U.S. patent number 9,270,795 [Application Number 14/106,965] was granted by the patent office on 2016-02-23 for communication antenna unit and mobile terminal apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.. The grantee listed for this patent is PANASONIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Keita Endo, Chizu Fukao, Daigo Imano, Teruo Kato, Futoshi Kuriyama, Tatsuo Sawada, Kenya Yasutomi, Kotaro Yoshida.
United States Patent |
9,270,795 |
Endo , et al. |
February 23, 2016 |
Communication antenna unit and mobile terminal apparatus
Abstract
In a communication antenna unit which is stored inside a casing,
a flexible circuit board is supported by a support member in a bent
state. A first antenna conductor pattern which configures a first
communication antenna and a human body sensor are substantially
formed on a flat plane section of the flexible circuit board
adjacent to a curved section of the flexible circuit board. A
second antenna conductor pattern which configures a second
communication antenna is substantially formed on the curved
section. The first antenna conductor pattern and the second antenna
conductor pattern are connected to each other through an inductor
coil which configures a resonant circuit portion.
Inventors: |
Endo; Keita (Osaka,
JP), Kato; Teruo (Osaka, JP), Kuriyama;
Futoshi (Osaka, JP), Sawada; Tatsuo (Osaka,
JP), Yasutomi; Kenya (Fukuoka, JP), Fukao;
Chizu (Osaka, JP), Yoshida; Kotaro (Miyagi,
JP), Imano; Daigo (Miyagi, JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PANASONIC CORPORATION |
Osaka |
N/A |
JP |
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Assignee: |
PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
MANAGEMENT CO., LTD. (Osaka, JP)
|
Family
ID: |
49943105 |
Appl.
No.: |
14/106,965 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20140171159 A1 |
Jun 19, 2014 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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|
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Dec 18, 2012 [JP] |
|
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2012-276226 |
Dec 18, 2012 [JP] |
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2012-276227 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B
1/3888 (20130101); H04B 1/3883 (20130101); H04M
1/0262 (20130101); H01Q 1/44 (20130101); H01Q
1/243 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04M
1/00 (20060101); H04M 1/02 (20060101); H04B
1/3888 (20150101); H01Q 1/24 (20060101); H01Q
1/44 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;455/575.1-575.8
;343/872 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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3-225782 |
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Oct 1991 |
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JP |
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7-168646 |
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Jul 1995 |
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JP |
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9-114554 |
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May 1997 |
|
JP |
|
9-233016 |
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Sep 1997 |
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JP |
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2000-216610 |
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Aug 2000 |
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JP |
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2000-269655 |
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Sep 2000 |
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JP |
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2002-314659 |
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Oct 2002 |
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JP |
|
2007-68153 |
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Mar 2007 |
|
JP |
|
2007-215017 |
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Aug 2007 |
|
JP |
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2008-97961 |
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Apr 2008 |
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JP |
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2008-218743 |
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Sep 2008 |
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JP |
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2009-010234 |
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Jan 2009 |
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JP |
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2010-278616 |
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Dec 2010 |
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JP |
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2011-228216 |
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Nov 2011 |
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JP |
|
2012-134443 |
|
Jul 2012 |
|
JP |
|
2010/027565 |
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Mar 2010 |
|
WO |
|
2012-066838 |
|
May 2012 |
|
WO |
|
2012/073513 |
|
Jun 2012 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
Search report from E.P.O., mail date is Mar. 4, 2014. cited by
applicant .
Extended European Search Report in EP 15168674.8, dated Oct. 29,
2015. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Cai; Wayne
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Greenblum & Bernstein,
P.L.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A communication antenna apparatus comprising: a communication
antenna formed of a conductor pattern, the communication antenna
including a flat plane section and a curved section adjacent to the
flat plane section; a human body sensor formed of another conductor
pattern separately from the communication antenna; and a single
unit board on which the communication antenna and the human body
sensor are formed, wherein the communication antenna is provided in
the flat plane section and the curved section, and the human body
sensor is provided in the flat plane section.
2. The communication antenna apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising: a first reactance element which connects the
communication antenna to the human body sensor.
3. The communication antenna apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the communication antenna further includes: a first
communication antenna configured by a first antenna conductor
pattern provided on the unit board and adapted to transmit or
receive a radio wave in a first frequency; and a second
communication antenna configured by the first antenna conductor
pattern and a second antenna conductor pattern provided adjacent to
the first antenna conductor pattern on the circuit board and
configured to transmit or receive a radio wave in a second
frequency, wherein the first reactance element connects the first
antenna conductor pattern to the human body sensor.
4. The communication antenna unit apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein one of the first and second communication antenna conductor
patterns is at least partly formed in the curved section, and the
other of the first and second communication antenna conductor
patterns and the human body are formed in the flat plane
section.
5. A mobile terminal apparatus comprising: a casing; and a
communication antenna unit disposed in the casing, wherein the
communication antenna unit includes: a flat plane section; a curved
section adjacent to the flat plane section; a communication antenna
formed of a conductor pattern; a human body sensor formed of
another conductor pattern separately from the communication
antenna; and a single unit board on which the communication antenna
and the human body sensor are formed, wherein the communication
antenna is provided in the flat plane section and the curved
section, and the human body sensor is provided in the flat plane
section.
6. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 5, further
comprising: a display including a display surface on the casing,
wherein a flat plane section of the communication antenna unit is
arranged closer to a surface opposite to the display surface than
to the display surface.
7. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 5, further
comprising: a first reactance element which connects the
communication antenna to the human body sensor.
8. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 7, further
comprising: a capacitor which connects the communication antenna to
a transmission and reception circuit provided in the casing.
9. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the
communication antenna is disposed at a position closer to a corner
of the casing than the human body sensor is disposed.
10. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 9, further
comprising: a first reactance element which connects the
communication antenna to the human body sensor.
11. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 10, further
comprising: a capacitor which connects the communication antenna to
a transmission and reception circuit provided in the casing.
12. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 5, further
comprising: a battery pack that is accommodated in the casing,
wherein the human body sensor and the communication antenna are
provided on a corner portion on a side opposite the battery pack in
the casing.
13. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 5, further
comprising: a circuit board that is accommodated in the casing; a
battery pack that is accommodated in the casing; a power receptor
that is held in the casing; a power feeder that is provided in the
battery pack and connected to the power receptor; a plurality of
terminal plates, each having one end to be held on one surface
which is included in the power receptor, and having two widest
surfaces which are parallel to each other, one of which facing and
being parallel to one of two widest surfaces of an adjacent
terminal plate, wherein the plurality of terminal plates are
aligned along a direction orthogonal to those two widest surfaces;
and a flexible circuit board that includes a flexible bendable
portion provided along the direction in which the plurality of
terminal plates are aligned and connects the circuit board to the
power receptor.
14. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 13, further
comprising: a U-shaped portion provided between the power receptor
and the bendable portion of the flexible board, wherein the
U-shaped portion has a U shape when viewed from a direction
orthogonal to a wiring surface of the flexible board and protrudes
toward an opposite side of the power receptor with respect to the
bendable portion in a direction parallel to the wiring surface of
the flexible circuit board and the two widest surfaces of the
plurality of terminal plates.
15. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 5, comprising:
a battery pack that is accommodated in the casing; an accommodation
portion which the battery pack is attachable to and detachable
from; a power receptor that is held in the casing; and a power
feeder that is provided in the battery pack and detachably
connected to the power receptor, wherein the battery pack includes
a first waterproof member, and the power receptor and the power
feeder are disposed in an inner side of the accommodation portion
than the first waterproof member of the battery pack in a state
where the battery pack is accommodated in the accommodation
portion.
16. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 15, further
comprising: a recess that is provided outside the accommodation
portion for the battery pack in the casing; a lid configured to
close the recess; and a hole that is provided on a bottom surface
of the recess, and is covered with a water stopper which prevents a
liquid passing through from an exterior into an interior of the
casing, and allows air to pass through between the exterior and the
interior of the casing.
17. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 16, further
comprising: a through hole that is provided on the bottom surface
of the recess and allows access from the exterior of the casing to
the circuit board; and a frame-shaped second waterproof member that
surrounds the through hole and is disposed between the bottom
surface of the recess and a rear surface of the lid to be in close
contact therewith, wherein the hole is provided outside the second
waterproof member in the bottom surface of the recess portion.
18. The mobile terminal apparatus according to claim 5, further
comprising: a second communication antenna, wherein one of the
communication antenna and the second communication antenna is
provided at a position closer to a corner of the casing than the
human body sensor is provided.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to a communication antenna unit that
includes a communication antenna that utilizes a circuit board and
a human body sensor, and relates to a mobile terminal apparatus,
that includes such communication antenna, in which a battery pack
is accommodated adjacent to the circuit board inside a casing and a
power feeding portion of the battery pack is connected to a power
reception portion inside the casing.
2. Background Art
In outdoor operations such as deliveries and payments by
door-to-door parcel delivery service, warehousing management and
insurance sales, mobile terminal apparatuses are used in many cases
in order to deal with various types of data.
As illustrated in FIG. 22, in a mobile terminal apparatus 500, for
example, a connector portion 502 is provided in a circuit board 501
inside a casing, and a power feeding portion 506 of a battery pack
505 is connected to a power reception portion 504 that is connected
to the connector portion 502. Among the power reception portions
504, there has been known a power reception portion in which a
plurality of power reception terminals 507 are formed in a band
form. In the power reception portion 504, each of the power
reception terminals 507 is aligned at a predetermined interval
along a mutual thickness direction (see JP-A-2008-97961).
In recent years, the mobile terminal apparatus 500 has been
required for improvement in drop durability and shock resistance.
However, in the related art, if a shock greater than an anticipated
shock is applied to the casing, vibration of a power reception
portion are transferred to a connector portion. Therefore, there is
a possibility that damage such as a separation from a circuit board
may occur in the circuit board and the connector portion.
Moreover, when the mobile terminal apparatus 500 is used in outdoor
operations, there occurs a case where a battery in a battery pack
is in an empty state during the operations. In that case, there is
a need to replace the battery pack. In addition, it is required
that the mobile terminal apparatus 500 used in the outdoor
operations has water resistance and dust resistance compared to a
case of being used indoors, thereby being required for studies to
improve the water resistance and the dust resistance.
In addition, in the above mobile terminal apparatuses for outdoor
operations, for example, for a case of processing a payment, in
order to transmit payment data to a payment process center, there
are provided a data communication module such as Second Generation
(2G), Third Generation (3G) and Long Term Evolution (LTE); a
communication antenna that is connected thereto and the like.
In the data communication modules, there is a data communication
module compatible with multiple telecommunication standards, for
example, compatible with both 2G and 3G. In addition, as for LTE,
for example, there is a data communication module that adopts
multiple carrier frequencies under one communication standard.
Therefore, the communication antenna that is connected to a
communication module compatible with the multiple communication
standards also needs to be designed in an antenna pattern
compatible with the multiple communication standards or the
multiple carrier frequencies.
Moreover, in mobile phones, a negative influence on the human body
by electromagnetic waves generated from the communication antenna
is of great concern. In that respect, there is adopted a technology
to detect an approach or contact of the human body with respect to
the communication antenna so as to weaken electromagnetic wave
energy generated by the communication antenna (for example, refer
to JP-A-2000-216610).
In JP-A-2000-216610, impedance of the communication antenna is
changed when the human body approaches or comes into contact with
the communication antenna, and it is detected that the
electromagnetic wave energy that is supposed to be output returns
to an apparatus side. In other words, this is an indirect detection
method for which it is doubtful whether high detection sensitivity
can be acquired with the indirect detection method. Therefore, it
is more preferable to adopt a direct detection method.
JP-A-9-233016 discloses a technology, for example, to directly
detect the approach or contact itself of the human body with
respect to the communication antenna or a radio communication
apparatus on which the communication antenna is mounted.
Regarding the mobile terminal apparatuses for outdoor operations,
even though the apparatus is used for only data communication, it
is anticipated that the apparatus is held in the hand or is put in
a holder attached to the waist or in a pocket to be carried. In
that case, the approach or contact of the human body with respect
to the communication antenna of a communication terminal apparatus
occurs frequently. Therefore, in the mobile terminal apparatuses
for outdoor operations as well, there is a need for the technology
that controls communication electricity by detecting the approach
or contact of the human body.
In addition to the above technology to be compatible with the
multiple communication standards and the technology to control the
communication electricity by detecting the approach or contact of
the human body, functions to be implemented in the mobile terminal
apparatus are increasing steadily. For example, when using the
apparatus for an operation that requires a payment processing, a
reading function for magnetic cards or contact/non-contact IC cards
is necessary. In addition, when using the apparatus for deliveries
in a parcel delivery service or for warehousing management, a
reading function for a bar code, a QR code (registered trademark),
an RF-ID Tag and the like is necessary. Therefore, a space for
circuits assigned for each function is steadily reduced. The
circumstance is not exceptional for a communication control circuit
including the aforementioned communication antenna, the human body
sensor and the battery pack including the connector portion and the
power reception portion thereof.
