JP4157280B2

JP4157280B2 - Electronics

Info

Publication number: JP4157280B2
Application number: JP2001028546A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 地平北原; 俊幸正木; 正雄手嶋
Original assignee: Toshiba Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Corp
Priority date: 2001-02-05
Filing date: 2001-02-05
Publication date: 2008-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2021-02-05
Also published as: JP2002232220A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、アンテナ素子を内蔵した、例えばＢｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ、ワイヤレスＬＡＮ等の無線通信機能を有する携帯型情報端末等の電子機器に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、携行が容易なパーソナルコンピュータ（ポータブルコンピュータと称す）に於いては、Ｂｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ、ワイヤレスＬＡＮ等の無線機能部を標準装備し、若しくはオプションで装備可能としている。この種、無線通信機能を備えたポータブルコンピュータ、形態情報端末等の機器に於いては、上記無線機能部のアンテナ素子を筐体内の定位置に内蔵して設けることにより使い勝手を向上できる。
【０００３】
この種、アンテナ素子を内蔵した機器として、例えば特開平１１−２６５２５５号（ペン入力型携帯情報端末機）がある。この機器は「良好な通信特性を得るに十分なノイズ発生源からの離間位置にアンテナ素子を配置する」ために、ペン収納空間にアンテナ素子を設けた構成としている。この機器構成に於いては、アンテナ素子の性能（指向性）に変化を及ぼす可能性のある部材が、ペン、及び表示部側の機器筐体であり、ペンに、アンテナ素子の性能に影響を与える磁性金属若しくは非磁性金属を用いておらず、かつ表示部側の筐体を開いたままの状態であれば比較的安定したアンテナ素子の性能を維持することができる。しかしながらペン若しくは表示部側の機器筐体にアンテナ素子の性能に影響を与える金属材料を用いた場合は、ペンを出し入れした場合、若しくは表示部側の機器筐体を開閉操作した際にアンテナ素子の性能（指向性）に影響を与え、アンテナ性能が劣化する虞がある。
【０００４】
上記したように、アンテナ素子を筐体内の定位置に内蔵した機器に於いては、機器の接地電位にある電気伝導体と上記アンテナ素子との距離により特性（特に指向性）が大きく左右される。一般には、アンテナ素子と、電気伝導体との距離がある一定の距離以上に近づいた場合、アンテナの特性が変化し、送受信性能が劣化する。最近では、筐体の堅牢軽量化並びにＥＭＩ（Electromagnetic Interference）対策等を考慮して、電気伝導体であるマグネシウム合金製の筐体を用いる機種が増えているため、上記した特性劣化の対策が必要になっている。特に、パームレスト筐体と、同筐体に回動自在に設けられた蓋体を成す表示部筐体とでなるノート型パーソナルコンピュータ等の機器に於いて、例えばアンテナ素子を表示部筐体に内蔵した場合、上記筐体にマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材を用いると、蓋体となる表示部筐体の回動状態によって上記したアンテナ特性が著しく変化して正常な送受信動作が維持できない不安定な状態を招く虞があった。この際、表示部筐体を閉じた状態では内蔵アンテナを用いた無線通信機能を無効にし、表示部筐体を開いた状態下で内蔵アンテナを用いた無線通信機能を可能とした構成とすることにより、安定した無線通信機能を維持することができる。
【０００５】
しかしながら、近年では、機能の拡充、使用形態の多様性等から、蓋体をなす表示部筐体を閉じた状態であっても安定した無線通信機能を維持することのできる機器構成が要求される。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記したように、従来では、パームレスト筐体と、同筐体に回動自在に設けられた蓋体を成す表示部筐体とでなるノート型パーソナルコンピュータ等の機器に於いて、アンテナ素子を表示部筐体に内蔵した場合、蓋体となる表示部筐体の回動状態によって上記したアンテナ特性が著しく変化して正常な送受信動作が維持できない不安定な状態を招く虞があった。
【０００７】
本発明は上記実情に鑑みなされたもので、機器筐体が、例えばパームレスト筐体と、同筐体に回動自在に設けられた蓋体を成す表示部筐体とでなるノート型パーソナルコンピュータ等の電子機器に於いて、アンテナ素子を表示部筐体に内蔵した場合に、蓋体となる表示部筐体の回動状態によって上記したアンテナ特性が著しく変化して正常な送受信動作が維持できなくなる不安定な状態を回避して、蓋体を閉じた状態を含み、常に安定したアンテナ特性を維持することのできる電子機器を提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、アンテナ素子を内蔵した例えば蓋体をなす筐体と、上記アンテナ素子に近接し離間する例えばパームレスト筐体とでなる機器構成に於いて、上記アンテナ素子周辺部分に位置する筐体部分を例えば非電気伝導体のプラスチック製部品等でなる絶縁体で構成することにより、上記アンテナ素子が例えばマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材をベースとする筐体に近接しても、アンテナ素子と電気伝導体部材との距離を一定の距離以上離間でき、これによりアンテナ素子が筐体の状態変化により性能劣化する不安定要因を排除して、常に安定したアンテナ特性を維持することのできるようにしたことを特徴とする。
【０００９】
即ち、本発明は、筐体内の定位置に設けられたアンテナ素子を使用している状態で別筐体の一部分が上記アンテナ素子に近接し若しくは上記アンテナ素子を覆う状態になり得る構造をなす電子機器に於いて、上記別筐体の一部分を例えば非電気伝導体のプラスチック製部品等の絶縁体部材により構成したことを特徴とする。
【００１０】
また、本発明は、本体と、本体に回動可能に設けられた蓋体と、蓋体に設けられたアンテナ素子とを備えた電子機器であって、上記蓋体のアンテナ素子周辺部分と、上記蓋体を閉じた際に上記アンテナ素子周辺部分に対向する本体の一部分とをそれぞれ絶縁体部材により構成したことを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また、本発明は、パームレスト側の筐体に蓋体をなす表示部筐体を回動可能に設け、表示部筐体にアンテナ素子を設けてなる、無線通信機能をもつ携帯型の電子機器に於いて、上記表示部筐体のアンテナ素子周辺部分と、上記表示部筐体を閉じた際に上記アンテナ素子周辺部分に対向する上記パームレスト側筐体の一部分とを絶縁体部材により構成して、上記表示部筐体を閉じた状態での上記アンテナ素子の性能劣化を防止したことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
また、本発明は、上記電子機器に於いて、絶縁体部材により構成された筐体部分を除く筐体部分を電磁遮蔽効果をもつ部材により構成し、若しくは絶縁体部材を用いた筐体部分を除いて電磁遮蔽効果をもつ室空間を形成してなることを特徴とする。
【００１３】
また、本発明は、無線通信機能をもつ電子機器の筐体構造に於いて、パームレストをなす筐体部の前端部分に絶縁体部材により電磁遮蔽効果をもたない部分を形成したパームレスト側筐体と、上記パームレスト側筐体の後端側を支点に回動自在に設けられ、上記パームレスト側筐体の電磁遮蔽効果をもたない部分に対向する自由端側の部分に絶縁体部材により電磁遮蔽効果をもたない部分を形成して、当該部分にアンテナ素子を内蔵した蓋体をなす表示部筐体とでなることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、本発明は、無線通信機能をもつ電子機器の筐体構造に於いて、本体側の筐体に開閉可能な蓋体を有し、上記蓋体にアンテナ素子を内蔵してなる電子機器筐体に於いて、上記蓋体のアンテナ素子周辺部分と、上記蓋体を閉じた際に上記アンテナ素子周辺部分に対向する筐体の一部分とを絶縁体部材により構成したことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
