U.S. patent application number 12/184157 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-11 for electronic apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA. Invention is credited to Yuji Nakajima.
Application Number | 20080304214 12/184157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38971243 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080304214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nakajima; Yuji |
December 11, 2008 |
ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
Abstract
An electronic apparatus is provided with a housing including a
top wall and a side portion extending from an edge of the top wall,
a keyboard, and a keyboard placing portion on which the keyboard is
placed, the keyboard placing portion including a bottom surface
provided in the top wall. At least part of the bottom surface
extends to the side portion of the housing.
Inventors: |
Nakajima; Yuji;
(Nishitama-gun, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
38971243 |
Appl. No.: |
12/184157 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11777213 |
Jul 12, 2007 |
|
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12184157 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
361/679.08 ;
361/679.27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01H 2223/004 20130101;
G06F 1/1616 20130101; G06F 1/1662 20130101; H01H 13/70 20130101;
G06F 1/1656 20130101; H01H 2231/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/680 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 20, 2006 |
JP |
2006-198284 |
Claims
1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a housing comprising a top
wall, and a side portion extending from an edge of the top wall; a
keyboard; and a keyboard placing portion on which the keyboard is
placed, the keyboard placing portion comprising a bottom surface
provided in the top wall, at least part of the bottom surface
extending to the side portion of the housing.
2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1, wherein an edge of the
keyboard reaches the side portion of the housing.
3. The electronic apparatus of claim 2, wherein the housing
comprises first and second side portions extending from mutually
different edges of the top wall, and the first bottom surface of
the keyboard placing portion extends to the first and second side
portions of the housing.
4. The electronic apparatus of claim 3, wherein the top wall
comprises a second bottom surface connecting with the bottom
surface of the keyboard placing portion, the second bottom surface
extends from an edge of the keyboard placing portion to a third
side portion of the housing, and a height of the second bottom
surface is lower than the height of the top surface of the base of
the keyboard placed on the keyboard placing portion.
5. The electronic apparatus of claim 4, further comprising; a
display unit; and a hinge part configured to rotatably connect the
display unit with the housing, wherein the top wall of the housing
comprises a projecting portion opposed to the display unit, and a
depressed portion formed in the projecting portion and to which the
hinge part is attached, and the second bottom surface is formed in
the depressed portion.
6. The electronic apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a first
holder attached to the top wall of the housing and configured to
hold down one end portion of the keyboard to the keyboard placing
portion; and a second holder attached to the top wall of the
housing and configured to hold down another end portion of the
keyboard to the keyboard placing portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a divisional application of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/777,213, filed Jul. 12, 2007, which is based upon and
claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No.
2006-198284, filed Jul. 20, 2006, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] One embodiment of the invention relates to an electronic
apparatus including a keyboard placing portion on which a keyboard
is placed.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Electronic apparatuses such as portable computers having a
keyboard placing portion in a top wall of a housing thereof, in
general, the keyboard placing portion is provided with a recessed
shape in the top wall of the housing. Therefore, if liquid such as
coffee or water is accidentally spilled on the electronic
apparatuses, the liquid may remain in the keyboard placing
portion.
[0006] Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Pub. No. 2003-122454 discloses a
computer having a keyboard placing portion provided with drain
mechanism. The computer has a first drain hole formed in a base of
the keyboard. A guide channel having a second drain hole is
provided below the first drain hole. Further, a third drain hole
opened to the outside of the computer is provided below the second
drain hole.
[0007] The drain mechanism has a plurality of drain holes formed in
the housing. Since the drain holes run through the inside of the
housing, liquid may leak from the drain holes into the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A general architecture that implements the various feature
of the invention will now be described with reference to the
drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided
to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the
scope of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a portable
computer according to a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an exemplary exploded perspective view of the
portable computer according to the first embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exemplary another exploded perspective view of
the portable computer according to the first embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exemplary perspective view of a frame member
according to the first embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exemplary plan view including a cross section
of a part of the portable computer according to the first
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is an exemplary side view of the portable computer
according to the first embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the portable
computer of the first embodiment, taken along line F7-F7 of FIG.
5;
[0016] FIG. 8 is an exemplary perspective view of another frame
member according to the first embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 9 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the portable
computer of the first embodiment, taken along line F9-F9 of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 10 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the portable
computer of the first embodiment, taken along line F10-F10 of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 11 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the portable
computer of the first embodiment, taken along line F11-F11 of FIG.
1
[0020] FIG. 12 is an exemplary schematic diagram of operation of
the portable computer according to the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 13 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the portable
computer according to the first embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 14 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a
modification of the portable computer according to the first
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 15 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of another
modification of the portable computer according to the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 16 is an exemplary perspective view of a frame member
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 17 is an exemplary plan view of a portable computer
according to the second embodiment, including a cross section of a
part of the portable computer;
[0026] FIG. 18 is an exemplary perspective view of a portable
computer according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 19 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of the portable
computer according to the third embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 20 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a
modification of the portable computer according to the third
embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 21 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of another
modification of the portable computer according to the third
embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 22 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of another
modification of the portable computer according to the third
embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 23 is an exemplary perspective view of a portable
computer according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 24 is an exemplary partly exploded perspective view of
the portable computer according to the fourth embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 25 is an exemplary perspective view of a part of a
portable computer according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 26 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a part of
the portable computer of the fifth embodiment, including a touchpad
placing portion;
[0035] FIG. 27 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a part of
the portable computer of the fifth embodiment, including a palm
rest member;
[0036] FIG. 28 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a
modification of the portable computer according to the fifth
embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 29 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of another
modification of the portable computer according to the fifth
embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 30 is an exemplary side view of a portable computer
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and
[0039] FIG. 31 is an exemplary plan view of the portable computer
according to the sixth embodiment, including a cross section of a
part of the portable computer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] Various embodiments according to the invention will be
described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In general, according to one embodiment of the invention, an
electronic apparatus is provided with a housing including a top
wall and a side portion extending from an edge of the top wall, a
keyboard, and a keyboard placing portion on which the keyboard is
placed, the keyboard placing portion including a bottom surface
provided in the top wall. At least part of the bottom surface
extends to the side portion of the housing.
[0041] Embodiments of the present invention, in which the present
invention is applied to portable computers, are described below
with reference to drawings.
[0042] FIGS. 1 to 13 disclose a portable computer 1 serving as an
electronic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the portable computer 1 is
provided with a main body 2 and a display unit 3.
[0043] The main body 2 has a housing base 4 and a housing cover 5.
The housing cover 5 is combined with the housing base 4 from above.
The main body 2 has a box-shaped housing 6 formed of the housing
base 4 combined with the housing cover 5. The housing 6 has a top
wall 7, a peripheral wall 8, and a bottom wall 9. The peripheral
wall 8 has a front sidewall portion 8a extending from a front edge
of the top wall 7, a left sidewall portion 8b extending from a left
edge of the top wall 7, a right sidewall portion 8c extending from
a right edge of the top wall 7, and a rear sidewall portion 8d
extending from a rear edge of the top wall 7. That is, the four
sidewall portions 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d extend from mutually different
edges of the top wall 7.
