JP2013021625A - Antenna mounting structure for waterproof communication device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the mounting efficiency to enable miniaturization of a device, in a communication device with a waterproof function that mounts an antenna on an inner surface of a cover with packing for waterproof.SOLUTION: An antenna mounting structure for a waterproof communication device 1 comprises: a housing 4 with an opening 6; an outer lid 7 provided with a waterproof rib 9 protruding in an internal direction of the housing 4, and an annular sealing member 13 provided to the waterproof rib 9 and contacting with the inside of the opening 6 by fitting the outer lid to the opening 6; a plate-like antenna 8 provided on an inner surface of the outer lid 7; and a substrate 17 accommodated inside the housing 4. In the antenna mounting structure for the waterproof communication device 1, an antenna contact part 8b that is a part of the plate-like antenna 8 penetrates through the waterproof rib 9 while keeping the waterproofness by a first waterproof structure 31, and extends to the external of the waterproof rib 9. The antenna contact part 8b is electrically connected with the substrate 17 by a conductor 19 penetrating through a part of the housing 4 while keeping the waterproofness by a second waterproof structure 32.

Description

  The present invention relates to an antenna mounting structure for waterproof communication equipment, and more particularly to an antenna mounting structure for waterproof communication equipment using a plate-like antenna provided on the inner surface of an outer lid.

  In recent years, for example, communication devices such as mobile phones have been reduced in size and thickness and have various application functions, which are indispensable for daily life. For this reason, a communication device having a waterproof function has been developed to meet the demands of consumers for use in various real life situations such as outdoor use in rainy weather. As a waterproof structure of such a waterproof communication device, various structures are known, such as a waterproof structure using a slide-type cover having a waterproof packing as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

  For example, as a form of an antenna of a waterproof communication device used for a telephone call, a form in which a plate-like antenna is provided on the inner surface of the cover provided with the above-described waterproof packing is known. 5 and 6 show the structure of an antenna mounting structure of a conventional waterproof communication device. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the waterproof communication device 101 is provided with a waterproof cover 107 on the back surface of the apparatus main body 103, and the plate antenna 108 is attached to the inner surface of the waterproof cover 107.

  The plate-like antenna 108 includes an antenna main body 108a formed in a rectangular ring shape and an antenna contact 108b protruding from the antenna main body 108a. The antenna contact 108b is electrically connected to the substrate 117. Therefore, it functions as an antenna for telephone calls, for example.

  The substrate 117 is provided with a contact spring 120 connected to a predetermined circuit on the substrate 117. By attaching the waterproof cover 107 to the case 104, the antenna contact portion 108b of the plate antenna 108 and the substrate 117 are mounted. A predetermined circuit is configured to be electrically connected.

In order to construct a waterproof structure, the waterproof cover 107 is formed with a waterproof rib 109 to which an O-ring 113 is attached, and the case 104 constituting the apparatus main body 103 is waterproof in cooperation with the waterproof rib 109. A recess 111 for exhibiting the above is formed.
The internal antenna 105 including the plate antenna 108 attached to the inner surface of the waterproof cover 107, the battery 117, the substrate 117, and the like are all defined by the waterproof rib 109, and the inside of the waterproof area S 3 inside the waterproof rib 109. As a result, the waterproofness of the device is maintained.

JP 2007-157779 A

  By the way, the O-ring 113 needs to maintain a certain amount of tension in order to improve the waterproof performance, and the track C2 of the O-ring 113 needs to reduce the bending angle as much as possible. For this reason, the track C2 must be a large track that encloses the antenna contact portion 108b. As a result, a space DS (dead space) that is not utilized in the waterproof area S3 is generated as shown in FIG. Led to an increase in the size of the type communication device 101.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a waterproof communication device in a form in which a plate-like antenna is provided on the inner surface of an outer lid attached to an opening of a housing. An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna mounting structure for a waterproof communication device that increases the mounting efficiency and enables the miniaturization of the waterproof communication device.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following means.
That is, the antenna mounting structure of the waterproof communication device according to the present invention includes a housing having an opening and an outer lid that covers the opening, and extends along the periphery of the opening and in the internal direction of the housing. An outer lid provided with a protruding waterproof rib, an annular sealing member provided on the waterproof rib and contacting the inside of the opening by fitting the outer lid into the opening, and an inner surface of the outer lid The antenna structure of a waterproof communication device comprising a plate-like antenna provided in the housing and a substrate housed in the housing, wherein the antenna contact portion which is a part of the plate-like antenna has a first waterproof While maintaining waterproofness through the structure, the waterproof rib penetrates and extends to the outside of the waterproof rib, and a part of the plate-like antenna is part of the housing while being waterproofed by the second waterproof structure. By means of a conductor penetrating Characterized in that it is electrically connected to.