また、本発明は、上記電子機器の筐体構造に於いて、上記絶縁体部材でなる筐体部分を非導電性合成樹脂により構成し、当該合成樹脂で形成される筐体部分を除いた筐体部分うち、少なくとも蓋体の筐体部分をマグネシウム合金により構成したことを特徴とする。
【００１７】
上記した本発明の機器構成により、例えばアンテナ素子を内蔵した蓋体をなす筐体と、上記アンテナ素子が近接し離間するパームレスト側の筐体とでなる機器構成に於いて、上記アンテナ素子が例えばマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材をベースとする筐体に近接しても、アンテナ素子と電気伝導体部材との距離を一定の距離以上離間でき、これによりアンテナ素子が筐体の状態変化により性能劣化する不安定要因を排除して、常に安定したアンテナ特性を維持することができる。
【００１８】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下図面を参照して本発明の実施形態を説明する。
【００１９】
図１乃至図３はそれぞれ本発明の第１実施形態に於ける電子機器の外観構成を示すもので、図１は表面の斜視図、図２は裏面の斜視図、図３は側断面図である。ここでは電子機器として、パームレスト側筐体に蓋体をなす表示部筐体を回動自在に設けた無線通信機能をもつノート型パーソナルコンピュータを例に示している。
【００２０】
図に於いて、１０はパームレスト側筐体、２０はパームレスト側筐体１０の背面側に枢支部３０を介して回動自在に設けられた蓋体をなす表示部筐体である。上記パームレスト側筐体１０には、上面部に、キーボード１１、及び図示しないインジケータ、操作釦等が設けられ、内部に、ＣＰＵ及びその周辺回路群と、無線通信ユニット１２を含む各種の入出力機器等が内蔵される。
【００２１】
蓋体をなす表示部筐体２０には、開放状態にある際に露出する液晶ディスプレイパネル（ＬＣＤパネル）２１が内蔵されるとともに、自由端側に、Ｂｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ用若しくはワイヤレスＬＡＮ用のアンテナ素子２２が内蔵される。
【００２２】
この蓋体をなす表示部筐体２０は、上記アンテナ素子２２の実装部周辺を除いた筐体部分２０ａをマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成し、上記アンテナ素子２２の実装部周辺の筐体部分２０ｂを電磁波が透過する非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成している。ここではマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成された筐体部分２０ａを伝導体筐体部分と称し、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成された筐体部分２０ｂを非伝導体筐体部分と称す。この伝導体筐体部分２０ａと非伝導体筐体部分２０ｂとは嵌め込み若しくは接着等により接合され一体化される。更に伝導体筐体部分２０ａと非伝導体筐体部分２０ｂとの間には必要に応じて電磁遮蔽壁（ｓ）が設けられる。
【００２３】
また、上記パームレスト側筐体１０も上記した表示部筐体２０と同様に、マグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成された伝導体筐体部分と、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成された非伝導体筐体部分とにより構成される。即ち、パームレスト側筐体１０は、表示部筐体２０を閉じた際に当該表示部筐体２０の非伝導体筐体部分２０ｂと対向する筐体面部（パームレスト部）及びその前面部でなる筐体部分１０ｂを電磁波が透過する非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成し、上記筐体部分１０ｂを除いた筐体部分１０ａをマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成している。ここではマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成された筐体部分１０ａを伝導体筐体部分と称し、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成された筐体部分１０ｂを非伝導体筐体部分と称す。この伝導体筐体部分１０ａと非伝導体筐体部分１０ｂとは上記表示部筐体２０と同様に嵌め込み若しくは接着等により接合され一体化される。更に伝導体筐体部分１０ａと非伝導体筐体部分１０ｂとの間には必要に応じて電磁遮蔽壁（ｓ）が設けられる。
【００２４】
このように、蓋体をなす表示部筐体２０のアンテナ素子２２周辺部分だけでなく、表示部筐体２０を閉じた際にアンテナ素子２２が近づくパームレスト側筐体１０のパームレスト部分も非伝導体筐体構造としたことによって、アンテナ素子２２を内蔵した表示部筐体２０とパームレスト側筐体１０との開閉位置状態の変化に拘わらず、アンテナ素子２２と電気伝導体部材（マグネシウム合金により構成された筐体）との距離を一定の距離以上離間できることから、アンテナ素子２２の指向性を一定に保つことができる。これにより蓋体をなす表示部筐体２０の開閉状態に拘わらず、常に安定したアンテナ特性を維持することができる。
【００２５】
図４及び図５は本発明の第２実施形態によるノート型パーソナルコンピュータの外観構成を示すもので、図４は蓋体をなす表示部筐体を開いた状態を示す斜視図、図５は蓋体をなす表示部筐体を閉じた状態を示す斜視図である。尚、ここでは上記図１乃至図３に示した第１実施形態と同一の筐体部分に同一符号を付してその説明を省略する。
【００２６】
この第２実施形態に於いては、蓋体をなす表示部筐体２０に、開放状態で露出する液晶ディスプレイ（ＬＣＤ）パネルが内蔵されるとともに、当該筐体内の自由端側に、Ｂｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ用のアンテナ素子２２ｂ、及びワイヤレスＬＡＮ用のダイバーシティアンテナを構成する２個のアンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｃが設けられ、これらの各アンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃすべての周辺部分を上記第１実施形態と同様の非伝導体筐体構造としている。即ち、この第２実施形態に於ける表示部筐体２０は、上記複数のアンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃの各実装部周辺を除いた筐体部分２０ａをマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成し、上記各アンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃの実装部周辺の筐体部分２０ｂを電磁波が透過する非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成している。この実施形態に於いてもマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成された筐体部分２０ａを伝導体筐体部分と称し、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成された筐体部分２０ｂを非伝導体筐体部分と称す。この伝導体筐体部分２０ａと非伝導体筐体部分２０ｂとは上記第１実施形態と同様に嵌め込み若しくは接着等により接合され一体化される。
【００２７】
