Notebook computer

Abstract

Provided is a notebook computer in which desired resonance frequency and characteristics can be easily achieved with respect to a magnetic field antenna disposed so as to overlap with a palm rest of a case. A notebook computer is provided with: a case which includes a palm rest and is foldable; a magnetic field antenna that generates a magnetic field and is housed in the housing so as to overlap the palm rest in the magnetic field direction in which the magnetic field is generated; and a metal plate part that is disposed so as to overlap the magnetic field antenna in the magnetic field direction and that adjusts the resonance frequency of the magnetic field antenna, in which a hole pattern is formed, the hole pattern including at least one hole, and the metal plate part is disposed so as to overlap the magnetic field antenna in the magnetic field direction. And an eddy current suppression unit that suppresses an eddy current generated at the metal plate section due to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to laptop computers. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, NFC antennas, such as those shown in Patent Document 1, were known. NFC antennas are a type of magnetic field antenna that generates a magnetic field (electromagnetic wave). Such magnetic field antennas are used when housed within the casing of a laptop computer.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-511152

[0004] Even with identical construction of the magnetic field antenna, its resonant frequency can vary depending on which part of the laptop casing houses it. This is due to the electromagnetic interaction between the magnetic field antenna and objects placed around it (e.g., the metal constituting the casing). As a result of careful research by the inventors of this application, it has been determined that such a change in resonant frequency occurs when the magnetic field antenna is configured to overlap with the palm rest of the casing.

[0005] To address this change in resonant frequency, the metal plate used to adjust the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna could be configured to overlap with the antenna. However, such a metal plate can generate eddy currents due to the magnetic field generated by the antenna. These eddy currents produce a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field generated by the antenna, which may, as a result, degrade the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention was made in consideration of such circumstances, with the aim of providing a laptop computer that can easily achieve the desired resonant frequency and characteristics for a magnetic field antenna configured to overlap with the palm rest of the casing.

[0007] To address the aforementioned issues, the laptop computer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises: a casing including a palm rest and foldable; a magnetic field antenna that generates a magnetic field and is housed in the casing such that it overlaps with the palm rest in the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field; and a metal plate portion configured to overlap with the magnetic field antenna in the direction of the magnetic field and for adjusting the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna, wherein a hole pattern is formed on the metal plate portion, the hole pattern including at least one hole, and for suppressing eddy currents generated at the metal plate portion due to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field antenna.

[0008] According to embodiment 1 of the present invention, the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna is adjusted by the metal plate portion, and the characteristic degradation of the magnetic field antenna due to eddy currents can be suppressed by the hole pattern. Therefore, the desired resonant frequency and characteristics can be easily achieved in a magnetic field antenna configured to overlap with the palm rest.

[0009] Furthermore, in embodiment 2 of the present invention, based on the laptop computer of embodiment 1, the aforementioned hole has a slit shape.

[0010] According to embodiment 2 of the present invention, the generation of eddy currents is further suppressed, and the characteristic degradation of the magnetic field antenna is further suppressed.

[0011] Furthermore, in embodiment 3 of the present invention, based on the laptop computer of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, the hole pattern includes a plurality of the holes described above.

[0012] According to embodiment 3 of the present invention, the generation of eddy currents is further suppressed, and the characteristic degradation of the magnetic field antenna is further suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, in embodiment 4 of the present invention, based on any of the laptop computers in embodiments 1 to 3, when viewed from the magnetic field direction, the center of the hole pattern is aligned with the center of the magnetic field antenna.

[0014] According to embodiment 4 of the present invention, the generation of eddy currents is suppressed more effectively, and the degradation of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna is further suppressed.

[0015] According to the above-described manner of the present invention, a laptop computer can be provided which can easily achieve the desired resonant frequency and characteristics for a magnetic field antenna configured to overlap with the palm rest of the casing. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a laptop computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It means along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross section of line II-II shown.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the magnetic field antenna and the metal plate when no hole pattern is formed on the metal plate.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a magnetic field antenna and a metal plate when a perforated pattern is formed on the metal plate.

