HK1165088A - Information processing apparatus and switching device - Google Patents

Description

Information processing apparatus and switching apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus including a switching unit and a switching apparatus.

Background

An electronic apparatus capable of performing a plurality of modes and switching the plurality of modes by using a switching unit is provided (for example, see patent document 1). In the electronic device of patent document 1, a slide button is provided that is slidable through three mode positions provided on a straight line. By sliding the slide button to a desired mode position, the mode can be switched according to the mode position. On the electronic device, there is also provided an engaging means which restricts the slide button from further moving to the other end mode position in the sliding direction when the slide button is moved from the one end mode position in the sliding direction to the intermediate mode position. As a result, a mode switching error can be prevented.

Patent document 1: japanese patent application laid-open No. H6-5156 (paragraph 0008 and FIG. 1).

Disclosure of Invention

[ problem to be solved by the invention ]

However, according to the electronic device of patent document 1, in the case of moving the slide button from the one-end mode position to the other-end mode position in the sliding direction, the movement is inevitably restricted at the intermediate mode position. Therefore, in the case where it is desired to directly switch from the mode corresponding to the one-end mode position to the mode corresponding to the other-end mode position, if the slide button is located at the intermediate mode position, there is a possibility that the mode corresponding to the intermediate mode position is executed. Therefore, a mechanism or the like for distinguishing between an operation of the slide button passing through the intermediate mode position and a moving operation of the slide button for switching the mode is required, and there is a possibility that the structure is complicated.

Further, in order to be able to directly switch a plurality of modes, in the case where the switches for the respective modes are provided separately, there is a possibility that the size of the entire switch becomes large.

In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus including a small switching unit, which is capable of directly moving a movable portion to a desired position and of easily and surely switching a plurality of operation states with the switching unit. Another object of the invention is to provide a small switching device that is capable of moving the movable part directly to the desired position.

[ means for solving problems ]

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a switching unit and a control section.

The switching unit includes a movable portion, a supporting portion, and a detecting portion.

The movable part can be operated by a user.

The support portion supports the movable portion so that the movable portion is directly movable between two positions among all combinations of three or more positions.

The detection section detects that the movable section moves to each position.

The control section identifies a detection result of the detection section.

As a result, the movable portion can be directly moved to other respective positions regardless of the position at which the movable portion is located. As a result, the switching selection operation by the user becomes easy, and at the same time, the structure of the control section, which recognizes the switching selection operation by the user based on the detection result of the position to which the movable section moves, becomes simple.

The switching unit may further include a position holding device that holds the movable portion at each position.

As a result, the movable portion can be stabilized at various positions, and an operation error of the switching unit can be prevented.

The switching unit may further include an engagement portion having a first tapered surface and a second tapered surface, the engagement portion being provided between the respective two positions, and the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface respectively generating interference with the movable portion at different timings during movement of the movable portion between the respective two positions, the first tapered surface restricting movement of the movable portion, the second tapered surface facilitating movement of the movable portion.

As a result, when the movable portion generates interference with the first taper surface and when the movable portion generates interference with the second taper surface, respectively, it is possible to provide different varying resistances to the user operating the movable portion.

The switching unit may further include biasing means for biasing the respective tapered surfaces of the engaging portions and the movable portion so as to be in press contact.

In the interference position with the first tapered surface, the movable portion presses the first tapered surface downward against the biasing force of the biasing means. Therefore, during this time, the user feels a resistance feeling of the moving operation of the movable portion. In a state where the movable portion is away from the first tapered surface, the feeling of resistance abruptly decreases. The change in the resistance feeling brings a click feeling to the user.

When the movable portion reaches the interference position with the second tapered surface, the movable portion is pulled along the second tapered surface due to the biasing force of the biasing means, and as a result, the movement of the movable portion is promoted. The guiding of the operation of the movable part gives a traction feeling to the user due to the biasing force of the biasing means and the tapering effect of the second tapered surface as described above.

The control section switches the operation processing of the information processing apparatus according to the detection result.

As a result, it is possible to directly switch two operation states among all combinations of three or more kinds of control.

A switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a movable portion, a supporting portion, and a detecting portion.

The movable part can be operated by a user.

The support portion supports the movable portion so that the movable portion is directly movable between two positions among all combinations of three or more positions

The detection section detects that the movable section moves to each position.

As a result, the movable portion can be directly moved to other respective positions regardless of the position at which the movable portion is located.

The switching means may further comprise position holding means which holds the movable part at each position.

As a result, the movable portion can be stabilized at various positions, and an operation error of the switching unit can be prevented.

The switching device may further include an engagement portion having a first tapered surface and a second tapered surface, the engagement portion being provided between the respective two positions, and the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface respectively generating interference with the movable portion at different timings during movement of the movable portion between the respective two positions, the first tapered surface restricting movement of the movable portion, the second tapered surface facilitating movement of the movable portion.

As a result, when the movable portion generates interference with the first taper surface and when the movable portion generates interference with the second taper surface, respectively, it is possible to provide different varying resistances to the user operating the movable portion.

The switching means may further comprise biasing means which biases the respective tapered surfaces of the engaging portions and the movable portion into pressing contact.

