Electronic device with partially illuminated annular input unit
View Patent ↗An electronic device includes a case, a multi-directional input unit having an annular base and a flange that extends from an outer circumferential surface of the annular base and fits part of the case, the flange guiding light emitted from a light source and radiating the light; and a cover having a through-hole through which part of the multi-directional input unit passes, the cover abutting the flange and being secured to the case.
1. An electronic device, comprising:
a case;
a light source;
a multi-directional input unit having an annular base defining a first through hole and a flange that extends from an outer circumferential surface of the annular base and fits within a part of the case, wherein a light shielding material is applied to the annular base shielding light emitted from the light source, and the flange including a light diffusing material that diffuses the light emitted from the light source, and radiating the diffused light along the outer circumferential surface to an exterior of the case;
a cover having a second through-hole through which part of the multi-directional input unit passes, the cover abutting the flange and being secured to the case; and
a translucent key top passing through the first through-hole of the annular base, wherein light is guided from the light source to the key top and to the flange of the annular base wherein a first illumination path between the key top and an inner circumferential surface of the annular base and a second illumination path between the cover and the outer circumferential surface of the annular base are formed by the annular base and light shielding material.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the annular base and the flange are integrally formed together of a translucent material.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein:
the annular base is configured to pass through the second through-hole; and the flange is configured to radiate the light to the exterior of the case, through a clearance formed between the second through-hole and the annular base.
4. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein
the annular base is configured to guide the light emitted from the light source to the flange by the shielding.
5. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein
the flange is configured to radiate the light diffused by the light diffusing material, from an outer surface of the flange.
6. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein
the diffused light is radiated through the second illumination path.
7. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein
the light source underlies the inner circumferential surface of the annular base.