboard unit may be momentarily severed. That is, large vibrations may cause the tablet device and the keyboard unit to momentarily separate, which may cause the tablet device connector to momentarily separate from the keyboard unit connector.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to prevent disconnection of the electrical connection between the first unit and the second unit due to vibration in an electronic device that includes a first unit and a second unit that are detachable from each other.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, An electronic device including a first unit and a second unit that are detachable from each other, a first connector provided on the first unit; a socket provided in the second unit, into which the first unit is attached or detached in a first direction; a second connector provided in the socket and contacting and electrically connecting with the first connector in the first direction; and a locking mechanism that is provided in the socket and that pulls the first unit deeper into the socket in the first direction to maintain contact between the first unit and the socket.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, in an electronic device including a first unit and a second unit that are detachable from each other, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the first unit and the second unit from being cut off due to vibration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a detachable PC as an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] A perspective view of the tablet device removed from the socket [Figure 3] Perspective view of the docking unit [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tablet terminal showing a docking surface of the tablet terminal docked in a docking unit. [Figure 5] Diagram showing the docking surface of a tablet device [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a docking unit and a portion of a tablet terminal facing each other; [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hook portion of the lock shaft has passed through the through-hole of the annular member (unlocked state); [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state (half-locked state) after the lock shaft has rotated a predetermined rotation angle. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the hook portion of the lock shaft is hooked onto the annular member (locked state); [Figure 8A] 7B is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism in an unlocked state, corresponding to FIG. 7A. [Figure 8B] FIG. 7C is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism in a half-locked state, corresponding to FIG. 7B. [Figure 8C] 7D is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism in a locked state, corresponding to FIG. 7C; [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism from a different angle [Figure 10] A perspective view of a cam member of a locking mechanism [Figure 11] Exploded perspective view of the connector holder shift mechanism [Figure 12] Exploded perspective view of the connector holder [Figure 13A] 7B is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7A and showing the position of the cam follower roller in the connector holder shift mechanism in the unlocked state; [Figure 13B] FIG. 7C is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7B and showing the position of the cam follower roller in the connector holder shift mechanism in the half-locked state; [Figure 13C] FIG. 7D is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7C and showing the position of the cam follower roller in the connector holder shift mechanism in the locked state; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0010] The inventors have provided the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a detachable PC, which is an example of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] The XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in the figure is for facilitating understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the embodiments. The X-axis direction indicates the depth direction of the electronic device, the Y-axis direction (second direction) indicates the width direction, and the Z-axis direction (first direction) indicates the height direction.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a so-called detachable PC 10, which is an electronic device, includes a tablet terminal 12 (first unit) and a keyboard unit 14 (second unit) which are detachable from each other.

[0014] The tablet terminal 12 has a housing 16 and a touch screen panel 18 (an example of a touch screen) provided on the housing 16. The keyboard unit 14 has a housing 20 and a keyboard 22 provided on the housing 20.

[0015] The keyboard unit 14 is provided with a socket 24 to which the tablet terminal 12 is detachably attached. One end of the tablet terminal 12 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is detachably fitted into the socket 24.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tablet terminal removed from the socket.

[0017] 2, the socket 24 is provided therein with a docking unit 26 that docks with the tablet terminal 12. The tablet terminal 12 attached to the socket 24 is fixed to the socket 24 via the docking unit 26. The tablet terminal 12 is fixed to the socket 24 (i.e., the docking unit 26) and released from this fixation by the user operating a lock knob 28 that is provided on the socket 24 so as to be movable in the width direction (Y-axis direction), as will be described in detail later.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the docking unit.

[0019] 3, the docking unit 26 has support members 30 and 32 that support the tablet terminal 12 attached to the socket 24. The support members 30 and 32 have seating surfaces 30a and 32a on which the tablet terminal 12 is seated.

[0020] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a tablet terminal showing the docking surface of the tablet terminal to be docked to the docking unit, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the docking surface of the tablet terminal, and Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the opposing docking unit and part of the tablet terminal.

[0021] 4 and 5, a first connector 34 is provided on a docking surface 16a, which is one end surface in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the housing 16 of the tablet terminal 12 that is seated on the seating surfaces 30a, 32a of the support members 30, 32 of the docking unit 26. The first connector 34 is provided in the center portion in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the docking surface 16a.

