Protective case and portable terminal unit

A detachable protective case for portable terminals addresses the issue of deteriorated wireless communication performance by using a combination of case members with specific dielectric constants, ensuring minimal interference with the antenna member.

JP2025045997APending Publication Date: 2025-04-02CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023154117
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-09-21
Publication Date
2025-04-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing protective cases for portable terminals do not allow for detachability and often lead to a deterioration in wireless communication performance.

Method used

A protective case with a main body case that includes a predetermined antenna member for wireless communication, detachably attached to a portable terminal. The case is composed of a first case member with a first dielectric constant and a second case member with a second dielectric constant, arranged to minimize interference with the antenna member.

Benefits of technology

The solution enables a detachable protective case that suppresses deterioration in wireless communication performance by carefully positioning the second case member to match the dielectric constant of the portable terminal's main body case.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a protective case that is removably attached to a portable terminal, and can prevent a reduction in radio communication performance.SOLUTION: A protective case 300 is removably attached to a portable terminal 100 that comprises a main body case (apparatus case 1) that has a predetermined antenna member for radio communication (antenna 12 for radio communication) arranged therein, in which a portion in a thickness direction of the main body case corresponding to the predetermined antenna member is formed of material having a predetermined dielectric constant. The protective case 300 comprises a first case member 310 that covers the back side of the main body case and is formed of material having a first dielectric constant, and a second case member 320 that is formed of material having a second dielectric constant closer to the predetermined dielectric constant than the first dielectric constant or the predetermined dielectric constant. In a state where the protective case 300 is attached to the main body case, the second case member 320 is arranged in an area including the portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in the thickness direction of the main body case.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective case and a mobile terminal unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Covers are known in the art that do not block signals transmitted and received by an antenna within an electronic product.

[0003] In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes the following electronic device and cover for the electronic device. Specifically, the cover includes a metal substrate and a non-conductor portion, the non-conductor portion is bonded to at least one location on the inner surface of the metal substrate, a gap is provided at the location, and the non-conductor portion is located at the bottom of the gap. An antenna in the electronic device is installed at a location corresponding to the gap in the cover. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-83921 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the cover described in Patent Document 1 is a back cover of the electronic device, that is, a part of the housing of the electronic device, and therefore the cover is not detachable from the electronic device.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a protective case and a mobile terminal unit that are detachable from a mobile terminal and that can suppress degradation of wireless communication performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the protective case of the present invention is a protective case that is detachably attached to a mobile terminal having a main body case with a predetermined antenna member for wireless communication arranged inside, and the main body case has a portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in the thickness direction of the main body case formed from a material having a predetermined dielectric constant, and comprises a first case member that covers the rear side of the main body case and is formed from a material having a first dielectric constant, and a second case member that is formed from a material having a second dielectric constant closer to the predetermined dielectric constant than the first dielectric constant, or the predetermined dielectric constant, and when the protective case is attached to the main body case, the second case member is arranged in an area including the portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in the thickness direction of the main body case.

[0008] Moreover, the mobile terminal unit of the present invention is a mobile terminal unit comprising: a protective case; and a mobile terminal having a main body case to which the protective case is removably attached and in which a predetermined antenna member for wireless communication is arranged, wherein the main body case is formed from a material having a predetermined dielectric constant at a portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in the thickness direction of the main body case, and the protective case comprises a first case member covering the rear side of the main body case and formed from a material having a first dielectric constant, and a second case member formed from a material having a second dielectric constant closer to the predetermined dielectric constant than the first dielectric constant, or the predetermined dielectric constant, and when the protective case is attached to the main body case, the second case member is arranged in an area including the portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in the thickness direction of the main body case. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a protective case and a mobile terminal unit that are detachable from a mobile terminal and that can suppress degradation of wireless communication performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the mobile terminal unit of the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the mobile terminal of the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the mobile terminal of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the portable terminal of the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the mobile terminal of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the mobile terminal of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the position of a wireless communication antenna. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the protective case of the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the protective case of the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a right side view showing the protective case of the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the protective case of the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the protective case of the present embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 9. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is subject to various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the following embodiment and illustrated examples.