SUMMARY
In detecting not only a direct contact of an object such as the
human body with a communication antenna of an apparatus but also an
approach of an object toward the communication antenna of the
apparatus, using a communication antenna of the JP-A-2000-216610
can be considered. However, it is difficult to precisely detect the
approach or contact of the human body with respect to the
communication antenna. In addition, a direct detection method of
JP-A-9-233016, compared to a method of JP-A-2000-216610, is capable
of precisely detecting the approach or contact of the human body
more. However, as mentioned above, in recent mobile terminal
apparatuses, many devices are mounted on the inside of a casing to
attain various functions, thereby causing flexibility in
disposition of the human body sensor adopted in JP-A-9-233016 to be
limited. That is, a problem is to have both a precise detection of
the approach or contact of the human body with respect to the
communication antenna and a space-saving design for a disposition
of devices in a limited space of the casing to be compatible with
each other. Recently in particular, a demand level for this
technology has become higher. Hitherto, it has been permissibly
considered that an approach of the human body toward the
communication antenna is equivalent to the approach or contact of
the human body with respect to the mobile terminal apparatus.
However, it has become insufficient presently, and the approach or
contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna
and the vicinity thereof needs to be detected precisely. That is, a
detection range is specified within the communication antenna and
the vicinity thereof so as to be more particular than before. In
precisely detecting the approach or contact of the human body with
respect to the communication antenna itself, in order to adopt the
direct detection method disclosed in JP-A-9-233016 under the
limited design flexibility, for example, a configuration and
disposition of the human body sensor and the communication antenna
are important.
Moreover, if the communication antenna and the human body sensor
are individually provided, a range needs to be secured in which the
human body sensor can sufficiently detect the approach or contact
of the human body with respect to the communication antenna.
However, if the aforementioned components are arranged in a limited
narrow space, there is a possibility that a detection range of the
human body sensor may be one-sided or a sufficient detection
performance cannot be acquired due to interference of the
communication antenna and a communication circuit that is connected
thereto.
The above-mentioned circumstance relates to mobile terminal
apparatuses having both the communication antenna and the human
body sensor provided therein. Meanwhile, if there is provided only
the communication antenna in the mobile terminal apparatus not
provided with the human body sensor, from a viewpoint of increasing
the types of communication standards and carrier frequencies, there
is required a further space-saving design.
The present invention provides a technology to dispose the
communication antenna and the human body sensor inside the limited
narrow space and to precisely detect the approach or contact of the
human body with respect to the communication antenna itself.
Moreover, the present invention also provides a technology to
dispose only the communication antenna inside the limited narrow
space. In addition, the present invention also provides a
technology for a battery pack to be secured with drop durability,
shock resistance, water resistance and dust resistance, while being
replaceable. Accordingly, both miniaturization and functional
maintenance in the mobile terminal apparatus can be achieved.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a communication antenna unit including: a communication antenna
formed of a conductor pattern; a human body sensor formed of
another conductor pattern separately from the communication
antenna; and a single unit board on which the communication antenna
and the human body sensor are formed.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to dispose the
human body sensor and the communication antenna inside a limited
narrow space by the single circuit board without degrading a
communication performance or a performance to detect an approach or
contact of the human body with respect to the communication
antenna, thereby achieving both miniaturization and functional
maintenance in the apparatus.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
communication antenna unit further includes a first reactance
element which connects the communication antenna to the human body
sensor.
According to the above configuration, the human body sensor
utilizes a conductor pattern of the communication antenna
effectively.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
communication antenna further includes: a first communication
antenna that is configured by a first antenna conductor pattern
formed on the unit board and adapted to transmit or receive a radio
wave in a first frequency; and a second communication antenna that
is configured by the first antenna conductor pattern and a second
antenna conductor pattern that is formed adjacent to the first
antenna conductor pattern on the circuit board and configured to
transmit or receive a radio wave in a second frequency, and the
first reactance element connects the first antenna conductor
pattern to the human body sensor.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a
so-called dual antenna that transmits and receives two or more
types of radio waves in which the frequencies are different from
each other with a single communication antenna unit.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
communication antenna unit further includes: a flat plane section;
and a curved section formed adjacent to the flat plane section,
wherein the communication antenna is formed in the flat plane
section and the curved section, and the human body sensor is formed
in the flat plane section.
According to the above configuration, the flat plane section of the
flexible circuit board has a larger plane part than the curved
section, and intensity of a transmission radio wave is greater as
well. Therefore, there is provided the human body sensor adjacent
to the flat plane section of the communication antenna of which the
intensity of the transmission radio wave needs to be lowered when
the human body approaches or comes into contact such that it is
possible to suppress an influence of a communication
electromagnetic wave on the human body while suppressing
deterioration in communication quality to a minimum.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
communication antenna further includes: a first communication
antenna that is configured by a first antenna conductor pattern
formed on the unit board and adapted to transmit or receive a radio
wave in a first frequency; and a second communication antenna that
is configured by the first antenna conductor pattern and a second
antenna conductor pattern that is formed adjacent to the first
antenna conductor pattern on the circuit board and configured to
transmit or receive a radio wave in a second frequency, wherein the
first reactance element connects the first antenna conductor
pattern to the human body sensor, and one of the first and second
communication antenna conductor patterns is at least partly formed
in the curved section, and the other of the first and second
communication antenna conductor patterns and the human body are
formed in the flat plane section.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to dispose the
dual antenna and the human body sensor through a space-saving
design without degrading each of performances thereof. In the dual
antenna, there is provided the human body sensor adjacent to the
flat plane section of the communication antenna, of which the
intensity of the transmission radio wave needs to be lowered when a
human body approaches thereto or comes into contact therewith such
that it is possible to suppress an influence of a communication
electromagnetic wave on a human body while suppressing
deterioration in communication quality to a minimum.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a mobile terminal apparatus including: a casing; and a
communication antenna unit disposed in the casing, wherein the
communication antenna unit includes: a communication antenna formed
of a conductor pattern; a human body sensor formed of another
conductor pattern separately from the communication antenna; and a
single unit board on which the communication antenna and the human
body sensor are formed.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to dispose the
human body sensor and the communication antenna inside a limited
narrow space by the single circuit board without degrading a
communication performance or a performance to detect an approach or
contact of the human body with respect to the communication
antenna, thereby achieving both miniaturization and functional
maintenance in the apparatus.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a display portion
including a display surface on the casing, wherein a flat plane
section of the communication antenna unit is arranged closer to a
surface opposite to the display surface than to the display
surface.
According to the above configuration, the first antenna conductor
pattern (the first communication antenna) and the human body sensor
are disposed on the rear surface side which is the opposite side to
the front surface on which the display portion is disposed. Since
the rear surface is frequently exposed to the approach and contact
of a user when in use, it is possible to enhance the detection
sensitivity by disposing the human body sensor close to the rear
surface.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a first reactance
element which connects the communication antenna to the human body
sensor; and a capacitor which connects the communication antenna to
a transmission and reception circuit accommodated in the
casing.
According to the above configuration, the human body sensor
utilizes a conductor pattern of the communication antenna
effectively, and electric current of a direct-current component
necessary for the human body sensor is secured by the capacitor
such that the human body sensor functions effectively.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
communication antenna is disposed at a position closer to a corner
of the casing than the human body sensor is disposed.
According to the above configuration, the human body sensor can be
disposed being closer to the center side being in a frequent
contact with a human body than the corner portion of the casing,
and thus, it is possible to improve the detection sensitivity of
the human body sensor with respect to a human body.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a first reactance
element which connects the communication antenna to the human body
sensor; and a capacitor which connects the communication antenna to
a transmission and reception circuit accommodated in the
casing.
According to the above configuration, the first antenna conductor
pattern that is disposed at the corner portion of the casing
functions not only as the first communication antenna but also as a
part of the human body sensor. Therefore, for example, even if the
human body sensor is away from the corner portion of the casing,
the approach or contact of a human body with respect to the corner
portion can be precisely detected.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
mobile terminal apparatus further includes a battery pack that is
accommodated in the casing, wherein the human body sensor and the
communication antenna are disposed on a corner portion at a side
far from the battery pack in the casing.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to dispose the
human body sensor and the communication antenna inside a limited
narrow space by the single circuit board without degrading a
communication performance or a performance to detect an approach or
contact of the human body with respect to the communication
antenna, thereby achieving both miniaturization and functional
maintenance in the apparatus. In further consideration with the
maintenance of the functions, a user holds a lower side of the
housing since the lower side of the housing in which the battery
pack is stored is heavier. As a result, since the communication
antenna and the human body sensor are disposed separate away from
the human body, the possibility of lowering the transmission power
due to the absorption of the transmission and reception radio waves
by the human body or the erroneous operation of the human body
detection is lowered.
Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile
terminal apparatus in which even though a power reception portion
vibrates in a thickness direction of a power reception terminal
with respect to the casing following a battery pack that vibrates
with respect to the circuit board due to a shock such as dropping,
no damage to the circuit board and a connector portion occurs, and
which can satisfy all of replaceability, water resistance and dust
resistance of the battery pack.
Therefore, according to an aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a mobile terminal apparatus including: a casing; a
circuit board that is accommodated in the casing; a battery pack
that is accommodated in the casing; a power reception portion that
is held in the casing; a power feeding portion that is provided in
the battery pack and connected to the power reception portion; a
plurality of terminal plates, each having one end to be held on one
surface which is included in the power reception portion, and
having two widest surfaces which are parallel to each other, one of
which facing and being parallel to one of two widest surfaces of an
adjacent terminal plate, wherein the plurality of terminal plates
are aligned along a direction orthogonal to those two widest
surfaces; and a flexible circuit board that includes a flexible
bendable portion provided along the direction in which the
plurality of terminal plates are aligned and connects the circuit
board to the power reception portion.
The power feeding portion of the battery pack is connected to the
power reception portion, and the connector portion is connected to
the power reception portion via the flexible circuit board.
Moreover, the flexible circuit board has the bendable portion, and
the bendable portion is caused to be flexible in an arrangement
direction of the power reception portion and the connector portion.
Accordingly, when a power reception portion vibrates in the
thickness direction of the power reception terminal with respect to
the casing following the battery pack that vibrates with respect to
the circuit board due to the shock such as dropping, it is possible
to cause the bendable portion of the flexible circuit board to be
bent. It is possible to absorb a vibration of the power reception
portion by flexing the bendable portion. Accordingly, the vibration
of the power reception portion is not transferred to the connector
portion so as to be able to prevent damage to the connector portion
or a fall-out from the board from occurring such that it is
possible to prevent the power supply from being cut. Particularly,
in a case where the mobile terminal apparatus in the aspects of the
present invention is used to handle important data such as payments
and deliveries in sales activities, warehousing management
operations and the like, the cut of power supply when processing
information thereof or temporarily holding the data leads to a
crucial loss or disruption of the data. According to the
configuration of the present invention, the crucial loss or
disruption of the data can be prevented.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, a
U-shaped portion is provided between the power reception portion
and the bendable portion of the flexible board, and the U-shaped
portion has a U shape when viewed from a direction orthogonal to a
wiring surface of the flexible board and protrudes toward an
opposite side of the power reception portion with respect to the
bendable portion in a direction parallel to the wiring surface of
the flexible circuit board and the two widest surfaces of the
plurality of terminal plates.
Accordingly, it is possible to further enhance an ability to absorb
a shock transmitted through the battery pack due to dropping or the
like of the mobile terminal apparatus.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a mobile terminal apparatus including: a casing; a battery pack
that is accommodated in the casing; an accommodation portion which
the battery pack is attachable to and detachable from; a power
reception portion that is held in the casing; and a power feeding
portion that is provided in the battery pack and detachably
connected to the power reception portion, wherein the battery pack
includes a first waterproof member, and the power reception portion
and the power feeding portion are disposed in an inner side of the
accommodation portion than the first waterproof member of the
battery pack in a state where the battery pack is accommodated in
the accommodation portion.
Accordingly, the power reception portion and the power feeding
portion of the battery pack are free from being exposed to the
liquid or dust from an external portion such that the battery pack
is replaceable and can secure water resistance and dust
resistance.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a recess portion that
is provided outside the accommodation portion for the battery pack
in the casing; a lid portion that closes the recess portion; and a
hole portion that is provided on a bottom surface of the recess
portion, and is covered with a water stopper which disallows a
liquid passing through from an external portion into an internal
portion of the casing, and allows air to pass through between the
external portion and the internal portion of the casing.