また、上記パームレスト側筐体１０も上記した表示部筐体２０と同様に、マグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成された伝導体筐体部分と、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成された非伝導体筐体部分とにより構成される。即ち、パームレスト側筐体１０は、表示部筐体２０を閉じた際に当該表示部筐体２０の非伝導体筐体部分２０ｂと対向する筐体上面部（パームレスト部）及びこの部分に連続する筐体前面部でなる筐体部分１０ｂを電磁波が透過する非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成し、上記筐体部分１０ｂを除いた筐体部分１０ａをマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成している。この実施形態に於いてもマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成された筐体部分１０ａを伝導体筐体部分と称し、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成された筐体部分１０ｂを非伝導体筐体部分と称す。この伝導体筐体部分１０ａと非伝導体筐体部分１０ｂとは上記蓋体をなす表示部筐体２０と同様に嵌め込み若しくは接着等により接合され一体化される。
【００２８】
このように、蓋体をなす表示部筐体２０に複数のアンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃを内蔵した構成に於いても、表示部筐体２０に於ける上記各アンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃの周辺部分と、表示部筐体２０を閉じた際に上記各アンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃが近づくパームレスト側筐体１０のパームレスト部分とをそれぞれ非伝導体筐体構造としたことによって、上記各アンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃを内蔵した表示部筐体２０とパームレスト側筐体１０との開閉位置状態の変化に拘わらず、上記各アンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃと電気伝導体部材（マグネシウム合金により構成された筐体）との距離を一定の距離以上離間できることから、表示部筐体２０に内蔵された全てのアンテナ素子２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃの指向性を一定に保つことができる。これにより蓋体をなす表示部筐体２０の開閉状態に拘わらず、常に安定したアンテナ特性を維持することができる。
【００２９】
図６は本発明の第３実施形態を示すもので、ここでは電子機器として携帯型情報端末を例にとって示している。
【００３０】
この第３実施形態に於ける携帯型情報端末６０は、機器本体側筐体６１と、この機器本体側筐体６１に枢支部６６を介して回動自在に設けられた蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２とにより構成される。
【００３１】
蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２には、開放状態にある際に露出する液晶ディスプレイパネル（ＬＣＤパネル）６４が内蔵されるとともに、自由端側に、例えばＢｌｕｅｔｏｏｔｈ用のアンテナ素子６３が内蔵される。
【００３２】
この蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２は、上記アンテナ素子６３の実装部周辺を除いた筐体部分６２ａをマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成し、上記アンテナ素子６３の実装部周辺の筐体部分６２ｂを電磁波が透過する非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成している。この実施形態に於いても上記マグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成された筐体部分６２ａを伝導体筐体部分と称し、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成された筐体部分６２ｂを非伝導体筐体部分と称す。この伝導体筐体部分６２ａと非伝導体筐体部分６２ｂとは嵌め込み若しくは接着等により接合され一体化される。
【００３３】
また、上記機器本体側筐体６１には、操作入力キー６５を含む各種の操作釦類が設けられる。この上記機器本体側筐体６１も上記した表示部筐体６２と同様に、マグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成された伝導体筐体部分と、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成された非伝導体筐体部分とにより構成される。即ち、機器本体側筐体６１は、表示部筐体６２を閉じた際に当該表示部筐体６２の非伝導体筐体部分６２ｂと対向する筐体部分６１ｂを電磁波が透過する非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成し、上記筐体部分６１ｂを除いた筐体部分６１ａをマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成している。ここではマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成された筐体部分６１ａを伝導体筐体部分と称し、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成された筐体部分６１ｂを非伝導体筐体部分と称す。この伝導体筐体部分６１ａと非伝導体筐体部分６１ｂとは上記表示部筐体６２と同様に嵌め込み若しくは接着等により接合され一体化される。
【００３４】
このように、蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２のアンテナ素子６３周辺部分だけでなく、表示部筐体６２を閉じた際にアンテナ素子６３が近づく機器本体側筐体６１の端部も非伝導体筐体構造としたことによって、アンテナ素子６３を内蔵した表示部筐体６２と機器本体側筐体６１との開閉位置状態の変化に拘わらず、アンテナ素子６３と電気伝導体部材（マグネシウム合金により構成された筐体）との距離を一定の距離以上離間できることから、アンテナ素子６３の指向性を一定に保つことができる。これにより蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２の開閉状態に拘わらず、常に安定したアンテナ特性を維持することができる。
【００３５】
上記した図６に示す実施形態では機器本体側筐体６１に枢支部６６を介して蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２が回動自在に設けられた構成を例に示しているが、変形例として、例えば蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２を機器本体側筐体６１に上下スライド可能に設けて、蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２をスライド操作することによって開閉できる構成に於いても本発明を適用できる。この際は、蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２を閉じたとき、当該表示部筐体６２のアンテナ素子６３を内蔵した筐体部分６２ｂと重なる、機器本体側筐体６１側の部分を、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成して（即ち、図６に於いて機器本体側筐体６１の下端側に設けられていた非伝導体筐体部分６１ｂを機器本体側筐体６１の上端側に設けてなる構成として）、蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２が閉じられた状態であってもアンテナ素子６３と電気伝導体部材との距離が一定の距離以上確保できるようにすることで、蓋体をなす表示部筐体６２の開閉状態に拘わらず、常に安定したアンテナ特性を維持することができる。
【００３６】