In the interference position with the first tapered surface, the movable portion presses the first tapered surface downward against the biasing force of the biasing means. Therefore, during this time, the user feels a resistance feeling of the moving operation of the movable portion. In a state where the movable portion is away from the first tapered surface, the feeling of resistance abruptly decreases. The change in the resistance feeling brings a click feeling to the user.

When the movable portion reaches the interference position with the second tapered surface, the movable portion is pulled along the second tapered surface due to the biasing force of the biasing means, and as a result, the movement of the movable portion is promoted. The guiding of the operation of the movable part gives a traction feeling to the user due to the biasing force of the biasing means and the tapering effect of the second tapered surface as described above.

[ Effect of the invention ]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing apparatus which includes a small switching unit capable of directly moving a movable portion to a desired position and which is capable of easily and surely switching a plurality of operation states with the switching unit. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a small switching unit capable of directly moving the movable portion to a desired position.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a PC (personal computer) in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the PC 1 of fig. 1 in an open state.

Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the main plate and the cooling fan from the lower surface side.

Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the main plate and the cooling fan from the upper surface side.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the switching unit.

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the switching unit.

Fig. 7 is another exploded perspective view of the switching unit.

Fig. 8 is a lower surface view of the switching unit.

Fig. 9 is a six-sided view of the restriction portion.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the restriction portion.

Fig. 11(a) shows that the operating portion is located at the angular position a. Fig. 11(B) shows that the operating portion is located at the angular position B. Fig. 11(C) shows that the operating portion is located at the angular position C.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the movable portion and the restricting portion.

Fig. 13 is a transparent top view schematically showing the switching unit when the operating portion is located at the angular position a.

Fig. 14 is a transparent top view schematically showing the switching unit when the operating portion is located at the angular position B.

Fig. 15 is a transparent top view schematically showing the switching unit when the operating portion is located at the angular position C.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a laptop computer (personal computer, hereinafter referred to as PC) will be explained as an example of the information processing apparatus.

[1. Structure of PC ]

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a PC in a closed state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The PC 1 includes a main body unit 2 and a display unit 3.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the PC 1 in an open state.

The main body unit 2 and the display unit 3 are coupled in a relatively rotatable manner by a hinge 4. In an area of the display unit 3 facing the main body unit 2 when the display unit 3 is closed with respect to the main body unit 2, the display unit 3 includes a display screen 3 a.

In an area of the main body unit 2 facing the display unit 3 when the display unit 3 is closed with respect to the main body unit 2, the main body unit 2 includes an input operation unit 2a (e.g., a keyboard), a palm rest 2b on which a user places his wrist, an antenna 2c for a noncontact IC (integrated circuit) card, and a slide switching unit 7 (switching means). On the side surface of the main body unit 2, the main body unit 2 further includes a power switch 2d, an external display output terminal 2e, a USB (universal serial bus) connector 2f, a disk slot 2g of a disk drive (not shown), a microphone input terminal 2h, and an earphone output terminal 2 i. It should be noted that the structure of the switching unit 7 will be described in detail below.

The main unit 2 further comprises a casing 30, the casing 30 being obtained by assembling a top casing 32 and a bottom casing 31. The input operation unit 2a, the switching unit 7, and the like are provided on the top case 32. The bottom case 31 includes a placement surface with which the PC 1 is placed on a desk or the like. Inside the casing 30, the main body unit 2 further includes a main board 10, a cooling fan 20, and the like.

Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the main plate and the cooling fan from the lower surface side. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the main plate and the cooling fan from the upper surface side.

On the upper surface 10a and the lower surface 10b of the main board 10, a main memory, a CPU 12, an external graphics chip 13, a chipset 18, and other electronic components (e.g., control circuits) are mounted.

A heated plate 21 is disposed in intimate contact on the upper surface of the CPU 12, and a heated plate 22 is disposed in intimate contact on the upper surface of the external graphics chip 13. The heat pipe 23 is thermally connected to the heated plates 21, 22, and the cooling fan 20 is thermally connected to the heat pipe 23. The cooling fan 20 provides cooling for heat generating components (e.g., the CPU 12, the external graphics chip 13, etc.) mounted on the motherboard 10.

The chipset 18 is a chip that manages data transfer with the respective elements in the PC 1. Chipset 18 includes an internal graphics chip or the like. Further, the chipset 18 includes a connection interface with various peripheral devices (e.g., a nonvolatile memory, an EC (embedded controller), etc.).

The external graphic chip 13 and the internal graphic chip perform drawing processing in accordance with data output by the CPU 12, and the external graphic chip 13 and the internal graphic chip output the generated image signals to be displayed on the display screen 3a of the display unit 3.

The internal graphics chip has poor graphics processing capabilities, but low power consumption, compared to the external graphics chip 13. Meanwhile, although the external graphics chip 13 has a high processing capability in 3D processing, high-resolution drawing processing, and the like, since the external graphics chip 13 drives itself and peripheral devices, power consumption is higher and an electric load of the entire system with respect to the PC 1 becomes high. Therefore, the external graphics chip 13 is useful, for example, in the case of using the PC 1 connected to an external monitor or an AC (alternating current) adapter, in the case of driving a blu-ray disc drive, in the case of executing a 3D application, in the case of displaying a high-resolution image, or the like. Meanwhile, the internal graphic chip is advantageous in a case where the remaining amount of the battery is low, in a case where the rpm of the fan is lowered to make the fan quiet, and the like.