[0044] The front sidewall portion 8a, the left sidewall portion 8b,
the right sidewall portion 8c, and the rear sidewall portion 8d are
examples of side portions of the present invention. The side
portions may not have flat surfaces. For example, the side portions
may be curved sidewall portions.
[0045] The display unit 3 has a display housing 10, and a liquid
crystal display panel 11 contained in the display housing 10. The
liquid crystal display panel 11 has a display screen 11a. The
display screen 11a is exposed to the outside of the housing 6
through an opening portion 10a formed in a front surface of the
display housing 10.
[0046] The display unit 3 is rotatably supported by a rear end
portion of the housing 6 via a pair of hinge parts 12a and 12b.
Therefore, the display unit 3 is rotatable between a closed
position where the display unit 3 is laid down to cover the top
wall 7 from above, and an open position where the display unit 3
stands to expose the top wall 7.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the top wall 7 of the housing 6 is
provided with a projecting portion 13, a keyboard placing portion
14, a touchpad part 15, and a pair of palm rest portions 16a and
16b in this order from the rear end side. A keyboard 17 is placed
on the keyboard placing portion 14. The keyboard placing portion 14
supports the keyboard 17 from below.
[0048] The keyboard 17 has a base 21, a plurality of keys 22
mounted on the base 21, and a wire member (not shown) having wires
and electric contacts. The wire member is electrically connected
with, for example, a flexible flat cable (FFC) 23. An example of
the base 21 includes a sheet metal member, and a plate member which
is superposed on the sheet metal member and to which a support
mechanism of the keys 22 is provided.
[0049] First, the keyboard placing portion 14 is explained in
detail with reference to FIG. 2. The keyboard placing portion 14 is
provided to extend from the left edge to the right edge of the top
wall 7 of the housing 6. The keyboard placing portion 14 has a
bottom surface 25 provided in the top wall 7. The bottom surface 25
extends from a central portion of the top wall 7 to the left
sidewall portion 8b of the housing 6, and extends to the right
sidewall portion 8c of the housing 6. Specifically, the bottom
surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14 is formed to extend
from the left edge to the right edge of the top wall 7 of the
housing 6. In other words, the bottom surface 25 extends to the
sidewall portions 8b and 8c of the housing 6, in longitudinal end
portions of the keyboard placing portion 14.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the keyboard placing portion 14
has a first region 14a and second regions 14b. The first region 14a
is formed in a central portion of the keyboard placing portion 14.
The first region 14a receives the keyboard 17, and is opposed to
the lower surface of the keyboard 17. The second regions 14b are
formed between the first region 14a and the left sidewall portion
8b of the housing 6, and between the first region 14a and the right
sidewall portion 8c of the housing 6. The bottom surface 25 of the
keyboard placing portion 14 includes a bottom surface 25a
positioned in the first region 14a, and bottom surfaces 25b
positioned in the respective second regions 14b.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in the keyboard placing portion 14
of the first embodiment, the bottom surfaces 25b of the second
regions 14b are positioned on the same plane as the bottom surface
25a of the first region 14a. Specifically, the height of the bottom
surfaces 25b of the second regions 14b is the same as the height of
the bottom surface 25a of the first region 14a. In other words, the
height of the bottom surfaces 25b of the second regions 14b is
lower than the height of a top surface 21a of the base 21 of the
keyboard 17 placed on the first region 14a. The term "height" in
the specification of the present application indicates a height
from a placing surface F such as a desktop, on which the portable
computer 1 is placed.
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of first engaging
parts 31 is formed in the second regions 14b. The first engaging
parts 31 are, for example, cylindrical projections projecting
upward from the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion
14. A first engaging hole 31a opened to the inside of the housing 6
is formed in each of the first engaging parts 31.
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the touchpad part 15 and the palm
rest portions 16a and 16b are formed in front of the keyboard
placing portion 14. The touchpad part 15 is provided in a
longitudinal central portion of the housing 6. As illustrated in
FIG. 9, the touchpad part 15 has a touchpad placing portion 32, a
touchpad unit 33, and a touchpad cover 34.
[0054] The touchpad placing portion 32 is formed in the top wall 7
of the housing 6. The touchpad unit 33 is mounted on the touchpad
placing portion 32. The touchpad cover 34 is attached to the
touchpad placing portion 32 and covers the touchpad unit 33. The
touchpad unit 33 is exposed to the outside through an opening
portion 34a of the touchpad cover 34.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the palm rest portions 16a and 16b
are provided on the left and the right of the touchpad part 15 to
hold the touchpad part 15 therebetween. The palm rest portions 16a
and 16b of the first embodiment are formed as one body with the top
wall 7 of the housing 6. The palm rest portions 16a and 16b are
raised upward from the housing 6 to be higher than the keyboard
placing portion 14.
[0056] A first holder placing portion 36 is provided between the
keyboard placing portion 14 and the palm rest portions 16a and 16b.
The first holder placing portion 36 extends along the longitudinal
direction of the housing 6. The first holder placing portion 36 is
inclined from edges of the palm rest portions 16a and 16b toward
the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14. A
plurality of second engaging parts 37 are provided in the first
holder placing portion 36. A second engaging hole 37a opened to the
inside of the housing 6 is formed in each of the second engaging
parts 37.
[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a left frame member 41a, a right
frame member 41b and a keyboard holder 43 are attached to the top
wall 7 of the housing 6. The left and right frame members 41a and
41b have almost the same structure. Therefore, only the left frame
member 41a is explained in the first embodiment, and explanation of
the right frame member 41b is omitted by denoting constituent
elements having the same functions as those of the left frame
member 41 a by the same respective reference numerals.
[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the left frame member 41a
(hereinafter simply referred to as "frame member 41a") has a first
portion 45 and a second portion 46 which extend in different
directions perpendicular to each other. The first portion 45 is an
example of a main body part of the frame member in the present
invention. The second portion 46 is an example of a holder which
holds the keyboard 17.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the frame member 41 a is
attached to the top wall 7 of the housing 6, the first portion 45
is placed in one of the second regions 14b of the keyboard placing
portion 14, and the second portion 46 is placed in the first holder
placing portion 36. The first portion 45 has almost the same
external shape as that of the second regions 14b of the keyboard
placing portion 14. The second portion 46 has almost the same
external shape as that of the first holder placing portion 36.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first portion 45 has a ceiling
wall portion 51, a first sidewall portion 52, and a second sidewall
portion 53. As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the frame member 41a is
attached to the top wall 7 of the housing 6, the ceiling wall
portion 51 is opposed to the second region 14b from above, and
forms a gap between the ceiling wall portion 51 and the bottom
surface 25b of the second region 14b. The first sidewall portion 52
extends from an edge portion of the ceiling wall portion 51, which
faces the keyboard 17, toward the housing 6, and abuts the bottom
surface 25b of the second region 14b. The second sidewall portion
53 extends from an edge portion of the ceiling wall portion 51,
which faces the outside of the housing 6, toward the housing 6, and
abuts the bottom surface 25b of the second region 14b.