The recess portion is provided with the hole portion, and the hole
portion is covered with the water stopper that allows air to pass
therethrough. Accordingly, when the casing is deformed due to an
external pressure applied to the casing such that an internal space
of the casing is reduced, surplus air in the internal space is
discharged from the hole portion. The casing recovers an initial
shape so as to cause the internal space to be restored in its
original state when the external pressure against the casing is
released. When the internal space is restored so as to be under a
negative pressure, outside air is sucked from the hole portion into
the internal space, thereby restoring an internal pressure of the
internal space in its original state. Meanwhile, the water stopper
covering the hole portion has a function of disallowing the liquid
passing through from the external portion into the internal portion
of the casing. Accordingly, when a spray of water, rainwater or the
like is applied to the casing, it is possible to prevent the
applied water from infiltrating the casing using the water stopper
such that the water resistance of the casing can be maintained.
Accordingly, the liquid or dust influenced by the negative pressure
applied to the casing is prevented from intruding from a pack
opening portion (accommodation portion for battery pack) that
accommodates the battery pack, thereby being possible to secure
tamper resistance to prevent a read-out of data by unauthorized
means.
According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the
mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a through hole that is
provided on the bottom surface of the recess portion and allows an
access from the external portion of the casing to the circuit
board; and a frame-shaped second waterproof member that surrounds
the through hole and is disposed between the bottom surface of the
recess portion and a rear surface of the lid portion to be in close
contact therewith, wherein the hole portion is provided outside the
second waterproof member in the bottom surface of the recess
portion.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid and dust from
intruding not only from the accommodation portion of the battery
pack but also from the through hole. Then, it is possible to secure
water resistance, dust resistance and tamper resistance, and to
attach or enable a desired module while being free from an
influence of the negative pressure.
According to aspects of the present invention, in a mobile terminal
apparatus, it is possible to dispose the human body sensor and a
communication antenna inside a limited narrow space by the single
circuit board without degrading a communication performance or a
performance to detect an approach or contact of the human body with
respect to the communication antenna. In addition, according to the
aspect of the present invention, a vibration of a power reception
portion is absorbed by flexing the bendable portion so as not to
transfer the vibration of the power reception portion to a
connector portion such that it is possible to prevent damage to the
connector portion. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both
miniaturization and functional maintenance in the mobile terminal
apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a mobile terminal
apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention
which is viewed from a front surface side thereof.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the mobile terminal
apparatus of FIG. 1 which is viewed from a rear surface side
thereof.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a divided state
of a casing included in the mobile terminal apparatus of FIG.
2.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where a
cover is removed from the mobile terminal apparatus of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a state where a lid portion is
detached from the mobile terminal apparatus according to the first
embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the mobile terminal
apparatus of FIG. 5 in a cutaway state.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of an I-section of FIG. 3.
FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a power reception portion, a
flexible circuit board and the like of FIG. 7 which are viewed in
an arrow II direction.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the mobile terminal
apparatus according to the first embodiment before a desired module
is attached.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the mobile terminal
apparatus according to the first embodiment after the desired
module is attached.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible circuit board
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a flexible circuit board
according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a communication antenna unit
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a side view of the communication antenna unit of FIG. 13
which is viewed in an arrow A direction.
FIG. 15 is an expanded plan view of the flexible circuit board
according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a schematic view of an electric circuit of the
communication antenna unit according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 17A is a side view of the mobile terminal apparatus of which
disposition state of the communication antenna unit is visualized
according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 17B is a side view of the mobile terminal apparatus according
to the fourth embodiment in which the communication antenna unit is
in a reversed disposition from FIG. 17A.
FIG. 18 is an expanded plan view of a flexible circuit board
according to a fifth embodiment.
FIG. 19 is an expanded plan view of a flexible circuit board
according to a sixth embodiment.
FIG. 20 is an expanded plan view of a flexible circuit board
according to a seventh embodiment.
FIG. 21 is an expanded plan view of a flexible circuit board
according to a modified example of the seventh embodiment.
FIG. 22 illustrates an example of a contact configuration between a
battery pack and a circuit board in the related art.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Hereinafter, mobile terminal apparatuses according to embodiments
of the present invention will be described with reference to
drawings. In each of the drawings, an X-axis indicates a transverse
direction, an E1-E2 direction and an A-direction of a casing 11. A
Y-axis indicates a longitudinal direction, a vertical direction and
a B-direction of the casing 11. A positive direction of a Z-axis
indicates a front surface 11A of the casing 11, and a negative
direction of the Z-axis indicates a rear surface 11B of the casing
11.
First Embodiment
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a mobile terminal apparatus 10
includes a substantially rectangular body-shaped casing 11, a
display portion 12 that is provided on a front surface 11A of the
casing 11, a circuit board 13 (refer to FIG. 3) that is
accommodated in the casing 11 and a battery pack 14 that is
accommodated in the casing 11.
Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mobile terminal
apparatus 10 includes a power reception portion 16 that is held in
the casing 11, a power feeding portion 18 that is provided in the
battery pack 14, a flexible circuit board 21 of which one end
portion 21A is connected to the power feeding portion 18, and a
connector portion 23 that is connected to the other end portion 21B
of the flexible circuit board 21. In addition, the mobile terminal
apparatus 10 includes a recess portion 25 that is provided on a
rear surface 11B of the casing 11, and a lid portion 27 that closes
the recess portion 25.
Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the mobile terminal
apparatus 10 includes the recess portion 25 that is provided on the
rear surface 11B of the casing 11, a through hole 26 that is
provided on a bottom surface 25A of the recess portion 25, the lid
portion 27 (refer to FIG. 3) that closes the recess portion 25 and
a waterproof member 28 (a second waterproof member) that surrounds
the through hole 26. Moreover, the mobile terminal apparatus 10
includes a hole portion 31 that is provided on the bottom surface
25A, and a water stopper 32 that covers the hole portion 31.
Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing 11 includes a case 35 that
has an opening portion 37 (refer to FIG. 6) that accommodates the
display portion 12, and a cover 36 that is overlapped with the case
35 to form the rear surface (rear surface of casing 11) 11B at the
opposite side of the display portion 12.
The opening portion 37 is formed on a front surface (that is, front
surface of casing 11) 11A of the case 35. The opening portion 37 is
provided with the display portion 12. A pack opening portion 38
that is formed on the rear surface 11B that is the opposite side of
the display portion 12 in the casing 11, and the recess portion 25
(refer to FIG. 6) that is formed adjacent to the pack opening
portion 38 are formed on the cover 36. A front surface 14A of the
battery pack 14 is exposed in the pack opening portion 38, and the
lid portion 27 is attached to the recess portion 25.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lid portion 27 is attached by a
plurality of fastening screws 57 so as not to be detached easily by
a user. Since the lid portion 27 is caused not to be detached
easily, the mobile terminal apparatus 10 has tamper resistance to
prevent a read-out of data by unauthorized tools.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the circuit board 13 is formed in a
substantially rectangular shape and provided in an upper half
portion 35A of the case 35. The battery pack 14 is formed in a
substantially rectangular shape in a plan view having a top edge
14B, a bottom edge 14C and a pair of lateral edges 14D and 14E. The
battery pack 14 is accommodated in a lower half portion 35B of the
case 35 via the pack opening portion 38 of the cover 36 to be
provided adjacent to the circuit board 13. A storage portion for a
cell body of the battery pack 14 is surrounded by the top edge 14B,
the bottom edge 14C and the pair of lateral edges 14D and 14E. The
storage portion is positioned to be interposed between the front
surface 14A and a rear surface 14F at the opposite side
thereof.
An area of the front surface 14A of the battery pack 14 that is
viewed from the rear surface 11B side in a state where the battery
pack 14 is attached to the pack opening portion 38 of the casing 11
is larger than that of the storage portion of the cell main body of
the battery pack 14. In the front surface 14A of the battery pack
14, a frame-shaped waterproof member 17 (a first waterproof member)
is provided on a rear side of a flange portion 15 that protrudes
from a part surrounded by the top edge 14B, the bottom edge 14C and
the pair of lateral edges 14D and 14E.
The frame-shaped waterproof member 17 prevents a liquid or dust
from intruding into an internal portion of the pack opening portion
38 that is formed in the rear surface 11B of the casing 11. The
frame-shaped waterproof member 17 is provided so as to surround the
top edge 14B, the bottom edge 14C and the pair of lateral edges 14D
and 14E on the rear surface of the flange portion 15 of the battery
pack 14. The frame-shaped waterproof member 17 is in contact with a
side wall portion of the pack opening portion 38 and receives a
compressive force in a state where the battery pack 14 is attached
to the pack opening portion 38 of the casing 11. Particularly, in
between parts fixed by two lock mechanisms 19 that are at the
lowest portion of the cover 36 of the casing 11, a width of the
frame-shaped waterproof member 17 becomes wider along the bottom
edge 14C of the battery pack 14 (refer to FIG. 6).
The wide-width part is exactly at the opposite side of the power
feeding portion 18 that is on the top edge 14B of the battery pack
14 having the storage portion of the cell main body of the battery
pack 14 which is surrounded by the top edge 14B, the bottom edge
14C and the pair of lateral edges 14D and 14E to be interposed
therebetween. Since the above-described compressive force becomes
particularly large at the wide-width part, a connection between the
power feeding portion 18 of the battery pack 14 and the power
reception portion 16 at the casing 11 side of the mobile terminal
apparatus 10 becomes firmer due to a repulsive force thereof.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power feeding portion 18
and the power reception portion 16 from being exposed to the liquid
or dust.
The power reception portion 16 includes a power reception case 43
that is held substantially in a center of an internal portion 41 of
the casing 11, and a plurality of power reception terminals 44
(terminal plates) that are provided on a surface 43A facing the
power feeding portion 18 of the power reception case 43. One end of
each of the plurality of power reception terminals 44 is
respectively held on one surface that is included in the power
reception case 43 of the power reception portion 16. As illustrated
in FIGS. 6 and 7, the power reception portion 16 is disposed in a
storage portion 59 that is provided on a metal frame 50
substantially in a center of the internal portion of the casing 11
in a thickness direction (Z-axis direction). Moreover, cushion
members 45 (rectangular parts at both ends of power reception
portion 16 in FIG. 8) are attached to both ends of the power
reception portion 16 orthogonal to an arrow A direction (arrow X
direction). When the power reception portion 16 is disposed in the
storage portion 59, the cushion member 45 is compressed.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the plurality of power reception
terminals 44 are formed in plate shapes or belt shapes to be
aligned in a comb shape along a mutual plate thickness direction
(arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each of the power
reception terminals 44 having predetermined intervals S
therebetween. Moreover, the plurality of power reception terminals
44 are aligned in a surface direction of the circuit board 13, that
is, along a direction parallel to a component mounting surface and
orthogonal to an arrangement direction (longitudinal direction of
casing 11, refer to FIGS. 2 to 6) of the circuit board 13 and the
battery pack 14, that is, the arrow B direction (arrow Y
direction). In other words, the plurality of power reception
terminals 44 are aligned so that two widest surfaces of each power
reception terminal which are parallel to each other are parallel to
one of two widest surfaces of an adjacent power reception terminals
along a direction orthogonal to those two widest surfaces, that is,
along a direction (arrow A direction, arrow X direction) in which
the plurality of power reception terminals 44 are aligned.
Returning to FIG. 4, the power feeding portion 18 is provided on
the top edge 14B of the battery pack 14 facing the power reception
portion 16. Similar to the power reception portion 16, the power
feeding portion 18 includes a plurality of power supply terminals
46 that are formed in a belt shape. The plurality of the power
supply terminals 46 are arranged in a connectable manner
corresponding to the power reception terminals 44.
Accordingly, the power feeding portion 18 is connected to the power
reception portion 16 in a state where the battery pack 14 is
accommodated in the pack opening portion 38 that is in the lower
half portion 35B of the case 35 via the pack opening portion 38 of
the cover 36. The battery pack 14 is fixed to the pack opening
portion 38 by a connection part between the power feeding portion
18 and the power reception portion 16, and those two lock
mechanisms 19 (refer to FIG. 3) that are at the lowest portion of
the cover 36 of the casing 11. In this accommodated state, when
viewed from the pack opening portion side, the power feeding
portion 18 and the power reception portion 16 are disposed in inner
side of the pack opening portion 38 than the frame-shaped
waterproof member 17 (the first waterproof member) provided on the
above-described rear side of the flange portion 15 on the front
surface 14A of the battery pack 14, that is, on an internal portion
side of the casing 11. Therefore, the power feeding portion 18 and
the power reception portion 16 are free from being exposed to the
liquid or dust from the external portion such that the battery pack
14 is replaceable and can secure water resistance and dust
resistance.
Particularly, the above-mentioned matter is important in a case
where the mobile terminal apparatus 10 according to the first
embodiment is operated outside away from an office or a location of
business for a long period for payments and deliveries in sales
activities, warehousing management operations and the like. That is
because the mobile terminal apparatus 10 is unlikely driven for a
long period only with one battery pack 14. In other words, the
battery pack 14 needs to be replaceable when using outside.
