NZ746184B2 - Electronic device with a dust discharge mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The electronic device is equipped with a first unit having a display section and a second unit having an input section, and is configured such that the first unit and the second unit can be attached together and detached from each other. The second unit has a socket capable of accommodating therein a side section of the first unit. The socket is equipped with: a lock mechanism for locking the first unit and the second unit together in a detachable manner; an operation member for operating the lock mechanism; and a dust ejection mechanism (600) for ejecting dust that has penetrated to the inside of the socket to outside the socket in conjunction with operation of the operation member. a side section of the first unit. The socket is equipped with: a lock mechanism for locking the first unit and the second unit together in a detachable manner; an operation member for operating the lock mechanism; and a dust ejection mechanism (600) for ejecting dust that has penetrated to the inside of the socket to outside the socket in conjunction with operation of the operation member.

Description

[Document Name] Specification [Title of the Invention] ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH A DUST RGE MECHANISM [Technical Field] The present disclosure relates to an onic device that includes a first unit including a display, and a second unit including an input part, the first unit and the second unit being formed to be detachable.

[Background Art] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic device that includes a tablet computer (first unit) and a station (second unit) that includes a keyboard, the tablet computer and the station being formed to be detachable.

[Prior Art nt] [Patent Document] [Patent Document 1] Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014- 99007 [Summary of the Invention] An electronic device of the present disclosure includes a first unit including a display, and a second unit including an input part, the first unit and the second unit being formed to be able.

The second unit includes a socket that is capable of accommodating a side part of the first unit.

The socket includes a lock mechanism configured to detachably lock the first unit and the second unit, an operating member configured to operate the lock mechanism, and a dust discharge mechanism configured to discharge dust that has entered the socket out of the socket in association with operation of the operating member.

[0007] ing to the present disclosure, the dust that enters the socket can be discharged out of the socket in ation with the ion of the operating member.

[Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0008] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[Fig. 2A] Fig. 2 A is a rear perspective view of the electronic device according to the t exemplary embodiment.

[Fig. 2B] Fig. 2 B is a perspective view of the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment with a first unit and a second unit closed.

[Fig. 3A] Fig. 3A is a front view of the electronic device ing to the present exemplary embodiment, illustrating the first unit (tablet computer) fitted to the second unit.

[Fig. 3B] Fig. 3B is a front view of the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment, illustrating the first unit (tablet computer) removed from the second unit.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the first unit (tablet computer) of the electronic device according to the t exemplary embodiment.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an engaging target part of the first unit in the electronic device according to the t exemplary embodiment.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

[Fig. 7A] Fig. 7A is an external view of a socket of the second unit in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment (with engagement members each being in a first rotational position), and specifically a perspective view of the socket.

[Fig. 7B] Fig. 7B is an external view of the socket of the second unit in the electronic device according to the t exemplary ment (with the engagement member being in the first rotational position), and specifically an enlarged perspective view of the engagement member.

[Fig. 8A] Fig. 8A is an external view of the socket of the second unit in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment (with the engagement members each being in a second rotational position), and specifically a perspective view of the .

[Fig. 8B] Fig. 8B is an external view of the socket of the second unit in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment (with the engagement member being in the second rotational position), and specifically an enlarged perspective view of the engagement member.

[Fig. 9A] Fig. 9A is an external view of a socket body of the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment, and specifically a perspective view of the socket body.

[Fig. 9B] Fig. 9 B is an external view of the socket body of the electronic device according to the t exemplary embodiment, and specifically a side view of the socket body.

[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 7A (with some s omitted).

[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of socket-side components among components of a lock mechanism in the electronic device according to the present ary embodiment.

[Fig. 12A] Fig. 12A is an external view of the socket-side components among the components of the lock mechanism in the electronic device ing to the present exemplary ment (with the engagement members each being in the first rotational on and with some members omitted), and specifically a perspective view of the socket-side components.

[Fig. 12B] Fig. 12B is an external view of the -side components among the ents of the lock mechanism in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment (with the engagement members each being in the first rotational position and with some s omitted), and specifically a plan view of the socket-side components.

[Fig. 12C] Fig. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12C-12C of Fig. 12B.

[Fig. 12D] Fig. 12D is an external view of the socket-side components among the components of the lock mechanism in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment (with the engagement members each being in the second rotational position and with some members omitted), and specifically a perspective view of the socket-side components.

[Fig. 12E] Fig. 12E is an external view of the socket-side components among the components of the lock mechanism in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment (with the engagement members each being in the second rotational position and with some members omitted), and specifically a plan view of the socket-side components.

[Fig. 12F] Fig. 12F is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12F-12F of Fig. 12E.

[Fig. 13A] Fig. 13A is an external view of the engagement member of the lock mechanism in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment, and specifically a front view of the engagement member.

[Fig. 13B] Fig. 13B is an al view of the engagement member of the lock mechanism in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment, and specifically a side view of the ment member.

[Fig. 13C] Fig. 13C is an external view or specifically a plan view of the engagement member of the lock mechanism in the electronic device according to the t exemplary ment.

[Fig. 13D] Fig. 13 D is an external view or specifically a bottom perspective view of a t member, the engagement member, and a spring that are the components of the lock ism in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[Fig. 13E] Fig. 13 E is an external view of the support member, the engagement , and the spring of the lock mechanism in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment, and specifically a bottom view of the support member, the engagement member, and the spring.

[Fig. 14A] Fig. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14A-14A of Fig. 12B.

[Fig. 14B] Fig. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14B-14B of Fig. 12E.

[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is an external view of a coupling member, an operating member, and the engagement members that are the components of the lock mechanism of the electronic device according to the present exemplary ment, and specifically a perspective view illustrating the operating member in a first position and the engagement members in the respective first rotational positions.

[Fig. 16A] Fig. 16A is a view illustrating engagement achieved by the lock mechanism of the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment, and ically a plan view illustrating the engagement.

[Fig. 16B] Fig. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16B-16B of Fig. 16A (and is based on the cross-sectional view of Fig. 14A, having the engaging target part added).

[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is an external view of the coupling member, the operating member, and the engagement members of the lock ism in the electronic device according to the t exemplary embodiment, and specifically a perspective view illustrating the operating member in a second position and the ment members in the tive second rotational positions.

[Fig. 18A] Fig. 18A is a view illustrating agement achieved by the lock mechanism of the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment, and specifically a plan view illustrating the disengagement.

[Fig. 18B] Fig. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18B-18B of Fig. 18A (and is based on the cross-sectional view of Fig. 14B, having the engaging target part .