[0020] Figure 5A This is a diagram representing the first example of a perforated pattern.

[0021] Figure 5B This is the second example of the perforation pattern.

[0022] Figure 5C This is a diagram representing the third example of the perforation pattern.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0024] 1... Laptop computer; 10... Casing; 14... Palm rest; 20... Magnetic field antenna; 30... Metal plate; 32... Hole pattern; 32a... Hole; Z... Up and down direction (magnetic field direction); H1... Magnetic field; I2... Eddy current. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, a laptop computer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a laptop computer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It means along Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross section of line II-II shown.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the laptop computer 1 according to this embodiment includes a casing 10, a magnetic field antenna 20, a metal plate portion 30, and a substrate 40. The laptop computer 1 is also referred to as a clamshell personal computer 1.

[0028] The housing 10 is configured to be foldable. Specifically, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 according to this embodiment has a first housing 10A, a second housing 10B, and a hinge H. The first housing 10A and the second housing 10B are connected by the hinge H so that they can be folded together (opened and closed). Hereinafter, the state in which the housings 10A and 10B (housing 10) are closed is called the "closed state", and the state in which the housings 10A and 10B (housing 10) are open is called the "open state".

[0029] The first housing 10A has a fixed end edge 10a and a free end edge 10b. The fixed end edge 10a is the end edge connected to the second housing 10B via a hinge H. The free end edge 10b is the end edge located on the opposite side to the fixed end edge 10a.

[0030] The first housing 10A has an upper plate portion 10c1, a lower plate portion 10c2, and a peripheral wall portion 10c3. The upper plate portion 10c1 is the plate portion facing the second housing 10B in the closed state. Hereinafter, the thickness direction of the upper plate portion 10c1 is referred to as the "vertical direction Z". The upper plate portion 10c1 is the plate portion that forms the upper surface of the first housing 10A. The lower plate portion 10c2 is the plate portion that forms the lower surface of the first housing 10A. The peripheral wall portion 10c3 is the portion that connects the outer peripheries of the plate portions 10c1 and 10c2 to each other and is annular when viewed from the vertical direction Z. The peripheral wall portion 10c3 forms the side surface of the first housing 10A.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first housing 10A has an internal space S. The internal space S is a space enclosed by the upper plate portion 10c1, the lower plate portion 10c2, and the peripheral wall portion 10c3.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, a keyboard 12, a touchpad 13, and a palm rest 14 are provided on the upper plate portion 10c1. The keyboard 12 and the touchpad 13 are arranged in a direction aligned with the fixed end edge 10a and the free end edge 10b. The keyboard 12 is located on the fixed end edge 10a side, and the touchpad 13 is located on the free end edge 10b side. The touchpad 13 in this embodiment includes a touchpad 13a and two click buttons 13b.

[0033] The palm rest 14 is located on the side closer to the free edge 10b than the keyboard 12. In the laptop computer 1 according to this embodiment, the portion of the upper plate 10c1 that is closer to the free edge 10b than the keyboard 12 and other than the click pad 13 corresponds to the palm rest 14.

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the palm rest 14 according to this embodiment includes a metal portion 14c and a resin-permeable portion 14b. The metal portion 14c is a portion formed of metal. Figure 1 As shown, the metal part 14c constitutes the general whole of the palm rest 14. The resin-transmitting part 14b is a part formed of resin that allows magnetic fields (electromagnetic waves) to pass through.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a through-hole 14a is formed in the metal portion 14c, extending through the metal portion 14c in the vertical direction Z. A resin-permeable portion 14b is disposed at the through-hole 14a. Such a palm rest 14 can be manufactured, for example, by performing two-color molding of resin that allows magnetic fields (electromagnetic waves) to pass through it relative to the metal plate having the through-hole 14a. In this embodiment, the through-hole 14a and the resin-permeable portion 14b are provided on the side of the click plate 13.

