JP2023048470A - portable device - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible that a mechanical key rotor and a key plate can be stopped in an intermediate position between a retracted position and a fully deployed position.SOLUTION: A portable device includes: a rotor that supports a rear end part of an elongated key plate; a case that rotatably supports the rotor from a retracted position to a fully deployed position; biasing means that applies a biasing force to the rotor from the retracted position toward the fully deployed position; and a release knob that receives operation by an operator. With the rotor in the retracted position, when a first operation of pressing and sliding against the release knob is performed, the rotor is released from the retracted position, is moved to an intermediate position between the retracted position and the fully deployed position, and stops at the intermediate position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to portable devices.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called electronic key system is known, which allows a vehicle door locking mechanism to be locked and unlocked by remote control from a portable device carried by a user. As a portable device used in such an electronic key system, for example, there is a device provided with a mechanical key that is rotatably and houseably provided in a case. A mechanical key is mainly used to start a vehicle engine.

For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100003, when the release knob is pressed while the mechanical key is in the retracted position, the urging force from the torsion spring rotates the rotor member of the mechanical key by 180°, thereby releasing the mechanical key. A so-called jackknife key unit is disclosed that can be automatically rotated to a fully deployed position.

JP 2017-172172 A

The key unit of Patent Literature 1 has a configuration on the premise that it is used in a state in which the mechanical key is held with the angle rotated by 180° with respect to the case. However, the key cylinder into which the mechanical key is inserted when starting the engine of the vehicle is provided on the side of the steering column of the vehicle. The direction of the key cylinder is usually set perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with respect to the direction of the vehicle body. Therefore, when an operator sitting in the driver's seat of a vehicle uses a mechanical key provided in a conventional key unit to start the engine of the vehicle, the operator bends the wrist at an angle of 90° while holding the case. It was necessary to perform a twisting operation in the state. Alternatively, the operator has to twist the case of the key unit, which is stuck in the key cylinder at an angle of 90° with respect to the steering column of the vehicle, while pinching it with only the fingertips. Therefore, the conventional key unit is difficult for weak operators such as women to operate. In addition, in the conventional key unit, the mechanical key rotates 180 degrees at high speed from the retracted position to the fully extended position due to the biasing force of the torsion spring, so the key plate supported by the rotor of the mechanical key grips the case. There is a risk that the user's hand might come into contact with the user's hand.

A portable device according to one embodiment includes a rotor that supports a rear end of an elongated key plate, a case that supports the rotor rotatably from a retracted position to a fully deployed position, and a case that supports the rotor from the retracted position to a fully deployed position. The rotor is provided with biasing means for applying a biasing force toward the deployed position and a release knob for receiving an operation from an operator, and in a state in which the rotor is in the retracted position, a first operation of pressing and sliding against the release knob is performed. When unfolded, the rotor is released from the retracted position and transitions to an intermediate position between the retracted position and the fully extended position and stops at the intermediate position.

According to one embodiment of the portable device, the rotor and key plate can be stopped at an intermediate position between the retracted position and the fully deployed position. Therefore, when the operator grips the case and twists the key plate, it is not necessary for the operator to bend the angle of the wrist. In addition, therefore, when performing an operation to rotate the key plate, there is no fear that the rotated key plate will vigorously contact the hand of the user holding the case.

1 is an external perspective view of a mobile device according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a portable device according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a mechanical key according to one embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective sectional view showing the configuration of a mechanical key according to one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the portable device shown in FIG. Appearance perspective view showing the back side of the upper case according to one embodiment Bottom view of upper case according to one embodiment Partially enlarged perspective view of the back side of the upper case according to one embodiment FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile device according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile device according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile device according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile device according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile device according to one embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the mobile device according to one embodiment;

An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Overview of mobile device 10)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a portable device 10 according to one embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the portable device 10 in a state where the mechanical key 120 is open (hereinafter referred to as "open state"). In the following description, for convenience, the Z-axis direction (thickness direction of the case 100) is defined as the vertical direction, the Y-axis direction (transverse direction of the case 100) is defined as the horizontal direction, and the X-axis direction is defined as the horizontal direction. (Longitudinal direction of the case 100) is defined as the front-rear direction.

A mobile device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a mobile device carried by a user, and includes a communication device (not shown) that transmits a radio signal to a vehicle-mounted device (not shown) mounted on a vehicle. The in-vehicle device and the communication device constitute an electronic key system. A user can operate the communication device by pressing knobs 201a to 201c provided on the portable device 10, and can perform wireless communication with the vehicle-mounted device. As a result, the user can remotely control the locking and unlocking of the locking mechanism of the vehicle door.