[Fig. 19A] Fig. 19 A is an external view of the socket body, the coupling member, and a spring that are the components of the lock mechanism in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment, and specifically a plan view illustrating the ing member in the first position.

[Fig. 19B] Fig. 19B is a sectional view taken along line 19B-19B of Fig. 19A.

[Fig. 20A] Fig. 20 A is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by arrow H of Fig. 19A.

[Fig. 20B] Fig. 20 B is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by arrow H of Fig. 19A.

[Fig. 21A] Fig. 21 A illustrates a position of a connector pin (in the same cross section as the cross-sectional view of Fig. 10) with the first unit (tablet computer) of the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment being d in the socket.

[Fig. 21B] Fig. 21 B illustrates the first unit (tablet computer) mounted in the socket being lifted by urging force of the connector pin (in the same cross n as the cross-sectional view of Fig. 10) when unlocked from the socket, in the electronic device according to the present ary embodiment.

[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 illustrates dust rs of a dust discharge ism that are provided to the coupling member and the operating member in the electronic device according to the present exemplary embodiment.

[Fig. 23] is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of Fig. 20B.

[Mode for Carrying out the Invention] Exemplary embodiments are hereinafter described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate. However, detailed descriptions that are more than necessary may be omitted. For example, there are cases where detailed description of well-known s and repeated description of substantially the same ure are omitted for the purpose of preventing the following description from needlessly having redundancy, thereby facilitating tanding by those skilled in the art.

[0010] It should be noted that the inventor of the present disclosure provides the appended gs and the following description in order to allow those skilled in the art to fully tand the present disclosure and thus does not intend to limit the subject matter as described in the appended claims.

(First exemplary embodiment) A first exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [1. Structure] [1-1. Outline of Electronic Device] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Fig. 1 illustrates an appearance of electronic device 1 that is opened. Fig. 2A is a rear perspective view of electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2B is a perspective view of onic device 1 ing to the present exemplary ment with a first unit and a second unit closed. In Fig. 1 and the like, directions of devices, units, and the like are defined.

Electronic device 1, first unit 100, second unit 200, input unit 300, and socket 400 have their respective widths along the same direction, and such a direction may hereinafter be simply ed to as “widthwise”. In the present exemplary embodiment, rotation axis HC of hinges 500 is directionally parallel to the above widths. In the figures other than Fig. 1, directions of the units to be explained are defined. The above definitions are provided for convenience of explanation to facilitate understanding and do not y, for example, absolute conditions for disposition of the constituent elements and ions in which the constituent elements are used.

As shown in Fig. 1, electronic device 1 includes first unit (tablet computer) 100 and second unit 200 (that es keyboard 301 and the like).

First unit 100 and second unit 200 are detachable, so that electronic device 1 is configured as a so-called detachable computer. Figs. 3A and 3B are front views of electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Specifically, Fig. 3A illustrates first unit 100 mounted to second unit 200, while Fig. 3B illustrates first unit 100 removed from second unit 200.

As illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, first unit 100 is a tablet computer. First unit 100 includes display 101 at first primary surface 100a (positioned on a thickness-wise front side of first unit 100). Display 101 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel. Display 101 is also a touch panel that is e of accepting touch operation by a user. First unit 100 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), nonvolatile memories such as a read only memory (ROM) and a solid state drive (SSD), and a battery. Second y surface 100b (positioned on a thickness-wise rear side of first unit 100) has detachable cover 102. In the nonvolatile memories (such as the ROM and the SSD), an operating system (OS), various ation programs, various data, and the like are . The central processing unit (CPU) reads the OS, the application programs, and the various data and performs arithmetic processing to e various functions.

Second unit 200 includes an input part that allows the user to perform input processing, and allows detachment of first unit 100. Second unit 200 es input unit 300, socket 400, and hinges 500.

A casing of input unit 300 is made of, for example, resin or metal such as a magnesium alloy. Input unit 300 is provided with, at its primary surface 300a (positioned on a thickness-wise front side of input unit 300), the input part that includes keyboard 301, touch pad 302, and a plurality of operation buttons 303.

Socket 400 is capable of accommodating side part 100S that is positioned on a ally lower side of first unit 100 (and is hereinafter referred to as “lower side part 100S” as appropriate).

[0018] Hinges 500 connect side part 300S of input unit 300 that is positioned on a depthwise rear side of input unit 300 (and is hereinafter referred to as “rear side part 300S” as appropriate) and side part 400S of socket 400 that is positioned on a vertically lower side of socket 400 (and is hereinafter referred to as “lower side part 400S” as appropriate) so that input unit 300 and socket 400 are rotatable relative to each other. Hinges 500 have rotation axis HC that is parallel to the width of electronic device 1.

Hinges 500 can, for example, hold first unit 100 and second unit 200 in an opened state with first unit 100 and second unit 200 forming an angle of, for example, about 100 degrees as shown in Figs. 1 and 2A. Hinges 500 also enables closing of first unit 100 with respect to second unit 200 (so that first primary surface 100a of first unit 100 and primary surface 300a of input unit 300 of second unit 200 are closely opposed to each other in substantially parallel relationship).

[0019] Socket 400 is ed with connector 460 (see Fig. 7A) that is connected to connector 120 (see Fig. 4) of first unit 100 with lower side part 100S of first unit 100 accommodated in socket 400. Via connector 120 and connector 460, various exchanges of s and ic power can be carried out between first unit 100 and second unit 200. The signals that can be output to first unit 100 from second unit 200 include, for e, signals from the input part of input unit 300 such as keyboard 301, touch pad 302, and the plurality of operation buttons 303. Upon receipt of these signals, first unit 100 is capable of control based on these received signals. Thus, with first unit 100 mounted to second unit 200, electronic device 1 can be used as a notebook computer. Alternatively, first unit 100 itself can be used as a tablet computer. [1-2. Structure of Lock ism] Electronic device 1 of the present exemplary embodiment includes a lock mechanism that prevents detachment of first unit 100 from second unit 200 while first unit 100 is mounted (connected) to second unit 200. In other words, electronic device 1 es the lock mechanism that is capable of locking first unit 100 and second unit 200 with first unit 100 and second unit 200 connected to each other. The lock mechanism will be described below in detail. [11. Structure of First Unit-Side Component of Lock Mechanism] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of first unit (tablet computer) 100 of electronic device 1 according to the t exemplary embodiment. Lower side part 100S of first unit 100 is provided with engaging target parts 110 as first unit 100-side components of the lock mechanism. Engaging target parts 110 can respectively engage tive engagement s 443 (see Figs. 7A and 7B) of ment parts 440 that are second unit 200-side components of the lock mechanism. Two engaging target parts 110 are provided in lower side part 100S spaced apart from each other along the width of first unit 100.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of engaging target part 110 of first unit 100 in electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary ment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

As shown in these figures, engaging target parts 110 are formed as recesses that can tively engage engagement members 443, which are described later. First unit 100 includes frame 121 that is made of metal and side cover 122 that is made of resin. Frame 121 is a member that forms a framework and a part of an exterior of first unit 100. Side cover 122 is a frame-shaped member that covers an or of lower side part 100S of first unit 100. Recesses 121a are formed in frame 121, and gs 122a are formed in side cover 122. Recesses 121a of frame 121 are mounted with, at their respective surfaces, protective members 123 that are made of metal.