[0061] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7, the first sidewall portion
52 has a plurality of cut-off portions 52a. The cut-off portions
52a cut off the lower end portion of the first sidewall portion 52
in a recessed shape. When the frame member 41a is attached to the
top wall 7 of the housing 6, a gap is formed between each of the
cut-off portions 52a and the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard
placing portion 14. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the cut-off portions
52a of the first sidewall portion 52 are formed in positions
opposed to respective gaps between adjacent keys 22 of the keyboard
17, for example. However, the cut-off portions 52 are not
necessarily formed in positions opposed to gaps between adjacent
keys 22.
[0062] The second sidewall portion 53 has a plurality of cut-off
portions 53a. The cut-off portions 53a cut off the lower end
portion of the second sidewall portion 53 in a recessed shape. When
the frame member 41a is attached to the top wall 7 of the housing
6, a gap is formed between each of the cut-off portions 53a and the
bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14. As
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the keyboard placing portion 14
communicates with the side of the housing 6 through the cut-off
portions 52a of the first sidewall portion 52 and the cut-off
portions 53a of the second sidewall portion 53. Therefore, it can
be said that the second regions 14b of the keyboard placing portion
14 have a liquid-guiding portion, which extends to the left
sidewall portion 8b of the housing 6 while keeping the same height
as that of the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion
14.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the cut-off portions 53a of the
second sidewall portion 53 are formed in areas shifted from the
areas opposed to the cut-off portions 52a of the first sidewall
portion 52. Specifically, the cut-off portions 53a of the second
sidewall portion 53 are formed in positions offset from the cut-off
portions 52a of the first sidewall portion 52.
[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a plurality of engaging
projections 55 project downward from the ceiling wall portion 51 of
the first portion 45 of the frame member 41a. As illustrated in
FIG. 7, the engaging projections 55 are inserted through the
respective first engaging holes 3 la of the first engaging parts 31
provided in the second regions 14b. Distal ends of the engaging
projections 55 inserted through the first engaging holes 3 la are
welded to the housing 6 inside the housing 6. Thereby, the first
portion 45 is fixed to the housing 6.
[0065] The second portion 46 extends slantingly with respect to the
first portion 45, to extend along the first holder placing portion
36 extending slantingly. A plurality of engaging projections 56
projects downward from the second portion 46. As illustrated in
FIG. 10, the engaging projections 56 are inserted through the
respective second engaging holes 37a of the second engaging parts
37 provided in the first holder placing portion 36. Distal ends of
the engaging projections 56 inserted through the second engaging
holes 37a are welded to the housing 6 inside the housing 6.
Thereby, the second portion 46 is fixed to the housing 6.
[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 10, a plurality of recessed
portions 58 are formed in an edge portion of the keyboard placing
portion 14, which is adjacent to the first holder placing portion
36. A front end portion of the keyboard 17 has first hook portions
59 formed in positions corresponding to the first recessed portions
58. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the first hook portions 59 are
inserted between the top wall 7 of the housing 6 and the second
portions 46 of the frame members 41a and 41b, by using the first
recessed portions 58. The second portions 46 of the frame members
41a and 41b hold down the first hook portions 59 of the keyboard 17
to the keyboard placing portion 14. The second portions 46 of the
frame members 41a and 41b are an example of the first holder of the
present invention.
[0067] FIG. 8 illustrates the right frame member 41b. Like the left
frame member 41a, the right frame member 41b also has a first
portion 45 and a second portion 46. Therefore, it can be said that
the portable computer 1 also has a liquid-guiding portion, which
extends to the right sidewall portion 8c of the housing 6 while
keeping the same height as that of the bottom surface 25 of the
keyboard placing portion 14, in the right end portion of the
keyboard placing portion 14.
[0068] Although the first and the second portions 45 and 46 are
formed as one body in the left and the right frame members 41a and
41b of the first embodiment, the first and the second portions 45
and 46 may be formed separately. When the first and the second
portions 45 and 46 are formed as one body as in the frame members
41a and 41b of the first embodiment, assembly property of the
portable computer 1 is improved.
[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 6, air outlets are opened in the left
sidewall portion 8b of the housing 6. The air outlets 61 are
positioned below the cut-off portions 53a formed in the second
sidewall portion 53. As illustrated in FIG. 7, air inlets 62 are
opened in the bottom wall 9 of the housing 6. Further, the housing
6 contains a cooling fan 63. The cooling fan 63 has air intake
ports 63a which take in the air in the housing 6, and an air
exhaust port 63b which exhausts the taken air. The air exhaust port
63b of the cooling fan 63 is opposed to the air outlets 61 formed
in the housing 6.
[0070] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the projecting
portion 13 is formed in the rear end portion of the top wall 7 of
the housing 6. The projecting portion 13 projects upward from the
top wall 7 of the housing 6, and is opposed to the display unit 3.
The projecting portion 13 extends along the longitudinal direction
of the housing 6. The projecting portion 13 has a pair of first
depressed portions 65a and 65b. The depressed portions 65a and 65b
cut off the projecting portion 13.
[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a pair of leg portions 66a and 66b
project from the lower end portion of the display housing 10 toward
the housing 6. The leg portions 66a and 66b are part of the hinge
parts 12a and 12b, respectively. The leg portions 66a and 66b are
attached to the first depressed portions 65a and 65b, respectively,
formed in the projecting portion 13. Each of the hinge parts 12a
and 12b has a hinge device 67 including a hinge shaft. The hinge
devices 67 are provided to extend between the projecting portion 13
of the housing 6 and the leg portions 66a and 66b of the display
unit 3, and rotatably connect the display unit 3 to the housing
6.
[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a second holder placing portion 71
is formed between the keyboard placing portion 14 and the
projecting portion 13. The second holder placing portion 71 is
raised higher than the keyboard placing portion 14. The second
holder placing portion 71 has a plurality of second recessed
portions 72 and a plurality of third engaging parts 73. The second
recessed portions 72 are recessed from the front edge of the second
holder placing portion 71 toward the rear of the housing 6.
[0073] Second hook portions 74 are formed in parts of the rear end
portion of the keyboard 17, which correspond to the second recessed
portions 72. The keyboard 17 is placed on the keyboard placing
portion 14, with the second hook portions 74 fitted into the second
recessed portions 72. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the keyboard
holder 43 has an top wall portion 76 opposed to the upper surface
of the second holder placing portion 71, a standing wall portion 77
extending from an edge of the top wall portion 76 toward the
keyboard placing portion 14, and engaging projections 78 (FIG. 3)
engaged with the third engaging parts 73.
[0074] When the keyboard holder 43 is placed on the second holder
placing portion 71, the engaging projections 78 are engaged with
the third engaging parts 73, and the keyboard holder 43 is fixed to
the housing 6. When the keyboard holder 43 is placed on the second
holder placing portion 71, a lower end of the standing wall portion
77 of the keyboard holder 43 abuts the second hook portions 74 of
the keyboard 17 from above. Thereby, the keyboard 43 holds down the
rear end portion of the keyboard 17 toward the keyboard placing
portion 14. The keyboard holder 43 is an example of the second
holder of the present invention. As described above, the keyboard
17 is held on the keyboard placing portion 14 by the second
portions 46 of the left and the right frame members 41a and 41b and
the keyboard holder 43.