尚、上記した各実施形態に於いては、非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成されたアンテナ素子周辺の筐体部分を除いた各筐体部分をマグネシウム合金等の電気伝導体部材により構成しているが、例えば筐体の全てを非電気伝導体プラスチック等の絶縁体部材により構成し、上記アンテナ素子周辺の筐体部分を除いた各筐体部分に、例えば電磁シールド部材をコーティング若しくは貼着し、若しくはシールド板を設けて、電磁シールドを施した構成等であってもよく、要は筐体内の定位置に設けられたアンテナ素子を使用している状態で別筐体の一部分が上記アンテナ素子に近接し若しくは上記アンテナ素子を覆う状態になってもアンテナ素子の性能劣化を招くことのない絶縁体部材を用いた筐体構造であればよい。
【００３７】
【発明の効果】
以上詳記したように本発明によれば、機器筐体が、例えばパームレスト筐体と、同筐体に回動自在に設けられた蓋体を成す表示部筐体とでなるノート型パーソナルコンピュータ等の電子機器に於いて、アンテナ素子を表示部筐体に内蔵した場合に、蓋体となる表示部筐体の回動状態によって上記したアンテナ特性が著しく変化して正常な送受信動作が維持できなくなる不安定な状態を回避して、蓋体を閉じた状態を含み、常に安定したアンテナ特性を維持することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態に於ける電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図。
【図２】上記第１実施形態に於ける電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図。
【図３】上記第１実施形態に於ける電子機器の要部の構成を示す断面図。
【図４】本発明の第２実施形態に於ける電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図。
【図５】上記第２実施形態に於ける電子機器の外観構成を示す斜視図。
【図６】本発明の第３実施形態に於ける電子機器の平面図。
【符号の説明】
１０…パームレスト側筐体
１０ａ…伝導体筐体部分
１０ｂ…非伝導体筐体部分
１１…キーボード
１２…無線通信ユニット
２０…蓋体をなす表示部筐体
２０ａ…伝導体筐体部分
２０ｂ…非伝導体筐体部分
２１…液晶ディスプレイパネル（ＬＣＤパネル）
２２，２２ａ，２２ｂ，２２ｃ…アンテナ素子
ｓ…電磁遮蔽壁
６０…携帯型情報端末
６１…機器本体側筐体
６２…表示部筐体
６２ａ…伝導体筐体部分
６２ｂ…非伝導体筐体部分
６３…アンテナ素子
６４…液晶ディスプレイパネル（ＬＣＤパネル）
６５…操作入力キー
６６…枢支部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic device such as a portable information terminal having a built-in antenna element and having a wireless communication function such as Bluetooth or wireless LAN.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, personal computers that are easy to carry (referred to as portable computers) are equipped with wireless function units such as Bluetooth and wireless LAN as standard equipment or can be equipped with options. In a device such as a portable computer or a form information terminal having this type of wireless communication function, usability can be improved by incorporating the antenna element of the wireless function unit in a fixed position in the housing.
[0003]
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-265255 (pen input portable information terminal) is available as a device incorporating this type of antenna element. This device has a configuration in which an antenna element is provided in the pen housing space in order to “place the antenna element at a position away from a noise generation source sufficient to obtain good communication characteristics”. In this device configuration, the members that may change the performance (directivity) of the antenna element are the pen and the device housing on the display unit side, and the pen will affect the performance of the antenna element. A relatively stable antenna element performance can be maintained as long as the magnetic metal or nonmagnetic metal to be applied is not used and the housing on the display unit side is left open. However, when a metal material that affects the performance of the antenna element is used for the pen or the device housing on the display unit side, the antenna element can be removed when the pen is inserted or removed, or when the device housing on the display unit side is opened or closed. The performance (directivity) may be affected, and the antenna performance may deteriorate.
[0004]
As described above, characteristics (particularly directivity) greatly depend on the distance between the electric conductor at the ground potential of the device and the antenna element in the device in which the antenna element is built in a fixed position in the housing. . In general, when the distance between the antenna element and the electric conductor approaches a certain distance or more, the characteristics of the antenna change and transmission / reception performance deteriorates. Recently, the number of models using magnesium alloy casings, which are electrical conductors, is