As shown in FIG. 1, the portable device 10 includes a case 100 and a mechanical key 120 rotatably supported by the case 100. As shown in FIG. The case 100 is a container-like component having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and made of a synthetic resin material such as ABS resin or PC resin. Portable device 10 can switch between an open state in which mechanical keys 120 are opened and a state in which mechanical keys 120 are closed (hereinafter referred to as a “closed state”) by rotating mechanical keys 120 in response to an operation by the user. You can transition between states.

In the closed state, the portable device 10 is in a state where the key plate 122 of the mechanical key 120 is housed inside the first housing space 100A of the case 100 . In the closed state, the mechanical key 120 is engaged with the case 100 while being biased by a compressed spring 124, which will be described later in detail. When the release knob 123 of the mechanical key 120 protruding from the upper surface of the case 100 is pressed, the mechanical key 120 is released from the case 100 and starts to rotate relative to the case 100 . At this time, the mechanical key 120 rotates in the direction BX about the rotation center axis AX whose axial direction is the vertical direction of the case 100 . The direction BX is an example of the "first direction". At this time, the mechanical key 120 rotates clockwise when viewed from above (positive direction of the Z-axis). When the mechanical key 120 of the portable device 10 rotates 180 degrees from the closed state, the key plate 122 moves linearly forward (in the positive direction of the X-axis in the drawing) from the front end surface of the case 100 as shown in FIG. It will be in the protruding state, that is, in the open state.

Here, when the user performs the first operation, which is an operation of lightly pressing the release knob 123 and sliding it downward, the portable device 10 rotates the mechanical key 120 by 90° from the closed state (that is, the half-open state). ) can be stopped. Further, when the user performs the second operation, which is an operation of deeply pressing the release knob 123 and sliding it downward, the portable device 10 rotates the mechanical key 120 by 180° from the closed state or the half-open state (that is, , fully open).

A key plate 122 of the mechanical key 120 has an elongated shape and is a member used as a key rod for mechanically rotating a key cylinder provided in a vehicle. By opening the mechanical key 120, the user can use the key plate 122 as a key stick. At this time, the user can use the case 100 as a handle without changing the hand that pressed the release knob 123 while holding the case 100 of the portable device 10 . Also, the user can use the key plate 122 as a key stick while holding the case 100 . The user inserts the key plate 122 of the mechanical key 120 in the open state into a key cylinder (not shown) provided on the side of the steering column of the vehicle and twists it to mechanically pivot the key cylinder. It can be rotated. Also, by performing this operation, the engine of the vehicle can be started. Further, the key plate 122 of the mechanical key 120 can mechanically rotate a key cylinder (not shown) provided on the vehicle door to lock or unlock the lock mechanism of the vehicle door.

In particular, when the portable device 10 is in the half-open state, the longitudinal direction of the case 100 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the key plate 122 of the mechanical key 120, so the user can use the half-open portable device 10 like a lever handle. I can. Therefore, the user can use the longitudinal direction of the key plate 122 as a central axis and operate the case 100 so as to largely rotate in the circumferential direction of the central axis. A torsional moment can be generated. Also, the user can concentrate the large torsional moment on the key plate 122 .

(Configuration of mobile device 10)
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the portable device 10 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the portable device 10 includes an upper case 101, a mechanical key 120, an intermediate case 103, and a lower case 102 in order from the top in the figure.

The upper case 101 is a cover-like member that is provided above the intermediate case 103 and covers the upper side of the intermediate case 103 . The lower case 102 is a cover-like member provided below the intermediate case 103 to cover the lower side of the intermediate case 103 . The intermediate case 103 is a member arranged between the upper case 101 and the lower case 102 . Upper case 101, middle case 103, and lower case 102 are combined together to form case 100 shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 2, the central portion of the upper case 101 is provided with an opening 101B penetrating therethrough in the vertical direction. Further, a rubber sheet 200 is provided so as to close the opening 101B of the upper case 101. As shown in FIG. The rubber sheet 200 has knobs 201a-201c for operating the communication device. Knobs 201a to 201c are provided at the position of opening 101B. For example, the knob 201a is depressed by the user when locking the locking mechanism of the vehicle door. Further, for example, the knob 201b is pressed by the user when unlocking the locking mechanism of the vehicle door. Further, for example, the knob 201c is pushed by the user when unlocking the locking mechanism of the vehicle trunk. Further, in the vicinity of the left front corner of the upper case 101 (the corner on the positive side of the X axis and the positive side of the Y axis), there is formed a penetrating portion in the vertical direction, and has a circular shape when viewed from above (the positive direction of the Z axis). An opening 101A is formed. The opening 101A is a through hole through which a columnar portion 123A of a release knob 123, which will be described later in detail, is inserted.