Each of protective members 123 is provided with engagement holes 123a that can respectively engage a pair of engagement projections 443a (to be described later) (see Fig. 7B) of each of engagement members 443. Frame 121 is further provided with, at each of es 121a, engagement recesses 121b that can respectively engage engagement projections 443a of each of engagement members 443. Note that protective members 123 are preferably made of stainless steel al instead of magnesium material for wear prevention. [12. Structure of Each Second Unit-Side Component of Lock Mechanism and Structure of Socket] [12-1. ure of Socket] Second unit 200-side components of the lock mechanism are accommodated in socket 400. Figs. 7A and 7B are external views of socket 400 of onic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment (with engagement s 443 each being in a first rotational position).

Specifically, Fig. 7A is a ctive view of socket 400, while Fig. 7B is an enlarged perspective view of engagement member 443. Figs. 8A and 8B are external views of socket 400 of electronic device 1 (with engagement s 443 each being in a second rotational position) according to the present exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 8A is a ctive view of socket 400, while Fig. 8B is an enlarged perspective view of engagement member 443.

Socket 400 includes socket body 410, operating member 420, engagement parts 440 that have respective engagement members 443, and drive mechanism 430 (see Fig. 11).

[0025] Socket 400 has a boat shape extending widthwise of electronic device 1 and includes recess 400y into which lower side part 100S of first unit 100 can fit.

Engagement parts 440 are formed to be engageable in respective engaging target parts 110 formed in lower side part 100S of first unit 100, as described later. As will be detailed later, engagement members 443 are each formed to be rotatable about rotation axis RC (an axis of rotation shaft 443b) that is parallel to vertical directions of socket 400. Two engagement members 443 are each provided at an upper e of base 431a of support member 431 and are spaced apart along the width of socket 400. These two engagement members 443 are each disposed to have a positional relationship engageable with engaging target part 110 of first unit 100 when lower side part 100S of first unit 100 is fitted into socket 400. Engagement members 443 are each ed to project upward beyond the upper surface of base 431a of support member 431 (i.e., beyond a predetermined surface of second unit 200).

When operating member 420 is at a first position (predetermined widthwise left position) as shown in Fig. 7A, engagement members 443 each rotate to the first onal position (where engagement projections 443a of engagement member 443 respectively t in a thickness-wise ard direction and a thickness-wise rearward direction beyond engagement member support 431b of support member 431), thus engaging with engaging target part 110. When operating member 420 is at a second position (predetermined widthwise right position) as shown in Fig. 8A, engagement s 443 each rotate to the second rotational position (where engagement projections 443a of engagement member 443 do not project thickness-wise beyond ment member support 431b of support member 431), thus being disengaged from engaging target part 110.

[0028] [12-2. Socket Body] Figs. 9A and 9B are external views of socket body 410 of electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 9A is a perspective view of socket body 410, while Fig. 9B is a side view of socket body 410.

Socket body 410 has a boat shape and accommodates drive mechanism 430 (see Fig. 11). Socket body 410 is made of resin. Note that socket body 410 may be made of metal such as a magnesium alloy.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 7A (with some s omitted). A cross-section shape shown in Fig. 10 is perpendicular to the width (length or an extending direction) of socket 400 in a position along line 10-10. Although in the present exemplary embodiment, socket 400, lower side part 100S, and rear side part 300S have their respective widths, lengths, and extending directions along the same direction, any one of the directional terms is appropriately used according to description of each of the members to facilitate understanding. Socket body 410 has first outer wall 410a and second outer wall 410b. With lower side part 100S of first unit 100 odated in socket 400, first outer wall 410a extends parallel to the extending direction of lower side part 100S of first unit 100 (see Fig. 9A) and is parallel to first primary surface 100a of first unit 100. First primary e 100a is supported by first outer wall 410a at lower side part 100S. With lower side part 100S accommodated in socket 400, second outer wall 410b s parallel to the extending direction of lower side part 100S of first unit 100 (see Fig. 9B) and is parallel to second primary surface 100b (positioned on the rear side) of first unit 100. Second y surface 100b is ted by second outer wall 410b at lower side part 100S. Socket body 410 has a cross section of substantially U-shape that is perpendicular to the extending direction of socket 400.

[0031] According to the above structure, first unit 100 has its first primary surface 100a and its second primary surface 100b supported at lower side part 100S in ch style n first outer wall 410a and second outer wall 410b of socket 400.

As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, first primary surface 100a of first unit 100 has, along the width of socket 400, operation switches 103 and indicators 104 that are disposed in a central part (other than ends in the extending direction) of lower side part 100S positioned below y 101. For this reason, first outer wall 410a needs to have such a vertical length (height) in this part as not to interfere with operation switches 103 and indicators 104 and thus cannot secure a sufficient height.

Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 9B in the present exemplary ment, first outer wall 410a and second outer wall 410b of socket body 410 have lengths L1 along the vertical directions (perpendicular to the extending direction) of socket 400 at ise ends (in the extending direction) of socket 400, and vertical lengths L2 at their respective parts other than the widthwise ends (in the extending direction) of socket 400, and lengths L1 are greater than lengths L2.

[0034] In this way, first outer wall 410a and second outer wall 410b can support first unit 100 up to higher positions at the widthwise ends of socket 400 even in cases where first primary surface 100a of first unit 100 has at least one of operation switch (second operating part) 103 and indicator 104 disposed in the ise central part of lower side part 100S.

Consequently, support of first unit 100 accommodated in socket 400 of second unit 200 can be stabilized.

As shown in Fig. 7A, socket body 410 includes third outer wall 410c that ts a widthwise right end (in an extending direction) of first outer wall 410a and a widthwise right end of second outer wall 410b, and fourth outer wall 410d that ts a widthwise left end of first outer wall 410a and a widthwise left end of second outer wall 410b.