It should be noted that the PC 1 includes not only the above-described elements but also devices (e.g., a battery, an HDD (hard disk drive), an interface (e.g., a terminal), etc.) required for the computer.

[2. one example of the operating state of PC ]

Next, one example of the operation state of the PC 1 will be described. The PC 1 is capable of realizing a mode of executing a drawing process by an internal graphics chip, a mode of executing a drawing process by an external graphics chip 13, and a mode of determining the use condition of the PC 1 and executing a drawing process by a graphics chip suitable for the present use condition. The PC 1 switches the three modes and executes any one of the modes. As a result, one of the internal graphics chip and the external graphics chip 13 performs the drawing process.

For example, by controlling the on/off state of the power supply of the external graphics chip 13 by the EC as the control section, or the like, switching of the graphics chip that realizes the drawing processing can be performed.

That is, the EC obtains a detection result of the switching selection position, which is detected by a switching module 300 (described later) of the switching unit 7. According to the obtained detection result, the EC outputs a power on/off control signal for switching a power supply on/off state to the external graphics chip 13 to a power supply circuit (not shown). The power supply circuit switches the power supply on/off state to the external graphics chip 13 in accordance with the power supply on/off control signal from the EC. Since power is supplied from the power supply circuit to the external graphics chip 13, the drawing process can be performed by the external graphics chip 13. Meanwhile, when power is not supplied from the power supply circuit to the external graphics chip 13, the drawing process is performed only by the internal graphics chip.

[3. Structure of switching Unit ]

Next, the structure of the switching unit 7 will be described. It should be noted that when the present specification describes the switch unit 7, it is assumed that the switch unit 7 includes a part of the top case 32 of the case 30. The portion of the top case 32 included in the switching unit 7 is referred to as a "cover 500".

Fig. 5 is a plan view of the switching unit 7. For example, the switching unit 7 is a slide switching unit so that the user can select three modes of drawing processing. The operation portion 203 of the movable portion 200 is exposed from the cover opening 501 of the cover 500, and by moving the operation portion 203 of the movable portion 200 to a predetermined position in the cover opening 501, the drawing processing mode can be switched. In the present embodiment, the operating portion 203 can be directly moved between two positions among all combinations of positions corresponding to three vertices of the cover opening 501, the cover opening 501 being a rounded triangle.

Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the switching unit 7, and fig. 6 shows the switching unit 7 from the top case 32 side (the cover 500 side). Fig. 7 is another exploded perspective view of the switch unit 7, and fig. 6 shows the switch unit 7 from the side of the bottom case 31 (see fig. 2). Fig. 8 is a lower surface view of the switching unit 7. It should be noted that in this specification, when the respective members are located in the housing 30, the surface facing the top housing 32 is referred to as "upper surface", and the surface facing the bottom housing 31 is referred to as "lower surface".

The switching unit 7 includes a cover 500 (supporting portion), a guide portion 100 (supporting portion), a movable portion 200, a switching module 300 (detecting portion), and a restricting portion 400. The respective members are assembled in the above-described order from the top case 32 side (the cover 500 side) to the bottom case 31 side.

[3-1. Structure of lid ]

The cover 500 is a member that protects the inside of the switching unit 7 and guides the movement of the movable portion 200.

The cover 500 is made of, for example, metal (e.g., aluminum), resin, or the like. On the cover 500, a cover opening 501 is provided, the cover opening 501 penetrating the upper surface 503 side and the lower surface 504 side. The cover opening 501 guides the operating portion 203 of the movable portion 200 so that the operating portion 203 of the movable portion 200 is movable in the surface direction of the cover opening 501. In the present embodiment, the cover opening 501 has a rounded triangular shape. On the cover 500, boss holes (boss holes) 506 and 507 are provided, the boss holes 506 being used to fix the switching module 300 to the cover 500 by screws, and the boss holes 507 being used to fix the switching module 300 and the restricting portion 400 to the cover 500 by screws.

In the vicinity of the cover opening 501, three LED (light emitting diode) openings 502 are provided in correspondence with three selection positions of the switching unit. Under the cover 500, a light guide system for guiding light from a plurality of light emission sources (e.g., LEDs, etc.) provided on the main body unit 2 of the PC 1 to the respective LED openings 502 is provided. Further, among the three LED openings 502, light is exposed from only one LED opening 502 and remains to emit/flash light in accordance with the selected position (i.e., the drawing processing mode) in the switching unit 7, so that the mode selection state can be displayed to the user.

[3-2. Structure of leading portion ]

On the lower surface 504 side of the cover 500, the guide portion 100 is provided. The guide portion 100 is a member for cooperating with the cover opening 501 to guide the movement of the movable portion 200.

The guide portion 100 is configured by, for example, a light guide resin or the like. The guide portion 100 is fixed with respect to the lower surface of the cover 500. That is, on the upper surface 101 of the guide portion 100, three insertion portions 104 are provided, the insertion portions 104 being inserted into the three LED openings 502 of the cover 500, respectively. Due to these insertion portions 104, positioning of the guiding portion 100 at three points with respect to the cover 500 is achieved, and guiding of light to the respective LED openings 502 is achieved. The upper surface 101 of the guide portion 100 is adhesively attached to the lower surface 504 of the cover 500 with double-sided adhesive tape.