[0036] Magnetic field antenna 20 (reference) Figure 2 A magnetic field antenna is an antenna that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves by means of changes in a magnetic field. For example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna can also be used.

[0037] The magnetic field antenna 20 generates a magnetic field. The type of magnetic field antenna 20 can be appropriately varied as long as it is an antenna that generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field antenna 20 according to this embodiment includes a loop circuit 21 as a loop conductor (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 4The magnetic field antenna 20 generates a magnetic field H1 by causing current to flow in a loop in the loop circuit 21.

[0038] In the following, the direction in which the magnetic field H1 generated by the magnetic field antenna 20 is referred to as the "magnetic field direction". In this embodiment, the magnetic field direction is consistent with the vertical direction Z.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic field antenna 20 is housed within the first housing 10A. That is, the magnetic field antenna 20 is disposed within the internal space S of the first housing 10A. The magnetic field antenna 20 is arranged to overlap with the resin-transmitting portion 14b in the vertical direction Z. The magnetic field antenna 20 is spaced apart from the resin-transmitting portion 14b in the vertical direction Z. The method for fixing the magnetic field antenna 20 in the internal space S is not particularly limited, and a suitable method from known fixing methods can be selected. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The diagram of the mechanism for fixing the magnetic field antenna 20 in the internal space S is omitted.

[0040] The substrate 40 is, for example, a printed circuit board. The substrate 40 is, for example, formed of resin. Alternatively, no metal wiring or metal components (circuit components, etc.) may be mounted on the substrate 40. In this case, the substrate 40 is also referred to as a "dummy substrate 40".

[0041] The substrate 40 is housed within the first housing 10A. That is, the substrate 40 is disposed within the internal space S of the first housing 10A. The substrate 40 is positioned to overlap with the magnetic field antenna 20 when viewed from the vertical direction Z. The substrate 40 is positioned between the palm rest 14 (through the resin portion 14b) and the magnetic field antenna 20 in the vertical direction Z. The method for fixing the substrate 40 within the internal space S is not particularly limited, and any known fixing method can be appropriately selected. Furthermore, Figure 2 The diagram of the mechanism for fixing the substrate 40 in the internal space S is omitted.

[0042] The substrate 40 has a first surface 40a and a second surface 40b. The second surface 40b is located on the opposite side of the first surface 40a. In this embodiment, the first surface 40a is the surface facing the palm rest 14 (through the resin portion 14b), and the second surface 40b is the surface facing the magnetic field antenna 20.

[0043] The metal plate portion 30 is a plate-shaped portion formed of metal. The metal plate portion 30 is configured to overlap with the magnetic field antenna 20 in the magnetic field direction (vertical direction Z in this embodiment). The metal plate portion 30, which is configured to overlap with the magnetic field antenna 20 and is made of metal, functions to adjust (change) the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20.

[0044] The metal plate portion 30 in this embodiment includes a single metal plate 31. The metal plate 31 may be, for example, a metal foil such as copper foil. The resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 varies with the area of ​​the metal plate 31 (i.e., the impedance of the metal plate 31).

[0045] In this embodiment, the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) is fixed to the second surface 40b of the substrate 40. The method for fixing the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) to the second surface 40b is not particularly limited, and any known fixing method such as adhesive can be appropriately selected. Alternatively, the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) may be fixed to the first surface 40a of the substrate 40.

[0046] The magnetic field antenna 20 and the metal plate 30 (metal plate 31) form an electromagnetic interaction. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the magnetic field antenna 20 and the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31). Additionally, in Figure 3 In this example, no hole pattern 32 is formed in the metal plate portion 30 (described below).

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, if a current (antenna current) I1 flows at the magnetic field antenna 20, a magnetic field (antenna magnetic field) H1 is generated. If the magnetic field H1 is generated (more specifically, the time variation of the magnetic field H1), then according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, an eddy current I2 is generated on the metal plate 30 (metal plate 31). Moreover, the eddy current I2 generates a magnetic field H2 that is opposite to the magnetic field H1.