  In the configuration of the present invention, the antenna contact portion extends through the waterproof rib while being waterproof, and is disposed outside, and is connected to the substrate by a conductor that penetrates the housing while maintaining the waterproof property. It is a configuration. With this configuration, it is not necessary for the track of the waterproof rib to include the antenna contact portion. Therefore, the mounting efficiency of the antenna mounting structure is increased, and the waterproof communication device can be downsized.

1 is a perspective view of a waterproof communication device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 1, and is sectional drawing of the antenna contact part of the waterproof communication apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 1, and is sectional drawing of the antenna contact part of the waterproof communication apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. 1, and is sectional drawing of the antenna contact part of the waterproof communication apparatus which concerns on 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the conventional waterproof communication apparatus. It is BB sectional drawing of FIG.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a waterproof communication device 1 according to the present embodiment, and shows a back surface 2 opposite to the front surface on which a display screen is provided. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 1, and is a cross-sectional view of the antenna contact portion of the waterproof communication device 1 of the present embodiment.
The waterproof communication device 1 is a mobile phone having a waterproof structure, and a built-in object 5 such as a battery is disposed inside the apparatus main body 3 in addition to a substrate 17 described later. This built-in object 5 is kept waterproof by a waterproof structure described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waterproof communication device 1 includes a device body 3 and a waterproof cover 7, and the device body 3 includes a case 4 and a built-in object 5 built in the case 4. Yes. The case 4 is a box member having a hollow inside made of plastic, metal or the like. A substantially rectangular opening 6 is provided on the back surface 2 of the case 4, and a waterproof cover 7 is attached so as to cover the opening 6. The waterproof cover 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 3 by sliding with respect to the apparatus main body 3. However, the attachment method is not limited to this, and a method of fixing using a screw may be used.

  In the waterproof communication device 1 of the present embodiment, for example, a flat plate antenna 8 that functions as a telephone call is mounted on the waterproof cover 7. The plate antenna 6 is affixed to the inner surface 7a of the waterproof cover 7 via an adhesive tape 14. The plate-shaped antenna 8 includes an antenna body 8a formed in a rectangular ring shape and an antenna contact 8b protruding from the antenna body 8a. The antenna contact 8b is electrically connected to a predetermined circuit on the substrate 17. For example, it functions as an antenna for telephone calls.

The waterproof cover 5 is provided with a waterproof rib 9 that extends slightly inward of the opening 6 and protrudes toward the inside of the case 4. That is, the waterproof rib 9 has a substantially rectangular shape as in the case of the opening 6 when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the back surface 2.
On the other hand, the case 4 includes an outer wall portion 10 and case ribs 11 protruding from the outer wall portion 10 to the inside of the case 4. The case rib 11 functions as a waterproof structure in cooperation with the waterproof rib 9, and the inner end portion 11 a of the case rib 11 is formed along the outer peripheral surface 9 a of the waterproof rib 9. An O-ring groove 12 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 9 a of the waterproof rib 9, and an O-ring 13 is fitted in the O-ring groove 12. That is, the track C1 of the O-ring 13 is along the inner end portion 11a of the case rib 11 and the outer peripheral surface 9a of the waterproof rib 9, so that the waterproof structure functions when the waterproof cover 7 is attached to the case 4. ing.
Hereinafter, an area defined by the waterproof rib 9 and the case rib 11 and maintained waterproof is referred to as a waterproof area S1, and an area where the waterproof performance outside the waterproof rib 9 and the case rib 11 is not maintained is referred to as a non-waterproof area S2. Call.

Next, the structure of the antenna contact portion 8b of the plate antenna 8 will be described.
As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the antenna contact portion 8 b of the plate antenna 8 is configured to penetrate the waterproof rib 9 of the waterproof cover 7. That is, the waterproof rib 9 is formed with a through-hole 15 through which the antenna contact portion 8 b passes. The antenna contact portion 8 b extends through the through-hole 15 to the outside of the waterproof rib 9. In other words, the antenna contact portion 8b extends from the waterproof area S1 to the non-waterproof area S2 through the through holes 15 of the waterproof rib 9. The antenna contact portion 8 b is attached to the inner surface 7 a of the waterproof cover 7 by the adhesive tape 14 on the outer side of the waterproof rib 9.