The mechanical key 120 is provided so as to be rotatably accommodated with respect to the case 100 about the rotation center axis AX. Mechanical key 120 includes rotor 121 , key plate 122 and release knob 123 . The key plate 122 is a member made of metal, and the rotor 121 and the release knob 123 are members made of synthetic resin.

Release knob 123 is a generally cylindrical member. Release knob 123 is provided on rotation center axis AX such that its upper end protrudes from opening 101A formed in the upper surface of upper case 101 . The release knob 123 is rotatable together with the rotor 121 around the rotation center axis AX. The release knob 123 can be pressed by the user to unlock the rotation of the rotor 121 and make the rotor 121 rotatable.

The rotor 121 is rotatably provided in a second accommodation space 100B formed at the left front corner (the corner on the positive side of the X axis and the positive side of the Y axis) of the intermediate case 103, with the rotation center axis AX as the center of rotation. be done. The intermediate case 103 has a contact surface provided in a direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis AX. A pair of the abutment surfaces are provided and constitute the second accommodation space 100B. The pair of corresponding contact surfaces are arranged to face each other and support the rotor 121 so as to be sandwiched therebetween. Therefore, the rotor 121 is rotatable in the direction BX and cannot move in the direction of the rotation center axis AX. A release knob 123 is provided through the rotor 121 in the vertical direction. Further, the rotor 121 has an engaging groove 121C shown in FIG. The engagement groove 121C has a guide surface perpendicular to the direction BX. The engagement groove 121C has a shape into which a protrusion 123C of a release knob 123, which will be described later in detail, is fitted. When the engagement groove 121C of the rotor 121 and the protrusion 123C of the release knob 123 are fitted, the release knob 123 and the rotor 121 can slide vertically and change their relative positions. Further, by fitting the engagement groove 121C of the rotor 121 and the protrusion 123C of the release knob 123, the rotor 121 rotates about the rotation center axis AX together with the release knob 123 in the second housing space 100B. It is possible. The rotor 121 supports the rear end of the key plate 122 . By rotating the rotor 121 , the key plate 122 can transition between a state of protruding forward from the case 100 and a state of being housed in the first housing space 100</b>A of the case 100 .

Note that the key plate 122 may be formed integrally with the rotor 121 .

The intermediate case 103 is a member that supports various components (for example, the circuit board 300, battery, etc.) that constitute the communication device. As shown in FIG. 3, a second housing space 100B in which the rotor 121 is rotatably housed is formed in the left front corner of the intermediate case 103 (the corner on the positive side of the X axis and the positive side of the Y axis). . A first housing space 100A in which the key plate 122 is housed is formed in the left side of the intermediate case 103 (the side on the Y-axis positive side).

In the intermediate case 103, a plate spring 105 is provided on the inner bottom surface of the first accommodation space 100A. The leaf spring 105 is a lever-shaped elastic member linearly extending in the X-axis direction. The leaf spring 105 has its front end (the end on the positive side of the X axis) fixed to the inner bottom surface of the first housing space 100A of the intermediate case 103 . The leaf spring 105 biases the key plate 122 housed in the first housing space 100A outward (in the positive Y-axis direction) at its rear end (the end in the negative X-axis direction). Note that the plate spring 105 is formed integrally with the intermediate case 103 . Accordingly, in the portable device 10 according to one embodiment, the leaf spring 105 can be easily installed in the first housing space 100A without increasing the number of parts or the number of assembly steps. .

(Configuration of mechanical key 120)
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the mechanical key 120 according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the mechanical key 120 according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the portable device 10 shown in FIG. 1 along the AA cross-sectional line.

As shown in FIG. 3 , mechanical key 120 includes rotor 121 , key plate 122 , release knob 123 , spring 124 and spring holder 125 .

As shown in FIG. 3, a through hole 121A is formed at the rotation center of the rotor 121 so as to penetrate the rotor 121 in the vertical direction. The through-hole 121A has a substantially circular opening shape in plan view from above (positive direction of the Z-axis). A pair of engaging grooves 121B and a pair of engaging grooves 121C are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 121A. The pair of engaging grooves 121B are provided point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the through-hole 121A (that is, the rotation center of the rotor 121). The pair of engagement grooves 121C are provided point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the through-hole 121A (that is, the rotation center of the rotor 121). However, the pair of engagement grooves 121B and the pair of engagement grooves 121C are provided at positions different from each other by 90° on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 121A.