[0048] Because a magnetic field H2 is generated, a portion of the magnetic field H1, which is opposite to H2, is canceled out. This means that a magnetic field weaker than that that the magnetic field antenna 20 should have generated is produced, thus degrading the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna 20.

[0049] To address this issue, a perforated pattern 32 is formed in the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) involved in this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the magnetic field antenna 20 and the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) in the case where a hole pattern 32 is formed in the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) (i.e., the case involved in this embodiment).

[0050] The hole pattern 32 in this embodiment has a plurality of holes 32a. Each hole 32a penetrates the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) in the vertical direction Z (magnetic field direction).

[0051] In this embodiment, a plurality of holes 32a are arranged in two dimensions on the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31). Specifically, two rows of holes 32R extending along the first direction X are arranged in the second direction Y. Moreover, each row of holes 32R includes a plurality of holes 32a (four in the illustrated example) spaced apart in the first direction X.

[0052] Here, the first direction X is a direction parallel to the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) and intersects (e.g., orthogonally) the vertical direction Z. The second direction Y is a direction parallel to the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) and intersects (e.g., orthogonally) both the vertical direction Z and the first direction X.

[0053] When a hole 32a is formed in the metal plate portion 30, the metal plate portion 30 will not have a path passing through the hole 32a (e.g., Figure 4 The eddy current I2 passes through the path P shown. Therefore, the generation of eddy current I2 can be hindered, and the intensity of eddy current I2 generated by the metal plate portion 30 can be reduced. That is, by forming a hole pattern 32 including a hole 32a on the metal plate portion 30, eddy current I2 can be suppressed. By suppressing eddy current I2, the magnetic field H2 generated by eddy current I2 can be reduced. Therefore, compared to the case where the metal plate portion 30 does not have a hole pattern 32, the amount of magnetic field H1 cancellation caused by magnetic field H2 is reduced, and the characteristic degradation of the magnetic field antenna 20 can be improved.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, preferably when viewed from the vertical direction Z (magnetic field direction), the center C2 of the aperture pattern 32 is aligned with the center C1 of the magnetic field antenna 20. This effectively suppresses eddy current I2. Alternatively, "center C2 of aperture pattern 32" can be defined as the average position of the centers of the plurality of apertures 32a in aperture pattern 32. However, it is also possible that centers C1 and C2 are not aligned when viewed from the vertical direction Z (magnetic field direction).

[0055] Figure 5A This is a diagram representing the first example of hole row 32R. Figure 5B This is a diagram representing the second example of hole row 32R. Figure 5C This is a diagram representing the third example of hole row 32R.

[0056] like Figure 4 and Figures 5A-5CAs shown, the hole 32a according to this embodiment has a slit shape. That is, the hole 32a according to this embodiment has a length L and a width W shorter than the length L. The long side direction D of the hole (slit) 32a is inclined relative to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. For example, the long side direction D may be inclined at 45° relative to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. However, the inclination angle of the long side direction D relative to directions X and Y can be appropriately changed. The long side direction D may also be parallel to the first direction X or the second direction Y.

[0057] Figure 5B The hole (slit) 32a shown is... Figure 5A The length L of the aperture (slit) 32a shown is long. By increasing the length L of the aperture (slit) 32a in this way, the path through which the eddy current I2 cannot pass is increased. That is, by increasing the length L of the aperture (slit) 32a, the eddy current I2 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0058] Figure 5C The hole (slit) 32a shown is... Figure 5A The aperture (slit) 32a shown has a large width W. By increasing the width W of the aperture (slit) 32a in this way, the area of ​​the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) is reduced. This means that the change in the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 caused by the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) is smaller. Conversely, when the width W of the aperture (slit) 32a is reduced, the area of ​​the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) is increased, and the change in the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 is increased. Thus, by adjusting the width W of the aperture (slit) 32a, the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 can be adjusted.