Next, the first waterproof structure 31 that is the waterproof structure of the through portion 15 will be described.
A recess 15a is formed around the end of the through hole 15, and an O-ring 16 is fitted in the recess 15a. The first waterproof structure 31 functions when the O-ring 16 simultaneously contacts the antenna contact portion 8b and the inner surface of the recess 15a.

Next, a connection structure between the antenna contact portion 8b and the substrate 17 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 2, a screw hole 18 is formed in the case rib 11 of the case 4 in a direction along the protruding direction of the waterproof rib 9, and a bolt 19 is attached to the screw hole 18. The bolt 19 is made of a conductive material.
Further, the bolt 19 is disposed at a position overlapping the antenna contact portion 8 b when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the back surface 2.

  The head 19a of the bolt 19 is provided with a first contact spring 20 formed of a spring plate having elasticity and conductivity. The first contact spring 20 has a shape obtained by bending a long spring plate into a U shape, and one end is fixed to the head 19 a of the bolt 19. The first contact spring 20 is disposed at a position where the other end of the first contact spring 20 contacts the antenna contact portion 8 b when the waterproof cover 7 is attached to the apparatus main body 3. Thereby, when the waterproof cover 7 is attached to the case 4, the antenna contact portion 8 b and the bolt 19 are electrically connected.

Next, the 2nd waterproof structure 32 which is the waterproof structure of the screw hole 18 is demonstrated.
A recess 18a is formed around the bolt insertion side end of the screw hole 18, and an O-ring 21 is fitted in the recess 18a. The second waterproof structure 32 functions when the O-ring 21 simultaneously contacts the head 19a of the bolt 19 and the inner surface of the recess 18a.

  A predetermined circuit that needs to be electrically connected to the plate-like antenna 8 on the substrate 17 is disposed at a position overlapping the bolt 19 when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the back surface 2. The predetermined circuit is provided with a second contact spring 22 formed by a spring plate having elasticity and conductivity. The second contact spring 22 has the same shape as the first contact spring 20, and one end is fixed to a predetermined circuit. The second contact spring 22 is disposed at a position where the other end of the second contact spring 22 contacts the shaft portion 19 b of the bolt 19 when the bolt 19 is attached to the screw hole 18.

  Next, the effect | action by the above structure is demonstrated. By attaching the waterproof cover 7 to the opening 6 of the case 4 constituting the apparatus main body 3, the plate-like antenna 8 provided on the inner surface 7 a of the waterproof cover 7 contacts the first contact spring 20. Since the first contact spring 20, the bolt 19, and the second contact spring 22 are formed of a conductive material, the first contact spring 20, the bolt 19, and the second contact spring 22 are used to form a plate shape. The antenna 8 and a predetermined circuit of the substrate 17 are electrically connected.

  According to the above embodiment, the antenna contact portion 8b, which is a part of the plate antenna 8, extends through the through hole 15 to the outside of the waterproof rib 9, but the O-ring 16 or the like is used. The waterproof property inside the waterproof rib 9 is maintained by the one waterproof structure 31. That is, the antenna contact portion 8b extends from the waterproof area S1 to the non-waterproof area S2, but the waterproofness of the waterproof area S1 is ensured by the first waterproof structure 31.

  Further, the bolt 19 that electrically connects the antenna contact 8b and the substrate 17 extends over the waterproof area S1 that is kept waterproof by the O-ring 13 and the non-waterproof area S2 outside the O-ring 13. However, the waterproof property of the waterproof area S1 is maintained by the second waterproof structure 32 including the O-ring 21 and the like.

  According to the above embodiment, the antenna contact portion 8b which is a part of the plate antenna 8 extends to the outside through the waterproof rib 9 while maintaining the waterproof property, and the antenna contact portion 8b maintains the waterproof property. However, it is connected to the substrate 17 by bolts 19 and contact springs 20 and 22 that penetrate the case 4. That is, the antenna contact portion 8b extends to the outside of the track C1 of the O-ring 13. This eliminates the need for the track C1 of the O-ring 13, that is, the track of the waterproof rib 9, to include the antenna contact portion 8 b, so that the mounting efficiency of the antenna mounting structure increases and the waterproof communication device 1 can be downsized.