The release knob 123 is a cylindrical hollow member whose axial direction is generally the vertical direction. A lower portion of the release knob 123 is fitted in a through hole 121A formed at the rotation center of the rotor 121 so as to be vertically slidable. Thereby, the release knob 123 functions as a rotating shaft of the rotor 121 and rotates together with the rotor 121 . The upper portion of the release knob 123 passes through the opening 101A (see FIG. 2) formed in the upper case 101 from the back side of the upper case 101. As shown in FIG. As a result, the upper portion of the release knob 123 protrudes from the opening portion 101A, and a pressing operation for unlocking the rotation of the mechanical key 120 is possible.

The release knob 123 has a cylindrical columnar portion 123A, a pair of vertical wall portions 123B, and a pair of protrusions 123C. The vertical wall portion 123B and the projecting portion 123C are provided so as to protrude in the radial direction from the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the columnar portion 123A. The vertical wall portion 123</b>B has a surface provided parallel to the rotation center axis AX and perpendicular to the direction BX, and has a shape that contacts the upper case 101 and the rotor 121 . The protrusion 123</b>C has a surface that is parallel to the rotation center axis AX and perpendicular to the direction BX, and has a shape that contacts the rotor 121 . 123 A of columnar parts have a hollow structure, and internal space 123D is formed in the inside. The vertical wall portion 123B is an example of a "regulating portion". A pair of vertical wall portions 123B are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the columnar portion 123A in point symmetry with respect to the center of the columnar portion 123A. The pair of protrusions 123C are provided at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the columnar portion 123A in point symmetry with respect to the center of the columnar portion 123A. The pair of protrusions 123C and the pair of vertical wall portions 123B are provided at positions different from each other by 90° on the outer peripheral surface of the columnar portion 123A.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pair of vertical walls 123B of the release knob 123 are vertically (Z axial direction). Also, the pair of projections 123C (see FIG. 3) of the release knob 123 extend vertically into the pair of engagement grooves 121C (see FIG. 3) provided in the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 121A of the rotor 121. slidably fitted. As a result, the release knob 123 is vertically slidable with respect to the rotor 121 , is prevented from rotating with respect to the rotor 121 , and rotates together with the rotor 121 .

As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of engaging grooves 121C are formed upward from the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 121A of the rotor 121 to have a constant height dimension. It does not reach the upper end of the inner peripheral surface of the hole 121A. Therefore, further upward movement of the release knob 123 with respect to the rotor 121 is locked by the pair of projections 123C coming into contact with the upper ends of the pair of engagement grooves 121C. This prevents the release knob 123 from falling off the rotor 121 upward.

The spring 124 is an example of a "biasing means." The spring 124 is provided between the release knob 123 and the spring holder 125 so as to be elastically deformable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and the rotation direction of the rotor 121 . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper portion of the spring 124 is accommodated within the internal space 123D of the columnar portion 123A of the release knob 123. As shown in FIGS. Also, the lower portion of the spring 124 is supported by a spring holder 125 . The spring 124 urges the release knob 123 upward (in the positive Z-axis direction) and in the opening rotation direction (clockwise in plan view from above (in the positive Z-axis direction)) by its own spring force.

The spring holder 125 is a container-shaped member with an open top. A spring holder 125 supports the lower portion of the spring 124 . The spring holder 125 is fitted into an opening 103A (see FIGS. 3 and 5) formed in the bottom of the second housing space 100B in the intermediate case 103 and having the same outer shape as the spring holder 125. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the spring holder 125 is fixed to the bottom of the second accommodation space 100B.

With the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mechanical key 120 has the release knob 123 slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the rotor 121, and the release knob 123 is biased upward and in the open rotation direction by the spring 124. Also, the release knob 123 is rotatable together with the rotor 121 .

(Configuration of peripheral wall portion 104 of upper case 101)
FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing the back side of the upper case 101 according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the upper case 101 according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper case 101 has a generally cylindrical peripheral wall portion 104 that protrudes from a surface 104D on the Z-axis negative direction side. The peripheral wall portion 104 has a shape forming the opening portion 101A, and is provided so as to surround the circular opening portion 101A.

The peripheral wall portion 104 has an annular bottom surface 104a parallel to the XY plane, which is formed on the negative Z direction side. The bottom surface 104a has the shape of the upper case 101 that contacts and slides on the top surface of the pair of vertical walls 123B of the release knob 123 on the positive Z direction side when the release knob 123 rotates.