[0022] 6, a second connector 36 that comes into contact with and electrically connects to the first connector 34 is provided on the docking unit 26 (i.e., the socket 24). The second connector 36 is provided in the center of the docking unit 26 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). In other words, the second connector 36 is disposed between the support members 30 and 32. As will be described in detail later, the second connector 36 is held by a connector holder 38 that is provided on the docking unit 26 so as to be shiftable in the height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0023] 6, when the tablet terminal 12 approaches the docking unit 26 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), that is, when the tablet terminal 12 is attached to the socket 24 in the height direction, the first connector 34 comes into contact with the second connector 36 in the height direction. As a result, the first connector 34 and the second connector 36 are electrically connected.

[0024] To maintain contact, i.e., electrical connection, between the first connector 34 and the second connector 36, the tablet terminal 12 attached to the socket 24 is fixed to a docking unit 26 within the socket 24. For this purpose, a lock shaft 40 is provided on the docking unit 26.

[0025] 3 and 6, in this embodiment, two lock shafts 40 are provided in the docking unit 26, sandwiching the second connector 36. The lock shafts 40 extend in the height direction (Z-axis direction). Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the lock shafts 40 are provided in the docking unit 26 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center line C extending in the height direction and so as to be shiftable in the height direction.

[0026] Furthermore, the lock shaft 40 includes a cylindrical engaging portion 40a provided at the tip on the tablet terminal 12 side, and a hook portion 40b that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center line C and has a non-circular shape when viewed in the height direction (when viewed in the Z-axis direction). The hook portion 40b has a non-circular shape, such as a square shape or a cross shape, when viewed in the height direction.

[0027] 6, an annular member 42 is provided inside the housing 16 of the tablet terminal 12 as an engaging portion that engages with the lock shaft 40. The annular member 42 has a through-hole 42a through which the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40 can pass and which has substantially the same shape as (i.e., a slightly larger shape than) the hook portion 40b when viewed in the height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0028] Figures 7A to 7C are perspective views showing the flow of engagement between the lock shaft and the annular member. Figure 7A shows the state in which the hook portion of the lock shaft has passed through the through-hole of the annular member (unlocked state). Figure 7B shows the state after the lock shaft has rotated by a predetermined rotation angle (half-locked state). And Figure 7C shows the state in which the hook portion of the lock shaft is caught on the annular member (locked state).

[0029] First, as shown in Fig. 7A, the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40 passes through the through-hole 42a of the annular member 42. Then, as shown in Fig. 6, the engagement portion 40a of the lock shaft 40 rotatably engages with the engagement hole 16b provided in the housing 16 of the tablet terminal 12. Note that the inner surface of the socket 24 guides the tablet terminal 12, allowing the lock shaft 40 to easily pass through the through-hole 42a of the annular member 42.

[0030] 7B, the lock shaft 40, with the hook portion 40b passing through the through-hole 42a of the annular member 42, is rotated by a predetermined angle around the rotation center line C. In the present embodiment, the hook portion 40b has a square shape when viewed in the height direction (Z-axis direction), so the predetermined angle is 45 degrees.

[0031] Then, as shown in FIG. 7C , the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40, which has been rotated by a predetermined angle, shifts in the height direction (Z-axis direction) toward the seating surfaces 30a, 32a of the docking unit 26. The hook portion 40b shifts, for example, by 1 mm. This shift and the rotation by the predetermined angle cause the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40 to hook onto the annular member 42 without passing through the through-hole 42a of the annular member 42. As a result, the tablet terminal 12 is pulled deeper into the socket 24, and the docking surface 16a of the tablet terminal 12 remains in contact with the seating surfaces 30a, 32a of the docking unit 26. That is, as shown in FIG. 1 , the position of the tablet terminal 12 in the height direction (Z-axis direction) relative to the socket 24 (i.e., the docking unit 26 in the socket 24) is fixed.

[0032] In this embodiment, in order to fix the depth direction (X-axis direction) and width direction (Y-axis direction) positions of the tablet terminal 12 relative to the docking unit 26, a positioning member 44 is provided on the docking unit 26 (i.e., the socket 24) as shown in FIG. 6.