increasing in consideration of the robustness and weight reduction of casings and measures against EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). It has become. In particular, in devices such as notebook personal computers, which include a palm rest housing and a display housing that forms a lid that can be pivoted on the housing, for example, an antenna element is incorporated in the display housing. In such a case, if an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy is used for the casing, the antenna characteristics described above change significantly depending on the rotation state of the display casing serving as a lid, and normal transmission / reception operation cannot be maintained. There was a possibility of inviting a new state. At this time, the wireless communication function using the built-in antenna is disabled when the display housing is closed, and the wireless communication function using the built-in antenna is enabled with the display housing open. Thus, a stable wireless communication function can be maintained.
[0005]
However, in recent years, a device configuration capable of maintaining a stable wireless communication function is required even when the display unit housing forming the lid is closed, due to the expansion of functions and the variety of usage modes. .
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, conventionally, an antenna element is displayed on a device such as a notebook personal computer including a palm rest housing and a display housing that forms a lid that is rotatably provided in the housing. In the case where it is built in the housing, there is a possibility that the above-mentioned antenna characteristics are remarkably changed depending on the rotation state of the display housing serving as a lid, resulting in an unstable state in which normal transmission / reception operation cannot be maintained.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a notebook personal computer or the like in which a device housing includes, for example, a palm rest housing and a display housing that forms a lid that is rotatably provided on the housing. In the electronic device, when the antenna element is built in the display unit casing, the above-mentioned antenna characteristics change remarkably depending on the rotation state of the display unit casing serving as a lid, and normal transmission / reception operation cannot be maintained. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that avoids an unstable state and includes a state in which a lid is closed and can always maintain stable antenna characteristics.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a housing portion located in a peripheral portion of the antenna element in a device configuration including a housing having a built-in antenna element, for example, a lid, and a palm rest housing, for example, close to and away from the antenna element. Is made of an insulator made of a non-electric conductor plastic part, for example, so that the antenna element and the electric The distance from the conductor member can be more than a certain distance, which eliminates unstable factors that cause the antenna element to deteriorate its performance due to the change in the state of the housing, so that stable antenna characteristics can always be maintained. It is characterized by that.
[0009]
That is, the present invention provides an electronic device having a structure in which a part of another casing is close to or covers the antenna element while using the antenna element provided at a fixed position in the casing. In the apparatus, a part of the separate casing is constituted by an insulating member such as a non-electric conductor plastic part.