In addition, the peripheral wall portion 104 has a pair of first engagement grooves which are notched upward from the bottom surface 104a of the peripheral wall portion 104 on a straight line passing through the center of the peripheral wall portion 104 along the Y-axis direction. Grooves 104A are formed at intervals of 180°. The pair of first engagement grooves 104A has a width that allows the pair of vertical wall portions 123B of the release knob 123 to be fitted therein. When the mechanical key 120 is fully opened, the pair of vertical walls 123B of the release knob 123 are fitted into the pair of first engagement grooves 104A, thereby fixing the rotation of the release knob 123 and the rotor 121. As shown in FIG. When the mechanical key 120 is in the retracted position, the pair of first engagement grooves 104A engage the pair of vertical walls 123B of the release knob 123 to fix the rotation of the release knob 123 and the rotor 121. do.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the peripheral wall portion 104 is cut upward from the bottom surface 104a of the peripheral wall portion 104 along a straight line passing through the center of the peripheral wall portion 104 along the X-axis direction. A pair of missing second engagement grooves 104B are formed at intervals of 180°. The pair of second engagement grooves 104B has a width that allows the pair of vertical wall portions 123B of the release knob 123 to be fitted therein. When the mechanical key 120 is in the half-open state, the pair of second engaging grooves 104B engage the pair of vertical wall portions 123B of the release knob 123, thereby fixing the rotation of the release knob 123 and the rotor 121. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the upper case 101 has a stopper portion 104C projecting in the negative Z direction from the surface (bottom surface 104a) of the peripheral wall portion 104 on the negative Z direction side. The stopper portion 104C has a first surface 104Ca provided perpendicular to the direction BX. The stopper portion 104C has a second surface 104Cb that is continuous with the first surface 104Ca and arranged in the direction BX of the first surface 104Ca. The second surface 104Cb includes an inclination such that as the distance from the first surface 104Ca increases in the direction BX, the amount of protrusion of the upper case 101 from the Z-axis negative direction side surface 104D decreases. A pair of stopper portions 104C are provided, and the pair of stopper portions 104C are provided at an interval of 180°. The stopper portion 104C of the upper case 101 is provided continuously on the side of the second engagement groove 104B in the open rotation direction (counterclockwise direction in plan view from below). The stopper portion 104C has a shape of the upper case 101 against which the vertical wall portion 123B of the release knob 123 abuts when the release knob 123 is first operated and the mechanical key 120 is rotated to the half-open state. When the vertical wall portion 123B contacts the stopper portion 104C, the release knob 123 and the rotor 121 stop rotating.

(Principle of Rotation and Stop of Release Knob 123)
FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the back side of the upper case 101 according to one embodiment. In FIG. 8, the release knob 123 and the spring 124 are shown together with the upper case 101, and illustration of other members is omitted.

FIG. 8 shows the state of the release knob 123 when the mechanical key 120 is fully open. As shown in FIG. 8, when the mechanical key 120 is fully opened, the release knob 123 has a pair of vertical wall portions 123B (123B-1, 123B-2) and a pair of first engagement grooves 104A (104A-1). , 104A-2). As a result, the release knob 123 and the rotor 121 are fixed to rotate in the fully open state.

As shown in FIG. 8, the release knob 123 is urged upward (Z-axis positive direction, arrow D1 in the figure) and in the open rotational direction (direction BX) by a spring 124 housed in an internal space 123D. ing. As a result, the release knob 123 rotates in the opening rotation direction, that is, counterclockwise (direction BX) in plan view from below, while the upper surfaces of the pair of vertical wall portions 123B slide on the bottom surface 104a of the peripheral wall portion 104. do.

The release knob 123 slides upward due to the biasing force from the spring 124 in the closed state. Therefore, the vertical wall portion 123B of the release knob 123 is fitted into the first engagement groove 104A of the upper case 101 and locked. As a result, the release knob 123 and the rotor 121 are locked in rotation in the closed state.

When the release knob 123 is unlocked from the closed state by the first operation of the release knob 123 and rotated 90° to the half-open state, the pair of vertical wall portions 123B abut on the pair of stopper portions 104C. will stop the rotation. When the release knob 123 is released from the operating force in the half-open state, the release knob 123 slides upward due to the biasing force of the spring 124 . As a result, the vertical wall portion 123B is fitted and locked into the second engagement groove 104B. As a result, the release knob 123 and the rotor 121 are fixed to rotate in a half-open state.

Further, when the second operation is performed while the mechanical key 120 is in the half-open state, the release knob 123 is unlocked from the upper case 101 and further rotated by 90° to the fully open state. At this time, the release knob 123 slides upward due to the biasing force of the spring 124 . Therefore, the vertical wall portion 123B of the release knob 123 is fitted into the first engagement groove 104A of the upper case 101 and locked. As a result, the release knob 123 and the rotor 121 are fixed to rotate in the fully open state.