[0033] Specifically, the positioning member 44 is made of an elastically deformable material and has a cone-like or frustum-like shape. In this embodiment, the positioning member 44 has a generally quadrangular truncated pyramid shape, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. Specifically, the positioning member 44 has a pair of inclined surfaces facing outward in the depth direction (X-axis direction) and a pair of inclined surfaces facing outward in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The positioning members 44 are provided on both ends of the docking unit 26 in the width direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, positioning holes 16c that engage with such positioning members 44 are formed in the docking surface 16a of the housing 16 of the tablet terminal 12. The positioning holes 16c have inner peripheral surfaces 16d that are shaped like the conical surface of an inverted pyramid or the conical surface of an inverted frustum. Specifically, the inner peripheral surfaces 16d of the positioning holes 16c have a pair of inclined surfaces that face each other in the depth direction (X-axis direction) and a pair of inclined surfaces that face each other in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The positioning holes 16c are formed at both ends in the width direction of the docking surface 16a of the tablet terminal 12.

[0035] The positioning member 44 elastically deforms upon contact with the inner peripheral surface 16d of the positioning hole 16c. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7C, when the state in which the docking surface 16a of the tablet terminal 12 is in contact with the seating surfaces 30a, 32a of the docking unit 26 is maintained by the lock shaft 40, the positioning member 44 elastically deforms and comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 16d of the positioning hole 16c. By the positioning member 44 coming into close contact with the inner peripheral surface 16d of the positioning hole 16c, the position of the tablet terminal 12 in the depth direction (X-axis direction) and the position of the tablet terminal 12 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) relative to the socket 24 (i.e., the docking unit 26 in the socket 24) are fixed, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0036] Alternatively, the positioning member may be provided on the tablet terminal 12, and the positioning hole may be provided on the docking unit 26 (that is, the keyboard unit).

[0037] 7A to 7C, components that rotate the lock shaft 40 around the rotation center line C and shift it in the height direction (Z-axis direction) will be described. That is, a locking mechanism that pulls the tablet terminal 12 deep into the socket 24 and maintains contact between the tablet terminal 12 and the socket 24 (i.e., the docking unit 26 in the socket 24) will be described.

[0038] Figures 8A to 8C are exploded perspective views of the locking mechanism. Figure 8A corresponds to Figure 7A, i.e., shows the locking mechanism in an unlocked state. Figure 8B corresponds to Figure 7B, i.e., shows the locking mechanism in a half-locked state. Furthermore, Figure 8C corresponds to Figure 7C, i.e., shows the locking mechanism in a locked state. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism as viewed from a different direction.

[0039] 8A to 8C, the multiple components that make up locking mechanism 50 are disposed between support members 30, 32 and base members 52, 54. Base member 52 is fixed to support member 30, and base member 54 is attached to support member 32. In addition to lock shaft 40 described above, locking mechanism 50 includes, as multiple components, a first rotating member 56, a second rotating member 58, a cam member 60, and a spring 62.

[0040] The first rotating member 56 is rotatable about the rotation center line C and holds the lock shaft 40. To this end, the first rotating member 56 has a square through-hole 56a, and the lock shaft 40 has a square cross-section shaft portion 40c that engages with the through-hole 56a. The first rotating member 56 also has a crank portion 56b that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center line C.

[0041] The second rotating member 58 is an annular member that is rotatable about the rotation center line C and through which the lock shaft 40 passes. The second rotating member 58 also has a crank portion 58a that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center line C. The second rotating member 58 also has a plurality of cam followers 58b on its inner circumferential surface. The second rotating member 58 also has a claw portion 58c that protrudes in the extension direction of the rotation center line C (the Z-axis direction) and engages with the crank portion 56b of the first rotating member 56. The claw portion 58c engages with the crank portion 56b of the first rotating member 56, causing the first rotating member 56 and the second rotating member 58 to rotate synchronously.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cam member of the locking mechanism.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 10, the cam member 60 of the locking mechanism 50 is a cylindrical member through which the lock shaft 40 passes. The cam member 60 has, on its outer circumferential surface, a plurality of cam grooves 60a that engage with a plurality of cam followers 58b of the second rotating member 58. The cam grooves 60a extend in the circumferential direction and also in the extension direction of the rotation center line C (the Z-axis direction). Furthermore, the cam member 60 has a rotation stopper portion 60b that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center line C to prevent rotation around the rotation center line C. As shown in FIG. 9, the rotation stopper portion 60b is provided on the back side of the support member 30 (support member 32) and engages with a guide groove 30b (guide groove of the support member 32) that extends in the extension direction of the rotation center line C.