[0012] [1. Configuration of the mobile terminal unit] 1 is a front view showing a mobile terminal unit 400. As shown in FIG.

[0013] [2. Configuration of mobile device] Fig. 2 is a front view showing the mobile terminal 100. Fig. 3 is a rear view showing the mobile terminal 100. Fig. 4 is a right side view showing the mobile terminal 100. Fig. 5 is a top view showing the mobile terminal 100. Fig. 6 is a bottom view showing the mobile terminal 100. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 3.

[0014] 2, the mobile terminal 100 is an information terminal such as a handheld terminal for processing information, and includes a main body case, that is, a device case 1. The device case 1 includes an upper case 2 and a lower case 3 attached to the rear side of the upper case 2, and is formed as a thin, generally rectangular box.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 to 8, the mobile terminal 100 includes an input display unit 4, a key input unit 5, a scanner unit 6, a camera unit 71 which is an imaging unit, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 72, a battery cover 8, a lock lever 9, a battery storage unit 10, a connection electrode unit 11, wireless communication antennas 12, 12A, and 12B, a label 13, an IF (Interface) unit 14, a speaker 15, a belt attachment unit 16, and a battery pack 200 which is a secondary battery.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, the input display unit 4 is provided on the top surface of the upper case 2, occupying a wide area of ​​approximately four-fifths of the device case 1 in the longitudinal direction from one end 1a to the other end 1b. The input display unit 4 is a display panel with a transparent touch panel laminated on the top surface of the display panel. The display panel is a flat display element such as a liquid crystal display element or an EL (electroluminescence) display element, and displays information electro-optically. The transparent touch panel accepts information input when a user touches the transparent touch panel while looking at information displayed on the display panel.

[0017] The key input unit 5 receives key operation inputs from the user and outputs the operation information to a control unit (not shown) of the mobile terminal 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the key input unit 5 includes function keys 5a arranged in an area on the other end 1b side of the device case 1 on the top surface of the upper case 2. The function keys 5a receive various inputs from the user. The function keys 5a are provided in an area on the top surface of the upper case 2 excluding the input display unit 4, that is, in a narrow area of ​​about one-fifth of the area on the top surface of the upper case 2 from the other end 1b in the longitudinal direction of the device case 1 to the input display unit 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the key input unit 5 includes a power button 5b on the right side surface of the device case 1. The power button 5b receives inputs of power on / off from the user. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the key input unit 5 includes trigger keys 5c on the right and left sides of the device case 1. The trigger keys 5c receive, for example, inputs of scanning execution of the scanner unit 6 from the user.

[0018] 5, the scanner unit 6 is provided on the top surface of the device case 1, which is the end surface of the lower case 3 located on one end 1a side of the device case 1. The scanner unit 6 reads a code symbol (e.g., a barcode) that is a subject, decodes the obtained signal, and outputs the signal to the control unit. At least a part of the decoding process of the code symbol reading result may be executed by the control unit. For example, the user points the scanner unit 6 of the mobile terminal 100 so as to face the code symbol, and the user presses the trigger key 5c to read the code symbol.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the camera unit 71 and the LED 72 are provided on the back surface of the device case 1, i.e., the bottom surface of the lower case 3. The camera unit 71 has an optical system and an imaging element, and captures an image of a subject to generate image data. The camera unit 71 captures an image of, for example, a two-dimensional code. The LED 72 is provided in the vicinity of the camera unit 71, and irradiates light onto the subject of the camera unit 71.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery lid 8 is provided on the lower surface of the lower case 3 and closes the battery housing section 10 (see FIG. 7) in the lower case 3 in an openable and closable manner. As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the battery lid 8 has a shape that protrudes downward in accordance with the shape of the battery pack 200 housed in the battery housing section 10. As shown in FIG. 3, when the battery lid 8 is placed in the lower case 3 to close the battery housing section 10, the other end 8b of the battery lid 8 on the other end 1b side of the device case 1 is engaged with the edge of the battery housing section 10, and one end 8a of the battery lid 8 on the one end 1a side of the device case 1 is placed on the edge of the battery housing section 10. In this case, when the battery lid 8 is placed in the lower case 3 to close the battery housing section 10, the one end 8a is locked by the lock lever 9.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, the lock levers 9 are provided on the lower case 3 at positions located near both sides of one end 8a of the battery lid 8. The lock levers 9 include a substantially circular lock portion 9a and a lever portion 9b. The lock portion 9a is rotatably provided on the lower case 3 and detachably locks the one end 8a of the battery lid 8. The lever portion 9b extends from the lock portion 9a toward the one end 1a of the device case 1 and rotates the lock portion 9a.