(Operation of portable device 10)
9 to 14 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the mobile device 10 according to one embodiment. 9 to 14, (a) is an external perspective view showing the state of the mechanical key 120 in the portable device 10. FIG. 9 to 14, (b) is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the engagement state of the vertical wall portion 123B in the portable device 10. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows the closed state of the portable device 10 . As shown in FIG. 9, in the closed state of the portable device 10, the mechanical key 120 is in a state in which the key plate 122 is accommodated in the first accommodation space 100A provided in the first accommodation space 100A (that is, in the retracted position). state). 9B, in the closed state of the portable device 10, the pair of vertical wall portions 123B of the release knob 123 are aligned with the pair of first engagement portions formed on the peripheral wall portion 104 of the upper case 101. As shown in FIG. Rotation of mechanical key 120 is locked by engaging groove 104A.

In the closed state of the portable device 10 shown in FIG. 9, the key plate 122 accommodated in the first accommodation space 100A is rotated in the opening direction by the leaf spring 105 provided on the inner bottom surface of the first accommodation space 100A. (Y-axis positive direction). As a result, the portable device 10 according to the embodiment suppresses backlash in the rotation system of the mechanical key 120, and can suppress the generation of unpleasant sounds due to the backlash.

Further, even if the portable device 10 according to one embodiment is dropped, the impact applied to the intermediate case 103 (the inner bottom surface of the first housing space 100A) through the mechanical key 120 is reduced. can be absorbed by the leaf spring 105 . Therefore, the portable device 10 according to one embodiment can suppress damage to the intermediate case 103 and the electronic components held by the intermediate case 103 due to the fall of the portable device 10 .

FIG. 10 shows the state immediately after the first or second operation of the release knob 123 is performed from the closed state of the portable device 10 . As shown in FIG. 10 , when the release knob 123 is pushed downward from the closed state with a half-press stroke (first operation, second operation), the release knob 123 is pushed by the spring 124 , as shown in FIG. 10 . Move downward while pressing the . Then, a stroke necessary for the pair of vertical wall portions 123B of the release knob 123 to escape downward (in the negative Z-axis direction) from the pair of first engaging grooves 104A formed in the peripheral wall portion 104 of the upper case 101 is made. Then, the engagement between the pair of vertical wall portions 123B and the pair of first engagement grooves 104A is released, and the rotation lock of the mechanical key 120 is released.

FIG. 11 shows a state in which the mechanical key 120 is rotated 90° from the closed state of the portable device 10 by the first operation. As shown in FIG. 11, when the mechanical key 120 is unlocked for rotation from the retracted state, the biasing force from the leaf spring 105 and the spring 124 causes the key plate 122 to rotate in the open rotation direction (positive Y-axis direction). By being pushed out, the open rotation is started. When the mechanical key 120 is rotated open, the top surfaces of the pair of vertical wall portions 123B of the release knob 123 slide on the bottom surface 104a of the peripheral wall portion 104 of the upper case 101 . Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the stopper portion 104C is oriented in the direction in which the release knob slides (negative Z-axis direction) with respect to the space C formed by the trajectory when the release knob 123 rotates. It has a protruding shape. Therefore, when the mechanical key 120 is rotated by 90° to the half-open state, the rotation of the mechanical key 120 is stopped by the contact of the pair of vertical wall portions 123B with the first surface 104Ca of the stopper portion 104C. At this time, when the user stops operating the release knob 123 , the release knob 123 is released from the operating force and slides upward by the biasing force of the spring 124 .

FIG. 12 shows a state in which the mechanical key 120 is rotated 90 degrees and locked. As shown in FIG. 12, when the mechanical key 120 is rotated 90° to the half-open state, the upward biasing force from the spring 124 causes the pair of vertical wall portions 123B to fit into the pair of second engagement grooves 104B. enter. Therefore, the vertical wall portion 123B of the release knob 123 is fitted into the second engaging groove 104B of the upper case 101 and locked, and the mechanical key 120 and the case 100 are fixed and their relative positions do not change. Therefore, the user can easily operate the key plate as a key stick.

FIG. 13 shows a state in which the second operation of the release knob 123 is performed from the closed state of the portable device 10 and the mechanical key 120 is rotated by 90 degrees, or a state in which the second operation of the release knob 123 is performed from the half-open state. In the half-open state, as shown in FIG. 13 , when the release knob 123 of the portable device 10 is pressed downward with a full stroke (second operation), the release knob 123 pushes the spring 124 . Move downward while pressing. Then, the pair of vertical wall portions 123B of the release knob 123 are moved downward (negative direction of the Z-axis) from the pair of second engagement grooves 104B formed in the peripheral wall portion 104 of the upper case 101. The engagement between the vertical wall portion 123B and the pair of first engaging grooves 104A is released. Furthermore, the upper ends of the pair of vertical wall portions 123B of the release knob 123 do not abut on the vertical wall portions 123B due to the stroke of moving below the stopper portion 104C formed on the peripheral wall portion 104 of the upper case 101. Mechanical key 120 is rotated toward the fully open state.