In this way, strength of socket 400 (socket body 410) improves. For example, first outer wall 410a and second outer wall 410b can be inhibited from falling in directions away from each other. Therefore, support of first unit 100 mounted in socket 400 of second unit 200 can be further stabilized. [12-3. Operating Member] Operating member 420 is a member that accepts unlock ion by the user. Operating member 420 is made of resin. Note that operating member 420 may be made of metal such as a magnesium alloy. Operating member 420 is supported by socket 400 to be linearly movable widthwise of socket 400 with respect to socket body 410 n the first position and the second position.

As shown in above-mentioned Fig. 10, operating member 420 includes operating part 420a that has a surface parallel to first outer wall 410a of socket body 410, and connecting part 420b that is connected with coupling member 433. Operating member 420 has a cross section of ntially L-shape that is perpendicular to the width (extending direction) of socket 400. Accordingly, the user can e operating part 420a when, for example, operating electronic device 1 with first unit 100 being open with respect to second unit 200 as shown in Fig. 1. [12-4. Engagement s and Drive Mechanism] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of socket 400-side components among the components of the lock mechanism in electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Among the components of the lock ism, the socket 400-side components include above-mentioned ing member 420, engagement members 443, and drive mechanism 430. [121. Drive ism] When operating member 420 is moved to the first position shown in Fig. 7, drive mechanism 430 causes engagement members 443 to rotate to the respective first rotational positions. When operating member 420 is moved to the second position shown in Fig. 8, drive ism 430 causes engagement members 443 to rotate to the respective second rotational positions. In other words, drive ism 430 translates the linear movement of operating member 420 between the first position and the second position into the rotation of each of engagement members 443 between the first rotational position and the second rotational position.

Drive mechanism 430 includes support members 431, base member 432, coupling member 433, first spring 434 (see Figs. 19A and 19B), and second spring 451 (see Fig. 18B).

Figs. 12A, 12B, and 12C are external views of the socket 400-side components among the components of the lock mechanism in electronic device 1 (with engagement members 443 being in the respective first rotational positions and with some s omitted) according to the present exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 12A is a perspective view, Fig. 12B is a plan view, and Fig. 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12C-12C of Fig. 12B. Figs. 12D, 12E, and 12F are external views of the socket-side components among the components of the lock mechanism in electronic device 1 (with engagement members 443 being in the respective second rotational positions and with some s d) according to the present exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 12D is a perspective view, Fig. 12E is a plan view, and Fig. 12F is a cross-sectional view taken along line F of Fig. 12D.

Coupling member 433 is a plate-shaped member that extends widthwise of socket 400 and is fixed to operating member 420. Coupling member 433 is fixed to operating member 420 as a result of, for example, rdly projecting projection 433g fitting in connection hole 420c of connecting part 420b of operating member 420 as shown in Fig. 10.

Coupling member 433 is ted by socket body 410 to be movable along moving directions of operating member 420 (along the width of socket 400).

Coupling member 433 is made of, for example, resin. Note that coupling member 433 may be made of metal as long as slidability equivalent to slidability of the resin is ensured.

Coupling member 433 includes grooves 433a (433b) that respective engagement shafts 443g of engagement members 443 respectively engage for relative movement (see Figs. 15 and 17).

[0046] Groove 433a (433b) is meanderingly formed so that engagement member 443 s about rotation axis RC (the axis of rotation shaft 443b) to the first rotational position upon movement of operating member 420 to the first position as shown in Fig. 15 and rotates about rotation axis RC to the second rotational position upon movement of operating member 420 to the second position as shown in Fig. 17. Specifically, groove 433a is formed to have a substantially inverted S-shape so that its widthwise left end is positioned dly of its other parts along thickness of ng member 433, while its widthwise right end is positioned rdly of its other parts along the thickness of ng member 433. On the other hand, groove 433b is formed to have a substantially S-shape so that its widthwise left end is positioned rearwardly of its other parts along the thickness of coupling member 433, while its widthwise right end is positioned forwardly of its other parts along the thickness of coupling member 433.

[0047] ing back to Figs. 12A to 12F, base member 432 is a member that extends widthwise of socket 400 and is fixed to socket body 410. Base member 432 is made of, for example, resin. Base member 432 includes rotation center shafts 432a and rotation control walls 432b.

[0048] Rotation center shafts 432a are respectively inserted into shaft holes 443f that are respectively formed in lower parts of engagement members 443, so that engagement members 443 are rotatably supported at the lower parts.

When engagement members 443 rotate, rotation control walls 432b respectively abut arms 443h that are respectively formed on the lower parts of engagement members 443, thereby each restricting the rotation of engagement member 443 to within a range between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. ing back to Figs. 7A and 7B, support members 431 are tively disposed about a widthwise left end and a ise right end of socket 400. Left and right support members 431 are of symmetrical structure. Each of t members 431 is a shaped member that extends widthwise of socket 400. Support members 431 are fixed to socket body 410. Support members 431 are made of, for example, metal. Support members 431 each include base 431a, engagement member support 431b, and engagement-member disposition hole 431d.

Base 431a is mounted to base member 432 and is fixed to base member 432 and socket body 410 by means of, for example, screws.

Engagement-member disposition hole 431d is a hole that passes through base 431a ally of socket 400 so that an upper part of engagement member 443 is rotatably disposed. The upper part of engagement member 443 thus projects upward from the upper surface of base 431a.

Engagement member t 431b is erected on base 431a to le engagement-member disposition hole 431d widthwise of socket 400.

Engagement member support 431b is gate-shaped. Engagement member support 431b has insertion hole 431c that passes through vertically of socket 400. on shaft 443b of engagement member 443 is passed through insertion hole 431c. In this way, engagement member support 431b supports the upper part of engagement member 443, so that engagement member 443 is rotatable about on shaft 443b.

Figs. 19A and 19B are external views of socket body 410, coupling member 433, and spring 434 that are the components of the lock mechanism in onic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

Specifically, Fig. 19A is a plan view illustrating operating member 420 in the first position, while Fig. 19B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19B-19B of Fig. 19A. Fig. 20A and 20B are enlarged views of a portion indicated by arrow H of Fig. 19B.

First spring 434 is accommodated in spring housing 433d of coupling member 433. First spring 434 has one end locked to spring lock 433e of coupling member 433 and another end locked to spring lock 415 of socket body 410. First spring 434 urges, widthwise of electronic device 1 toward the first position, coupling member 433 and operating member 420 that is fixed to coupling member 433.