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second holder placing portion
71 has second depressed portions 81a and 81b in respective areas
adjacent to the first depressed portions 65a and 65b, respectively.
The depressed portions 81a and 81b cut off the second holder
placing portion 71. As illustrated in FIG. 11, a hinge cap 82 which
connects the housing cover 5 to the housing base 4 is attached to
the rear end portion of the housing 6 positioned below the hinge
parts 12a and 12b. The hinge cap 82 overlaps the end portion of the
housing cover 5 from below, and forms a part of the top wall 7 of
the housing 6.
[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the top wall 7 is provided with
rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b formed by the first
depressed portions 65a and 65b, the second depressed portions 81a
and 81b, and a part of the top wall 7 formed by the hinge cap 82.
FIG. 5 illustrates the rear end depressed portion 84a formed in the
left end portion of the housing 6, as a representative example. The
right rear end depressed portion 84b has the same structure as the
left rear end depressed portion 84a.
[0077] Each of the rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b has a
bottom surface 86, and a standing wall 87 standing from a
peripheral edge of the bottom surface 86. Edge portions of the rear
end portions 84a and 84b, which are adjacent to the keyboard
placing portion 14, are opened. Therefore, the bottom surfaces 86
of the rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b connect with the
bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14. The bottom
surfaces 86 of the rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b
communicate with the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing
portion 14 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction of the keyboard placing portion 14. Further, each of the
rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b has a cut-off portion 87a
which cuts off a part of the standing wall 87 facing the rear of
the housing 6.
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 11, each of the bottom surfaces 86 of
the rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b has a first bottom
surface region 86a extending from the rear edge of the keyboard
placing portion 14, a second bottom surface region 86b positioned
below a front portion of the hinge part 12a or 12b, and a third
bottom surface region 86c formed by the hinge cap 82. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, a part of the first bottom surface region
86a extends into the keyboard placing portion 14. As illustrated in
FIG. 11, the first bottom region 86a is located slightly lower than
the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14.
[0079] The second bottom surface region 86b is lower than the first
bottom surface region 86a, and the third bottom surface region 86c
is lower than the second bottom surface region 86b. Specifically,
the bottom surface 86 of the rear end depressed portions 84a and
84b are lower than the top surface 21 a of the base 21 of the
keyboard 17 placed on the keyboard placing portion 14. The rear
edges of the bottom surfaces 86 of the rear end depressed portions
84a and 84b extend to the rear sidewall portion 8d of the housing
6. Ribs 88 extends from side edges of the cut-off portions 87a of
the rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b toward the rear
sidewall portion 8d of the housing 6.
[0080] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11, the keyboard holder 43 has
cut-off portions 43a in areas corresponding to the rear end
depressed portions 84a and 84b. When the keyboard holder 43 is
attached to the second holder placing portion 71, the cut-off
portions 43a form gaps with the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard
placing portion 14. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the keyboard placing
portion 14 communicates with the side (more specifically, the rear
side being one of the sides) of the housing 6 through the cut-off
portions 43a of the keyboard holder 43 and the rear end depressed
portions 84a and 84b. Therefore, it can be said that the rear end
depressed portions 84a and 84b form liquid-guiding portions which
extend from the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion
14 to the rear sidewall portion 8d of the housing 6.
[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the keyboard placing portion 14
has a first and a second opening portions 91 and 92 opened to the
inside of the housing 6. As illustrated in FIG. 9, an FFC 94 of the
touchpad unit 33 extends into the housing 6 through the first
opening portion 91. The housing 6 contains a main printed circuit
board 95. The FFC 94 is electrically connected to the main printed
circuit board 95. The first opening portion 91 is covered by a
first lid 96. An example of the first lid 96 is a sheet metal
member.
[0082] A sealing member 97 is interposed between the first lid 96
and the housing 6. Examples of the sealing member 97 are double
faced adhesive tape and sponge rubber. The sealing member 97 is
formed into a closed-loop surrounding the first opening portion 91.
The sealing member 97 liquid-tightly seals a part surrounding the
first opening portion 91. The sealing member 9 may be provided
between the FFC 94 and the first lid 96, or between the housing 6
and the FFC 94. Further, sealing members 97 may be provided on and
under the FFC 94.
[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the second opening portion 92 is
covered by a second lid 98. An example of the second lid 98 is a
sheet metal member. Although it is not shown in detail, the FFC 23
of the keyboard 17 extends into the housing 6 through the second
opening portion 92, and is electrically connected to the main
printed circuit board 95. A sealing member 97 formed into a closed
loop liquid-tightly seals a part surrounding the second opening
portion 92.
[0084] Next, assembly of the portable computer 1 is explained.
[0085] First, the left and the right frame members 41a and 41b are
attached to the top wall 7 of the housing 6. Specifically, the
engaging projections 55 in the first portions 45 of the frame
members 41 a and 41 b are inserted through the engaging holes 31 a
of the first engaging parts 31, and the engaging projections 56 of
the second portions 46 are inserted through the engaging holes 37a
of the second engaging parts 37. After the engaging projections 55
and 56 are inserted through the engaging holes 31a and 37a,
respectively, the engaging projections 55 and 56 are welded inside
the housing 6. Thereby, the frame members 41a and 41b are attached
to the housing 6.
[0086] The touchpad part 15 is assembled before or after the frame
members 41a and 41b are attached to the housing 6. Specifically,
the FFC 94 of the touchpad unit 33 is inserted into the housing 6
through the first opening portion 91, and thereafter the first
opening portion 91 is covered by the first lid 96. Since the
sealing member 97 is interposed between the first lid 96 and the
housing 6, the part surrounding the first opening portion 91 is
liquid-tight.
[0087] After the frame members 41a and 41b are attached to the
housing 6, the keyboard 17 is placed on the keyboard placing
portion 14. Specifically, the FFC 23 of the keyboard 17 is inserted
into the housing 6 through the second opening portion 92, and
thereafter the second opening portion 92 is covered by the second
lid 98. Since the sealing member 97 is interposed between the
second lid 98 and the housing 6, the part surrounding the second
opening portion 92 is liquid-tight. Thereafter, the first hook
portions 59 of the keyboard 17 are inserted into the first recessed
portions 58, and thereby the first hook portions 59 are interposed
between the top wall 7 and the frame members 41a and 41b. Thereby,
the front end portion of the keyboard 17 is supported by the frame
members 41 a and 41b from above.
[0088] After the first hook portions 59 are inserted under the
frame members 41a and 41b, the keyboard 17 is placed on the
keyboard placing portion 14, with the second hook portions 74
fitted into the second recessed portions 72. After the keyboard 17
is placed on the keyboard placing portion 14, the keyboard holder
43 is attached to the second holder placing portion 71. Thereby,
the rear end portion of the keyboard 17 is supported by the
standing wall portion 77 of the keyboard holder 43 from above. By
the above steps, the keyboard 17 is fixed to the keyboard placing
portion 14.
[0089] Next, operation of the portable computer 1 is explained.
[0090] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of operation of the portable
computer 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, if
liquid such as coffee or water is accidentally spilled on the
portable computer 1, the spilled liquid falls on the keyboard 17.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the liquid falling on the keyboard 17
flows on the base 21 of the keyboard 17.