(Second embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of an antenna mounting structure of a waterproof communication device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a step view showing the antenna mounting structure of the waterproof communication device according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, differences from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described, and description of similar parts will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna mounting structure of the waterproof communication device 1B according to the second embodiment is different in the structure of the first waterproof structure 31 compared to the first embodiment. Specifically, the first waterproof structure 31B of the second embodiment adheres the through hole 25 formed in the waterproof rib 9 and the antenna contact portion 8b penetrating the through hole 25 and the through hole 25; It is comprised by the adhesive agent 26 which exhibits a waterproof function. In order to facilitate the introduction of the waterproof adhesive 26, the through hole 25 is preferably formed slightly larger than the through hole 15 of the first embodiment.

  According to the above embodiment, it is not necessary to form a ring-shaped sealing member such as an O-ring and a groove for accommodating the sealing member in order to exert a waterproof function, so that the manufacturing process of the waterproof cover can be simplified. it can.

(Third embodiment)
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of an antenna mounting structure of a waterproof communication device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 4 is a step view showing the antenna mounting structure of the waterproof communication device according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the antenna mounting structure of the waterproof communication device 1C according to the third embodiment is different in the structure of the first waterproof structure 31 from the first embodiment. Specifically, the first waterproof structure 31C of the third embodiment is interposed between the through hole 27 formed in the waterproof rib 9 and the antenna contact portion 8b penetrating the through hole 27 and the through hole 27. And a silicone member 28. The silicone member 28 is a band-shaped ring formed of silicone rubber, and is formed in a shape that can be fitted into the gap between the through hole 27 and the antenna contact portion 8b.

  According to the embodiment, since the silicone member 28 seals the through hole 27 over the longitudinal direction of the antenna contact portion 8b, the waterproof effect can be further enhanced as compared with the O-ring.

As described above, the antenna mounting structure of the waterproof communication device according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Can be added.
For example, the conductor used for the second waterproof structure 32 is not limited to the bolt 19, and any other shape member can be used as long as it has conductivity. For example, a pin fixed by fitting (interference fitting) can be used. Alternatively, the conductor may be directly embedded in the case 4.

In addition, the contact springs 20 and 22 are not limited to leaf springs, and conductors having various elasticity (for example, coil springs) can be employed. For the second contact spring 22, a method of electrically connecting the bolt 19 and the substrate with a conductive wire or the like can be employed.
Further, the case 4 is described as having a box shape, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the antenna mounting structure of the present invention is also applied to a case of a waterproof communication device having a slide structure, a folding mechanism, or the like. it can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Waterproof-type communication apparatus, 4 ... Case (housing | casing), 6 ... Opening part, 7 ... Waterproof cover (outer cover), 7a ... Inner surface, 8 ... Plate antenna, 8b ... Antenna contact part, 9 ... Waterproof rib, 13 ... O-ring (sealing member), 16 ... O-ring (sealing member), 17 ... substrate, 19 ... bolt (conductor), 20 ... first contact spring (contact), 21 ... O-ring (sealing member), 26 ... adhesive (waterproof adhesive), 31 ... first waterproof structure, 32 ... second waterproof structure.

Claims (5)

A housing having an opening;
An outer lid that covers the opening, a waterproof rib that extends along the periphery of the opening and protrudes toward the inside of the housing, and a fitting provided on the waterproof rib to fit the outer lid into the opening An outer lid provided with an annular sealing member in contact with the inside of the opening;
A plate-like antenna provided on the inner surface of the outer lid;
An antenna structure of a waterproof communication device comprising a substrate housed in the housing,
The antenna contact portion which is a part of the plate-like antenna extends outside the waterproof rib through the waterproof rib while maintaining waterproofness by the first waterproof structure.
An antenna mounting structure for a waterproof communication device, wherein the antenna contact portion is electrically connected to the substrate by a conductor penetrating a part of the housing while maintaining waterproofness by a second waterproof structure. .   The antenna mounting structure for waterproof communication equipment according to claim 1, wherein the first waterproof structure is a ring-shaped sealing member.   The antenna mounting structure for waterproof communication equipment according to claim 1, wherein the first waterproof structure is a waterproof adhesive. The second waterproof structure is a ring-shaped sealing member,
The conductor is a bolt whose one end is electrically connected to the antenna and the other end is electrically connected to the substrate by fitting the outer lid into the opening.
4. The antenna mounting structure for a waterproof communication device according to claim 1, wherein the bolt is inserted through the casing through the ring-shaped sealing member. 5.   The antenna mounting structure for waterproof communication equipment according to claim 4, wherein the antenna and the bolt are electrically connected via a spring-like contact provided at one end of the bolt.

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