FIG. 14 shows a fully open state in which the mechanical key 120 is rotated 180° from the closed state of the portable device 10 . As shown in FIG. 14, when the mechanical key 120 is unlocked and released from the closed state or the half-open state, the mechanical key 120 is rotated open by the biasing force of the spring 124 . When the mechanical key 120 is rotated open, the top surfaces of the pair of vertical wall portions 123B of the release knob 123 slide on the bottom surface 104a of the peripheral wall portion 104 of the upper case 101 . Then, as shown in FIG. 14, when the mechanical key 120 rotates to the fully open state, the side surface of the rotor 121 comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the second accommodation space 100B, thereby stopping the mechanical key 120 from rotating. Furthermore, the upward biasing force from the spring 124 causes the pair of vertical wall portions 123B to fit into the pair of first engagement grooves 104A. As a result, the release knob 123 and the rotor 121 are fixed to rotate in the fully open state, and the mechanical key 120 and the case 100 are fixed and their relative positions do not change. Therefore, the user can easily operate the key plate as a key stick.

14, the release knob 123 is pushed down by the user, and the portable device 10 is moved downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the first engagement groove 104A. When a biasing force in the closing rotation direction is applied to the mechanical key 120, the mechanical key 120 rotates in the closing rotation direction (counterclockwise direction in plan view from above (positive direction of the Z axis)) around the release knob 123 as a rotation axis. Rotate. When the mechanical key 120 is rotated 90 degrees in the closed rotation direction from the open state shown in FIG. are fitted into the pair of second engagement grooves 104B. As a result, the release knob 123 and the rotor 121 are fixed to rotate in a half-open state. Further, the mechanical key 120 is moved downward (negative direction of the Z-axis) from the second engaging groove 104B by pressing the release knob 123 from the half-open state, and the user presses the key plate 122. When the key plate 122 is further rotated by 90° in the closing rotation direction, the key plate 122 is accommodated in the first accommodation space 100A, ie, the closed state shown in FIG.

In addition, in the portable device 10 according to one embodiment, when the second operation of the release knob 123 is performed in the closed state of the portable device 10, the mechanical key 120 does not stop at the half-rotation position, and the mechanical key 120 is fully opened. It can be rotated 180 degrees at a stretch to the position.

As described above, the mobile device 10 according to one embodiment includes the rotor 121 that supports the rear end of the elongated key plate 122, and the case that supports the rotor 121 rotatably from the retracted position to the fully deployed position. 100, a spring 124 that applies a biasing force to the rotor 121 from the retracted position to the fully deployed position, and a release knob 123 that receives an operation from an operator. When a first operation is performed on 123, the rotor 121 transitions from the retracted position to an intermediate position between the retracted position and the fully deployed position and stops at the intermediate position.

Thereby, the portable device 10 according to one embodiment can stop the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 at the intermediate position simply by performing the first operation on the release knob 123 .

Further, in the portable device 10 according to one embodiment, when the second operation is performed on the release knob 123 while the rotor 121 is in the retracted position, the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 are fully moved from the retracted position. Transition to the deployed position.

Accordingly, the portable device 10 according to one embodiment can transition the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 to the fully deployed position simply by performing the second operation on the release knob 123 .

Further, in the portable device 10 according to one embodiment, the release knob 123 is provided rotatably along with the rotor 121 on the rotation center axis AX of the rotor 121 and slidable in the axial direction of the rotation center axis AX. , the release knob 123 has a cylindrical shape and has a vertical wall portion 123B protruding radially from the outer peripheral surface of the release knob 123, and the case 100 is closed when the rotor 121 transitions to the intermediate position. , and a stopper portion 104C with which the vertical wall portion 123B abuts.

As a result, the portable device 10 according to one embodiment reliably stops the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 at the intermediate position by bringing the vertical wall portion 123B of the release knob 123 into contact with the stopper portion 104C of the case 100. be able to.

In addition, in the portable device 10 according to one embodiment, the first operation is an operation of sliding the release knob 123 along the central axis of the cylindrical shape formed by the release knob 123, and the vertical wall portion 123B of the release knob 123 is a stopper. This is an operation of sliding the release knob 123 to a position where it abuts on the portion 104C, and the stroke of the second operation is larger than the stroke of the first operation. In the first operation, the vertical wall portion 123B of the release knob 123 is released from the retracted position and is set to a stroke that does not exceed the position where it can contact the stopper portion 104C. The stroke of the second operation is larger than that of the first operation, and the vertical wall portion 123B of the release knob 123 is released from the retracted position. is set.