[0044] By providing such cam groove 60a, when the second rotating member 58 rotates about the rotation center line C, the cam member 60 shifts in the extension direction of the rotation center line C (the Z-axis direction). This shift of the cam member 60 causes the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40 to shift in the extension direction of the rotation center line C toward the seating surfaces 30a, 32a of the docking unit 26, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C. To achieve this, the cam member 60 is provided therein with a lever portion 60c that comes into contact with the shoulder portion 40d of the lock shaft 40. When the cam member 60 shifts with the lever portion 60c in contact with the shoulder portion 40d, the lock shaft 40 shifts.

[0045] The spring 62 biases the lock shaft 40 in a direction in which the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40 moves away from the seating surfaces 30a, 32a of the docking unit 26.

[0046] According to the lock mechanism 50 configured as described above, rotation of the second rotating member 58 rotates the first rotating member 56, causing the lock shaft 40 to rotate, and the cam member 60 shifts, causing the lock shaft 40 to shift. This achieves the operation of the lock shaft 40 shown in Figures 7A to 7C.

[0047] The second rotating member 58 of the locking mechanism 50 is rotated by the user operating the locking knob 28 (an example of a knob). To this end, the docking unit 26 includes a link mechanism 70.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8A, the link mechanism 70 includes, as its constituent elements, a slide member 72 that slides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) in addition to the lock knob 28 described above.

[0049] The slide member 72 is mounted on the docking unit 26 so as to be slidable in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The slide member 72 is comprised of a thin first slide plate 72a to which the lock knob 28 is attached, a thin second slide plate 72b parallel to and spaced apart from the first slide plate 72a in the depth direction (X-axis direction), and a connecting plate 72c connecting these plates. At both ends of the second slide plate 72b in the width direction, claw portions 72d are provided that protrude in the height direction (Z-axis direction) and engage with the crank portion 58a of the second rotation member 58 of the lock mechanism 50. Therefore, when a user moves the lock knob 28 in the width direction, the slide member 72 slides in the width direction, thereby rotating the second rotation member 58. The first rotation member 56, which engages with the slide member 72 via the second rotation member 58, also rotates in synchronization. It is also possible to provide the slide member 72 with a claw portion that engages with the crank portion 56b of the first rotation member 56, so that the slide member 72 directly rotates the first rotation member 56.

[0050] The link mechanism 70 operates the lock mechanism 50 and also operates the connector holder shift mechanism.

[0051] Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the connector holder shift mechanism, and Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connector holder.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, the connector holder shift mechanism 80 is a mechanism for shifting the connector holder 38 in the height direction (Z-axis direction), and includes multiple cam follower rollers 82 and cam grooves 88a formed in the connector holder 38 that engage with the cam follower rollers 82.

[0053] The multiple cam follower rollers 82 are attached to the first and second slide plates 72a, 72b of the slide member 72 via support pins 84 so as to be rotatable around a rotation center line extending in the depth direction (X-axis direction).

[0054] In this embodiment, the connector holder 38 holds the second connector 36 so that it can move in the height direction (Z-axis direction). The connector holder 38 is composed of a cover member 86 having a connector accommodating hole 86a in which the second connector 36 slides in the height direction, and a housing member 88 that stores a circuit board or the like that is electrically connected to the second connector 36. A plurality of cam grooves 88a are formed on both side surfaces 88b of the housing member 88 in the depth direction (X-axis direction).

[0055] The connector holder 38 is disposed between the first slide plate 72a and the second slide plate 72b of the slide member 72. As a result, the multiple cam follower rollers 82 attached to the first and second slide plates 72a, 72b engage with the cam grooves 88a of the connector holder 38.

[0056] Fig. 13A is a diagram showing the positions of the cam follower rollers in the connector holder shift mechanism in an unlocked state, corresponding to Fig. 7A. Fig. 13B is a diagram showing the positions of the cam follower rollers in the connector holder shift mechanism in a half-locked state, corresponding to Fig. 7B. And Fig. 13C is a diagram showing the positions of the cam follower rollers in the connector holder shift mechanism in a locked state, corresponding to Fig. 7C.

[0057] 13A to 13C, when the slide member 72 slides in the width direction (Y-axis direction), the multiple cam follower rollers 82 rotate within the cam groove 88a and move in the width direction. This causes the connector holder 38 to shift in the height direction (Z-axis direction). That is, the cam groove 88a is configured so that the connector holder 38 shifts in the height direction as the cam follower rollers 82 move in the width direction. Specifically, the cam groove 88a is made up of a first horizontal groove 88c extending in the width direction, an inclined groove 88d that connects to the left end of the first horizontal groove 88c and inclines in a direction away from the tablet terminal 12 (downward in the drawing), and a second horizontal groove 88e that connects to the left end of the inclined groove 88d and extends in the width direction.