[0010]
Further, the present invention is an electronic device including a main body, a lid provided rotatably on the main body, and an antenna element provided on the lid, the antenna element peripheral portion of the lid, A part of the main body facing the peripheral portion of the antenna element when the lid is closed is constituted by an insulator member.
[0011]
In addition, the present invention provides a portable electronic device having a wireless communication function, in which a display unit housing that forms a lid is rotatably provided on a palm rest side housing, and an antenna element is provided on the display unit housing. Then, the antenna element peripheral portion of the display unit casing and a part of the palm rest side casing that faces the antenna element peripheral portion when the display unit casing is closed are configured by an insulator member, The antenna element is prevented from being deteriorated in a state in which the display housing is closed.
[0012]
According to the present invention, in the electronic device described above, the casing portion excluding the casing portion configured by the insulator member is configured by a member having an electromagnetic shielding effect, or the casing portion using the insulator member is provided. A room space having an electromagnetic shielding effect is formed.
[0013]
The present invention also provides a palm rest-side housing in which a portion having no electromagnetic shielding effect is formed by an insulating member at a front end portion of a housing portion forming a palm rest in a housing structure of an electronic device having a wireless communication function. Electromagnetically shielded by an insulator member on the free end portion of the palm rest side housing opposite to the portion having no electromagnetic shielding effect. A portion having no effect is formed, and the display portion casing is formed as a lid having an antenna element built in the portion.
[0014]
The present invention also provides an electronic device housing having a lid that can be opened and closed in a housing on the main body side, and an antenna element built in the lid in the housing structure of an electronic device having a wireless communication function. In the body, the antenna element peripheral portion of the lid body and a part of the casing that faces the antenna element peripheral portion when the lid body is closed are constituted by an insulator member.
[0015]
According to the present invention, in the housing structure of the electronic device, a housing portion made of the insulating member is made of a non-conductive synthetic resin, and a housing portion excluding the housing portion formed of the synthetic resin. Among the body parts, at least the housing part of the lid is made of a magnesium alloy.
[0017]
With the above-described device configuration of the present invention, for example, in a device configuration including a housing that forms a lid with a built-in antenna element and a palm rest side housing in which the antenna element is close and spaced apart, the antenna element is, for example, Even when close to a casing based on an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy, the distance between the antenna element and the electric conductor member can be separated by a certain distance or more. It is possible to always maintain stable antenna characteristics by eliminating unstable factors that deteriorate.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
1 to 3 show the external configuration of the electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view, FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view. is there. Here, as an electronic device, a laptop personal computer having a wireless communication function in which a display unit housing that forms a lid on a palm rest side housing is rotatably provided is shown as an example.
[0020]
In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a palm rest side casing, and 20 denotes a display section casing that forms a lid that is rotatably provided on the back side of the palm rest side casing 10 via a pivotal support section 30. The palm rest side housing 10 is provided with a keyboard 11, an indicator (not shown), operation buttons, and the like on the top surface, and various input / output devices including a CPU and its peripheral circuit group and a wireless communication unit 12 inside. Etc. are built-in.
[0021]
A liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel) 21 that is exposed when it is in an open state is built in the display unit housing 20 that forms a lid, and an antenna element 22 for Bluetooth or wireless LAN is provided on the free end side. Built in.
[0022]
In the display unit casing 20 that forms the lid, the casing portion 20a excluding the periphery of the mounting portion of the antenna element 22 is made of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy, and the casing around the mounting portion of the antenna element 22 is formed. The body portion 20b is made of an insulating member such as a non-electric conductor plastic that transmits electromagnetic waves. Here, the housing portion 20a formed of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy is referred to as a conductor housing portion, and the housing portion 20b formed of an insulating member such as a non-electric conductor plastic is referred to as a non-conductor housing. It is called the body part. The conductor housing portion 20a and the non-conductor housing portion 20b are joined and integrated by fitting or bonding. Furthermore, an electromagnetic shielding wall (s) is provided between the conductor housing portion 20a and the non-conductor housing portion 20b as necessary.
[0023]
The palm rest side housing 10 is also made of a conductor housing portion made of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy and an insulating member such as non-electric conductor plastic, like the display portion housing 20 described above. It is comprised by the comprised non-conductor housing | casing part. That is, the palm rest side housing 10 has a housing surface portion (palm rest portion) that faces the non-conductive housing portion 20b of the display portion housing 20 when the display portion housing 20 is closed, and a housing composed of the front surface portion thereof. The body portion 10b is made of an insulating member such as a non-electric conductor plastic that transmits electromagnetic waves, and the housing portion 10a excluding the housing portion 10b is made of an electrical conductor member such as magnesium alloy. Here, the housing portion 10a made of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy is referred to as a conductor housing portion, and the housing portion 10b made of an insulating member such as a non-electric conductor plastic is referred to as a non-conductor housing. It is called the body part. The conductor housing portion 10a and the non-conductor housing portion 10b are joined and integrated by fitting, bonding or the like in the same manner as the display portion housing 20. Furthermore, an electromagnetic shielding wall (s) is provided between the conductor housing portion 10a and the non-conductor housing portion 10b as necessary.