[0022] 3, the lock lever 9 is disposed in a substantially sector-shaped lever storage portion 3a provided in the lower case 3. That is, the lock lever 9 is configured such that the lock portion 9a is rotatably provided at a required position in the sector-shaped lever storage portion 3a, and the lever portion 9b swings within the sector-shaped lever storage portion 3a.

[0023] As a result, when the lock lever 9 is placed in the lower case 3 with the battery lid 8 covering the battery storage section 10 of the lower case 3, as shown in Figure 3, and the lever portion 9b is swung within the lever storage section 3a to rotate the lock portion 9a in one direction, the lock portion 9a presses one end 8a of the battery lid 8 against the edge of the battery storage section 10 to lock it.

[0024] In addition, the lock lever 9 is configured such that when the lock portion 9a locks one end 8a of the battery lid 8, the lock of one end 8a of the battery lid 8 by the lock portion 9a is released by swinging the lever portion 9b in the opposite direction to rotate the lock portion 9a in the opposite direction.

[0025] 7, the battery accommodating section 10 is provided on the lower surface of the lower case 3, and accommodates the battery pack 200. The battery accommodating section 10 is formed to have approximately the same size as the battery pack 200.

[0026] 6, the connection electrode unit 11 is provided on the bottom surface, which is the end surface of the lower case 3 located on the other end 1b side of the device case 1. The connection electrode unit 11 has a plurality of arranged electrodes 11a, and is electrically connected to an external device (not shown) such as a charging stand to transmit and receive information and charge the battery pack 200 in the battery housing unit 10.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 7, the wireless communication antenna 12 is disposed in the device case 1 at the other end 1b side in the longitudinal direction of the device case 1. Specifically, the wireless communication antenna 12 is disposed in the device case 1 between the other end 8b of the battery cover 8 and the other end 1b of the device case 1 in the longitudinal direction of the device case 1. The wireless communication antenna 12 is an antenna member for wireless communication. The wireless communication antenna 12 is, for example, an antenna for a wide area network (WAN). As shown in FIG. 8, the wireless communication antenna 12A is disposed in the device case 1 at the right end of one end 1a side in the longitudinal direction of the device case 1. The wireless communication antenna 12A is, for example, an antenna for a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a global positioning system (GPS). As shown in FIG. 8, the wireless communication antenna 12B is disposed in the device case 1 at the left end of one end 1a side in the longitudinal direction of the device case 1. The wireless communication antenna 12B is, for example, an antenna for diversity. The wireless communication antennas 12A and 12B are other antenna members for wireless communication. The frequency characteristics of the wireless communication antennas 12, 12A, and 12B are set in accordance with the material of the device case 1. The device case 1 is formed from a material having a predetermined dielectric constant at least in the portions corresponding to the wireless communication antennas 12, 12A, and 12B in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the device case 1. The control unit of the mobile terminal 100 communicates with external devices on a communication network (not shown) via the wireless communication antennas 12, 12A, and 12B.