[0091] A part of the liquid flowing on the base 21 of the keyboard
17 flows out of the keyboard 17 into the second regions 14b of the
keyboard placing portion 14. The bottom surface 25 of the keyboard
placing portion 14 extends to the left and the right edges of the
housing 6. Further, the left and the right frame members 41a and
41b form gaps, which function as channels, with the bottom surface
25 of the keyboard placing portion 14. The liquid flowing into the
second regions 14b is discharged to the sides of the housing 6,
through the grooves formed in the frame members 41a and 41b.
[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 12, a part of the liquid flowing on
the base 21 of the keyboard 17 flows into the rear end depressed
portions 84a and 84b through the cut-off portions 43a of the
keyboard holder 43. The liquid flowing into the rear end depressed
portions 84a and 84b is guided by the standing walls 87 and the
ribs 88 of the rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b, and
discharged to the rear of the housing 6 through respective gaps
between the bottom surfaces 86 of the rear end depressed portions
84a and 84b and the hinge parts 12a and 12b.
[0093] According to the portable computer 1 having the above
structure, liquid-proof property is improved. Specifically, since
the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14 extends to
the sidewall portions 8b and 8c, liquid spilled on the keyboard 17
does not remain in the keyboard placing portion 14, but is
discharged from edges of the top wall 7 to the sides of the housing
6. Specifically, according to the portable computer 1 of the first
embodiment, it is unnecessary to provide ducts extending from the
keyboard placing portion to the bottom of the housing through the
housing. Liquid spilled on the keyboard placing portion 14 is
discharged from the top wall 7 of the housing 6 to the sides of the
housing 6, without passing through the inside of the housing 6.
Therefore, there is little possibility that the liquid leaks inside
the housing 6, and thus the liquid-proof property of the portable
computer 1 is improved.
[0094] Further, according to the portable computer 1 of the first
embodiment, it is unnecessary to provide a drain mechanism such as
ducts, and thus the space in the housing 6 can be effectively used.
This contributes to downsizing and increase in flexibility of
design of the portable computer 1. Further, since it is unnecessary
to provide mechanisms such as ducts, the structure of the housing 6
is simplified. This contributes to reduction in manufacturing cost
of the portable computer 1.
[0095] Since the second region 14b of the keyboard placing portion
14 is lower than the top surface 21a of the base 21 of the keyboard
17, liquid spilled on the base 21 is spontaneously discharged to
the side of the housing 6. Specifically, spilled liquid is hard to
remain in the keyboard placing portion 14, and liquid is easily
discharged in a short time. This shortens the time necessary for
the portable computer 1 to dry, and thus the portable computer 1
which has got wet becomes usable again in a short time.
[0096] Since the frame members 41a and 41b are attached to the
second regions 14b, the height of the top surface of the main body
2 formed by the keyboard 17, the palm rest portions 16a and 16b,
the touchpad part 15 and the frame members 41 a and 41 b is made
substantially uniform. This enhances the appearance of the portable
computer 1. Specifically, the appearance of the portable computer 1
is improved by attaching the frame members 41 a and 41b also
functioning as decorative members.
[0097] The frame members 41a and 41b form gaps, which function as
channels, with the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing
portion 14. Therefore, even when the frame members 41a and 41b are
attached to the keyboard placing portion 14, liquid flowing on the
bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14 reaches the
sides of the housing 6 through the above gaps. Specifically, the
frame members 41a and 41b hardly deteriorate the drainage
capability of the portable computer 1.
[0098] It suffices that the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard
placing portion 14 extends to at least one of the sidewall portions
8a, 8b, 8c and 8d. The bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing
portion 14 according to the first embodiment extends to the left
and the right sidewall portions 8b and 8c corresponding to the
longitudinal end portions of the keyboard placing portion 14. Since
the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14 extends
from the central portion of the keyboard placing portion 14 to two
or more different sidewall portions 8b and 8c as in the first
embodiment, spilled liquid is discharged through various routes,
and the drainage capability of the portable computer 1 is further
improved.
[0099] Since there is other bottom surface 86 which communicates
with the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14 and
extends to the sidewall portion 8d of the housing 6 along the
direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the
keyboard placing portion 14, the variety of the discharge routes of
spilled liquid is further increased. Specifically, in the first
embodiment, liquid can be discharged in three directions, that is,
to the left, the right, and the rear of the keyboard 17. Therefore,
the drainage capability is further improved.
[0100] Further, since the height of the bottom surface 86 is the
same as, or lower than, the height of the top surface 21a of the
base 21 of the keyboard 17, liquid spilled on the base 21 is
spontaneously discharged to the side of the housing 6, and thus the
drainage capability is further improved.
[0101] The bottom surfaces 86 according to the first embodiment are
formed in the depressed portions 65a and 65b to which the hinge
parts 12a and 12b is attached. The depressed portions 65a and 65b
is depressed to receive the hinge parts 12a and 12b. By using the
depressed portion, the height of the bottom surface 86 is easily
set to be the same as or lower than the top surface 21 a of the
base 21 of the keyboard 17, without specially providing cut-off
portions or grooves in the projecting portion 13.
[0102] Recent portable computers generally have air inlets for
taking in the outside air into the housing in the bottom wall of
the housing. For example, if liquid remained in the keyboard
placing portion is discharged below the housing through ducts or
the like, the liquid discharged below the housing may enter the
housing again through air inlets with air intake by the cooling
fan.
[0103] On the other hand, in the portable computer 1 according to
the first embodiment, the liquid remained in the keyboard placing
portion 14 is discharged to the sides of the housing 6. Therefore,
there is little possibility that the liquid enters the housing 6
through the air inlets 62 provided in the bottom wall 9 of the
housing 6. This contributes to improved liquid-proof property of
the portable computer 1.
[0104] Since the air outlet 61 is formed in the sidewall portion 8b
of the housing 6, the air emitted from the cooling fan 63 is
discharged to the outside of the housing 6 through the air outlet
61. As illustrated in FIG. 13, liquid to be discharged to the side
of the housing 6 is fanned away by the air discharged from the air
outlet 61, and discharged away from the housing 6. This further
reduces the possibility that the liquid enters the housing 6
through the air outlet 61 or the air inlet 62 formed in the housing
6.
[0105] Since the front and the rear end portions of the keyboard 17
are fixed to the housing 6 by the frame members 41a and 41b and the
keyboard holder 43, it is unnecessary to fix the left and right
side end portions of the keyboard 17. Specifically, it is
unnecessary to provide engaging holes or recessed portions on the
left and the right sides of the keyboard 17 to fix the keyboard 17.
Since such engaging holes are omitted, the bottom surface 25 of the
keyboard placing portion 14 is formed flatter, and the drainage
capability is further improved.
[0106] Since the cut-off portions 52a in the first sidewall
portions 52 of the left and the right frame members 41a and 41b are
opposed to respective the gaps between keys 22 of the keyboard 17,
the liquid drainage capability is improved. Specifically, liquid
spilled on the keyboard 17 flows between the keys 22 by
capillarity. Therefore, since the cut-off portion 52a is formed in
position opposed to the gap between adjacent keys 22, the liquid
which has reached the frame members 41a and 41b after flowing
between the keys 22 directly flows under the frame members 41a and
41b through the cut-off portion 52a. This improves the drainage
capability of the portable computer.