[0024]
In this way, not only the peripheral portion of the antenna element 22 of the display unit housing 20 that forms the lid, but also the palm rest part of the palm rest side housing 10 that the antenna element 22 approaches when the display unit housing 20 is closed is non-conductive. By adopting the housing structure, the antenna element 22 and the electric conductor member (made of magnesium alloy) are formed regardless of changes in the open / closed position state between the display unit housing 20 incorporating the antenna element 22 and the palm rest side housing 10. The distance between the antenna element 22 and the housing) can be more than a certain distance, so that the directivity of the antenna element 22 can be kept constant. As a result, it is possible to always maintain stable antenna characteristics regardless of the open / closed state of the display housing 20 that forms the lid.
[0025]
4 and 5 show an external configuration of a notebook personal computer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a display unit housing forming a lid is opened, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which closed the display part housing | casing which makes a body. Here, the same reference numerals are given to the same housing portions as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0026]
In the second embodiment, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel that is exposed in an open state is built in a display unit housing 20 that forms a lid, and Bluetooth for a free end in the housing. An antenna element 22b and two antenna elements 22a and 22c constituting a diversity antenna for a wireless LAN are provided, and all the peripheral portions of these antenna elements 22a, 22b and 22c are the same as those in the first embodiment. Conductor housing structure. That is, in the display unit case 20 in the second embodiment, the case portion 20a excluding the periphery of each mounting portion of the plurality of antenna elements 22a, 22b, and 22c is made of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy. And the housing | casing part 20b around the mounting part of each said antenna element 22a, 22b, 22c is comprised by insulator members, such as non-electrically conductive plastics which electromagnetic waves permeate | transmit. Also in this embodiment, the casing portion 20a formed of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy is referred to as a conductor casing portion, and the casing portion 20b formed of an insulating member such as non-electric conductor plastic. Is referred to as a non-conductive housing portion. The conductor housing portion 20a and the non-conductor housing portion 20b are joined and integrated by fitting or bonding, as in the first embodiment.
[0027]
The palm rest side housing 10 is also made of a conductor housing portion made of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy and an insulating member such as non-electric conductor plastic, like the display portion housing 20 described above. It is comprised by the comprised non-conductor housing | casing part. That is, the palm rest side housing 10 is continuous with the housing upper surface portion (palm rest portion) facing the non-conductive housing portion 20b of the display portion housing 20 when the display portion housing 20 is closed. The housing portion 10b formed of the front surface portion of the housing is made of an insulating member such as non-electrically conductive plastic that transmits electromagnetic waves, and the housing portion 10a excluding the housing portion 10b is an electrical conductor member such as magnesium alloy. It is constituted by. Also in this embodiment, the housing portion 10a formed of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy is referred to as a conductor housing portion, and the housing portion 10b formed of an insulating member such as non-electric conductor plastic. Is referred to as a non-conductive housing portion. The conductor housing portion 10a and the non-conductor housing portion 10b are joined and integrated by fitting or bonding in the same manner as the display housing 20 that forms the lid.
[0028]
As described above, even in the configuration in which the plurality of antenna elements 22a, 22b, and 22c are built in the display unit casing 20 that forms a lid, the antenna elements 22a, 22b, and 22c in the display unit casing 20 are included. The peripheral portions and the palm rest portions of the palm rest side housing 10 to which the antenna elements 22a, 22b, and 22c approach when the display unit housing 20 is closed have a non-conductive housing structure. Regardless of changes in the open / closed position between the display unit housing 20 and the palm rest side housing 10 incorporating the elements 22a, 22b, and 22c, the antenna elements 22a, 22b, and 22c and the electric conductor member (made of a magnesium alloy) are used. Since the distance from the fixed housing) can be more than a certain distance, all the antenna elements 22a, 22b, 2 built in the display unit housing 20 can be used. The directivity of c can be kept constant. As a result, it is possible to always maintain stable antenna characteristics regardless of the open / closed state of the display housing 20 that forms the lid.
[0029]
FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, a portable information terminal is shown as an example of an electronic apparatus.
[0030]
The portable information terminal 60 according to the third embodiment includes a device main body side case 61 and a display unit that forms a lid that is rotatably provided on the device main body side case 61 via a pivotal support 66. And a housing 62.
[0031]
A liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel) 64 that is exposed when it is in an open state is built in the display unit casing 62 that forms a lid, and an antenna element 63 for Bluetooth, for example, is built in the free end side. .
[0032]
In the display unit casing 62 that forms the lid, the casing portion 62a excluding the periphery of the mounting portion of the antenna element 63 is formed of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy, and the casing around the mounting portion of the antenna element 63 is formed. The body part 62b is made of an insulating member such as non-electrically conductive plastic that transmits electromagnetic waves. Also in this embodiment, the casing portion 62a formed of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy is referred to as a conductor casing portion, and the casing portion is formed of an insulator member such as non-electric conductor plastic. 62b is referred to as a non-conductor casing portion. The conductor housing portion 62a and the non-conductor housing portion 62b are joined and integrated by fitting or bonding.