A structure of second spring 451 will be described later. [122. Engagement Member] Figs. 13A, 13B, and 13C are external views of engagement member 443 of the lock mechanism in electronic device 1 ing to the present exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 13A is a front view, Fig. 13B is a side view, and Fig. 13C is a plan view.

As shown in Figs. 13A, 13B, and 13C, engagement member 443 includes, from top to bottom, above-mentioned rotation shaft 443b, ment body 443c, cylinder 443e, arm 443h, engagement shaft 443g, and fitting protrusion 443j.

Rotation shaft 443b is provided at an upper end of engagement member 443.

Engagement body 443c includes the pair of ment projections 443a that is formed to project in radially opposite directions with rotation shaft 443b between engagement projections 443a. Engagement tions 443a are formed by cutting off parallel side parts of a cylinder with rotation shaft 443b ion axis RC) between the parallel side parts and then shaving off, except for a part near a top of the cylinder, radially outer parts with respect to tive lines indicated by L.

Cylinder 443e has shaft hole 443f that opens toward a lower edge of cylinder 443e. Shaft hole 443f is formed coaxially with rotation shaft 443b.

[0062] Arm 443h extends radially outward from a lower end of cylinder 443e.

Engagement shaft 443g extends downward from a radially outer end of arm 443h to be parallel to rotation shaft 443b (rotation axis RC).

Fitting protrusion 443j is formed at an upper edge of cylinder 443e to protrude ly. As can be seen from Fig. 13C, fitting protrusion 443j of engagement member 443 has, when viewed axially, such a shape that parallel side parts of a disk are cut off with rotation axis RC n the parallel side parts.

[0065] Figs. 13D and 13E are al views of support member 431, engagement member 443, and second spring 451 that are the components of the lock mechanism in electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 13D is a bottom perspective view, while Fig. 13E is a bottom view.

Support member 431 is provided with, in its underside, first fitting recess 431e and second fitting recess 431f.

First fitting recess 431e is circular in shape when viewed along the underside of support member 431. A diameter of first fitting recess 431e that is circular is set slightly greater than a diameter of fitting protrusion 443j of engagement member 443, so that fitting sion 443j of engagement member 443 is rotatable about on axis RC while fitted in first fitting recess 431e.

When viewed along the underside of support member 431, second fitting recess 431f has substantially the same shape as fitting protrusion 443j of engagement member 443 that is viewed along rotation axis RC, and a size of second fitting recess 431f is set slightly larger than a size of g protrusion 443j of engagement member 443, so that fitting protrusion 443j of engagement member 443 can fit in second fitting recess 431f when engagement member 443 is in the second rotational position. In other words, with fitting protrusion 443j of engagement member 443 fitted in second g recess 431f, engagement member 443 cannot rotate about rotation axis RC. Figs. 13D and 13E illustrate fitting protrusion 443j of engagement member 443 that has rotated slightly from the first rotational on toward the second onal position within first fitting recess 431e.

Fig. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14A-14A of Fig. 12B. Fig. 14A rates operating member 420 in the first position and engagement member 443 in the first rotational position. Fig. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14B-14B of Fig. 12E. Fig. 14B illustrates operating member 420 in the second on and engagement member 443 in the second rotational position. Note that these figures are supplemented with the members shown in Figs. 12A to 12F for convenience of explanation. Rotation shaft 443b of engagement member 443 is passed through insertion hole 431c. Shaft hole 443f fits rotation center shaft 432a of base member 432. As described above, shaft hole 443f is formed lly with rotation shaft 443b. Therefore, engagement member 443 is rotatable on, as rotation axis (center) RC, a center of rotation shaft 443b and a center of shaft hole 443f.

Second spring 451 is formed of a coil spring and is fitted over on center shaft 432a of base member 432. Second spring 451 has one end abutting on bottom face 432c of base member 432 and another end abutting on spring abutment 443k that is formed by stepping shaft hole 443f of engagement member 443. Second spring 451 urges engagement member 443 toward a second axial position along rotation axis RC.

Returning back to Fig. 10, connector 460 includes connector body 462 and connector pins 461. The plurality of tor pins 461 are arranged in parallel in the extending direction of socket 400 (along the width of electronic device 1) (see Fig. 7A). In the present exemplary embodiment, about twenty connector pins 461 are arranged.

Connector pins 461 each include base part 461b and electrode part 461a. Base part 461b extends vertically in a substantially linear manner and has one end abutting on pin t 462a of connector body 462.

Electrode part 461a is a part that comes into t with an electrode part of connector 120 of first unit 100 and is formed to have a shape of a spring that extends from another end of base part 461b in a gently curving manner.

Elastic material is used for forming connector pins 461. When the electrode part of connector 120 of first unit 100 is pressed against electrode part 461a, an upper portion of electrode part 461a is pushed rd through elastic ation. For this reason, with first unit 100 being mounted in socket 400, the plurality of connector pins 461 urge first unit 100 in a direction that demounts first unit 100 (upward) from socket 400. Such urging force is of magnitude that can lift up first unit 100 that is fitted into socket 400 but not [123. Actions of Lock Mechanism] Fig. 15 is an external view of coupling member 433, operating member 420, and ment members 443 that are the ents of the lock mechanism of electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 15 is a perspective view illustrating operating member 420 in the first position and engagement members 443 in their respective first rotational positions. Figs. 16A and 16B illustrate engagement achieved by a widthwise right-side lock mechanism in the lock mechanism of electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. ically, Fig. 16A is a plan view illustrating the engagement, while Fig. 16B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16B-16B of Fig. 16A.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 15, when operating member 420 is in the first position, respective engagement shafts 443g of ment members 443 are respectively positioned in the respective right ends of grooves 433a, 433b of coupling member 433. Engagement shaft 443g of widthwise right-side ment member 443 is caused to rotate in a thickness-wise frontward direction by groove 433b, while engagement shaft 443g of widthwise left-side engagement member 443 is caused to rotate in a thickness-wise rearward direction by groove 433a. In this way, engagement members 443 are positioned in their respective first rotational positions. This is when engagement projections 443a of each of engagement s 443 respectively engage in ment recesses 121b of engaging target part 110 of first unit 100 as shown in Figs. 16A and 16B, whereby first unit 100 is locked to socket 400. Here, rotation shaft 443b of engagement member 443 abuts, at its upper edge, against flat part 123b of tive member 123 in engagement recesses 121b of first unit 100, so that engagement member 443 is pushed downward against urging force of second spring 451, thus being oned in a first axial position. Moreover, fitting protrusion 443j fits in first fitting recess 431e of t member 431.