Furthermore, in this circumstance, since the mobile terminal
apparatus 10 is operated outside, it is vulnerable to rainwater or
dust that rises by wind. Accordingly, in a state where the battery
pack 14 is accommodated in the pack opening portion 38 of the
casing 11, there is a need for the internal portion of the pack
opening portion 38 having the power feeding portion 18 and the
power reception portion 16 to be free from a liquid such as
rainwater, dust and the like intruding thereto. In the
above-described configuration according to the first embodiment,
all of replaceability, water resistance and dust resistance of the
battery pack 14 are satisfied.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, one end portion 21A of the
flexible circuit board 21 is connected to the power reception
portion 16, and the other end portion 21B is connected to the
connector portion 23. The flexible circuit board 21 has a first
board portion 47 that is bent in a U shape from the power reception
portion 16 in a longitudinal direction of the casing 11, and a
second board portion 48 that extends from an end portion 47A of the
first board portion 47 to the connector portion 23 in a transverse
direction of the casing 11.
The second board portion 48 has a bendable portion 51 along an
alignment direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the
power reception portion 16 and the connector portion 23. The
bendable portion 51 is formed in a bellows shape by having a
plurality of waving portions 52 in which a predetermined position
of the second board portion 48 waves along a thickness direction
(arrow C direction (arrow Z direction)) of the flexible circuit
board 21. That is, the flexible circuit board 21 has the flexible
bendable portion 51 along a direction (arrow A direction, arrow X
direction) in which a plurality of power reception terminals 44 of
the power reception portion 16 are aligned.
In the first embodiment, an example is described regarding the
plurality of waving portions 52 as the bendable portion 51 to be
included. However, without being limited thereto, it is possible to
include one waving portion 52 as the bendable portion 51.
As the second board portion 48 has the bendable portion 51, it is
possible to bend the bendable portion 51 along the alignment
direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power
reception portion 16 and the connector portion 23. In addition, as
the bendable portion 51 is formed to wave along the thickness
direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z direction) illustrated in
FIG. 8) of the flexible circuit board 21, it is possible to reduce
an occupancy space of the bendable portion 51 in the internal
portion 41 of the casing 11 compared to a case where the bendable
portion 51 is in a bent shape or is formed to protrude parallel to
the component mounting surface of the circuit board 13.
The connector portion 23 is provided in the circuit board 13 and
connected to the power reception portion 16 via the flexible
circuit board 21. The connector portion 23 is parallel to the
component mounting surface of the circuit board 13 with respect to
the power reception portion 16 and arranged along a direction
parallel to the alignment direction (arrow A direction (arrow X
direction)) of each power reception terminal 44.
Here, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a case will be described in which
the mobile terminal apparatus 10 is dropped or the like in a state
where the power feeding portion 18 of the battery pack 14 is
connected to the power reception portion 16. It can be assumed that
the battery pack 14 vibrates with respect to the circuit board 13
due to a shock such as dropping the mobile terminal apparatus 10,
the power reception portion 16 vibrates in a plate thickness
direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power
reception terminals 44 with respect to the casing 11 following a
battery pack 14.
Therefore, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the bendable portion 51
is provided in the flexible circuit board 21 that connects the
power reception portion 16 and the connector portion 23 to each
other. The bendable portion 51 is caused to be flexible along an
arrangement direction of the power reception portion 16 and the
connector portion 23.
Accordingly, when the power reception portion 16 vibrates in the
plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction))
of the power reception terminals 44 following the battery pack 14
due to a shock such as dropping, it is possible to cause the
bendable portion of the flexible circuit board 21 to be bent. The
bendable portion 51 bends to absorb a vibration of the power
reception portion 16 in the arrow A direction (arrow X direction)
so as not to transfer the vibration of the power reception portion
16 to the connector portion 23. Accordingly, it is possible to
prevent a fall-out of the connector portion 23 from the circuit
board 13 due to a shock such as dropping of the mobile terminal
apparatus 10.
In addition, the power reception portion 16 is not directly
connected to the circuit board 13 by direct mounting thereon but is
indirectly connected thereto via the flexible circuit board 21 and
the connector portion 23. Therefore, it is possible to prevent
damage to the circuit board 13 itself due to a shock such as
dropping that is transmitted to the power reception portion 16.
Moreover, as described above, the cushion members 45 (rectangular
parts at both ends of power reception portion 16 in FIG. 8) are
attached to both ends of the power reception portion 16 orthogonal
to the arrow A direction (arrow X direction). When the power
reception portion 16 is disposed in the storage portion 59, the
cushion member 45 is compressed. Accordingly, a vibration
transmitted to the battery pack 14 in the plate thickness direction
(arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception
terminal 44 of the power reception portion 16 due to a shock by
dropping or the like of the mobile terminal apparatus 10 is
relaxed. In this manner as well, it is possible not to transfer the
vibration of the power reception portion 16 to the connector
portion 23, thereby enabling the connector portion 23 to be
prevented from falling out from the board.
In addition, each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals 44
included in the power reception portion 16 is formed in belt shapes
to be aligned in a comb shape along the mutual plate thickness
direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each of the
power reception terminals 44 having predetermined intervals S
therebetween. Moreover, each of the plate-shaped power reception
terminals 44 is aligned along a direction parallel to the component
mounting surface of the circuit board 13 and orthogonal to the
arrangement direction (arrow B direction (arrow Y direction)) of
the circuit board 13 and the battery pack 14. With respect to the
direction parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit
board 13 and orthogonal to the arrangement direction (arrow B
direction (arrow Y direction)) of the circuit board 13 and the
battery pack 14, each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals
44 has a wider area than the plate thickness direction (arrow A
direction (arrow X direction)) thereof. Each of the plate-shaped
power reception terminals 44 has a wider area than the plate
thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) thereof
with respect to a thickness direction of the circuit board 13, that
is, the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board 21 (arrow
C direction (arrow Z direction) illustrated in FIG. 8) as well.
Accordingly, even though the battery pack 14 vibrates in the arrow
B direction (arrow Y direction) or the thickness direction (arrow C
direction (arrow Z direction) in FIG. 8) of the circuit board 13
due to a shock such as dropping or the like of the mobile terminal
apparatus 10, it is no longer a disadvantage. A contact area
between the power reception portion 16 that has the plurality of
plate-shaped power reception terminals 44 and the power feeding
portion 18 of the battery pack in the aforementioned directions is
wider than the plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow
X direction)) of each power reception terminal 44. Even though
relative positions of the power reception portion 16 and the power
feeding portion 18 of the battery pack 14 are changed within a
certain movable range due to a shock such as dropping or the like
of the mobile terminal apparatus 10, a contact state is maintained
between each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals 44
included in the power reception portion 16 and the power feeding
portion 18 of the battery pack 14.
Moreover, the flexible circuit board 21 has the first board portion
47 that is bent in a U shape from the power reception portion 16
along the longitudinal direction of the casing 11. When the battery
pack 14 vibrates to the above-described arrow B direction (arrow Y
direction) or the thickness direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z
direction) in FIG. 8) of the circuit board 13, there is a
possibility that the relative positions of the power reception
portion 16 and the connector portion 23 may be changed. Regarding
the vibration of the battery pack 14 to the plate thickness
direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each of the
power reception terminals 44, it is possible to be absorbed by the
bendable portion 51 provided in the above-described second board
portion 48. However, regarding other vibrations in the arrow B
direction (arrow Y direction) or the thickness direction (arrow C
direction (arrow Z direction) in FIG. 8) of the circuit board 13,
particularly regarding the vibration of the battery pack 14 to the
arrow B direction (arrow Y direction), there may be a difficult
case to absorb the vibration with only the bendable portion 51.
With respect to the vibration of the battery pack 14 to the arrow B
direction (arrow Y direction) or the thickness direction (arrow C
direction (arrow Z direction) in FIG. 8) of the circuit board 13, a
U-shaped portion or a bent portion of the flexible circuit board 21
toward the longitudinal direction of the casing 11 which is
provided on a side close to the power reception portion 16
particularly, that is, provided on the first board portion 47 is
effective. Here, the longitudinal direction of the casing 11
denotes an arrangement direction (arrow B direction (arrow Y
direction)) of the circuit board 13 and the battery pack 14 while
being parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit
board 13. In addition, the direction can be also considered as a
direction that is orthogonal to the plate thickness direction
(arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each of the plate-shaped
power reception terminals 44 included in the power reception
portion 16 and parallel to the component mounting surface of the
circuit board 13. Moreover, the above-described direction can be
also considered as an extending direction of each of the
plate-shaped power reception terminals 44 included in the power
reception portion 16 and a direction parallel to the component
mounting direction of the circuit board 13. The U-shaped portion
has a U shape when viewed from a direction (arrow Z direction)
orthogonal to a wiring surface of the flexible circuit board 21.
The U-shaped portion protrudes toward opposite side of the power
reception portion 16 with respect to the connector portion 23 and
the bendable portion 51 in a direction (arrow B direction, arrow Y
direction) parallel to the wiring surface of the flexible circuit
board 21 and those two widest surfaces of each power reception
terminal 44 (terminal plate). Accordingly, it is possible to
further enhance the ability to absorb a shock transferred via the
battery pack 14 caused by the dropping of the mobile terminal
apparatus 10.
Regarding the remaining plate thickness direction (arrow A
direction (arrow X direction)) of each power reception terminal 44,
as described above, a configuration of indirect contact to the
circuit board 13 via the flexible circuit board 21 and the
connector portion 23 is formed, thereby reducing the influence of a
shock such as dropping or the like. According to the above
configuration, it is possible to prevent the power supply from
being cut. Particularly, in a case where the mobile terminal
apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is used to handle
important data such as payments and deliveries in sales activities,
warehousing management operations and the like, the cut of the
power supply when processing information thereof or temporarily
holding the data leads to a crucial loss or disruption of the data.
According to the configuration of the first embodiment, the crucial
loss or disruption of the data can be prevented.
Moreover, as described above, in the flange portion 15 on the front
surface 14A of the battery pack 14, the frame-shaped waterproof
member 17 is provided to secure all of the replaceability, the
water resistance and the dust resistance of the battery pack 14.
The frame-shaped waterproof member 17 has a function that relaxes a
shock applied to the battery pack 14 due to dropping or the like of
the mobile terminal apparatus 10. That is, a shock applied to the
power feeding portion 18 of the battery pack 14 and a shock applied
to the power reception portion 16 on the body side of the mobile
terminal apparatus 10 connected to the power feeding portion 18 are
relaxed. Accordingly, in the mobile terminal apparatus 10 of the
first embodiment, it is possible to improve shock resistance while
satisfying all of the replaceability, the water resistance and the
dust resistance of the battery pack 14.
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10, a water resistant
function included in the mobile terminal apparatus 10 will be
described. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the recess portion 25
is provided adjacent to the pack opening portion 38 (refer to FIG.
3) in the rear surface (rear surface of casing 11) 11B of the cover
36. The recess portion 25 is formed in a substantially rectangular
shape, and the bottom surface 25A is formed on an inner side of the
casing 11 further than the cover 36 along a periphery wall 25B.
The through hole 26 is provided on the bottom surface 25A. The
internal portion 41 and the external portion 42 of the casing 11
are communicating with each other via the through hole 26 provided
on the bottom surface 25A. The through hole 26 is a gadget
attachment portion to attach a desired module (gadget) 60 (refer to
FIG. 9). The module 60 is electrically connected to the circuit
board 13 in the internal portion of the casing 11 and other circuit
boards (not illustrated). That is, the through hole 26 enables an
access from an external portion of the casing 11 to the circuit
board 13 and other circuit boards.
In the bottom surface 25A, a groove portion 55 is formed in a frame
shape so as to surround the through hole 26. A frame-shaped
waterproof member 28 (a second waterproof member) is accommodated
in the groove portion 55, thereby surrounding the through hole 26
with the waterproof member 28. If the recess portion 25 is closed
with the lid portion 27 (refer to FIG. 3), the frame-shaped
waterproof member 28 is disposed between the bottom surface 25A of
the recess portion 25 and the rear surface of the lid portion 27 so
as to be in close contact with both thereof. Accordingly, the
recess portion 25 is closed with the lid portion 27, and the
through hole 26 is closed with the lid portion 27 and the
waterproof member 28.
In addition, the hole portion 31 is provided outside the waterproof
member 28 on the bottom surface 25A of the recess portion 25. The
hole portion 31 is formed in a circle shape and covered with the
water stopper 32. In the bottom surface 25A of the recess portion
25, the hole portion 31 is on an outer side further than the
waterproof member 28 (the second waterproof member) that is
accommodated in the groove portion 55 surrounding the through hole
26, and the hole portion 31 is on an inner side further than an
outside periphery of the recess portion 25 that is covered with the
lid portion 27 when the recess portion 25 is closed with the lid
portion 27 (refer to FIG. 3).