[0059] Furthermore, as long as the eddy current I2 can be suppressed, the number, arrangement, and shape of the holes 32a in the hole pattern 32 are not limited. Figure 4 and Figures 5A-5C Examples can be appropriately modified. For example, the hole 32a can also have a shape other than a slit shape (e.g., a circular shape, a square shape), and the hole pattern 32 can also have only one hole 32a. Among these, the structure of the hole 32a having a slit shape and the structure of the hole pattern 32 having multiple holes 32a are preferred in that they can effectively suppress eddy current I2.

[0060] As described above, the laptop computer 1 according to this embodiment includes: a housing 10, which includes a palm rest 14 and is foldable; a magnetic field antenna 20 that generates a magnetic field H1 and is housed in the housing 10 such that it overlaps with the palm rest 14 in the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field H1 (vertical direction Z); and a metal plate portion 30, which is configured to overlap with the magnetic field antenna 20 in the magnetic field direction and is used to adjust the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20. A hole pattern 32 is formed on the metal plate portion 30, the hole pattern 32 including at least one hole 32a, and is used to suppress the eddy current I2 generated at the metal plate portion 30 due to the magnetic field H1 generated by the magnetic field antenna 20. According to this structure, the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 can be adjusted by the metal plate portion 30, and the characteristic degradation of the magnetic field antenna 20 caused by the eddy current I2 can be suppressed by the hole pattern 32. Therefore, the desired resonant frequency and characteristics can be easily achieved in the magnetic field antenna 20 configured to overlap with the palm rest 14.

[0061] Alternatively, the aperture 32a can be slit-shaped. This structure further suppresses the generation of eddy currents I2 and further mitigates the degradation of the magnetic field antenna 20's characteristics.

[0062] Alternatively, the aperture pattern 32 may include multiple apertures 32a. This structure further suppresses the generation of eddy currents I2 and further reduces the degradation of the magnetic field antenna 20's characteristics.

[0063] Alternatively, when viewed from the direction of the magnetic field, the center C2 of the aperture pattern 32 can be aligned with the center C1 of the magnetic field antenna 20. This structure more effectively suppresses the generation of eddy currents I2 and further mitigates the degradation of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna 20.

[0064] Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0065] For example, in the above embodiment, the direction of the magnetic field is consistent with the vertical direction Z, but the direction of the magnetic field may not be consistent with the vertical direction Z. That is, the direction of the magnetic field may be inclined relative to the vertical direction Z.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the metal plate portion 30 is composed of a single metal plate 31, but the metal plate portion 30 may also include multiple metal plates 31. In this case, the multiple metal plates 31 may be arranged in a way that they are spaced apart from each other. Moreover, the gap between the metal plates 31 may be used as a hole 32a for suppressing eddy current I2.

[0067] Furthermore, as long as the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 can be adjusted, the type of metal plate 31 and the structure of the metal plate portion 30 are not particularly limited and can be appropriately modified. For example, if the metal plate portion 30 is sufficiently rigid, the metal plate portion 30 may not be fixed to the substrate 40. In this case, the laptop computer 1 may not have a substrate (dummy substrate) 40 for fixing the metal plate portion 30.

[0068] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the structural elements of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately replaced with known structural elements. In addition, the above-described embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. A laptop computer, characterized in that, have: The casing includes a palm rest and is foldable; A magnetic field antenna that generates a magnetic field is housed in the housing in a manner that overlaps with the palm rest in the direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field. as well as A metal plate portion, which is arranged to overlap with the magnetic field antenna in the direction of the magnetic field and is used to adjust the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna. A hole pattern is formed on the metal plate portion, the hole pattern including at least one hole, and is used to suppress eddy currents generated on the metal plate portion due to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field antenna.

2. The laptop computer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hole has a slit shape.

3. The laptop computer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The hole pattern includes a plurality of the holes.

4. The laptop computer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When viewed from the direction of the magnetic field, the center of the aperture pattern is aligned with the center of the magnetic field antenna.

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