When operating member 420 is moved to the second on from this position, a condition shown in Figs. 17, 18A, and 18B is achieved. Fig. 17 is an external view of coupling member 433, operating member 420, and engagement members 443 of the lock mechanism in electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment, and specifically a ctive view illustrating operating member 420 in the second position and engagement members 443 in their respective second onal positions.

Figs. 18A and 18B illustrate disengagement achieved by the widthwise right-side lock mechanism in the lock mechanism of electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 18A is a plan view illustrating the disengagement, while Fig. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 18B-18B of Fig. 18A.

As shown in Fig. 17, when operating member 420 is in the second position, respective engagement shafts 443g of ment members 443 are respectively positioned in the respective left ends of grooves 433a, 433b of coupling member 433. Engagement shaft 443g of widthwise right-side engagement member 443 is caused to rotate in the thickness-wise rearward direction by groove 433b, while engagement shaft 443g of ise left-side engagement member 443 is caused to rotate in the thickness-wise frontward direction by groove 433a. In this way, engagement members 443 are positioned in their respective second onal positions. This is when engagement projections 443a of each of engagement members 443 are respectively disengaged from engagement recesses 121b of engaging target part 110 of first unit 100 as shown in Figs. 18A and 18B, whereby first unit 100 is unlocked from socket 400 and can be removed from second unit 200.

Note that first unit 100 is urged upward by connector pins 461 of connector 460 of socket 400 via tor 120. Therefore, first unit 100 thus unlocked is pushed upward by the urging force of connector pins 461.

Moreover, engagement members 443 are urged upward by the urging force of corresponding second springs 451 and are in their respective second rotational positions. In order to direct first unit 100 upward, engagement members 443 are each pushed upward (toward the second axial position) by the urging force of second spring 451, whereby fitting sion 443j fits in second g recess 431f of support member 431. In this way, the rotation of engagement member 443 on rotation axis RC is restricted. Accordingly, engagement members 443 are kept unlocked from engaging target parts 110, respectively. For this reason, the user is not ed to keep holding operating member 420 with operating member 420 moved to the second position (unlocked on). This eliminates the need to hold operating member 420 in the second position (unlocked position) with one hand while pulling first unit 100 out of socket 400 with the other hand. In other words, the need to remove first unit 100 with both hands is eliminated. e ing member 420 is kept in the second position (unlocked position), the user can visually ize that the lock mechanism is currently in an unlocked state.

[0078] A description is given next of cases where socket 400 that is not d with first unit 100 is mounted with first unit 100. As first unit 100 is inserted into socket 400, flat part 123b of protective member 123 of first unit 100 abuts first against the upper edge of rotation shaft 443b of engagement member 443. As first unit 100 is inserted further into socket 400, flat part 123b of protective member 123 that abuts against the upper edge of rotation shaft 443b of engagement member 443 pushes engagement member 443 downward. When fitting protrusion 443j of engagement member 443 is pushed down from first fitting recess 431e to second fitting recess 431f of support member 431, that is to say, when engagement member 443 is pushed down to the first axial position, fitting protrusion 443j of engagement member 443 is disengaged from second fitting recess 431f of support member 431, whereby the rotation of ment member 443 is unrestricted. Engagement member 443 thus becomes rotatable about rotation axis RC within first fitting recess 431e. As engagement member 443 becomes rotatable, coupling member 433 having groove 433a, 433b engaging engagement shaft 443g of engagement member 443 becomes e widthwise of electronic device 1. As described above, coupling member 433 is urged (pulled) by first spring 434 toward the first position of operating member 420. Accordingly, coupling member 433 and operating member 420 connected to coupling member 433 move to the first position.

With the movement of coupling member 433, engagement members 443 rotate to the first rotational positions, respectively. Therefore, engagement projections 443a of each of engagement members 443 tively engage in engagement recesses 121b of engaging target part 110 of first unit 100 as shown in Figs. 16A and 16B. First unit 100 is thus locked to socket 400.

Note that when the user mounts first unit 100 in socket 400, there are cases where one of the ends of lower side part 100S of first unit 100 in the extending direction of lower side part 100S is fully inserted into socket 400, while the other end of lower side part 100S is not fully inserted into socket 400. In these cases, engagement member 443 corresponding to the other end of lower side part 100S is not pushed down by flat part 123b of protective member 123 of first unit 100, so that fitting protrusion 443j of ment member 443 corresponding to the other end of lower side part 100S is not disengaged from second g recess 431f of support member 431.

Therefore, engagement member 443 ponding to the other end of lower side part 100S cannot rotate. Consequently, coupling member 433 and operating member 420 connected to coupling member 433 do not move to the first position. Based on the fact that operating member 420 has not moved to the first position, the user can visually recognize that first unit 100 is not locked to socket 400. Accordingly, the user is expected to insert first unit 100 ly into socket 400. In this way, carrying of electronic device 1 with first unit 100 not fully locked to socket 400 is suppressed.

[0080] [1-3. Dust Discharge Mechanism] In an onic device of detachable structure, it is easy for dust to enter the device through engagement holes and the like. With electronic device 1 of the present exemplary embodiment, dust may enter socket 400 through engagement-member disposition holes 431d and the like.

Accordingly, the dust that has entered can be appropriately disposed in the present exemplary embodiment. [11. ure] With reference to above-mentioned Figs. 20A and 20B and Figs. 22 and 23, a ption is given of dust discharge mechanism 600 of the present exemplary embodiment. Fig. 22 illustrates dust scrapers of 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k of dust discharge mechanism 600 that are provided to coupling member 433 and operating member 420 of electronic device 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 23-23 of Fig. 20B.

To cope with the above problem, electronic device 1 includes dust discharge mechanism 600 that discharges dust that has entered socket 400 out of socket 400. Dust discharge mechanism 600 is configured to discharge dust out of socket 400 in association with operation of ing member 420.

A structure of dust discharge mechanism 600 is described in detail below.

As shown in Figs. 20A, 20B, and 23, bottom part 410e of socket body 410 is formed with dust discharge hole 410s that is formed of a h hole for communication between an interior and an exterior of socket 400. Dust rge hole 410s is provided for the purpose of discharging dust that enters socket 400. Dust discharge hole 410s is a hole that is long along the width (length) of socket 400. This is for the purpose of facilitating dust discharge when the plurality of dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k, which are described later, move along the width (length) of socket 400.

[0084] As shown in Figs. 20A, 20B, and 22, operating member 420 is provided with recess 420e formed to be recessed downward from connecting part 420b. Bottom part 420h of recess 420e is formed to be substantially flat and faces bottom part 410e of socket body 410 across a minute clearance.