The water stopper 32 has a function that disallows the liquid
passing through from the external portion 42 into the internal
portion 41 of the casing 11 and allows air to pass through between
the internal portion 41 and the external portion 42 of the casing
11. As the water stopper 32, for example, Gore-Tex (product name,
and registered trademark) is adopted. Gore-Tex is manufactured by
compounding a stretched polytetrafluoroethylene film and
polyurethane polymer.
In this manner, when the casing 11 is deformed due to an external
pressure applied to the casing 11 such that a space of the internal
portion 41 of the casing 11 is reduced, excessive air in the space
of the internal portion 41 is discharged from the hole portion 31
by covering the hole portion 31 with the water stopper 32 that
allows air to pass through. The casing 11 recovers an initial shape
so as to cause the space of the internal portion 41 to be restored
to its original state by releasing the external pressure against
the casing 11. The space of the internal portion 41 is restored so
as to be under a negative pressure causing outside air to be sucked
from the hole portion 31 into the space of the internal portion 41,
thereby restoring an internal pressure of the space of the internal
portion 41 in its original state. That is because the hole portion
31 is on an outer side further than the waterproof member 28 (the
second waterproof member) that is accommodated in the groove
portion 55 surrounding the through hole 26 in the bottom surface
25A of the recess portion 25.
Meanwhile, since the hole portion 31 is on an outer side further
than the waterproof member 28 (the second waterproof member) that
is accommodated in the groove portion 55 surrounding the through
hole 26 in the bottom surface 25A of the recess portion 25, the
liquid can intrude in the periphery of the hole portion 31.
However, the water stopper 32 covering the hole portion 31 includes
a function that disallows the liquid passing through from the
external portion into the internal portion of the casing 11.
Accordingly, when a spray of water, rainwater or the like is
applied to the casing 11, it is possible to prevent the applied
water from infiltrating the internal portion 41 of the casing 11
using the water stopper 32 such that the water resistance of the
casing 11 can be maintained. In addition, the water stopper 32
covering the hole portion 31 serves to prevent the liquid or dust
influenced by the negative pressure applied to the casing 11 from
intruding from the pack opening portion 38 (accommodation portion
of battery pack 14) that accommodates the battery pack 14.
Here, for example, as in Gore-Tex, the hole portion 31 is only
covered with the water stopper 32 made of a thin resin. Since this
part can be destroyed easily, there is a possibility that an
unauthorized access to the circuit board 13 that is stored in the
internal portion of the casing 11 may be allowed. However, as
described above, in the bottom surface 25A of the recess portion
25, the hole portion 31 is on an outer side further than the
waterproof member 28 (the second waterproof member) that is
accommodated in the groove portion 55 surrounding the through hole
26, and the hole portion 31 is on an inner side further than an
outside periphery of the recess portion 25 that is covered with the
lid portion 27 when the recess portion 25 is closed with the lid
portion 27 (refer to FIG. 3). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lid
portion 27 is attached with the plurality of fastening screws 57 so
as not to be detached easily by a user. Since the lid portion 27 is
caused not to be detached easily, the mobile terminal apparatus 10
also has the tamper resistance to prevent a read-out of data by
unauthorized tools while having the water resistance and the dust
resistance.
As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, regarding the lid portion 27
(refer to FIG. 3), in accordance with a user's need, the lid
portion 27 is detached and a desired module (gadget, additional
function circuit) 60 corresponding to the through hole 26 is
attached as an option. As the desired module 60, for example, a
card reader that reads out magnetism of a magnetic card and the
like can be exemplified. Even in a case of attaching the module 60,
the module 60 is attached using the plurality of fastening screws
57 so as not to be detached easily by a user. Therefore, the mobile
terminal apparatus 10 also includes the tamper resistance while
having the water resistance and the dust resistance.
In this manner, according to the mobile terminal apparatus 10, the
desired module 60 is attachable thereto, and all of the water
resistance, prevention of the negative pressure and the tamper
resistance in casing 11 can be secured. That is, the liquid or dust
is prevented from intruding not only into the pack opening portion
38 (accommodation portion of battery pack 14) that accommodates the
battery pack 14 but also from the through hole 26. While securing
the water resistance, the dust resistance and the tamper resistance
and being free from the influence by the negative pressure, the
desired module can be attached thereto or enabled.
In the first embodiment, an example is described regarding the
waterproof member 28 (the second waterproof member) that is
provided in the groove portion 55 of the bottom surface 25A.
However, without being limited thereto, it is possible to provide
the waterproof member 28 on the rear surface of the lid portion
27.
In addition, in the first embodiment, an example is described
regarding the desired module 60 that is attached as the option
corresponding to the through hole 26 which is provided on the
bottom surface 25A of the recess portion 25. However, without being
limited thereto, all of the water resistance, the prevention of the
negative pressure and the tamper resistance in casing 11 can be
secured in a case where the module 60 is not attached as an option.
Even in this case, the liquid or dust influenced by the negative
pressure applied to the casing 11 needs to be prevented from
intruding from the pack opening portion 38 (accommodation portion
of battery pack 14) that accommodates the battery pack 14, and the
tamper resistance needs to be secured.
In this case, there is no need to provide a through hole 26 for
attaching the module 60 on the bottom surface 25A of the recess
portion 25. Therefore, there is no need to provide the frame-shaped
waterproof member 28 (the second waterproof member) that surrounds
the through hole 26, is disposed between the bottom surface 25A of
the recess portion 25 and the rear surface of the lid portion 27,
and is in close contact therewith. The casing 11 includes the
recess portion 25 provided in the casing 11, the lid portion 27
closing the recess portion 25, and the hole portion 31 provided on
the bottom surface 25A of the recess portion 25. The hole portion
31 is covered with the water stopper 32 that disallows the liquid
passing through from the external portion into the internal portion
of the casing 11 and allows air to pass through between the
internal portion and the external portion of the casing 11. The
recess portion 25 may be provided outside the pack opening portion
38 (accommodation portion of battery pack 14) of the battery pack
14 in the casing 11. If the recess portion 25 is inside the pack
opening portion 38 of the battery pack 14, the battery pack 14 can
be easily detached by a user such that the water stopper 32 is
easily destroyed. In that case, read-out of data by unauthorized
tools cannot be prevented. Therefore, the recess portion 25 is
provided outside the pack opening portion 38 (accommodation portion
of battery pack 14) of the battery pack 14 in the casing 11. In
this manner, the liquid or dust influenced by the negative pressure
applied to the casing 11 can be prevented from intruding from the
pack opening portion 38 that accommodates the battery pack 14.
Furthermore, since the lid portion 27 is attached with the
plurality of fastening screws 57 so as not to be detached easily by
a user, the mobile terminal apparatus 10 also includes the tamper
resistance to prevent the read-out of data by unauthorized
means.
Next, a second embodiment and a third embodiment will be described
with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In the second embodiment and the
third embodiment, members same as or similar to those in the
flexible circuit board 21 of the first embodiment will be numbered
with the same reference numeral and a description thereof will not
be repeated.
Second Embodiment
As illustrated in FIG. 11, a flexible circuit board 70 according to
the second embodiment has a bendable portion 71 that is a
replacement of the bendable portion 51 of the first embodiment, and
other configurations are the same as in the flexible circuit board
21 of the first embodiment.
The bendable portion 71 has a portion 72 of which a predetermined
position of the flexible circuit board 70 is bent along a thickness
direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z direction)). Since the
flexible circuit board 70 has the bendable portion 71, the bendable
portion 71 can be bent along the arrangement direction (arrow A
direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception portion 16
and the connector portion 23.
Third Embodiment
As illustrated in FIG. 12, a flexible circuit board 80 according to
the third embodiment has a bendable portion 81 that is a
replacement of the bendable portion 51 of the first embodiment, and
other configurations are the same as the flexible circuit board 21
of the first embodiment.
The bendable portion 81 has a plurality of portions 82 of which a
predetermined position of the flexible circuit board 80 waves in
parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit board 13,
thereby forming a bellows shape.
Since the flexible circuit board 80 has the bendable portion 81,
the bendable portion 81 can be bent along the arrangement direction
(arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception
portion 16 and the connector portion 23. In addition, as the
bendable portion 81 is formed to wave along a surface direction of
the circuit board 13, it is possible to reduce an occupancy space
of the internal portion 41 of the casing 11 (refer to FIG. 1).
Fourth Embodiment
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a communication antenna
unit 100 according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 14 illustrates
a cross-sectional view of a side surface of the communication
antenna unit 100 viewed from the arrow A direction of FIG. 13. As
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the communication antenna unit 100 is
an internal portion of the casing 11 and is particularly stored in
a corner portion of the casing 11. The corner portion is a side of
the arrow E1 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.
The communication antenna unit 100 illustrated in FIG. 13 includes
a support member 110 made of a resin and a flexible circuit board
130. The support member 110 is attachable to the casing 11 (refer
to FIGS. 3 and 4) by inserting a screw (not illustrated) through an
attachment hole 111 thereof and an engagement claw 112. The support
member 110 is capable of supporting the flexible circuit board 130
in a state of being held in a bent state. The support member 110
can be molded by injection molding of a resin. However, a material
or shape thereof is not particularly limited.
The flexible circuit board 130 includes an ordinary flexible
circuit board having flexibility. As long as a conductor pattern
can be formed thereon, it is not particularly limited in type. The
flexible circuit board 130 illustrated in FIG. 15 includes a main
section 131 and a protrusion section 132 in a plan view. The main
section 131 is disposed on a flat portion 113 (refer to FIGS. 13
and 14) of the support member 110. The protrusion portion 132 is
inserted through a support slot 114 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of
the support member 110 and held in a bent state. The protrusion
section 132 configures a curved section 133 (also refer to FIGS. 13
and 14) held in a bent state. The curved section 133 exhibits a
cross sectional U shape as illustrated in FIG. 14. Meanwhile, the
main section 131 illustrated in FIG. 15 is disposed in the flat
portion 113 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member 110
and configures a flat plane section 134 (also refer to FIGS. 13 and
14) adjacent to the curved section 133. For having the flexibility,
the flexible circuit board 130 can be easily bent by hand or the
like.
Moreover, in the flexible circuit board 130, a reinforcement plate
120 made of the resin is attached. Although the reinforcement plate
120 covers a portion of the flat plane section 134 of the flexible
circuit board 130 and serves to protect the flexible circuit board
130, presence or absence of a ground connection, a material, a
shape, disposition place and the like are arbitrary matters in
design. However, if the flexible circuit board 130 is attached to
the support member 110, the curved section 133 of the flexible
circuit board 130 is in a bent state such that stress is applied
also to the flat portion 113 to cause the flat portion 113 to be in
a bent state. The reinforcement plate 120 exhibits an effect to
maintain flatness of the flat portion 113 against the stress that
causes the flat portion 113 to be in a bent state.
FIG. 15 is an expanded plan view of the flexible circuit board 130.
In a single flexible circuit board 130, the communication antenna
and the human body sensor are formed by the conductor pattern
thereof, and space-saving for the devices are established. In the
flexible circuit board 130 of the fourth embodiment, there are
provided the human body sensor 140, a first communication antenna
150 that transmits and receives the radio wave in a first frequency
(for example, 1.9 GHz), and a second communication antenna 160 that
transmits and receives the radio wave in a second frequency (for
example, 700 MHz) lower than the first frequency. That is, in the
fourth embodiment, the communication antenna includes the first
communication antenna 150 and the second communication antenna 160
to configure a so-called dual antenna.
The human body sensor 140 is formed by two conductor patterns such
as a first sensor pattern 141 and a second sensor pattern 142 that
are formed on the flexible circuit board 130. The first sensor
pattern 141 and the second sensor pattern 142 configuring the human
body sensor 140 are substantially formed, that is, a majority
thereof is formed on the flat plane section 134 of the flexible
circuit board 130. In a plan view of the flexible circuit board
130, the second sensor pattern 142 is formed to surround a
periphery of the first sensor pattern 141. In addition, a first
human body sensor electrode 143 is formed on one end of the first
sensor pattern 141, and a second human body sensor electrode 144 is
formed on one end of the second sensor pattern 142.
A specific configuration for the human body sensor 140 is not
particularly limited such that a projection-type electrostatic
capacitance sensor may be adopted, or other types of contact
(approach) sensors may be adopted as well. However, the human body
sensor 140 of this embodiment is a so-called surface-type
electrostatic capacitance sensor. That is, the human body sensor
140 of this embodiment detects a change in an electric field that
is generated when a user approaches or comes into contact with the
communication antenna unit 100 (refer to FIG. 13) of the casing 11,
thereby detecting the approach or contact of the human body. For
further details, a detection circuit and a reference pattern (not
illustrated) that are not mounted on the flexible circuit board 130
are provided, for example, on the circuit board 13 (refer to FIGS.
3 and 4) accommodated in the casing 11 or on a sub-circuit board
(not illustrated). In addition, the first human body sensor
electrode 143 and the second human body sensor electrode 144 are
respectively connected to the afore-mentioned detection circuit
(not illustrated). An electric field between the first sensor
pattern 141 and the reference pattern is compared to an electric
field between the second sensor pattern 142 and the reference
pattern, thereby detecting the approach or contact of the human
body by a difference in electric field intensity therebetween or a
difference in velocity of which the electric fields change.