On the guide portion 100, a guide opening 103 is provided, the guide opening 103 penetrating the upper surface 101 side and the lower surface 102 side. The guide opening 103 guides a plate portion 201 (described later) of the movable portion 200 through the inner periphery 111 so that the plate portion 201 is movable in a surface direction of the guide opening 103.

It should be noted that, in the following description, two axes forming the opening surface of the guide opening 103 are referred to as "X-axis" and "Y-axis". An axis orthogonal to the opening surface of the guide opening 103 is referred to as a "Z axis". Further, a direction from the bottom case 31 side to the top case 32 side (the lid 500 side) in the Z axis is referred to as a "Z-axis upward direction". The direction from the top case 32 side (the cover 500 side) to the bottom case 31 side on the Z axis is referred to as "Z-axis downward direction".

On the lower surface 102 of the guide portion 100, bosses 105, 106 for holding the positions of the switching module 300 and the restricting portion 400 with respect to the guide portion 100, and boss holes 107 for fixing the switching module 300 and the restricting portion 400 to the guide portion 100 by screws are provided.

Around the guide opening 103 of the lower surface 102 of the guide portion 100, recesses 108, 109, and 110 are provided. The recesses 108, 109, 110 are engaged with upper side projections 213, 214, 215 (described later) of the movable portion 200, and the recesses 108, 109, 110 guide the movement of the movable portion 200 in the XY plane. In the present embodiment, all the recesses 108, 109, 110 have the same shape and the same size. The planar shape of the recesses 108, 109, 110 on the XY surface is a rounded triangle substantially similar to the planar shape of the cover 501 on the XY surface. The respective recesses 108, 109, 110 are provided in a positional relationship in which the respective sides of the respective triangles are parallel to each other with respect to the cover opening 501 to which the guide portion 100 is fixed.

[3-3. Structure of Movable portion ]

The movable portion 200 includes a plate portion 201, an operation portion 203, three extending portions 209, 210, 211, an engagement protrusion 205, a first pressing protrusion 207, and a second pressing protrusion 208.

The planar shape of the plate portion 201 on the XY surface is substantially similar to the planar shape of the guide opening 103 of the guide portion 100 on the XY surface. The plate portion 201 is disposed in the guide opening 103. Here, the outer periphery 223 of the plate portion 201 is arranged in a positional relationship in which the respective surfaces of the outer periphery 223 of the plate portion 201 and the inner periphery 111 of the guide opening 103 face each other with respect to the inner periphery 111 of the guide opening 103. The outer periphery 223 is guided by the inner periphery 111 of the guide opening 103 so that the plate portion 201 is movable in the guide opening 103 on the XY surface.

The operating portion 203 is provided on the upper surface 202 of the plate portion 201 so as to protrude in the Z-axis direction. The planar shape of the operating portion 203 on the XY surface is substantially similar to the planar shape of the cover opening 501 on the XY surface. The operation portion 203 is provided on the plate portion 201 in a positional relationship similar to that of the cover opening 501 with respect to the guide opening 103. As a result, when the plate portion 201 is arranged in the guide opening 103, the outer periphery 221 of the operating portion 203 is arranged in a positional relationship in which the respective surfaces of the outer periphery 221 of the operating portion 203 and the inner periphery 508 face each other with respect to the inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501. The outer periphery 221 is guided by an inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501 so that the operating portion 203 is movable in the cover opening 501 on the XY surface.

As described above, the outer periphery 223 of the board part 201 is guided by the inner periphery 111 of the guide opening 103, and the outer periphery 221 of the operating part 203 is guided by the inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501, so that the movable part 200 is movable on the XY surface. That is, the movable part 200 is supported by the inner periphery 111 of the guide opening 103 and the inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501, so that the operating part 203 is directly movable between two positions among all combinations of positions corresponding to three vertices of the cover opening 501, the cover opening 501 being a rounded triangle. It should be noted that, in the following description, the following positions of the operating portion 203 are referred to as "angular positions": this position is located at a position corresponding to any one of the corners of the rounded triangular cover 501.

The extending portions 209, 210, 211 are provided on the end portions of the lower surface 204 of the plate portion 201 such that the extending portions 209, 210, 211 protrude from the outer periphery 223. On the upper surfaces of the tips of the extended portions 209, 210, 211, there are provided upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 having a truncated cone shape, respectively, so that the upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 protrude in the Z-axis direction. The upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 engage with the concave portions 108, 109, 110 of the guide portion 100, respectively. As a result, the movable portion 200 is restrained by the guide portion 100. Further, the movement of the upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 in the Z-axial direction upward is restricted by the bottom surfaces of the concave portions 109, 110.

On the lower surfaces of the tips of the extended portions 209, 210, 211, lower convex portions 215, 216, 217 having an approximately hemispherical shape are provided, respectively, so that the lower convex portions 215, 216, 217 protrude in the Z-axis direction. On the lower surface of the extension 209, a lower convex portion 218 having an approximately hemispherical shape is provided so that the lower convex portion 218 protrudes in the Z-axis direction. Further, on the lower surface 204 of the plate portion 201, a lower convex portion 219 having an approximately hemispherical shape is provided so that the lower convex portion 219 protrudes in the Z-axis direction. The tips of the lower convex portions 215 and 219 are located on the same XY surface.