[0028] The label 13 (see FIG. 3) is a label on the underside of the lower case 3 on which information about the mobile terminal 100 is written. The IF unit 14 is provided on the right side of the device case 1, and is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device. The standard of the IF unit 14 is, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus). The IF unit 14 may also have a general earphone jack. The speaker 15 is provided on the underside of the lower case 3, and outputs voice or sound effects. The belt attachment part 16 is provided on the underside of the lower case 3, and is configured so that one end of a hand belt can be attached thereto.

[0029] 7, the battery pack 200 includes a connection terminal 201 at a front end 200a of the battery pack 200. When the battery pack 200 is accommodated in the battery accommodating section 10, the connection terminal 201 is electrically connected to a connection terminal on the battery accommodating section 10 side.

[0030] [3. Configuration of protective case] The protective case 300 is detachably attached to the device case 1. FIG. 9 shows a front view of the protective case 300. FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the protective case 300. FIG. 11 shows a right side view of the protective case 300. FIG. 12 shows a top view of the protective case 300. FIG. 13 shows a bottom view of the protective case 300. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV shown in FIG. 9.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, protective case 300 includes a first case member 310 and a second case member 320. As shown in FIG.

[0032] (3-1. First case member) The first case member 310 is made of an elastic material, such as urethane resin or rubber, having a first dielectric constant.

[0033] The first case member 310 has a rear portion 311, a side portion 312, a top portion 313, a bottom portion 314, and a second opening 315. The rear portion 311 covers the rear side of the device case 1, i.e., the lower surface of the lower case 3. The side portion 312 covers the side surface of the device case 1. The top portion 313 covers the top surface side of the device case 1. The bottom portion 314 covers the bottom surface side of the device case 1. The second opening 315 is an opening for attaching the protective case 300 to the device case 1.

[0034] 9 to 11, the rear surface portion 311 has a first protrusion 311a that covers the battery lid 8. The first protrusion 311a protrudes downward in accordance with the shape of the battery lid 8.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 14, the rear part 311 has a plurality of first holes 311b and a plurality of second holes 311c in the central part in the longitudinal direction of the protective case 300. The first holes 311b have a substantially circular opening shape and are provided in the first protruding part 311a. The second holes 311c have a slit shape and are provided on the edge of the first protruding part 311a. The first holes 311b and the second holes 311c penetrate the first case member 310 from the first surface 311h to the second surface 311i. The first surface 311h is a surface of the rear part 311 facing the device case 1 and covering the rear side of the device case 1. The second surface 311i is a surface opposite to the first surface 311h. The first holes 311b and the second holes 311c function as holes for gas escape during molding of the first case member 310. Furthermore, the first hole 311b and the second hole 311c are used to fix an insert part within the mold for the first case member 310 when the first case member 310 is molded.

[0036] 9 and 10, the rear surface 311 has a first opening 311d through which the camera unit 71 and the LED 72 provided on the lower surface of the lower case 3 are exposed to the outside. The shape of the opening of the first opening 311d corresponds to the shapes of the camera unit 71 and the LED 72.

[0037] 9 and 10, the rear surface 311 has an opening 311e through which the label 13 provided on the lower surface of the lower case 3 is exposed to the outside. The shape of the opening 311e corresponds to the shape of the label 13.

[0038] 9 and 10, rear surface portion 311 has opening 311f through which speaker 15 provided on the lower surface of lower case 3 is exposed to the outside. The shape of opening 311f corresponds to the shape of speaker 15.

[0039] 9 and 10, the rear surface portion 311 has an opening 311g through which the belt attachment portion 16 provided on the lower surface of the lower case 3 is exposed to the outside. The shape of the opening 311g corresponds to the shape of the belt attachment portion 16.

[0040] 9 and 10, the rear surface portion 311 has a plurality of other openings. For example, the rear surface portion 311 has openings at positions corresponding to the wireless communication antennas 12A and 12B. This makes it possible to prevent the protective case 300 from deteriorating the radio wave performance of the wireless communication antennas 12A and 12B.