[0107] Since the cut-off portions 52a in the first sidewall
portions 52 of the left and the right frame members 41a and 41b are
shifted from the cut-off portions 53a of the second sidewall
portions 53, the keyboard 17 does not come within the sight of the
user when the user views the side surfaces of the housing 6. This
contributes to improvement of the appearance of the portable
computer 1. Since the cut-off portions 52a and 53a are provided in
the lower end portions of the frame members 41a and 41b, the
cut-off portions 52a and 53a are inconspicuous when the main body 2
is viewed from above, and thus the appearance of the portable
computer 1 is improved.
[0108] For example, since the ribs 88 are provided on the rear end
depressed portions 84a and 84b, liquid flowing in the rear end
depressed portions 84a and 84b is guided in a certain direction. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, if a functional component 99 is provided in
the rear sidewall portion 8d of the housing 6, the ribs 88 guides
the liquid flowing in the rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b
to flow in a direction avoiding the functional component 99. This
contributes to improvement in the liquid-proof property of the
portable computer 1. An example of the functional component 99 is a
connector.
[0109] FIG. 14 illustrates a modification of the portable computer
1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the
bottom surfaces 25b of the second regions 14b of the keyboard
placing portion 14 may be formed as high as the top surface 21a of
the base 21 of the keyboard 17 placed on the first region 14a.
Specifically, the bottom surfaces 25b of the second regions 14b may
be set higher than the bottom surface 25a of the first region 14a
by the thickness of the base 21 of the keyboard 17. Since liquid
spilled on the keyboard 17 flows on the top surface 21 a of the
base 21, the spilled liquid flows from the top surface 21 a of the
base 21 into the second regions 14b and is spontaneously discharged
to the sides of the housing 6, as long as the second regions 14b is
not higher than the top surface 21 a of the base 21. Therefore, the
modification also has a good liquid drainage capability.
[0110] Specifically, even when the bottom surfaces 25b of the
second regions 14b of the keyboard placing portion 14 have the same
height as that of the top surface 2 la of the base 21 of the
keyboard 17, a sufficient liquid drainage effect is achieved. If
the bottom surface 25b of the second region 14 is lower than the
top surface 21 a of the base 21, liquid drainage is easily
promoted. In all the embodiments described below, the bottom
surfaces 25b of the second regions 14b may have the same height as
the top surface 21 a of the base 21 of the keyboard 17 placed on
the first region 14a. Even if the bottom surfaces 25b of the second
regions 14b are slightly higher than the top surface 21 a of the
base 21 of the keyboard 17, some liquid drainage capability is
expected, as long as the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing
portion 14 extends to at least one of the sidewall portions 8b and
8c of the housing 6.
[0111] In the same manner, the bottom surfaces 86 of the rear end
depressed portions 84a and 84b may have the same height as the top
surface 21 a of the base 21 of the keyboard 17 (FIG. 15).
Specifically, even when the bottom surfaces 86 of the rear end
depressed portions 84a and 84b are higher than the bottom surface
25a of the first region 14a by the thickness of the base 21 of the
keyboard 17, the rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b can
exhibit a sufficient liquid drainage effect. Although the rear end
depressed portions 84a and 84b of the first embodiment have three
bottom surface regions 86a, 86b and 86c having different heights,
the rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b may extend flat to the
sides of the housing 6. The rear end depressed portions 84a and 84b
may be formed in regions different from the regions below the hinge
parts 12a and 12b. For example, the frame members 41a and 41b may
be omitted. The portable computer 1 can exhibit the liquid-proof
capability even without the frame members 41a and 41b.
[0112] Next, a portable computer 101 serving as an electronic
apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention
is described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. Constituent
elements thereof having the same functions as those of the portable
computer 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the
same respective reference numerals, and explanations thereof are
omitted. The portable computer 101 has a frame member 102 which is
different from the frame members 41a and 41b according to the first
embodiment. The portable computer 101 is the same as the portable
computer 1 except the above point.
[0113] FIG. 16 illustrates the frame member 102 according to the
second embodiment. FIG. 16 illustrates a left frame member. Since a
right frame member thereof has almost the same structure as that of
the left frame member, explanation thereof is omitted.
[0114] The frame member 102 has a first portion 45 and a second
portion 46. The first portion 45 has a ceiling wall portion 51 and
a plurality of leg portions 103. The ceiling wall portion 51 forms
a gap between the frame member 102 and the bottom surface 25b of
the second region 14b. The leg portions 103 project from the
ceiling wall portion 51 toward the housing 6. In other words, the
frame member 102 has groove portions 104 formed between adjacent
leg portions 103.
[0115] When the frame member 102 is attached to the top wall 7 of
the housing 6, distal ends of the leg portions 103 abut the bottom
surface 25b of the second region 14b. As illustrated in FIG. 17,
when the frame member 102 is attached to the top wall 7 of the
housing 6, the groove portions 104 form respective gaps between
groove portions 104 and the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard
placing portion 14. The keyboard placing portion 14 communicates
with the sides of the housing 6 through the groove portions 104.
The groove portions 104 of the frame member 102 are formed in
positions opposed to respective gaps between adjacent keys 22 of
the keyboard 17.
[0116] According to the portable computer 101 having the above
structure, the liquid-proof capability is improved. Specifically,
since the keyboard placing portion 14 extends to the sidewall
portions 8b and 8c, liquid spilled on the keyboard 17 is discharged
from edges of the top wall 7 to the sides of the housing 6, without
remaining in the keyboard placing portion 14. Therefore, there is
little possibility that liquid leaks in the housing 6, and thus
liquid-proof property of the portable computer 101 is improved.
[0117] Since the frame members 102 are attached to the second
regions 14b, the appearance of the portable computer 101 is
improved for the same reason as in the first embodiment. Even when
the frame members 102 are attached to the keyboard placing portion
14, liquid flowing on the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing
portion 14 reaches the sides of the housing 6 through the groove
portions 104. Specifically, the frame members 102 hardly
deteriorate the liquid drainage capability of the portable computer
101.
[0118] Since the groove portion 104 of the frame member 102 is
opposed to the respective the gap between adjacent keys 22 of the
keyboard 17, the liquid drainage capability is improved for the
same reason as described in the first embodiment.
[0119] The structure and the shape of the left and the right frame
members are not limited to specific ones, as long as they do not
obstruct the flow of liquid flowing from the keyboard 17 toward
edges of the top wall 7. For example, a gap may be formed between
the frame member and the bottom surface of the keyboard placing
portion, by lifting and supporting the frame member having a plate
shape by projections projecting from the bottom surface of the
keyboard placing portion 14.
[0120] Next, a portable computer 111 serving as an electronic
apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention
is described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19. Constituent
elements thereof having the same functions as those of the portable
computer 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the
same respective reference numerals, and explanations thereof are
omitted. The portable computer 111 has a frame portion 112 which is
united as one body with the housing 6, instead of the frame members
41a and 41b according to the first embodiment. The portable
computer 111 is the same as the portable computer 1 except for the
above point.