On the lower surface 204 of the plate portion 201, an engaging protrusion 205 is provided. The engaging protrusion 205 is designed to be able to engage with an engaging portion 403 (described later) of the restricting portion 400. In the present embodiment, the engaging protrusion 205 is provided at a position corresponding to the approximate center of the operating portion 203, and the engaging protrusion 205 protrudes in the Z-axis direction. The engaging protrusion 205 has an approximately cylindrical shape and has a tip 206, and the tip 206 has an approximately hemispherical shape.

When the movable portion 200 moves annularly so that the outer periphery 221 of the operating portion 203 follows the inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501 and the outer periphery 223 of the plate portion 201 follows the inner periphery 111 of the guide opening 103, the engaging protrusion 205 moves while drawing a triangular locus. Further, the upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 move while drawing the same triangular locus as the moving locus of the engaging portion 205, so that the upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 respectively follow the inner peripheries of the concave portions 108, 109, 110.

The first pressing protrusion 207 and the second pressing protrusion 208 are provided along the edge of the lower surface 204 of the plate portion 201, and protrude in the Z-axis direction. The first pressing protrusion 207 and the second pressing protrusion 208 are designed to be able to press a first operating member 311 and a second operating member 312 (described later) of the switching module 300, respectively. In the present embodiment, on the lower surface 204, at positions corresponding to predetermined sides of the triangle of the operating portion 203, a first pressing protrusion 207 and a second pressing protrusion 208 are provided, respectively.

[3-4. Structure of switching Module ]

Below the guide portion 100 fixed on the cover 500, the switching module 300 is disposed. The switching module 300 includes a printed board 315 on which a wiring pattern is formed, a board connector 314, an LED board connector 313, a first switching device 309, and a second switching device 310.

On the printed board 315, position holding holes 303, 304 and through holes 305, 306, 307 penetrating between the upper surface 301 side and the lower surface 302 side are provided, the bosses 105, 106 of the guide portion 100 are inserted into the position holding holes 303, 304, and the through holes 305, 306, 307 are used to be fixed to the boss holes 506, 507, 107 by screws.

On the printed board 315, an opening 308 is provided, the opening 308 penetrating between the upper surface 301 side and the lower surface 302 side. The opening 308 is designed such that the first pressing projection 207, the second pressing projection 208, and the engaging projection 205 of the movable portion 200 are always exposed from the opening 308, and the tip of the lower convex portion 215 and 219 of the movable portion 200 can always abut against the upper surface 301 of the switch module 300. The tips of the lower convex portions 215 and 219 of the movable portion 200 abut on the upper surface 301, thereby restricting the movement of the movable portion 200 in the Z-axis downward direction.

A board connector 314 is mounted on the lower surface 302 of the printed board 315, and an LED board connector 313 is mounted on the upper surface 301 of the printed board 315. A plurality of respective connection terminals serve as contact sets of the motherboard connector 314 and the LED board connector 313, and are connected to the wiring pattern of the printed board 315. The board connector 314 is connected to the motherboard 10 by a flexible flat cable (not shown). The LED board connector 313 is connected to the LED board (not shown) by a flexible flat cable (not shown). As described above, the switching module 300 also functions to connect the LED board and the main board 10.

The first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 are mounted on the upper surface 301 of the printed board 315 in the vicinity of the opening 308. The first switching means 309 and the second switching means 310 are provided at positions facing the first pressing protrusion 207 and the second pressing protrusion 208 of the movable portion 200, respectively. The first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 are provided with a first operation member 311 and a second operation member 312, respectively. The first operating member 311 and the second operating member 312 are designed to be able to be pressed by the first pressing protrusion 207 and the second pressing protrusion 208, respectively, in the XY-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the first operating member 311 and the second operating member 312 are biased (bias) in the direction facing the first pressing protrusion 207 and the second pressing protrusion 208, respectively, and the first pressing protrusion 207 and the second pressing protrusion 208 protrude on the XY surface. The first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 may be switched to the open state by pressing the first operating member 311 and the second operating member 312 in directions approaching the first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310, respectively. In the present embodiment, as the movable portion 200 moves in the XY directions, the first pressing protrusion 207 of the movable portion 200 presses the first operating member 311, so that the first switching device 309 is switched to the on state, and the second pressing protrusion 208 presses the second operating member 312, so that the second switching device 310 is switched to the on state. The first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 output the on/off state to the EC through the flexible flat cables connected to the board connectors 314, respectively.

[3-5. Structure of restricting portion ]

Fig. 9 is a six-sided view of the restriction portion 400.

Below the switching module 300, a restricting portion 400 is provided. The restricting portion 400 includes, for example, a plate spring 401 as biasing means, and an engaging portion 403 provided on the plate spring 401. The position holding means for holding the movable portion 200 at a predetermined position is configured by the plate spring 401, the engaging portion 403, and the engaging protrusion 205 of the movable portion 200.