[0033]
In addition, the device body side housing 61 is provided with various operation buttons including operation input keys 65. Similarly to the display unit housing 62 described above, the device main body housing 61 is also made of a conductor housing part made of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy and an insulator member such as a non-electric conductor plastic. It is comprised by the comprised non-conductor housing | casing part. That is, the device main body side housing 61 is a non-electric conductor that transmits electromagnetic waves through the housing portion 61b that faces the non-conductor housing portion 62b of the display housing 62 when the display housing 62 is closed. The casing portion 61a except for the casing portion 61b is made of an electrical conductor member such as magnesium alloy. Here, the housing part 61a made of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy is referred to as a conductor housing part, and the housing part 61b made of an insulating member such as non-electric conductor plastic is referred to as a non-conductor housing. It is called the body part. The conductor housing portion 61a and the non-conductor housing portion 61b are joined and integrated by fitting or bonding in the same manner as the display housing 62.
[0034]
Thus, not only the peripheral portion of the antenna element 63 of the display unit housing 62 that forms the lid, but also the end of the device main body side housing 61 that the antenna element 63 approaches when the display unit housing 62 is closed is non-conductive. By adopting the body housing structure, the antenna element 63 and the electric conductor member (magnesium alloy are used) regardless of the change in the open / closed position state of the display unit housing 62 and the device main body side housing 61 incorporating the antenna element 63. Since the distance from the constructed casing) can be more than a certain distance, the directivity of the antenna element 63 can be kept constant. Accordingly, it is possible to always maintain stable antenna characteristics regardless of the open / closed state of the display unit housing 62 that forms the lid.
[0035]
In the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. 6, an example is shown in which the display unit housing 62 that forms a lid is pivotally provided on the device main body side housing 61 via the pivotal support 66. For example, even in a configuration in which the display unit housing 62 that forms a lid is provided on the device main body side housing 61 so as to be slidable up and down, and the display unit housing 62 that forms a lid can be opened and closed by sliding operation. The invention can be applied. At this time, when the display unit housing 62 forming the lid is closed, a portion of the display unit housing 62 on the side of the device main body side housing 61 that overlaps with the housing portion 62b in which the antenna element 63 is incorporated is not removed. The non-conductive casing portion 61b provided on the lower end side of the apparatus main body side casing 61 in FIG. As a configuration provided on the upper end side, the distance between the antenna element 63 and the electric conductor member can be secured at a certain distance or more even when the display unit housing 62 forming the lid is closed. Thus, it is possible to always maintain stable antenna characteristics regardless of the open / closed state of the display housing 62 that forms the lid.
[0036]
In each of the above-described embodiments, each casing portion excluding the casing portion around the antenna element constituted by an insulating member such as a non-electric conductor plastic is made of an electric conductor member such as magnesium alloy. For example, the entire casing is made of an insulating member such as non-electrically conductive plastic, and each casing portion excluding the casing portion around the antenna element is coated with, for example, an electromagnetic shield member. It may be a structure that is attached or provided with a shield plate and electromagnetically shielded, etc. In short, a part of another housing is used with the antenna element provided at a fixed position in the housing. Any housing structure that uses an insulator member that does not cause deterioration in performance of the antenna element even when the antenna element is close to or covered with the antenna element may be used.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a notebook personal computer or the like in which the device casing is, for example, a palm rest casing and a display casing that forms a lid that is rotatably provided on the casing. In the electronic device, when the antenna element is built in the display unit casing, the above-mentioned antenna characteristics change remarkably depending on the rotation state of the display unit casing serving as a lid, and normal transmission / reception operation cannot be maintained. An unstable state can be avoided, and a stable antenna characteristic can be maintained at all times, including a state where the lid is closed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the electronic device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a main part of the electronic device according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an electronic apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of an electronic apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of an electronic device according to a third embodiment of the invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Palm rest side housing | casing 10a ... Conductor housing | casing part 10b ... Non-conductor housing | casing part 11 ... Keyboard 12 ... Wireless communication unit 20 ... Display part housing | casing 20a which makes a cover body ... Conductor housing | casing part 20b ... Non-conducting Body housing part 21 ... Liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel)
22, 22a, 22b, 22c ... antenna element s ... electromagnetic shielding wall 60 ... portable information terminal 61 ... equipment body side case 62 ... display unit case 62a ... conductor case 62b ... non-conductor case 63 ... antenna element 64 ... liquid crystal display panel (LCD panel)
65 ... operation input key 66 ... pivot part

Claims

In a portable electronic device having a wireless communication function in which a display unit casing that forms a lid of the casing is rotatably provided in the casing on the main body side,
The display housing is
An electric conductor member and a non-electric conductor member joined and integrated with the electric conductor member,
An antenna element is provided at a position covered with the non-electric conductor member in the display unit casing ,
The housing on the main body side is
A non-electric conductor having a key operation unit and a palm rest on an upper surface covered with the display unit housing closed, the upper surface being joined to and integrated with the electric conductor member The palm rest housing portion facing the antenna element peripheral portion when the display housing is closed is composed of the non-electric conductor member. Electronics.