[0041] 9, 10, and 15, the rear surface portion 311 and the bottom surface portion 314 have a third opening 317 at the rear portion of the protective case 300. The third opening 317 is disposed at a position corresponding to the wireless communication antenna 12 in the thickness direction (up-down direction) of the device case 1 when the protective case 300 is attached to the device case 1. This makes it possible to prevent the wireless communication antenna 12 from being significantly degraded in radio wave performance due to the wireless communication antenna 12 being covered by the first case member 310 made of urethane resin or the like.

[0042] In addition, in protective case 300, first case member 310 arranged between third openings 317 and partitioning third openings 317 may be omitted. In this case, degradation of the radio wave performance of wireless communication antenna 12 can be further suppressed.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 9 to Fig. 11, the side surface portion 312, the top surface portion 313, and the bottom surface portion 314 have thick portions 316 respectively provided at the four corners of the protective case 300. The thick portions 316 are formed on two surfaces intersecting at each corner of the protective case 300, extending the same length on both sides from the apex angle, and are thicker than other portions of the first case member 310. As a result, when the protective case 300 housing the device case 1 is dropped and the vicinity of the corner hits the floor surface, the thick portions 316 absorb the impact, and damage to the mobile terminal 100 can be prevented.

[0044] 11, the side surface portion 312 has an opening 312a through which the power button 5b provided on the right side surface of the device case 1 is exposed to the outside. The shape of the opening 312a corresponds to the shape of the power button 5b.

[0045] 11, the side surface portion 312 has an opening 312b through which the trigger key 5c provided on the right side surface of the device case 1 is exposed to the outside. The shape of the opening 312b corresponds to the shape of the trigger key 5c.

[0046] 11, the side surface portion 312 has an opening 312c through which the IF unit 14 provided on the right side surface of the device case 1 is exposed to the outside. The shape of the opening 312c corresponds to the shape of the IF unit 14.

[0047] The dashed line shown in Fig. 14 indicates the upper surface of the device case 1 in a state in which the protective case 300 is attached to the device case 1. As shown in Fig. 14, the top surface portion 313 and the bottom surface portion 314 protrude upward from the upper surface of the device case 1 in a state in which the protective case 300 is attached to the device case 1. Similarly, the side surface portion 312 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the device case 1 in a state in which the protective case 300 is attached to the device case 1. In other words, the side surface portion 312, the top surface portion 313, and the bottom surface portion 314 are configured so that when the upper surface side of the device case 1 is in contact with the floor surface, the side surface portion 312, the top surface portion 313, and the bottom surface portion 314 abut on the floor surface. In other words, the side surface 312, the top surface 313, and the bottom surface 314 of the first case member 310 are arranged at positions where they can come into contact with the floor surface (flat surface) when the protective case 300 attached to the mobile terminal 100 is dropped onto the floor surface (flat surface). The side surface 312, the top surface 313, and the bottom surface 314 form the edge of the second opening 315. That is, the edge of the second opening 315 protrudes from the upper surface (front surface) of the mobile terminal 100 attached to the protective case 300. This makes it possible to prevent the input display unit 4 from coming into contact with the floor surface when the protective case 300 attached to the mobile terminal 100 is dropped onto the floor surface (flat surface) and the upper surface side of the device case 1 is close to the floor surface.

[0048] 12, the top surface 313 has an opening 313a through which the scanner unit 6 provided on the top surface of the device case 1 faces the outside. The shape of the opening of the opening 313a corresponds to the shape of the scanner unit 6.

[0049] 13, the bottom surface portion 314 has an opening 314a through which the connection electrode portion 11 provided on the bottom surface of the device case 1 is exposed to the outside. The shape of the opening of the opening 314a corresponds to the shape of the connection electrode portion 11.

[0050] As described above, in the case where the protective case 300 attached to the mobile terminal 100 is dropped to the floor, the first case member 310 made of an elastic material such as urethane resin is disposed at a portion of the protective case 300 that may come into contact with the device case 1. This makes it possible to prevent the device case 1 from being scratched when the protective case 300 comes into contact with the device case 1.