The plate spring 401 is constructed by using, for example, a thin metal (e.g., stainless steel, etc.), resin, or the like. On one end portion 412 of the plate spring 401, a position holding hole 405 and a through hole 406 penetrating between the upper surface 402 side and the lower surface 404 side are provided, the boss 105 of the guide portion 100 is inserted in the position holding hole 405, and the through hole 406 is used for fixing to the boss hole 507 of the cover 500 by a screw. On the other end 413 of the plate spring 401, a position holding hole 407 and a through hole 408 penetrating between the upper surface 402 side and the lower surface 404 side are provided, the boss 106 of the guide portion 100 is inserted into the position holding hole 407, and the through hole 408 is used for fixing to the boss hole 107 of the guide portion 100 by a screw. In the plate spring 401, both end portions 412, 413 are supported by these holes 405 and 408.

The engaging portion 403 is constructed by, for example, resin. The engaging portion 403 is fixed to the intermediate portion 419 of the both end portions 412, 413 as a supporting point so that the engaging portion 403 can face the engaging protrusion 205 of the movable portion 200. The engaging portion 403 can be moved in the Z-axis direction by the biasing force of the plate spring 401.

Engaging portion 403 includes a base portion 416 and a projecting portion 417. The base 416 is placed on the plate spring 401 and has a flat plate shape. The protruding portion 417 is provided on the upper surface of the base portion 416, and protrudes in the Z-axis direction. The protruding portion 417 includes a tapered surface 419 and a top surface 418 that is approximately flat.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the restricting portion 400, and is a diagram showing a trajectory of movement of the engaging protrusion 205 of the movable portion 200.

As shown by three dotted circles in the figure, the engaging portion 403 is designed such that: the position of the engaging protrusion 205 corresponds to the tapered surface 419 when the operating portion is in three angular positions in the cover opening 501. Further, as indicated by a broken-line triangle in the drawing, the boss portion 417 is designed such that the engaging protrusion 205 moves on the top surface 418 of the boss portion 417 when the operating portion 203 moves directly from one arbitrary angular position to another arbitrary angular position.

[4. operation of the movable portion and the restricting portion ]

Next, the operation of the movable portion 200 and the restricting portion 400 in the switching unit 7 configured as described above when the operating portion 203 moves between three angular positions along the inner periphery 508 of the triangular cover opening 501 will be described.

Fig. 11 shows that the operating portions 203 are respectively located at three angular positions of the cover opening 501.

In the following description, the three angular positions are referred to as "angular positions A, B, C". Fig. 11(a) shows that the operating portion 203 is located at the angular position a. Fig. 11(B) shows that the operating portion 203 is located at the angular position B. Fig. 11(C) shows that the operating portion 203 is located at the angular position C.

Here, the operation of the movable portion 200 and the restricting portion 400 when the operating portion 203 moves from the angular position B to the angular position a in the X-axis direction along the inner periphery 508 of the triangular cover opening 501 will be described.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the movable portion 200 and the restricting portion 400. It should be noted that the schematic drawings are drawn by being modified from actual shapes to make the description easy to understand.

As shown in fig. 12(a), the operating portion 203 is held at the angular position B. Here, the tip 206 of the engaging protrusion 205 is press-contacted (pressure-contact) with a tapered surface 419a (first tapered surface) of the projecting portion 417 of the engaging portion 403 of the restricting portion 400 by the biasing force of the plate spring 401. The movement of the movable portion 200 in the direction in which the engaging protrusion 205 advances to the convex portion 417 is restricted by the interference of the tip 206 of the engaging protrusion 205 with the tapered surface 419a of the convex portion 417 caused by the biasing force of the plate spring 401. Further, by interference of the tip 206 of the engaging projection 205 with the tapered surface 419a of the boss portion 417 caused by the biasing force of the plate spring 401, the outer periphery 221 of the operating portion 203 abuts against the inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501, and the outer periphery 223 of the plate portion 201 abuts against the inner periphery 111 of the guide opening 103. As a result, the movable portion 200 is restricted from moving in the direction advancing to the inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501, and the operating portion 203 abuts against the inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501. As described above, the movement of the movable portion 200 in the direction in which the engaging protrusion 205 advances to the convex portion 417 is restricted, and the movement of the movable portion 200 in the direction advancing to the inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501 is restricted, the operation portion 203 abuts against the inner periphery 508 of the cover opening 501, thereby restricting the movement of the movable portion 200 on the XY surface.

As shown in fig. 12(B), the user (indicated by U in the figure) applies a force in the X-axis direction to move the operating portion 203 of the movable portion 200 held at the angular position B in the X-axis direction. When the pressure from the user exceeds a predetermined value, the movable portion 200 starts to move in the X-axis direction. When the movable portion 200 starts to move, the engaging protrusion 205 presses the convex portion 417 downward against the biasing force of the plate spring 401 due to the interference of the tip 206 of the engaging protrusion 205 having an approximately hemispherical shape with the tapered surface 419a of the convex portion 417. Therefore, during this period, the user feels a resistance feeling of the moving operation of the movable portion 200. The resistance feeling abruptly decreases in the case where the engaging protrusion 205 reaches the top surface 418 of the protrusion 417, and becomes a feeling caused by friction of the tip 206 of the engaging protrusion 205 having an approximately hemispherical shape with the top surface 418 of the convex portion 417. The variation of the resistance feeling brings a click feeling to the user.