[0085] Bottom part 433h of spring housing 433d of coupling member 433 is formed to be substantially flat and faces bottom part 410e of socket body 410 across a minute clearance.

Bottom part 420h of recess 420e and bottom part 433h of spring housing 433d are provided with, along moving directions of coupling member 433 (along the width of socket 400), first to fifth dust rs 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k that are spaced apart from one another. First dust scraper 420j and second dust scraper 420k are formed on bottom part 420h of recess 420e. Third dust scraper 433i, fourth dust scraper 433j, and fifth dust scraper 433k are formed on bottom part 433h of spring g 433d.

Dust rs 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k are formed to each have a length that is slightly greater than a length of the above clearance between bottom part 420h of recess 420e and bottom part 410e of socket body 410 as well as between bottom part 433h of spring housing 433d and bottom part 410e of socket body 410 to project toward bottom part 410e of socket body 410.

The length that is slightly greater means that dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k come into contact with bottom part 410e of socket body 410 with coupling member 433 smoothly le ve to socket body 410.

[0088] When viewed in a direction dicular to bottom part 420h of recess 420e and bottom part 433h of spring housing 433d, dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k each have substantially the shape of a greater-than sign “” that is open at one side and closed at another side along the moving directions of coupling member 433 (along the width of socket 400).

First dust scraper 420j and second dust scraper 420k are formed to be substantially the same size.

In contrast, third dust scraper 433i, fourth dust scraper 433j, and fifth dust scraper 433k are formed to increase in size in this order. More specifically, when coupling member 433 is in a first widthwise position that is described later, fifth dust scraper 433k, fourth dust scraper 433j, and third dust scraper 433i are formed to decrease in size with decreasing distance to dust discharge hole 410s.

First dust scraper 420j and second dust scraper 420k are formed in ons where first dust r 420j and second dust scraper 420k pass over dust discharge hole 410s when operating member 420 is moved from the first position to the second position. [13. Action of Dust Discharge Mechanism] When operating member 420 is operated, with first unit 100 being mounted in socket 400 as shown in Fig. 1, for removal of first unit 100 from socket 400, operating member 420 moves widthwise of socket 400 from the first position to the second position. Accordingly, in association with the movement of operating member 420, coupling member 433 fixed to operating member 420 moves widthwise of socket 400 from the first widthwise position (position of coupling member 433 when operating member 420 is in the first position) that is shown in Fig. 20A to a second widthwise on (position of coupling member 433 when operating member 420 is in the second position) that is shown in Fig. 20B. During this movement, first dust scraper 420j and second dust scraper 420k move from a widthwise left side to a widthwise right side of dust discharge hole 410s. In other words, first dust scraper 420j and second dust scraper 420k pass over dust rge hole 410s.

Therefore, dust that is present on respective ise right sides of first dust r 420j and second dust scraper 420k on an upper surface of bottom part 410e of socket body 410 when coupling member 433 is in the first widthwise position is pushed in a widthwise rightward ion by first dust scraper 420j and second dust scraper 420k. When this dust reaches above dust discharge hole 410s, this dust falls outwardly of socket 400 through dust discharge hole 410s. This means that the dust that is present on the respective widthwise right sides of first dust scraper 420j and second dust r 420k inside socket 400 when coupling member 433 is in the first widthwise position is discharged out of socket 400.

When operating member 420 is operated as described above, third dust scraper 433i, fourth dust scraper 433j, and fifth dust scraper 433k move from a widthwise left side to a widthwise right side of a region that is positioned on the widthwise left side of dust discharge hole 410s. This is when dust that is present on respective widthwise right sides of third dust r 433i, fourth dust r 433j, and fifth dust scraper 433k on the upper surface of bottom part 410e of socket body 410 when coupling member 433 is in the first ise position is pushed in the widthwise rightward direction by third dust scraper 433i, fourth dust scraper 433j, and fifth dust scraper 433k. Here, third dust scraper 433i moves to a neighborhood of a position where second dust scraper 420k is when coupling member 433 is in the first widthwise position. Note that the dust is fine and light, so that when pushed in the widthwise rightward direction by third dust scraper 433i, fourth dust scraper 433j, and fifth dust scraper 433k, the dust moves, for example, rs to a widthwise right side of an end positioned widthwise to the right of third dust scraper 433i. Therefore, the dust moves to a neighborhood of dust discharge hole 410s.

When viewed in the ion perpendicular to bottom part 420h of recess 420e and bottom part 433h of spring housing 433d, dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k each have, as described above, substantially the shape of the greater-than sign “” that is open at the one side (widthwise left side) and closed at the other side (widthwise right side) along the moving ions of coupling member 433 (along the width of socket 400). For this reason, as dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k move in the widthwise rightward direction with their closed sides as leading ends, the dust is smoothly shoved aside and is caught by the rear (widthwise left side) dust scrapers in the moving ion. Thus, the dust is unlikely to converge on one spot. As a result, increase in sliding friction between coupling member 433 and socket body 410 as well as between operating member 420 and socket body 410 is suppressed during the movement, whereby effect on operability of operating member 420 is suppressed.

When released from the above operation, operating member 420 is ed from the second position to the first position by urging force of spring 434. That is when dust positioned on the widthwise right side of dust discharge hole 410s is pushed in a widthwise leftward direction by first dust scraper 420j and second dust scraper 420k, thereby being discharged out of socket 400 h dust discharge hole 410s.

As described above, third dust scraper 433i, fourth dust scraper 433j, and fifth dust scraper 433k are formed to increase in size in this order.

More specifically, when coupling member 433 is in the first widthwise position, dust scrapers 433k, 433j, 433i are formed to decrease in size with decreasing distance to dust discharge hole 410s. In contrast, if third dust scraper 433i that is oned close to dust discharge hole 410s is formed to be , dust is taken by third dust r 433i and is returned in the widthwise leftward direction when third dust r 433i returns in the widthwise leftward direction. This means that when operating member 420 is moved in the widthwise rightward and leftward directions, the dust is moved in the ise rightward and leftward directions, thus not being discharged properly. To avoid this, in the present exemplary embodiment, dust scrapers 433k, 433j, 433i are formed to decrease in size with sing distance to dust discharge hole 410s. In this way, dust is inhibited from being taken and returned when third dust scraper 433i, fourth dust scraper 433j, and fifth dust scraper 433k return in the widthwise leftward direction.

[0097] When ing member 420 is operated at a next opportunity, the dust that has been moved to the neighborhood of dust discharge hole 410s by third dust scraper 433i, fourth dust scraper 433j, and fifth dust scraper 433k in the us operation is, as described above, pushed in the widthwise rightward direction by first dust scraper 420j and second dust scraper 420k, thereby being discharged out of socket 400 through dust discharge hole 410s.