[0051] (3-2. Second case member) The second case member 320 is made of a hard resin material that is more rigid than the first case member 310 and has a second dielectric constant closer to a predetermined dielectric constant (the dielectric constant of the device case 1) than the first dielectric constant, or a material having a predetermined dielectric constant. The second dielectric constant is within a predetermined range from the predetermined dielectric constant (the dielectric constant of the device case 1).

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second case member 320 has a band-shaped region 321, a side portion 322, and a rear portion 323.

[0053] The strip-shaped region 321 is disposed on the second surface 311i of the first case member 310, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15. The strip-shaped region 321 is disposed in the center of the device case 1 in the longitudinal direction, and extends in the lateral direction of the device case 1, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11. Specifically, the strip-shaped region 321 covers approximately two-thirds of the area from a position located forward of the front end 311aa of the first protrusion 311a to the rear end 311ab of the first protrusion 311a. That is, the strip-shaped region 321 is disposed in a position corresponding to the connection terminal 201 provided at the front end 200a of the battery pack 200 in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the mobile terminal 100. Specifically, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, an upper end 321a is provided on the front side of the strip-shaped region 321 (the side of one end 1a in the longitudinal direction of the device case 1). The upper end portion 321a is shaped to cover the connection terminal 201, and is configured such that the end of the upper end portion 321a is positioned closer to the longitudinal end portion 1a of the device case 1 than the connection terminal 201 in the longitudinal direction of the device case 1.

[0054] 10 and 11, the side surface portion 322 is located at a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the side surface of the device case 1, and at a portion extending from the central portion toward the other end portion 300b of the protective case 300. The side surface portion 322 is disposed on the opposite side to the side covering the side surface of the device case 1 in the first case member 310. As shown in Fig. 11, the side surface portion 322 has an opening 322b through which the trigger key 5c provided on the right side surface of the device case 1 is exposed to the outside. The shape of the opening 322b approximately matches the shape of the opening 312b.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the rear part 323 is provided from the rear end 311ab of the first protrusion 311a to the other end 300b of the protective case 300. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, the rear part 323 covers a part of the third opening 317. That is, in a state where the protective case 300 is attached to the device case 1, the rear part 323 is disposed at a position corresponding to the wireless communication antenna 12 in the thickness direction of the device case 1. In the above configuration, the second case member 320 is formed from a material having a second dielectric constant closer to a predetermined dielectric constant (the dielectric constant of the device case 1) than the first dielectric constant, or a predetermined dielectric constant, and therefore does not significantly degrade the radio wave performance of the wireless communication antenna 12.

[0056] 10, the rear portion 323 has an opening 323a and a second protrusion 323b. The opening 323a is configured so that the other end of the hand belt attached to the belt attachment portion 16 can be inserted therethrough. The second protrusion 323b fits into a hole, a recess, or the like on the charging base when the portable terminal 100 with the protective case 300 attached thereto is placed on the charging base. This makes it possible to fix the position of the portable terminal 100 relative to the charging base. In other words, the second protrusion 323b functions as a positioning portion.

[0057] As described above, by providing the protective case 300 with the second case member 320, deformation due to elongation of the first case member 310 can be suppressed more than when the protective case 300 is configured only with the first case member 310. This improves the durability of the protective case 300.

[0058] Further, the second case member 320 is not arranged in the front part of the protective case 300, and the protective case 300 is composed of only the first case member 310. The front part of the protective case 300 is the first end side (one end 300a side) in the longitudinal direction of the mobile terminal 100 where the camera unit 71 (imaging unit) is arranged. Therefore, when attaching the protective case 300 to the device case 1, first, the rear part where the second case member 320 is arranged and is difficult to deform is attached to the device case 1. Next, the front part where only the first case member 310 is easily deformed is attached to the device case 1. On the other hand, when removing the protective case 300 from the device case 1, first, the front part where only the first case member 310 is easily deformed is removed. Next, the rear part where the second case member 320 is arranged and is difficult to deform is removed from the device case 1. Since the front portion of the protective case 300 is composed only of the first case member 310, it is easier to attach and remove the protective case 300 from the device case 1 than when the second case member 320, which is a member formed from a material harder than an elastic material, covers the entire back and side surfaces of the device case 1.