As shown in fig. 12(c), when the user continues to move the operating portion 203 in the X-axis direction, the engaging protrusion 205 passes the top surface 418 of the boss portion 417 and reaches an interference position with the opposite-side tapered surface 419b (second tapered surface). Then, due to the biasing force of the plate spring 401, the engaging protrusion 205 is pulled along the tapered surface 419b, with the result that the operating portion is moved to the angular position a. Thus, the engaging protrusion 205 is held at the angular position a. The operation of the guide engaging protrusion 205 gives a user a pulling-in feeling (pull-in feeling) due to the biasing force and the taper effect of the plate spring 401 described above.

It should be noted that here, although the operation of the movable portion 200 and the restricting portion 400 when the operating portion 203 moves from the angular position B to the angular position a in the X-axis direction is described, the same applies to the movement of the operating portion 203 between two positions among all combinations of the angular positions A, B, C.

[5. operation of switching Unit ]

Then, the operation of the switching unit 7 when the operating portion 203 moves from each angular position to another angular position along the inner periphery 508 of the triangular cover opening 501 will be described.

The operation of the switching unit 7 when the operating portion 203 moves in the order of the angular position a, the angular position B, the angular position C, and the angular position a (counterclockwise) will be described.

Fig. 13 is a transparent top view schematically showing the switching unit 7 when the operating portion 203 is located at the angular position a.

It should be noted that in the present drawing, in order to make the drawing easy to understand, illustration of a portion which is not directly necessary for the following description will be omitted. The same applies to the following figures.

In the movable portion 200 (shown by a thick line), when the operating portion 203 is located at the angular position a, the outer periphery 221 of the operating portion 203 abuts against the inner periphery of the cover opening 501, and the outer periphery 223 of the plate portion 201 abuts against the inner periphery 111 of the guide opening 103. The engaging protrusion 205 is located on the tapered surface 419. The upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 are located at angular positions in the cover opening 501 of the recesses 108, 109, 110 of the guide portion 100 that correspond to the angular position a of the cover opening 501. When the operating portion 203 is located at the angular position a, the first operating member 311 and the second operating member 312 are not operated, and the first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 are in the off state.

In the movable portion 200, when the operating portion 203 moves from the angular position a to the angular position B, the engaging protrusion 205 passes the top surface 418. The movable portion 200 moves while the operating portion 203 is along the inner periphery of the cover opening 501 and the plate portion 201 is along the inner periphery of the guide opening 103. The upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 move along the inner peripheries of the concave portions 108, 109, 110. The first pressing protrusion 207 and the second pressing protrusion 208 abut against the first operating member 311 of the first operating device 309 and the second operating member 312 of the second operating device 310, and press the first operating member 311 and the second operating member 312 against the biasing forces of the first operating member 311 and the second operating member 312. As a result, the first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 switch to the open state.

Fig. 14 is a transparent top view schematically showing the switching unit 7 when the operating portion 203 is located at the angular position B.

In the movable portion 200, when the operating portion 203 reaches the angular position B, the engaging protrusion 205 also reaches the tapered surface 419. The upper male portions 212, 213, 214 are located at angular positions of the recesses 108, 109, 110 of the guiding portion 100 corresponding to the angular position B of the cover opening 501. The first pressing protrusion 207 and the second pressing protrusion 208 also press the first operating member 311 of the first switching device 309 and the second operating member 312 of the second switching device 310.

In the movable portion 200, when the operating portion 203 moves from the angular position B to the angular position C, the engaging protrusion 205 passes the top surface 418. The movable portion 200 moves while the operating portion 203 is along the inner periphery of the cover opening 501 and the plate portion 201 is along the inner periphery 111 of the guide opening 103. The upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 move along the inner peripheries of the recesses 108, 109, 110 of the guide portion 100. Due to the biasing force of the first operating member 311, the first pressing protrusion 207 moves in a direction to separate from the first switching device 309 while the tip of the first operating member 311 abuts against the side surface of the first pressing protrusion 207. The second pressing protrusion 208 moves while maintaining the pressed state of the second operation member 312.

Fig. 15 is a transparent top view schematically showing the switching unit 7 when the operating portion 203 is located at the angular position C.

In the movable portion 200, when the operating portion 203 reaches the angular position C, the engaging protrusion 205 also reaches the tapered surface 419. The upper male portions 212, 213, 214 are located at angular positions of the recesses 108, 109, 110 of the guiding portion 100 corresponding to the angular position C of the cover opening 501. The first pressing protrusion 207 is separated from the first operating member 311. As a result, the first switching device 309 switches to the off state. The second pressing protrusion 208 continues to press the second operating member 312. As a result, the open state of the second switching device 310 is maintained.

In the movable portion 200, when the operating portion 300 moves from the angular position C to the angular position a, the engaging protrusion 205 passes the top surface 418. The movable portion 200 moves while the operating portion 203 is along the inner periphery of the cover opening 501 and the plate portion 201 is along the inner periphery of the guide opening 103. The upper convex portions 212, 213, 214 move along the inner peripheries of the recesses 108, 109, 110 of the guide portion 100. Due to the biasing force of the second operating member 312, the second pressing protrusion 208 moves in a direction away from the second switching device 310 while the tip of the second operating member 312 abuts against the side surface of the second pressing protrusion 208. When the operating portion 203 reaches the angular position a, the second pressing protrusion 208 is separated from the second operating member 312. As a result, the second switching device 310 switches to the off state.