As a result, the portable device 10 according to one embodiment can shift the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 to the intermediate positions by half-pressing the release knob 123, and fully pressing the release knob 123. Thereby, the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 can be transitioned to the fully deployed position.

Further, in the portable device 10 according to one embodiment, when the rotor 121 transitions to the fully deployed position, the case 100 has the first engagement groove 104A into which the vertical wall portion 123B is fitted, and the rotor 121 transitions to the intermediate position. It has a second engaging groove 104B into which the vertical wall portion 123B is fitted when it is closed.

Thereby, the portable device 10 according to one embodiment can reliably fix the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 at the fully deployed position and the intermediate position.

In addition, in the portable device 10 according to one embodiment, the stopper portion 104C has a vertical contact surface with the vertical wall portion 123B on the retracted position side, and an inclined contact surface with the vertical wall portion 123B on the fully deployed position side. It is the surface.

As a result, when the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 rotate open, the portable device 10 according to the embodiment moves the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 to the intermediate position by abutting the vertical wall portion 123B against the stopper portion 104C. When the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 are rotated to close, even if the vertical wall portion 123B is in contact with the inclined surface of the stopper portion 104C without holding the pressing operation of the release knob 123, It is possible to slide over the stopper portion 104C without being caught.

In the portable device 10 according to one embodiment, the case 100 has a longitudinal shape whose longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the key plate 122 when the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 transition to the intermediate position. have

As a result, when the rotor 121 and the key plate 122 are in the intermediate position, the longitudinal direction of the case 100 is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the key plate 122, so that the mobile device 10 according to one embodiment can be operated like a lever handle. can be used for Therefore, the user can generate a large torsional moment by applying a relatively small rotational force to the case 100 . Also, the user can concentrate the large torsional moment on the key plate 122 and mechanically twist the key cylinder.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications or Change is possible.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 portable device 100 case 100A first housing space 100B second housing space 101 upper case 101A opening 101B opening 102 lower case 103 intermediate case 104 peripheral wall 104a bottom 104A first engagement groove 104B second engagement groove 104C stopper Part 104D Surface 105 Leaf Spring 120 Mechanical Key 121 Rotor 122 Key Plate 123 Release Knob 123A Column 123B Vertical Wall (Regulator)
123C protrusion 123D internal space 124 spring (biasing means)
125 Spring holder 200 Rubber sheet AX Rotation center axis BX Direction C Space formed by the trajectory when the release knob is rotated

Claims (8)

a rotor supporting the rear end of the elongated key plate;
a case that rotatably supports the rotor from a retracted position to a fully deployed position;
biasing means for applying a biasing force to the rotor from the retracted position toward the fully deployed position;
Equipped with a release knob that accepts operations from the operator and
When the rotor is in the retracted position and a first operation of pressing and sliding the release knob is performed, the rotor is released from the retracted position to move between the retracted position and the fully deployed position. A portable device that transitions to an intermediate position between and stops at the intermediate position. When a second operation of pressing and sliding the release knob is performed in a state in which the rotor is in the retracted position or the intermediate position, the rotor is released from the retracted position to the fully deployed position. or released from the intermediate position and transitioned to the fully deployed position. The release knob is
having a cylindrical shape and having a restricting portion protruding radially from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical shape;
provided rotatable together with the rotor on the rotation center axis of the rotor and slidable in the axial direction of the rotation center axis,
Said case is
3. The mobile device according to claim 2, further comprising a stopper portion at a position where said restricting portion can come into contact when said rotor transitions to said intermediate position. In the first operation, the restricting portion of the release knob is released from the retracted position and is set to a stroke that does not exceed a position where it can contact the stopper portion,
The stroke of the second operation is larger than the stroke of the first operation, the restricting portion of the release knob is released from the retracted position, and the stroke exceeds the stopper portion so as not to contact the stopper portion. 4. The mobile device of claim 3, wherein the mobile device is set. Said case is
a first engaging groove into which the restricting portion is fitted when the rotor transitions to the retracted position;
a second engaging groove into which the restricting portion is fitted when the rotor transitions to the intermediate position;
5. The portable device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The stopper portion has a shape projecting in a direction in which the release knob is slid with respect to a space formed by a trajectory of the release knob when the release knob is rotated from the case. A mobile device according to any one of the preceding claims. The stopper portion is
a first surface provided perpendicular to a first direction in which the rotor rotates from the retracted position to the fully deployed position and capable of contacting the restricting portion;
7. A second surface including an inclination in the first direction in which the amount of protrusion from the case decreases as the distance from the first surface increases. A portable device as described in . Said case is
The portable according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the rotor has a longitudinal shape whose longitudinal direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the key plate when the rotor transitions to the intermediate position. Device.

Images