[0059] [4. Effects] As described above, the protective case 300 of the present embodiment is a protective case 300 that is detachably attached to a mobile terminal 100 that includes a main body case (device case 1) in which a predetermined antenna member for wireless communication (wireless communication antenna 12) is arranged, and a portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in the thickness direction of the main body case is formed from a material having a predetermined dielectric constant, and includes a first case member 310 that covers the rear side of the main body case and is formed from a material having a first dielectric constant, and a second case member 320 that is formed from a material having a second dielectric constant closer to the predetermined dielectric constant than the first dielectric constant or a predetermined dielectric constant, and in a state in which the protective case 300 is attached to the main body case, the second case member 320 is arranged in an area including a portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in the thickness direction of the main body case. Since the second case member 320 is formed from a material having a second dielectric constant closer to the predetermined dielectric constant (dielectric constant of device case 1) than the first dielectric constant, or a predetermined dielectric constant, the radio wave performance of the wireless communication antenna 12 is not significantly reduced. Therefore, the protective case 300 is detachable from the mobile terminal 100, and degradation of wireless communication performance can be suppressed.

[0060] In the protective case 300 of this embodiment, an opening (third opening 317) is formed in the first case member 310 at a position corresponding to a predetermined antenna member (wireless communication antenna 12) in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the main body case (device case 1), and the second case member 320 is disposed at a position corresponding to the opening in the thickness direction of the main body case. This makes it possible to prevent the radio wave performance of the wireless communication antenna 12 from being significantly reduced by the first case member 310 made of urethane resin or the like covering the wireless communication antenna 12.

[0061] In the protective case 300 of this embodiment, the first case member 310 is made of an elastic material. In the protective case 300 of this embodiment, the first case member 310 is made of rubber, and the second case member 320 is made of resin. This makes it possible to prevent the radio wave performance of the wireless communication antenna 12 from being significantly reduced.

[0062] In the protective case 300 of this embodiment, the second dielectric constant is within a predetermined range from a predetermined dielectric constant. In the protective case 300 of this embodiment, the second case member 320 is formed from a material having a predetermined dielectric constant. Therefore, the second case member 320 does not significantly degrade the radio wave performance of the wireless communication antenna 12.

[0063] In the protective case 300 of this embodiment, a predetermined antenna member (wireless communication antenna 12) is disposed on one end side (other end 1b side) in the longitudinal direction of the main body case (device case 1), the mobile terminal 100 has a connection terminal (connection electrode portion 11) for charging the secondary battery (battery pack 200) of the mobile terminal 100 at the one end side, and the second case member 320 has a positioning portion (second convex portion 323b) for positioning the mobile terminal 100 with respect to the charging stand. In addition, in the protective case 300 of this embodiment, the second case member 320 is formed with a convex portion (second convex portion 323b) as a positioning portion, and the convex portion fits into a concave portion of the charging stand. This allows the mobile terminal 100 with the protective case 300 attached to be reliably positioned with respect to the charging stand.

[0064] In the protective case 300 of this embodiment, other antenna members (wireless communication antennas 12A and 12B) different from the predetermined antenna member (wireless communication antenna 12) are arranged on the other end side (one end 1a side) in the longitudinal direction of the main body case (device case 1), and an opening is formed in the first case member 310 at a position corresponding to the other antenna member in the thickness direction of the main body case. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the radio wave performance of the wireless communication antennas 12A and 12B from being deteriorated.