As described above, when the operating portion 203 is in the angular position a, the first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 are in the closed state, when the operating portion 203 is in the angular position B, the first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 are in the open state, and when the operating portion 203 is in the angular position C, the first switching device 309 is in the closed state and the second switching device 310 is in the open state. The first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 output on/off states to the EC, respectively.

Here, although the operation of the switching unit 7 when the operating portion 203 is moved counterclockwise from the angular position a is described, the same applies to the operation of the switching unit 7 when the operating portion 203 is moved clockwise from the angular position a. As described above, according to the switching unit 7 of the present embodiment, it is possible to directly move the operating portion 203 between two positions among all combinations of the angular positions A, B, C. As a result, according to the switching unit 7 of the present embodiment, the drawing process of three modes among all the modes can be directly switched.

According to the switching unit 7 of the present embodiment, since the switching module 300 is employed in which the on/off states of the first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 are switched among three combinations due to the pressure in the XY-axis direction as the moving direction of the movable portion 200, the switching mechanism can be simplified. Further, since the operating portion 200 is held at three angular positions by the position holding means, the possibility of changing the on/off states of the first switching device 309 and the second switching device 310 against the user's will is low, and the reliability is increased.

In order to be able to directly switch a plurality of modes, in the case where the switches for the respective modes are separately provided, there is a possibility that the size of the entire switch becomes large. However, in the switching unit 7 of the present embodiment, since direct switching between the three modes is structurally achieved, the switching unit 7 can be downsized by making the respective mechanism elements smaller. Further, by covering the cover opening 501 from the inside by the plate portion 201 of the movable portion 200, the inside of the switching unit 7 is not visible from the outside and is elaborated.

The embodiment according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and other various types of embodiments may be employed.

The structure of the switching unit 7 of the present embodiment can be applied to various types of slide switching units.

For example, in the present embodiment, the movable portion 200 is supported so that the movable portion 200 can be directly moved between two positions among all combinations of the three angular positions of the triangle of the cover opening 501, and so that the movable portion 200 can be held at the respective three angular positions. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. By changing the shape of the cover opening 501, the guide opening 103, the movable portion 200, by changing the shape of the convex portion 417, or the like, the movable portion is supported so that the movable portion can directly move between two positions among all combinations of four or more angular positions of the polygon, and is held at the respective four or more angular positions. As a result, it is possible to prevent generation of an operation error of the switching unit 7.

Alternatively, the movement of the movable portion 200 may be restricted by providing a restricting portion 400 or the like between adjacent respective two positions of a slide switching unit in which the movable portion is movable between two or more positions on a straight line. As a result, the end position of the slide movement is rattle-free (click-free), and the user can be given a click feeling and a traction feeling. As a result, an operation error of the switching unit 7 can be prevented.

By adjusting the biasing force of the plate spring 401 of the restricting portion 400, the operating force of the movable portion 200 can be adjusted. Further, by changing the shape of the convex portion 417, the shape of the engaging protrusion 205 of the movable portion 200, the biasing force of the plate spring 401, and the like, it is possible to provide a user with a desired click feeling and a pulling feeling.

Although the switching unit 7 is described for switching the mode of the drawing processing, it is not limited thereto, and the present invention may be used for switching various operation processing.

Description of the reference numerals

1PC (personal computer)

7 switching unit

100 guide part

103 guide opening

501 cover opening

200 movable part

201 plate part

203 operating part

205 engaging projection (position holding device)

300 switching module (detecting part)

400 restriction part

401 leaf spring (position keeping device)

403 engaging part (position holding device)

417 raised portion

418 top surface

419 taper surface

419a first taper surface

419b second tapered surface

500 cover

Claims (9)

1. An information processing apparatus comprising:

a switching unit including a movable portion that is operable by a user, a support portion that supports the movable portion so that the movable portion is directly movable between two positions among all combinations of three or more positions, and a detection portion that detects movement of the movable portion to the respective positions; and

a control section that recognizes a detection result of the detection section.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,

the switching unit further includes position holding means that holds the movable portion at each of the positions.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2,

the switching unit further includes an engagement portion having a first tapered surface and a second tapered surface, the engagement portion being provided between the respective two positions, and the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface respectively interfering with the movable portion at different timings during movement of the movable portion between the respective two positions, the first tapered surface restricting movement of the movable portion, the second tapered surface facilitating movement of the movable portion.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

the switching unit further includes biasing means for biasing the respective tapered surfaces of the engaging portion and the movable portion so as to be in press contact therewith.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,

the control section switches operation processing of the information processing apparatus according to the detection result.

6. A switching device, comprising:

a movable portion operable by a user;

a support portion that supports the movable portion so that the movable portion is directly movable between two positions among all combinations of three or more positions; and

a detection section that detects that the movable section moves to respective positions.

7. The switching device of claim 6, further comprising:

position retaining means for retaining said movable portion in each of said positions.

8. The switching device of claim 7, further comprising:

an engagement portion having a first tapered surface and a second tapered surface, the engagement portion being disposed between the respective two positions, and the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface respectively interfering with the movable portion at different times during movement of the movable portion between the respective two positions, the first tapered surface restricting movement of the movable portion, the second tapered surface facilitating movement of the movable portion.

9. The switching device of claim 8, further comprising:

biasing means biasing the respective tapered surfaces of the engagement portion and the movable portion into pressing contact.