Detection is carried out using the three patterns as follows. The
second sensor pattern 142 that is provided to surround a majority
of a periphery of the first sensor pattern 141 is formed in a
hollow ring shape, one end of which is connected to the second
human body sensor electrode 144, and the other end of which is
disconnected. In contrast, the first sensor pattern 141 is formed
in a closed plane. Areas of those two sensor patterns are designed
to be the same as each other. However, due to the difference
between shapes thereof, a detection velocity of change in the
electrostatic capacitance by the second sensor pattern 142 is
higher than that of the first sensor pattern 141, and it is known
that the detection intensity is also strong. The difference between
the detection velocity and the detection intensity depends on types
of materials of a substance that approaches the sensor patterns.
That is because relative permittivity in the substance differs
depending on the types of materials. In general, it is known that
if the relative permittivity is high such as in the human body or a
metal, the difference between the detection velocity and detection
intensity is large, and if the relative permittivity is low such as
in paper or plastic, the difference therebetween is small.
The first communication antenna 150 that transmits and receives the
radio wave in the first frequency (high frequency) is configured by
a first antenna conductor pattern 151 which is formed on the
flexible circuit board 130. Similar to the human body sensor 140,
the first antenna conductor pattern 151 is substantially formed,
that is, a majority thereof is formed on the flat plane section 134
of the flexible circuit board 130 and connected to the human body
sensor 140 via a first inductor coil 170. Particularly, the first
antenna conductor pattern 151 is connected to the second sensor
pattern 142 of the human body sensor 140 via the first inductor
coil 170. The first inductor coil 170 may be stored in a recess
portion (not illustrated) that is provided on the flat portion 113
(also refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member 110.
The human body sensor 140 is basically configured by the first
sensor pattern 141 and the second sensor pattern 142. The human
body sensor 140 functions with these two conductor patterns.
However, in the fourth embodiment, the first antenna conductor
pattern 151 is connected to the second sensor pattern 142 via the
first inductor coil 170, thereby denoting that the first antenna
conductor pattern 151 functions not only as the first communication
antenna 150 which is described above but also as a part of the
human body sensor 140. Therefore, the human body sensor 140 is
configured by a large conductor pattern including not only the
first sensor pattern 141 and the second sensor pattern 142 but also
the first antenna conductor pattern 151, thereby being improved in
detection performance thereof.
A self-inductance L1 of the first inductor coil 170 is determined
in accordance with a self-resonant frequency of the first inductor
coil 170. Generally, it is desirable that the self-resonant
frequency be selected from sufficiently higher frequency than the
frequency used in the first communication antenna 150. However, in
the actual design, since there are limits in chip size and the
like, there is a case where an inductor coil that has a
substantially same self-resonant frequency as the frequency used in
the first communication antenna. According to the configuration, as
described above, the first antenna conductor pattern 151 functions
as a part of the human body sensor 140. However, the second sensor
pattern 142 does not function as a communication antenna. That is,
the second sensor pattern 142 only functions as the human body
sensor. Accordingly, reduction of a communication signal that is
transmitted and received using the first antenna conductor pattern
151 being mixed into the human body sensor 140 to exert a negative
influence thereon occurs. In place of the first inductor coil 170,
it is possible to assemble a substance that can be called a
reactance element (first reactance element) or a resonant circuit
portion. The reactance element can be in a conductor pattern such
as a meandered shape.
The second communication antenna 160 that transmits and receives
the radio wave in the second frequency (low frequency) lower than
the first frequency is configured by the first antenna conductor
pattern 151 and a second antenna conductor pattern 161 which are
formed on the flexible circuit board 130. That is, in the fourth
embodiment, the second communication antenna 160 is configured by
the second antenna conductor pattern 161 that serves to extend an
electric circuit length of the first communication antenna 150 in
addition to the first communication antenna 150 in its entirety. As
a result, the second communication antenna 160 can transmit and
receive the radio wave of the second frequency (low frequency)
lower than the first frequency, in other words, the radio wave in
the second frequency for which a wavelength is longer than the
radio wave of the first frequency.
The second antenna conductor pattern 161 is substantially formed on
the protrusion section 132 of the flexible circuit board 130, that
is, a majority thereof is formed on the protrusion section 132 of
the flexible circuit board 130. The protrusion section 132 is
inserted through a support slot 114 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of
the support member 110 and held in a bent state to configure the
curved section 133 (also refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) such that the
second antenna conductor pattern 161 is substantially formed, that
is, a majority thereof is formed on the curved section 133 of the
flexible circuit board 130. In FIG. 14, a width D1 of the flat
plane section 134 of the flexible circuit board 130 is longer than
a width D2 of a part that is bent at a position facing the flat
plane section 134 among the curved section 133. That is because the
flat plane section 134 of the flexible circuit board 130 of the
communication antenna unit 100 is disposed on the rear surface 11B
side (refer to FIGS. 1, 13 and 14) of the casing 11 of the mobile
terminal apparatus 10, and the bent part of the curved section 133
is disposed on the front surface 11A side (also refer to FIG. 1).
On the front surface 11A side, the display portion 12 (refer to
FIG. 1, for example, LCD, organic EL or the like) with a touch
panel is disposed. According to a configuration of the
communication antenna unit 100 described above, it is reduced that
a noise generated by the display portion 12 with a touch panel is
mixed from the communication antenna unit 100 to exert a negative
influence on a communication. The display portion 12 with a touch
panel is attached to the opposite side of the circuit board 13
interposing a metal frame 60 in FIGS. 13 and 14. The metal frame 60
is effective in intercepting a noise from the display portion 12.
Therefore, an influence of a noise from the display portion 12 on
the flat portion 113 of the flexible circuit board 130 of the
communication antenna unit 100 that is disposed on the rear surface
11B side of the casing 11 is reduced.
Returning to FIG. 15, in the fourth embodiment, the first antenna
conductor pattern 151 and the second antenna conductor pattern 161
are connected to each other by the second inductor coil 180,
thereby configuring the second communication antenna 160. According
to the configuration, only the first antenna conductor pattern is
adopted when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the first
frequency (high frequency). Both the first antenna conductor
pattern 151 and the second antenna conductor pattern 161 are
adopted when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the
second frequency (low frequency). The second inductor coil 180 may
be stored in the recess portion (not illustrated) that is provided
on the flat portion 113 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the support
member 110.
As described above, the width D1 of the flat plane section 134 of
the flexible circuit board 130 is longer than the width D2 of the
part that is bent at the position facing the flat plane section 134
among the curved section 133 (refer to FIG. 14). Since only the
first antenna conductor pattern 151 is adopted when transmitting
and receiving the radio wave of the first frequency (high
frequency), a transmission radio wave in the first frequency (high
frequency) is radiated only from the flat plane section 134 (also
refer to FIGS. 13 to 15) of the flexible circuit board 130. In
contrast, since both the first antenna conductor pattern 151 and
the second antenna conductor pattern 161 are adopted when
transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the second frequency
(low frequency), a transmission radio wave in the second frequency
(low frequency) is radiated from both the flat plane section 134 of
the flexible circuit board 130 and the curved section 133 (also
refer to FIGS. 13 to 15).
Accordingly, a transmission radio wave of the first frequency (high
frequency) is not radiated, but is radiated only when transmitting
the radio wave of the second frequency (low frequency) from the
curved section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible
circuit board 130. Then, when transmitting the radio wave of the
second frequency (low frequency), the radio wave is radiated not
only from the curved section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the
flexible circuit board 130 but also from the flat plane section 134
(refer to FIGS. 13 to 15), that is, the flat portion 113.
Therefore, radiant energy density per unit area of the transmission
radio wave is suppressed at a low level. In addition, since there
is little plane part in the curved section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13
and 14) of the flexible circuit board 130, intensity of the
transmission radio wave from this part is low. That is, even though
a human body approaches to or comes into contact with the curved
section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit
board 130, there is no need to lower the intensity of the
transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body sensor 140 to
detect a approach of contact of a human body with respect to the
second antenna conductor pattern 161 is not provided on the curved
section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14), that is, the protruding
section 132 of the flexible circuit board 130.
In contrast, when transmitting the radio wave of the first
frequency (high frequency), the radio wave is radiated only from
the flat plane section 134 of the flexible circuit board 130, that
is, the flat portion 113 (refer to FIGS. 13 to 15). Therefore, the
radiant energy density per unit area of the transmission radio wave
cannot be suppressed at a low level. In addition, since there is
more of a plane part in the flat plane section 134 (refer to FIGS.
13 to 15) of the flexible circuit board 130 than the curved section
133, the intensity of the transmission radio wave therefrom is
high. That is, if a human body approaches or comes into contact
with the flat plane section 134 of the flexible circuit board 130,
there is a need to lower the intensity of the transmission radio
wave. Therefore, the human body sensor 140 to detect an approach or
contact of a human body with respect to the first antenna conductor
pattern 151 is provided on the flat plane section 134 (refer to
FIGS. 13 to 15) of the flexible circuit board 130. However, the
above-described relationship between a shape of the antenna and
intensity of the transmission radio wave is the same in a case
where one communication antenna pattern is formed over the flat
plane section 134 and the curved section 133. Even in that case,
the human body sensor 140 can be provided only in the flat plane
section 134.
As described above, according to the configuration of the fourth
embodiment, there is provided the human body sensor adjacent to the
flat plane section of the communication antenna, of which the
intensity of the transmission radio wave needs to be lowered when a
human body approaches thereto or comes into contact therewith such
that it is possible to suppress an influence of a communication
electromagnetic wave on a human body while suppressing
deterioration in communication quality to a minimum.
A self-inductance L2 of the second inductor coil 180 is not
particularly limited. In addition, in order to improve antenna
characteristics of the first communication antenna 150 that is
adopted when transmitting and receiving a radio wave of the first
frequency (high frequency), there is a need to devise a way so as
to cause an antenna electric current (electric current contributed
for radiation of radio wave) of the first communication antenna 150
not to flow to the second antenna conductor pattern 161 side. In
this case, in place of the second inductor coil 180, an LC parallel
resonant circuit consisting of a parallel circuit having a coil and
a capacitor is adopted, such that it is possible to prevent the
electric current of the frequency corresponding to the
self-resonant frequency of both of the coil and capacitor from
flowing to the second antenna conductor pattern 161 side. That is,
a connection between the first antenna conductor pattern 151 and
the second antenna conductor pattern 161 may be either the single
inductor coil or the LC parallel resonant circuit. That is, in this
location, in place of the second inductor coil 180, it is possible
to assemble a component that can be called the reactance element or
the resonant circuit portion.
The reactance element can be in a conductor pattern such as the
meandered shape. In this case, at least either of the first antenna
conductor pattern 151 and the second antenna conductor pattern 161
is configured in the meander-shaped conductor pattern, thereby
being directly connected to the other. In addition, as in the
fourth embodiment, the first antenna conductor pattern 151 and the
second antenna conductor pattern 161 may be connected not only in
series but also in parallel when viewed from the antenna electrode
152. In this manner, it is not necessary to dispose the first
communication antenna 150 adopted when transmitting and receiving
the radio wave of the first frequency (high frequency), that is,
the first antenna conductor pattern 151 on the flat plane section
134 as in the fourth embodiment, and thus, it is possible to be
disposed on the protrusion section 132. In other words, the first
antenna conductor pattern 151 can be disposed on the curved section
133 of the fourth embodiment. In this case, the second antenna
conductor pattern 161 is disposed on the flat plane section 134 of
the fourth embodiment.
Moreover, as described above, the first antenna conductor pattern
151 that functions as the first communication antenna 150 is
connected to the second sensor pattern 142 via the first inductor
coil 170. As described above, the first antenna conductor pattern
151 that is connected to the sensor pattern 142 is connected to the
second antenna conductor pattern 161 via the second inductor coil
180 (the second reactance element). This indicates that not only
the first antenna conductor pattern 151 but also the second antenna
conductor pattern 161 certainly functions as the above-described
second communication antenna 160 and also functions as a part of
the human body sensor 140. Therefore, the human body sensor 140 is
configured to have a large conductor pattern including not only the
first sensor pattern 141 and the second sensor pattern 142 but also
the first antenna conductor pattern 151 and the second antenna
conductor pattern 161, thereby further improving the detection
performance thereof.