[0121] The keyboard placing portion 113 has a bottom surface 113a
formed in the top wall 7 of the housing 6. The keyboard placing
portion 113 according to the third embodiment does not reach the
left edge or the right edge of the top wall 7. As illustrated in
FIGS. 18 and 19, a frame portion 112 stands upward between the
keyboard placing portion 113 and the left sidewall portion 8b of
the housing 6, and between the keyboard placing portion 113 and the
right sidewall portion 8c of the housing 6. The frame portion 112
is united with the top wall 7 of the housing 6. The frame portion
112 has a plurality of holes 114 penetrating in an extending
direction of the bottom surface 113a of the keyboard placing
portion 113, for example.
[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the holes 114 penetrate the frame
portion 112 along the extending direction of the bottom surface
113a of the keyboard placing portion 113. An example of the height
of the lower ends 114a of inner surfaces of the holes 114 is lower
than the height of the top surface 21a of the base 21 of the
keyboard 17 placed on the keyboard placing portion 113. The lower
ends 114a of the holes 114 according to the third embodiment is as
high as the bottom surface 113a of the keyboard placing portion
113, and lower than the top surface 21 a of the base 21 placed on
the keyboard placing portion 113. The holes 114 of the frame
portion 112 are formed in positions opposed to respective gaps
between adjacent keys 22 of the keyboard 17. As illustrated in FIG.
19, air outlets 61 opposed to a cooling fan 63 are formed in the
sidewall portion 8b of the housing 6.
[0123] FIG. 20 illustrates a modification of the portable computer
111. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the height of the lower ends 114a
of the holes 114 may be the same as the height of the top surface
21a of the base 21 placed on the keyboard placing portion 113. The
height of the bottom surfaces 86 of the rear end depressed portions
84a and 84b may be the same as, or lower than, the height of the
top surface 21a of the base 21 of the keyboard 17.
[0124] According to the portable computer 111 having the above
structure, the liquid-proof property is improved. Specifically,
since the frame portion 112 has the hole 114, liquid spilled on the
keyboard 17 is discharged to the side of the housing 6 through the
hole 114 of the frame portion 112, without remaining in the
keyboard placing portion 113. Therefore, there is little
possibility that liquid leaks in the housing 6, and thus the
liquid-proof property of the portable computer 111 is improved.
[0125] Since the frame portion 112 is provided, the top surface of
the main body 2, which is formed of the keyboard 17, the palm rest
portions 16a and 16b, the touchpad part 15 and the frame portion
112, is almost even. This improves the appearance of the portable
computer 111.
[0126] Since the lower end 114a of the inner surface of the hole
114 is lower than the top surface 21a of the base 21 of the
keyboard 17, liquid spilled on the base 21 is spontaneously
discharged to the sides of the housing 6. As illustrated in FIG.
21, the lower ends 114a of the holes 114 may be lower than the
bottom surface 113a of the keyboard placing portion 113. As
illustrated in FIG. 22, the holes 114 may be inclined to be
gradually lowered toward the outside of the housing 6. According to
the holes 114 illustrated in FIG. 21 or 22, the liquid drainage
capability is improved. However, even if the lower end 114a of the
hole 114 is slightly higher than the top surface 21 a of the base
21, some liquid drainage capability is expected, as long as the
hole 114 is formed in the frame portion 112.
[0127] Since the hole 114 of the frame portion 112 is opposed to
the gap between adjacent keys 22 of the keyboard 17, the liquid
drainage capability is improved for the same reason as that of the
portable computer 1 according to the first embodiment. Since the
air outlet opposed to the cooling fan 63 is formed in the sidewall
portion 8b of the housing 6, the liquid-proof property is improved
for the same reason as that of the portable computer 1 according to
the first embodiment.
[0128] Next, a portable computer 121 serving as an electronic
apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention
is described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. Constituent
elements thereof having the same functions as those of the portable
computer 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the
same respective reference numerals, and explanations thereof are
omitted. The portable computer 121 does not have left and right
frame members 41a and 41b.
[0129] A longitudinal dimension of a keyboard 122 according to the
fourth embodiment is almost the same as the longitudinal dimension
of the top wall 7 of the housing 6. Specifically, when the keyboard
122 is placed on the keyboard placing portion 14, edges of the
keyboard 122 reach the left and the right sidewall portions 8b and
8c of the housing 6.
[0130] According to the portable computer 121 having the above
structure, the liquid-proof property is improved. Specifically,
since the keyboard placing portion 14 extends to the sidewall
portions 8b and 8c, liquid spilled on the keyboard 17 is discharged
from edges of the top wall 7 to the sides of the housing 6, without
remaining in the keyboard placing portion 14. Therefore, there is
little possibility that liquid leaks in the housing 6, and thus
liquid-proof property of the portable computer 121 is improved.
[0131] Since the edges of the keyboard 122 reaches the left and the
right sidewall portions 8b and 8c of the housing 6, it is
unnecessary to provide frame members 41a and 41b or frame portion
112, and thus the shape of the housing 6 is simplified. This
contributes to reduction in manufacturing cost of the portable
computer 121.
[0132] Next, a portable computer 131 serving as an electronic
apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention
is described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 27. Constituent elements
thereof having the same functions as those of the portable computer
1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same
respective reference numerals, and explanations thereof are
omitted.
[0133] A touchpad placing portion 132 has a bottom surface 132a
formed in the top wall 7 of the housing 6. As illustrated in FIGS.
25 and 26, a bottom surface 132a of the touchpad placing portion
132 connects with the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing
portion 14, and is positioned on the same plane as the bottom
surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14. Specifically, the
height of the bottom surface 132a of the touchpad placing portion
132 is lower than the height of the top surface 21a of the base 21
of the keyboard 17 placed on the keyboard placing portion 14.
[0134] As in a modification illustrated in FIG. 28, the height of
the bottom surface 132a of the touchpad placing portion 132 may be
the same as the height of the top surface 21a of the base 21 of the
keyboard 17 placed on the keyboard placing portion 14.
[0135] Since the bottom surface 132a of the touchpad placing
portion 132 is as high as or lower than the top surface 21 a of the
base 21 of the keyboard 17 placed on the keyboard placing portion
14, the portable computer 131 has an improved liquid-proof
property.
[0136] The bottom surface 132a of the touchpad placing portion 132
extends from a front edge of the keyboard placing portion 14 to the
front sidewall portion 8a of the housing 6. A plurality of ribs 133
stand upward from the bottom surface 132a of the touchpad placing
portion 132. The ribs 133 extend along a direction from the
keyboard placing portion 14 to the front sidewall portion 8a of the
housing 6.
[0137] As illustrated in FIG. 26, a touchpad unit 33 is mounted on
the ribs 133. The touchpad unit 33 has a touchpad 134 being a
pointing device, and a switch board portion 135 on which a click
switch is mounted. A touchpad cover 136 is attached to the touchpad
placing portion 132 to cover the touchpad unit 33. The touchpad
cover 136 is provided with a push button 137 opposed to the switch
board portion 135.