[0058] The following describes the linking operation of the lock mechanism 50, the link mechanism 70, and the connector holder shift mechanism 80. First, the user attaches the tablet terminal 12 to the socket 24. This causes the lock shaft 40 to pass through the through-hole 42a of the annular member 42, as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0059] In this state, when the user moves lock knob 28 from the unlock position (the rightmost position) to the left, that is, when slide member 72 slides to the left, cam follower roller 82 moves within first horizontal groove 88c of cam groove 88a, as shown in Fig. 13A. While cam follower roller 82 is moving within first horizontal groove 88c, connector holder 38 does not move in the height direction (Z-axis direction).

[0060] When the user further moves the lock knob 28 to the left, the cam follower roller 82 moves from the first horizontal groove 88c into the inclined groove 88d and moves within the inclined groove 88d, thereby shifting the connector holder 38 toward the tablet terminal 12.

[0061] When the user further moves the lock knob 28 to the left, the cam follower roller 82 reaches the lock completion position PL. The timing at which the cam follower roller 82 reaches the lock completion position PL is the timing at which the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40 gets caught on the annular member 42, as shown in FIG. 7C. That is, the rotation and shifting of the lock shaft 40 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C are completed between the time the user moves the lock knob 28 from the unlock position (the rightmost position) to the left and the time the cam follower roller 82 reaches the lock completion position PL. Therefore, this timing is the timing at which the fixation of the tablet terminal 12 to the socket 24 (i.e., the docking unit 26) is completed. The cam groove 60a of the cam member 60 of the lock mechanism 50 has a shape that realizes this timing.

[0062] When the user further moves the lock knob 28 to the left, the cam follower roller 82 moves in the inclined groove 88d from the complete lock position PL toward the second horizontal groove 88e. Just before the cam follower roller 82 enters the second horizontal groove 88e, the second connector 36 held in the connector holder 38 comes into contact with the first connector 34 of the tablet terminal 12. When the user then moves the lock knob 28 to the left, the cam follower roller 82 moves into the second horizontal groove 88e, completing the shifting of the connector holder 38 and completing the electrical connection between the first connector 34 and the second connector 36. Then, the lock knob 28 reaches the locked position (the leftmost position).

[0063] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 , an elastic member 90 is provided in the connector holder 38 to support the second connector 36 in the contact direction (height direction (Z-axis direction)) between the first connector 34 and the second connector 36 so that the second connector 36 does not come into contact with the first connector 34 with excessive contact pressure. The elastic member 90 is, for example, a leaf spring. The elastic deformation of such an elastic member 90 prevents the first connector 34 and the second connector 36 from coming into contact with each other with excessive contact pressure and being damaged. Alternatively, the tablet terminal 12 may be provided with an elastic member that supports the first connector 34 in the contact direction.

[0064] 11, the cover member 86 of the connector holder 38 is provided with a plurality of guide pins 86b that protrude in the height direction so that the connector holder 38 moves only in the height direction (Z-axis direction) in response to movement of the cam follower roller 82 in the width direction (Y-axis direction). In contrast, the first connector 34 of the tablet terminal 12 is provided with guide holes 34a that engage with the plurality of guide pins 86b, as shown in FIGS.

[0065] When the user moves the lock knob 28 from the locked position (the leftmost position) to the right, the cam follower roller 82 moves from the second horizontal groove 88e toward the inclined groove 88d. When the cam follower roller 82 enters the inclined groove 88d, the connector holder 38 begins to shift in a direction away from the tablet terminal 12. As a result, the first connector 34 and the second connector 36 are released from contact with each other, and the electrical connection is released.

[0066] When the user further moves the lock knob 28 to the right, the cam follower roller 82 passes through the lock completion position PL. At the same time, the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40 begins to move away from the annular member 42.

[0067] When the user further moves the lock knob 28 to the right, the cam follower roller 82 moves from the inclined groove 88d into the first horizontal groove 88c. Then, the lock knob 28 reaches the unlocked position (the rightmost position), and the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40 is able to pass through the through-hole 42a of the annular member 42, as shown in FIG. 7A.