For more detail, as similar to the human body sensor 140, the first
antenna conductor pattern 151 is substantially formed, that is, a
majority part thereof is formed on the flat plane section 134 of
the flexible circuit board 130 and is connected to second sensor
pattern 142 of the human body sensor 140 via the first inductor
coil 170. As described above, it is known that the detection
velocity of change in the electrostatic capacitance by the second
sensor pattern 142 is higher than that of the first sensor pattern
141 and the detection intensity is also large. The conductor
pattern of the communication antenna is connected to the second
sensor pattern 142 and is not connected to the first sensor pattern
141 via the first inductor coil 170 (the first reactance element),
and thus, it is possible to detect the approach or contact of a
human body with respect to the communication antenna fast. In a
case where the second antenna conductor pattern and the second
sensor pattern are adjacent to each other by changing the patterns
of the above-described communication antennas, the patterns may be
connected to each other via the first inductor coil (the first
reactance element).
According to the fourth embodiment, the second antenna conductor
pattern 161 is substantially formed on the curved section 133 of
the flexible circuit board 130. The first antenna conductor pattern
151 and the human body sensor 140 are substantially formed on the
flat plane section 134 of the flexible circuit board 130 which is
adjacent to the curved section 133. The curved section 133 is
extended from a surface where the flat plane section 134 exists at
different heights (height in a vertical direction of FIG. 14)
exhibiting a cross-sectional U shape. In this configuration,
without degrading each performance of the dual antenna and the
human body sensor, it is possible that the communication antenna
unit 100 is designed particularly in a small space in a plane
direction, thereby being disposed inside the casing 11.
The communication antenna unit 100 according to the fourth
embodiment is disposed inside the casing 11 so as to cause the
first communication antenna 150 and the second communication
antenna 160 to be disposed at a position closer to the corner
portion of the casing 11 than the human body sensor 140 is
disposed. That is, an E1 side in FIGS. 3 and 4 to 13 becomes a side
adjacent to the corner portion of the casing 11, and an E2 side
becomes a side close to the center of one edge of the casing 11
away from the corner portion of the casing 11. According to the
disposition, the human body sensor 140 can be disposed being closer
to the center side being in a frequent contact with a human body
than the corner portion of the casing 11, and thus, it is possible
to improve the detection sensitivity of the human body sensor 140
with respect to a human body.
In addition, as described above, according to the fourth
embodiment, the first antenna conductor pattern 151 that is
disposed at the corner portion of the casing 11 functions not only
as the first communication antenna 150 but also as a part of the
human body sensor 140. Therefore, for example, even if the human
body sensor 140 is away from the corner portion of the casing 11,
the approach or contact of a human body with respect to the corner
portion can be precisely detected.
FIG. 16 illustrates a schematic view of an electric circuit of the
communication antenna unit 100 according to the fourth embodiment.
According to the fourth embodiment, the communication antenna,
particularly the first communication antenna 150, is connected to a
capacitor 190 via the antenna electrode 152 and further connected
to a transmission and reception module 192 that is stored inside
the casing 11. Although it is not illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
transmission and reception module 192 is, for example, an LTE
module and can be disposed on the circuit board 13 of FIGS. 3 and
4. In addition, the capacitor 190 can be disposed anywhere between
the flexible circuit board 21 and the transmission and reception
module 192, for example. The transmission and reception module 192
according to the fourth embodiment may be replaced with a
transmission and reception circuit, for example, which is disposed
on the circuit board 13 or on different circuit board (not
illustrated). Moreover, among the transmission and reception
circuits, a part of a matching circuit that is the closest to the
capacitor 190 may be disposed at a different place with respect to
different transmission and reception circuit. That is, the
capacitor 190 and the matching circuit may be disposed on a
sub-circuit board (not illustrated) and a different transmission
and reception circuit may be disposed on the circuit board 13.
An electrostatic capacity C of the capacitor 190 illustrated in
FIG. 16 is not particularly limited from a viewpoint of an antenna
matching circuit. The electrostatic capacity C is determined from a
viewpoint of securing the performance of the human body sensor 140.
A capacitor 190 exclusively allowing the electric current of the
frequency that is used in the first communication antenna 150 and
the second communication antenna 160 to pass through and
exclusively blocking the electric current of the frequency that is
used in the human body sensor 140 is selected. A voltage applied to
the human body sensor fluctuates in accordance with the change of
the electrostatic capacity. The frequency of the electric current
generated at the fluctuation of the voltage is extremely low
compared to the frequency used in the first communication antenna
150 and the second communication antenna 160. Having such a
configuration, since the electric current of the direct-current
component is necessary for the human body sensor 140 is secured,
the human body sensor 140 functions effectively.
In addition, according to the fourth embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 17A, the first antenna conductor pattern 151 (the first
communication antenna 150) and the human body sensor 140 are
disposed at a position closer to the opposite surface of a surface
where the display portion 12 of the casing 11 is disposed than the
second antenna conductor pattern 161 is disposed. That is, the
surface where the display portion 12 is disposed is the front
surface 11A, and the first antenna conductor pattern 151 (first
communication antenna 150) and the human body sensor 140 are
disposed on the rear surface 11B side which is the opposite side
thereof.
That is, since the rear surface 11B is frequently exposed to the
approach and contact of a user when in use, it is possible to
enhance the detection sensitivity by disposing the human body
sensor 140 close to the rear surface. Even in a disposition as in
FIG. 17B that is a reversed disposition of FIG. 17A, the
communication antenna unit 100 of the fourth embodiment performs
its function. However, the disposition of FIG. 17A is more
preferable than the disposition of FIG. 17B from a viewpoint of
improvement of detecting the approach and contact of a human
body.
According to the fourth embodiment described above, the dual
antenna including two communication antennas is provided on the
communication antenna unit 100. However, even if there is provided
with a single communication antenna, a configuration may be adopted
in which the communication antenna and the human body sensor 140
are formed by the conductor pattern of the single circuit board and
the both are connected to each other by the inductor coil.
Moreover, the communication antenna may be disposed at a position
closer to the corner portion of the casing 11 than the human body
sensor 140. Even in this configuration, it is possible to dispose
the human body sensor 140 and the communication antenna inside the
limited narrow space by the single circuit board without degrading
the communication performance or the performance to detect the
approach or contact of a human body with respect to the
communication antenna, thereby achieving both miniaturization and
functional maintenance in the apparatus.
In addition, the flexible circuit board 130 of the communication
antenna unit 100 according to the fourth embodiment includes the
cross-sectional U-shaped curved section 133, and each of the
electric current flowing in the first antenna conductor pattern 151
and the second antenna conductor pattern 161 is in a reverse phase
to be counter-balanced with each other in a state of being attached
to the casing 11. Therefore, there is a concern that the advantage
of the antenna may be degraded. However, according to the fourth
embodiment, the curved section is caused to be in a U shape so that
a certain interval (for example, approximately 10 mm) between the
first antenna conductor pattern 151 and the second antenna
conductor pattern 161 can be maintained. Accordingly, the concern
of performance degradation in such a dual antenna can be dispelled.
Naturally, since there is no need for concern, the range of
interval is not particularly limited.
Moreover, in the communication antenna unit 100 according to the
fourth embodiment, the so-called matching circuit (the capacitor
190 and the inductor coil that are provided in accordance with
necessity) is disposed in the internal portion of the casing 11 to
be provided on the circuit board 13 to which the communication
antenna unit 100 is connected or on a different circuit board (not
illustrated). However, naturally, such a matching circuit is
allowed to be mounted on the flexible circuit board 130.
In the fourth embodiment, the second antenna conductor pattern 161
is substantially formed in the curved section 133 of the flexible
circuit board 130 that is held in the bent state by the support
member 110, and the first antenna conductor pattern 151 and the
human body sensor 140 are formed on the flat plane section 134 of
the flexible circuit board 130 adjacent to the curved section 133.
Meanwhile, the first antenna conductor pattern of the high
frequency side can be substantially formed on the curved section
133 of the flexible circuit board 130, and the second antenna
conductor pattern of the low frequency side and the human body
sensor 140 are formed on the flat plane section 134 of the flexible
circuit board 130. Even in this configuration, it is possible to
dispose the components by the space-saving design without degrading
each performance of the so-called dual antenna and the human body
sensor.
In addition, the fourth embodiment is an example in which the
communication antenna unit 100 is provided with the first
communication antenna 150, the second communication antenna 160 and
the human body sensor 140. However, another example can be
considered in which the human body sensor 140 is not provided, the
second antenna conductor pattern 161 is substantially formed in the
curved section 133 of the flexible circuit board 130, and the first
antenna conductor pattern 151 is formed in the flat plane section
134 of the flexible circuit board 130. From a viewpoint of
increasing communication standards and carrier frequencies, it is
possible to achieve a further space-saving design even in this
configuration.
Moreover, in the fourth embodiment, the description is given
regarding a configuration in which the communication antenna unit
100 includes the flexible circuit board 130 having flexibility and
the support member 110 supporting the flexible circuit board 130 in
the state of being held in the bent state. However, it is possible
to adopt different configurations. That is, according to a
technology of forming a metal thin film on a surface of the support
member 110, the communication antennas 150 and 160 and the human
body sensor 140 are directly formed in the support member 110
without passing through the flexible circuit board 130. In this
case, the support member 110 itself becomes the single circuit
board having the communication antennas 150 and 160 and the human
body sensor 140.
Fifth Embodiment
Here, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
13, 14, 16 and 17 as used in the fourth embodiment and with
reference to FIG. 18 in place of FIG. 15 used in the fourth
embodiment. In a flexible circuit board 130A in FIG. 18 according
to the fifth embodiment, contrary to the fourth embodiment, there
are provided the human body sensor 140, a first communication
antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a first
frequency (for example, 700 MHz), and a second communication
antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a second
frequency (for example, 1.9 GHz) higher than the first frequency. A
first antenna conductor pattern 151A, a second antenna conductor
pattern 161A and a second inductor coil 180A configure a so-called
dual antenna by which the radio waves in the first frequency and
the second frequency can be transmitted and received. The operation
of the human body sensor 140 is the same as that of the fourth
embodiment, and its description is omitted in description of this
embodiment.
In the fifth embodiment, the first antenna conductor pattern 151A
and the second antenna conductor pattern 161B are connected via the
second inductor coil 180. A second communication antenna that
transmits and receives the radio waves in the first frequency (low
frequency) or the second frequency (high frequency) is configured
by the first antenna conductor pattern 151A, the second antenna
conductor pattern 161A and the second inductor coil 180A which are
formed on the flexible circuit board 130A. The second antenna
conductor pattern 161A is designed to have a resonant frequency
being equal to the second frequency (high frequency), and is
designed to have a value which is obtained by multiplying (for
example, two times) a resonant frequency of a part in which the
first antenna conductor pattern 151A and the second inductor coil
180A are combined, being equal to the second frequency (high
frequency). In addition, it is designed that the resonant frequency
of a part in which the first antenna conductor pattern 151A and the
second inductor coil 180A are combined becomes the first frequency
(low frequency). Accordingly, a part which contributes the
transmission and reception of the radio waves in the first
frequency (low frequency) is the first antenna conductor pattern
151A, the second inductor coil 180A and a part of the second
conductor pattern 161A which serves as a feeding path. The part of
the second conductor pattern 161A indicates an area of a line
connecting the antenna electrode 152 and a connection point of the
second inductor coil 180A by which the second conductor pattern
161A and the first conductor pattern 151A are connected, and a
vicinity area on the second conductor pattern 161A on the both
sides. Moreover, a part which contributes the transmission and
reception of the radio waves in the second frequency (high
frequency) is a whole of the first antenna conductor pattern 151A,
the second antenna conductor pattern 161A and the second inductor
coil 180A.
Similar to the human body sensor 140, the second antenna conductor
pattern 161A is substantially formed, that is, a majority thereof
is formed on the flat plane section 134 of the flexible circuit
board 130A and connected to the human body sensor 140 via the first
inductor coil 170. Particularly, the second antenna conductor
pattern 161A is connected to the second sensor pattern 142 of the
human body sensor 140 via the first inductor coil 170. The first
inductor coil 170 may be stored in a recess portion (not
illustrated) that is provided on the flat portion 113 (also refer
to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member 110.
The human body sensor 140 is basically configured by the first
sensor pattern 141 and the second sensor pattern 142. The human
body sensor 140 functions with these two conductor patterns.
However, in the fifth embodiment, the second antenna conductor
pattern 161A is connected to the second sensor pattern 142 via the
first inductor coil 170, thereby denoting that the second antenna
conductor pattern 161A functions not only as the second
communication antenna which is described above but also as a part
of the human body sensor 140. Therefore, the human body sensor 140
is configured by a large conductor pattern including not only the
first sensor pattern 141 and the second sensor pattern 142 but also
the second antenna conductor pattern 161A, thereby being improved
in detection performance thereof.