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, even in cases where dust has entered socket 400 and accumulates on, for example, bottom part 410e of socket body 410, the dust is moved by dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k during operation of operating member 420, y being discharged from dust discharge hole 410s. Continuous accumulation of dust inside socket 400 is thus suppressed.

According to the structure as described above, the dust is discharged simultaneously with the operation of operating member 420, so that trouble that is taken to consciously discharge dust is d. In addition, the need to disassemble socket 400 or the need to clean with a special jig or the like for dust rge is reduced.

[0100] [2. Effects and the Like] Electronic device 1 of the present ary embodiment includes first unit 100 including display 101, and second unit 200 including the input part, first unit 100 and second unit 200 being formed to be detachable.

Second unit 200 further includes socket 400 that is capable of accommodating side part 100S of first unit 100.

Socket 400 includes the lock mechanism configured to detachably lock first unit 100 and second unit 200, operating member 420 configured to operate the lock mechanism, and dust discharge mechanism 600 configured to rge dust that has entered socket 400 out of socket 400 in association with operation of operating member 420.

Thus, the dust that has entered socket 400 can be discharged out of socket 400 in ation with the operation of ing member 420.

In the present exemplary embodiment, dust discharge mechanism 600 includes dust rs 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k, formed on coupling member (moving member) 433 and operating member (moving member) 420 that move inside socket 400 in association with the operation of operating member 420, for moving the dust inside socket 400, and dust discharge hole 410s formed in socket body (case) 410 of socket 400 so that the dust moved by dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k is discharged out of socket 400.

With this simple structure, the dust that has entered socket 400 can be discharged out of socket 400 in association with the operation of operating member 420.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the plurality of dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k are formed spaced apart from one another along the moving directions of coupling member (moving member) 433 and operating member (moving member) 420, and the plurality of dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k decrease in size with decreasing distance to dust rge hole 410s.

In this way, the dust is ted from being taken and returned when the ity of dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k return in the widthwise leftward direction.

OTHER EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS The first exemplary embodiment has been described above as being illustrative of the technique of the present disclosure, but the technique of the present sure is not d thereto. The technique of the present disclosure is also applicable to exemplary embodiments including riate modifications, replacements, additions, and omissions.

A description is hereinafter given of those other exemplary embodiments.

In the first exemplary embodiment, dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k each have the shape of the greater-than sign “”. However, the shape of each of dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k is not limited thereto. For example, dust scrapers 420j, 420k, 433i, 433j, 433k may each have the shape of a right parenthesis “)”, a combination of the greater-than sign “” and the right parenthesis “)”, or a combination of other shapes.

Moreover, instead of five dust scrapers as in the present exemplary embodiment, four or less or six or more dust scrapers may be used.

The exemplary embodiments have been described above as being illustrative of the technique of the present disclosure, and the appended gs and the detailed description have been provided for this purpose.

For illustration of the above technique, the constituent elements that are shown in the appended drawings and are described in the detailed description can include not only constituent elements that are ial for solving the problem but also constituent elements that are not essential for solving the problem. For this reason, those nonessential constituent elements that are shown in the appended drawings and are bed in the ed description should not immediately be acknowledged as essential.

In addition, because the above exemplary embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the que of the t disclosure, various cations, replacements, additions, ons, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents of the claims.

[Industrial Applicability] The present disclosure can be used widely in electronic devices each including a first unit and a second unit that are formed to be detachable.

[Description of Reference Numerals and Signs] 1: Electronic device 100: First unit 100a: First primary surface 100b: Second primary surface 100S: Lower side part 101: Display 102: Cover 103: Operation switch 104: Indicator 110: Engaging target part 120: Connector 121: Frame 121a: Recess 121b: Engagement recess 122: Side cover 122a: Opening 123: Protective member 123a: Engagement hole 123b: Flat part 200: Second unit 300: Input unit 300a: Primary e 300S: Rear side part 301: Keyboard 302: Touch pad 303: Operation button 310: Casing 400: Socket 400a: Primary surface 400y: Recess 400S: Lower side part 410: Socket body 410a: First outer wall 410b: Second outer wall 410c: Third outer wall 410d: Fourth outer wall 410e: Bottom part 410s: Dust discharge hole 415: Spring lock 420: Operating member 420a: Operating part 420b: Connecting part 420c: Connection hole 420e: Recess 420h: Bottom part 420j: First dust r 420k: Second dust scraper 430: Drive mechanism 431: Support member 431a: Base 431b: Engagement member support 431c: Insertion hole 431d: Engagement-member ition hole 431e: First fitting recess 431f: Second fitting recess 431x: Mounting hole 432: Base member 432a: Rotation center shaft 432b: Rotation control wall 432c: Bottom face 433: Coupling member 433a: Groove 433b: Groove 433d: Spring housing 433e: Spring lock 433g: Projection 433h: Bottom part 433i: Third dust scraper 433j: Fourth dust scraper 433k: Fifth dust scraper 434: First spring 440: Engagement part 443: ment member 443a: Engagement projection 443b: Rotation shaft 443c: Engagement body 443e: Cylinder 443f: Shaft hole 443g: Engagement shaft 443h: Arm 443j: Fitting protrusion 443k: Spring abutment 451: Second spring 460: Connector 461: Connector pin 461a: Electrode part 461b: Base part 462: Connector body 462a: Pin support 500: Hinge 600: Dust discharge mechanism HC: Rotation axis of hinge L1: Length at ise end L2: Length at part other than widthwise end RC: Rotation axis of engagement member

Claims (2)

[Document Name] Scope of Claims for Patent
1. [Claim 1] An electronic device comprising: a first unit including a display; and a second unit including an input part, the first unit and the second unit being formed to be detachable, wherein the second unit includes a socket that is capable of accommodating a side part of the first unit, and the socket includes a lock mechanism configured to detachably lock the first unit and the second unit, an operating member configured to operate the lock mechanism, a dust discharge ism configured to discharge dust that has entered the socket out of the socket in association with operation of the operating member, wherein the dust discharge ism includes a scraper formed on a moving member that moves inside the socket in association with the operation of the operating member, the scraper being configured to move the dust inside the socket, and a dust discharge hole formed in a case of the socket so that the dust moved by the scraper is discharged out of the socket.
2. [Claim 2] The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the scrapers are formed spaced apart from one another along moving ions of the moving member, and the plurality of the scrapers are formed to decrease in size with decreasing distance to the dust discharge hole.