[0068] According to the present embodiment described above, in a detachable PC 10 having a tablet terminal 12 and a socket 24 that are detachable from each other, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the tablet terminal 12 and the keyboard unit 14, i.e., the electrical connection between the first connector 34 and the second connector 36, from being severed due to vibration.

[0069] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7C, the hook portion 40b of the lock shaft 40 pulls the annular member 42 of the tablet terminal 12 deeper into the socket 24 (towards the docking unit 26), thereby firmly maintaining contact between the tablet terminal 12 and the docking unit 26. As a result, the first connector 34 of the tablet terminal 12 and the second connector 36 of the docking unit 26 can continue to be in firm contact. As a result, it is possible to prevent the electrical connection between the tablet terminal 12 and the keyboard unit 14 from being severed due to vibration.

[0070] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0071] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the link mechanism 70 links the operation of fixing the tablet terminal 12 to the socket 24 by the lock mechanism 50 with the operation of electrically connecting the second connector 36 to the first connector 34 by the connector holder shift mechanism 80. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Completion of the fixing operation of the tablet terminal 12 to the socket 24 may be detected by a contact sensor or the like, and based on the detection result, the second connector 36 may approach and electrically connect to the first connector 34.

[0072] 7A to 7C, the tablet terminal 12 is pulled into the depth of the socket 24 via the lock shaft 40 having the hook portion 40b. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0073] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment is a detachable PC 10 having a tablet terminal 12 and a keyboard unit 14 that are detachable from each other, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0074] That is, an embodiment of the present disclosure is, in a broad sense, an electronic device including a first unit and a second unit that are detachable from each other, and includes a first connector provided on the first unit, a socket provided on the second unit to which the first unit is detached in a first direction, a second connector provided within the socket that contacts and electrically connects to the first connector in the first direction, and a locking mechanism provided in the socket that pulls the first unit into the socket in the first direction to maintain contact between the first unit and the socket.

[0075] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For this purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided. Therefore, the components described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0076] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0077] The present disclosure is applicable to electronic devices in which a first unit and a second unit that are detachable from each other are electrically connected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 10 Detachable PC 12 Tablet devices 14 Keyboard unit 16. Cabinet 16a Docking surface 16b Engagement hole 16c Positioning hole 16d Inner surface 18 Touchscreen Panel 24 sockets 28 Lock knob 34 First Connector 36 Second Connector 40 Lock shaft 40a Engagement portion 40b Hook part 40c shaft 40d shoulder 42 Annular member 42a through hole 44 Positioning member 50 Locking mechanism 56 First rotating member 56a through hole 56b Crank section 58 Second rotating member 58a Crank section 58b Cam follower 58c Claw part 60 Cam member 60a cam groove 60b Rotation stopper part 60c lever 72 Slide member 90 Elastic member C Rotation center line

Claims

1. An electronic device including a first unit and a second unit that are detachable from each other, a first connector provided on the first unit; a socket provided in the second unit, into which the first unit is attached or detached in a first direction; a second connector provided in the socket and contacting and electrically connecting with the first connector in the first direction; a lock shaft provided in the socket, rotating about a rotation center line extending in the first direction and shifting in the first direction, and including a hook portion having a non-circular shape when viewed in the first direction; a slide member that slides in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, has a knob for operating the member, and operates the lock shaft; the first unit includes an annular member that has a through hole that is non-circular when viewed in the first direction and through which the hook portion can pass, and that hook portion of the lock shaft is hooked when rotated by a predetermined rotation angle, The lock shaft shifts in the first direction with the hook portion hooked on the annular member, thereby pulling the first unit deeper into the socket. electronic equipment.

2. the second connector is provided in the socket so as to be movable in the first direction; The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the socket is provided with an elastic member that supports the second connector in the first direction.

3. an elastically deformable cone-shaped or frustum-shaped positioning member is provided on one of the first unit and the socket; a positioning hole having an inner peripheral surface shaped like a conical surface of an inverted cone or a conical surface of an inverted frustum that engages with the positioning member is provided in the other of the first unit and the socket; The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein when the first unit is retracted deep into the socket, the positioning member comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the positioning hole and elastically deforms.

4. The positioning member has a truncated quadrangular pyramid shape, The electronic device according to claim 3 , wherein the inner peripheral surface of the positioning hole has a conical surface shape of an inverted truncated square pyramid.

5. the first unit is a tablet terminal equipped with a touch screen, The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the second unit is a keyboard unit having a keyboard.

Images