A self-inductance L1 of the first inductor coil 170 is determined
in accordance with a self-resonant frequency of the first inductor
coil 170. Generally, it is desirable that the self-resonant
frequency be selected from sufficiently higher frequency than the
frequency used in the first communication antenna. However, in the
actual design, since there are limits in chip size and the like,
there is a case where an inductor coil that has a substantially
same self-resonant frequency as the frequency used in the first
communication antenna. According to the configuration, as described
above, the second antenna conductor pattern 161A functions as a
part of the human body sensor 140. However, the second sensor
pattern 142 does not function as a communication antenna. That is,
the second sensor pattern 142 only functions as the human body
sensor. Accordingly, reduction of a communication signal that is
transmitted and received using the second antenna conductor pattern
161A being mixed into the human body sensor 140 to exert a negative
influence thereon occurs. In place of the first inductor coil 170,
it is possible to assemble a substance that can be called a
reactance element (first reactance element) or a resonant circuit
portion. The reactance element can be in a conductor pattern such
as a meandered shape.
The first antenna conductor pattern 151A is substantially formed on
the protrusion section 132 of the flexible circuit board 130A, that
is, a majority thereof is formed on the protrusion section 132 of
the flexible circuit board 130A. The protrusion section 132 is
inserted through a support slot 114 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of
the support member 110 and held in a bent state to configure the
curved section 133 (also refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) such that the
first antenna conductor pattern 151A is substantially formed, that
is, a majority thereof is formed on the curved section 133 of the
flexible circuit board 130A. In FIG. 14, a width D1 of the flat
plane section 134 of the flexible circuit board 130A is longer than
a width D2 of a part that is bent at a position facing the flat
plane section 134 among the curved section 133. That is because the
flat plane section 134 of the flexible circuit board 130A of the
communication antenna unit 100 is disposed on the rear surface 11B
side (refer to FIGS. 1, 13 and 14) of the casing 11 of the mobile
terminal apparatus 10, and the bent part of the curved section 133
is disposed on the front surface 11A side (also refer to FIG. 1).
On the front surface 11A side, the display portion 12 (refer to
FIG. 1, for example, LCD, organic EL or the like) with a touch
panel is disposed. According to a configuration of the
communication antenna unit 100 described above, it is reduced that
a noise generated by the display portion 12 with a touch panel is
mixed from the communication antenna unit 100 to exert a negative
influence on a communication. The display portion 12 with a touch
panel is attached to the opposite side of the circuit board 13
interposing a metal frame 60 in FIGS. 13 and 14. The metal frame 60
is effective in intercepting a noise from the display portion 12.
Therefore, an influence of a noise from the display portion 12 on
the flat portion 113 of the flexible circuit board 130A of the
communication antenna unit 100 that is disposed on the rear surface
11B side of the casing 11 is reduced. The second inductor coil 180A
may be stored in the recess portion (not illustrated) that is
provided on the flat portion 113 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the
support member 110.
As described above, the width D1 of the flat plane section 134 of
the flexible circuit board 130 is longer than the width D2 of the
part that is bent at the position facing the flat plane section 134
among the curved section 133 (refer to FIG. 14). The first antenna
conductor pattern 151A and the second inductor coil 180A are mainly
adopted and the second antenna conductor pattern 161A functions as
feeding line mainly when transmitting and receiving the radio wave
of the first frequency (low frequency). Namely, most of the
transmission radio waves in the first frequency (low frequency) is
radiated from the curved section 133 (also refer to FIGS. 13, 14
and 18) of the flexible circuit board 130A. In contrast, both the
first antenna conductor pattern 151A and the second antenna
conductor pattern 161A are adopted together with the second
inductor coil 180A when transmitting and receiving the radio wave
of the second frequency (high frequency). Namely, transmission
radio waves in the second frequency (high frequency) is radiated
from both the flat plane section 134 and the curved section 133 of
the flexible circuit board 130A (also refer to FIGS. 13, 14 and
18).
Accordingly, a transmission radio wave of the first frequency (low
frequency) is radiated with little energy, but is radiated when
transmitting the radio wave of the second frequency (high
frequency) from the flat plane section 134 (refer to FIGS. 13 and
14) of the flexible circuit board 130A. Then, when transmitting the
radio wave of the second frequency (high frequency), the radio wave
is radiated not only from the curved section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13
and 14) of the flexible circuit board 130A but also from the flat
plane section 134 (refer to FIGS. 13, 14 and 18), that is, the flat
portion 113. Therefore, radiant energy density per unit area of the
transmission radio wave is suppressed at a low level. In addition,
since there is little plane part in the curved section 133 (refer
to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board 130A, intensity
of the transmission radio wave from this part is low. That is, even
though a human body approaches to or comes into contact with the
curved section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible
circuit board 130A, there is no need to lower the intensity of the
transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body sensor 140 to
detect a approach of contact of a human body with respect to the
second antenna conductor pattern 161A is not provided on the curved
section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14), that is, the protruding
section 132 of the flexible circuit board 130A.
In contrast, since there is more of a plane part in the flat plane
section 134 (refer to FIGS. 13, 14 and 18) of the flexible circuit
board 130A than the curved section 133, the intensity of the
transmission radio wave therefrom is high. That is, if a human body
approaches or comes into contact with the flat plane section 134 of
the flexible circuit board 130A, there is a need to lower the
intensity of the transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body
sensor 140 to detect an approach or contact of a human body with
respect to the first antenna conductor pattern 151A is provided on
the flat plane section 134 (refer to FIGS. 13, 14 and 18) of the
flexible circuit board 130A. However, the above-described
relationship between a shape of the antenna and intensity of the
transmission radio wave is the same in a case where one
communication antenna pattern is formed over the flat plane section
134 and the curved section 133. Even in that case, the human body
sensor 140 can be provided only in the flat plane section 134.
Sixth Embodiment
Here, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
13, 14, 16 and 17 as used in the fourth and fifth embodiments and
with reference to FIG. 19 in place of FIG. 18 used in the fifth
embodiment. In a flexible circuit board 130B in FIG. 19 according
to the sixth embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, there are
provided the human body sensor 140, a first communication antenna
that transmits and receives the radio wave in a first frequency
(for example, 700 MHz), and a second communication antenna that
transmits and receives the radio wave in a second frequency (for
example, 1.9 GHz) higher than the first frequency. A first antenna
conductor pattern 151B, a second antenna conductor pattern 161B and
a second inductor coil 180B configure a so-called dual antenna by
which the radio waves in the first frequency and the second
frequency can be transmitted and received. The operation of the
human body sensor 140 is the same as that of the fourth embodiment,
and its description is omitted in description of this
embodiment.
The sixth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment that
the first antenna conductor pattern 151B is connected to the second
sensor pattern 142 via the first inductor coil 170B, thereby
denoting that the first antenna conductor pattern 151B functions
not only as the first and second communication antennas which are
described above but also as a part of the human body sensor 140.
Therefore, the human body sensor 140 is configured by a large
conductor pattern including not only the first sensor pattern 141
and the second sensor pattern 142 but also the first antenna
conductor pattern 151B, thereby being improved in detection
performance thereof. The first inductor coil 170B may be stored in
the recess portion (not illustrated) that is provided on the flat
portion 113 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member 110.
The other elements are common to those in the fourth and fifth
embodiments, and the detailed description is omitted.
Seventh Embodiment
Here, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to
FIGS. 13, 14, 16 and 17 as used in the fourth embodiment and with
reference to FIG. 20 in place of FIG. 15 used in the fourth
embodiment. In a flexible circuit board 130C in FIG. 20 according
to the seventh embodiment, contrary to the fourth embodiment, there
are provided the human body sensor 140, a first communication
antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a first
frequency (for example, 700 MHz), and a second communication
antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a second
frequency (for example, 1.9 GHz) higher than the first frequency. A
first antenna conductor pattern 151C, a second antenna conductor
pattern 161C and a second inductor coil 180C configure a so-called
dual antenna by which the radio waves in the first frequency and
the second frequency can be transmitted and received. The seventh
embodiment is different from the fourth and fifth embodiments in
that the first antenna conductor pattern 151C is disposed only in
the flat plane section 134 of a flexible circuit board 130C, and
the second antenna conductor pattern 161C is disposed along the
protrusion section 132 and the flat plane section 134 of the
flexible circuit board 130C. In addition, the seventh embodiment is
different from the fourth embodiment, but similar to the fifth
embodiment in that the first antenna conductor pattern 151C is
connected to the second sensor pattern 142 via a first inductor
coil 170C, thereby denoting that the second antenna conductor
pattern 161C functions not only as the first and second
communication antennas which are described above but also as a part
of the human body sensor 140. Therefore, the human body sensor 140
is configured by a large conductor pattern including not only the
first sensor pattern 141 and the second sensor pattern 142 but also
the first antenna conductor pattern 151C, thereby being improved in
detection performance thereof.
As described above, the width D1 of the flat plane section 134 of
the flexible circuit board 130C is longer than the width D2 of the
part that is bent at the position facing the flat plane section 134
among the curved section 133 (refer to FIG. 14). The first antenna
conductor pattern 151C and the second inductor coil 180C are mainly
adopted and the second antenna conductor pattern 161C functions as
feeding line mainly when transmitting and receiving the radio wave
of the first frequency (low frequency). Namely, most of the
transmission radio waves in the first frequency (low frequency) is
radiated from the flat plane section 134 (also refer to FIGS. 13,
14 and 20) of the flexible circuit board 130C. In contrast, both
the first antenna conductor pattern 151C and the second antenna
conductor pattern 161C are adopted together with the second
inductor coil 180C when transmitting and receiving the radio wave
of the second frequency (high frequency). Namely, transmission
radio waves in the second frequency (high frequency) is radiated
from both the flat plane section 134 and the curved section 133 of
the flexible circuit board 130C (also refer to FIGS. 13, 14 and
20).
Accordingly, a transmission radio wave of the first frequency (low
frequency) is radiated with little energy, but is radiated when
transmitting the radio wave of the second frequency (high
frequency) from the curved section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14)
of the flexible circuit board 130C. Then, when transmitting the
radio wave of the second frequency (high frequency), the radio wave
is radiated not only from the curved section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13
and 14) of the flexible circuit board 130C but also from the flat
plane section 134 (refer to FIGS. 13, 14 and 20), that is, the flat
portion 113. Therefore, radiant energy density per unit area of the
transmission radio wave is suppressed at a low level. In addition,
since there is little plane part in the curved section 133 (refer
to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board 130C, intensity
of the transmission radio wave from this part is low. That is, even
though a human body approaches to or comes into contact with the
curved section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible
circuit board 130C, there is no need to lower the intensity of the
transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body sensor 140 to
detect a approach of contact of a human body with respect to the
second antenna conductor pattern 161C is not provided on the curved
section 133 (refer to FIGS. 13 and 14), that is, the protruding
section 132 of the flexible circuit board 130C.
In contrast, since there is more of a plane part in the flat plane
section 134 (refer to FIGS. 13, 14 and 20) of the flexible circuit
board 130C than the curved section 133, the intensity of the
transmission radio wave therefrom is high. That is, if a human body
approaches or comes into contact with the flat plane section 134 of
the flexible circuit board 130C, there is a need to lower the
intensity of the transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body
sensor 140 to detect an approach or contact of a human body with
respect to the first antenna conductor pattern 151C is provided on
the flat plane section 134 (refer to FIGS. 13, 14 and 20) of the
flexible circuit board 130C. However, the above-described
relationship between a shape of the antenna and intensity of the
transmission radio wave is the same in a case where one
communication antenna pattern is formed over the flat plane section
134 and the curved section 133. Even in that case, the human body
sensor 140 can be provided only in the flat plane section 134. The
other elements are common to those in the fourth to sixth
embodiments, and the detailed description is omitted.
Alternatively, the shape of the first antenna patter 151C may be a
wide pattern as illustrated in FIG. 21 instead of a narrow pattern
as illustrated in FIG. 20.
The mobile terminal apparatus according to the aspects of the
present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments
such that it is possible for the mobile terminal apparatus to be
appropriately changed or improved. For example, the shape or
configuration of the mobile terminal apparatus, the casing, the
display portion, the circuit board, the battery pack, the power
reception portion, the power feeding portion, the flexible circuit
board, the connector portion, the recess portion, the through hole,
the waterproof member, the hole portion, the water stopper, the
power reception terminal, the bendable portion and the like which
are used in the First Embodiment to the Third Embodiment is not
limited to the examples such that it is possible to be
appropriately changed. In addition, the present invention is not
limited to the Fourth Embodiment such that it is possible to be
appropriately changed or improved. In addition, material, shape,
size, value, form, numbers, arrangement location and the like of
each of configuration elements in the above-described embodiments
are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be acquired,
thereby not being limited.
According to the present invention, since there is provided a
technology for disposing a communication antenna and the human body
sensor inside a limited space without degrading a communication
performance or a performance of detecting an approach or contact of
the human body, it is possible to provide a compact and
high-performance mobile terminal apparatus. In addition, the
present invention is suitable to be applied to a mobile terminal
apparatus in which a circuit board is provided in a casing, a
battery pack is accommodated adjacent to the circuit board, and a
power feeding portion of the battery pack is connected to a power
reception portion inside the casing.
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priorities
of Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2012-276226 and 2012-276227,
both filed on Dec. 18, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
* * * * *