[0138] As illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, the touchpad cover 136
has a first sidewall portion 52 in a rear end portion, and a second
sidewall portion 53 in a front end portion. A cut-off portion 52a
is formed in the first sidewall portion 52. Cut-off portions 53a
are formed in the second sidewall portion 53. Thereby, when the
touchpad cover 136 is attached to the touchpad placing portion 132,
a gap functioning as a channel is formed between the touchpad cover
136 and the bottom surface 132a of the touchpad placing portion
132.
[0139] As illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 27, palm rest members 141 are
formed as separate body from the housing 6. The top wall 7 of the
housing 6 has bottom surfaces 142a of palm rest placing portions
142. The bottom surfaces 142a of the palm rest placing portions 142
connect with the bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion
14, and are positioned on the same plane as the bottom surface 25
of the keyboard placing portion 14. Specifically, the height of the
bottom surfaces 142a of the palm rest placing portions 142 is lower
than the height of the top surface 21 a of the base 21 of the
keyboard 17 placed on the keyboard placing portion 14.
[0140] As in a modification illustrated in FIG. 29, the height of
the bottom surfaces 142a of the palm rest placing portions 142 may
be the same as the height of the top surface 21a of the base 21 of
the keyboard 17 placed on the keyboard placing portion 14.
[0141] Since the bottom surfaces 142a of the palm rest placing
portions 142 are as high as or lower than the top surface 21 a of
the base 21 of the keyboard 17 placed on the keyboard placing
portion 14, the liquid-proof property of the portable computer 131
is improved. The bottom surfaces 142a of the palm rest placing
portions 142 extends from the front edge of the keyboard placing
portion 14 to the front sidewall portion 8a of the housing 6.
[0142] As illustrated in FIG. 27, the palm rest members 141 are
mounted on the palm rest placing portions 142. Each of the palm
rest members 141 has a first sidewall portion 52 in a rear end
portion, and a second sidewall portion 53 in a front end portion.
Cut-off portions 52a are formed in the first sidewall portion 52.
Cut-off portions 53a are formed in the second sidewall portion 53.
Thereby, when the palm rest members 141 are mounted on the
respective palm rest placing portions 142, gaps functioning as
channels are formed between the palm rest members 141 and the
bottom surfaces 142a of the palm rest placing portions 142. The
cut-off portions 52a and 53a of the touchpad cover 136 and the
cut-off portions 52a and 53a of the palm rest members 141 are
formed in positions opposed to respective gaps between the keys 22
of the keyboard 17.
[0143] An example of the portable computer 131 is formed such that
a front end portion of the main body 2 is lower than a rear end
portion thereof when the portable computer 131 is placed on a
placing surface F. Specifically, when the portable computer 131 is
placed on the placing surface F, the bottom surfaces 25, 132a and
142a are inclined to be gradually lowered in this order from the
keyboard placing portion 14, to the touchpad placing portion 132
and the palm rest placing portions 142.
[0144] According to the portable computer 131 having the above
structure, the liquid-proof property is improved. Specifically,
since the keyboard placing portion 14 extends to the sidewall
portions 8b and 8c, liquid spilled on the keyboard 17 is discharged
from edges of the top wall 7 to the sides of the housing 6, without
remaining in the keyboard placing portion 14. Therefore, there is
little possibility that the liquid leaks inside the housing 6, and
thus the liquid-proof property of the portable computer 131 is
improved.
[0145] Further, since the bottom surface 132a of the touchpad
placing portion 132 and the bottom surfaces 142a of the palm rest
placing portions 142 connect with the bottom surface 25 of the
keyboard placing portion 14 and extend to the sidewall portion 8a
of the housing 6, liquid spilled on the keyboard 17 is discharged
to the side (more specifically, the front side being one of the
sides) of the housing 6 through the touchpad placing portion 132
and the palm rest placing portions 142. This provides various
liquid discharge routes, and improves the liquid drainage
capability.
[0146] Further, since the touchpad cover 136 and the palm rest
members 141 have the cut-off portions 52a and 53a, the liquid
drainage capability of the portable computer 131 is not much
deteriorated even when the touchpad cover 136 and the palm rest
members 141 are attached to the top wall 7 of the housing 6.
[0147] For example, in the portable computer 131 having the
keyboard placing portion 14 inclined downward toward the front, the
liquid drainage capability is greatly improved by connecting the
bottom surface 25 of the keyboard placing portion 14 with the
bottom surface 132a of the touchpad placing portion 132 and the
bottom surfaces 142a of the palm rest placing portion 142, which
are positioned in front of the keyboard placing portion 14.
[0148] A channel may be formed only one of the touchpad placing
portion 132 and the palm rest placing portions 142. Further, the
portable computer 131 does not necessarily have to be inclined
downward toward the front. Since the portable computer 131 having a
channel in the touchpad placing portion 132 or the palm rest
placing portions 142 has various drainage routes for discharging
the spilled liquid, and thus has an improved liquid drainage
capability.
[0149] Next, a portable computer 151 serving as an electronic
apparatus according to sixth embodiment of the present invention is
explained with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31. Constituent elements
thereof having the same functions as those of the portable computer
1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same
respective reference numerals, and explanations thereof are
omitted.
[0150] As illustrated in FIG. 30, the portable computer 151 is
formed such that a front end portion of the main body 2 is lower
than a rear end portion thereof when the portable computer 151 is
placed on a placing surface F. Specifically, when the portable
computer 151 is placed on the placing surface F, the portable
computer 151 is inclined such that a front end portion of the
keyboard placing portion 14 is lower than a rear end portion
thereof.
[0151] As illustrated in FIG. 31, cut-off portions 152 and 153 are
formed in regions of left and right frame members 41a and 41b
opposed to a front end portion of the keyboard placing portion 14.
The cut-off portions 152 and 153 are larger than other cut-off
portions 52a and 53a formed in the left and the right frame members
41a and 41b.
[0152] According to the portable computer 151 having the above
structure, the liquid-proof property is improved. Specifically,
since the keyboard placing portion 14 extends to the sidewall
portions 8b and 8c, liquid spilled on the keyboard 17 is discharged
from edges of the top wall 7 to the sides of the housing 6, without
remaining in the keyboard placing portion 14. Therefore, there is
little possibility that the liquid leaks inside the housing 6, and
thus the liquid-proof property of the portable computer 151 is
improved.
[0153] For example, in the portable computer 151 in which the
keyboard placing portion 14 is inclined downward toward the front,
liquid spilled on the keyboard 17 flows into a front end portion of
the keyboard placing portion 14, and tends to remain in the front
end portion of the keyboard placing portion 14. Since large cut-off
portions 152 and 153 are formed in regions corresponding to the
front end portion of the keyboard placing portion 14, liquid
gathered in the front end portion of the keyboard placing portion
14 is efficiently discharged to the sides of the housing 6. This
enhances the liquid drainage capability, and contributes to
improvement in liquid proof property of the portable computer
151.
[0154] The present invention is not limited to the portable
computers 1, 101, 111, 121, 131, and 151 according to the first to
sixth embodiments described above. The constituent elements
according to the first to sixth embodiments can be used in various
combinations according to necessity.
[0155] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been
described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example
only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions.
Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be
embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various
omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and
systems described herein may be made without departing from the
spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their
equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as
would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
* * * * *