[0065] Moreover, the mobile terminal unit 400 of this embodiment is a mobile terminal unit 400 including a protective case 300 and a mobile terminal 100 including a main case (device case 1) to which the protective case 300 is detachably attached and in which a predetermined antenna member for wireless communication (wireless communication antenna 12) is arranged inside, in which the main case is formed from a material having a predetermined dielectric constant at a portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in the thickness direction (vertical direction) of the main case, and the protective case 300 includes a first case member 310 covering the rear side of the main case and formed from a material having a first dielectric constant, and a second case member 320 formed from a material having a second dielectric constant closer to the predetermined dielectric constant than the first dielectric constant or a predetermined dielectric constant, and in a state in which the protective case 300 is attached to the main case, the second case member 320 is arranged in an area including a portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in the thickness direction of the main case. The second case member 320 is formed from a material having a second dielectric constant closer to a predetermined dielectric constant (the dielectric constant of the device case 1) than the first dielectric constant, or a predetermined dielectric constant, and therefore does not significantly degrade the radio wave performance of the wireless communication antenna 12. Therefore, the protective case 300 attached to the mobile terminal 100 is detachable from the mobile terminal 100, and can suppress degradation of wireless communication performance.

[0066] In the mobile terminal unit 400 of this embodiment, the frequency characteristics of a predetermined antenna member (wireless communication antenna 12) are set in accordance with the material of the main body case. Therefore, the main body case does not significantly degrade the radio wave performance of the wireless communication antenna 12.

[0067] The shape, number, and positions of the first hole 311b and the second hole 311c are not limited to those shown in the above embodiment. If it is not necessary to form the first hole 311b and the second hole 311c when molding the first case member 310, the first hole 311b and the second hole 311c may be omitted from the protective case 300.

[0068] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100 Mobile Devices 1 Equipment case (main body case) 1a One end 1b Other end 2 Upper case 3 Lower case 3a Lever storage area 3b Notch 4 Input display section 5. Key input section 5a Function Keys 5b Power button 5c Trigger Key 6 Scanner section 71 Camera unit (imaging unit) 72 LED 8 Battery cover 8a One end 8b Other end 9 Lock lever 9a Lock section 9b Lever part 10 Battery compartment 11 Connection electrode part 11a electrode 12, 12A, 12B Wireless communication antenna 13. Label 14 IF Section 15 Speakers 16 Belt attachment part 200 Battery pack (secondary battery) 200a front end 201 Connection terminal 300 Protective Case 300a One end 300b Other end 310 First case member 311 Back part 311a First protrusion 311aa front end 311ab Rear end 311b First hole 311c Second hole 311d First opening 311e, 311f, 311g Openings 311h First surface 311i Second surface 312 Side surface part 312a, 312b, 312c Openings 313 Top surface 313a Opening 314 Bottom surface 314a Opening 315 Second opening 316 Thick part 317 Third opening 320 Second case member 321 Band-shaped region 321a Upper end 322 Side surface part 322b Opening 323 Rear part 323a Opening 323b Second convex part

Claims

1. A protective case is detachably attached to a mobile terminal having a main body case in which a predetermined antenna member for wireless communication is disposed, the main body case having a portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in a thickness direction of the main body case that is made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant, a first case member covering a rear side of the main body case and made of a material having a first dielectric constant; a second case member formed from a material having a second dielectric constant closer to the predetermined dielectric constant than the first dielectric constant, or the predetermined dielectric constant; Equipped with A protective case in which, when the protective case is attached to the main case, the second case member is arranged in an area including a portion corresponding to the specified antenna member in the thickness direction of the main case.

2. an opening is formed in the first case member at a position corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in a thickness direction of the main case, The protective case according to claim 1 , wherein the second case member is disposed at a location corresponding to the opening in a thickness direction of the main case.

3. The protective case of claim 1 , wherein the first case member is formed from an elastic material.

4. 4. The protective case according to claim 3, wherein the first case member is made of rubber, and the second case member is made of resin.

5. The protective case of claim 1 , wherein the second dielectric constant is within a predetermined range from the predetermined dielectric constant.

6. The protective case according to claim 1 , wherein the second case member is formed from a material having the predetermined dielectric constant.

7. the predetermined antenna member is disposed on one end side of the main body case in a longitudinal direction, the portable terminal includes a connection terminal for charging a secondary battery of the portable terminal at the one end side, The protective case according to claim 1 , wherein the second case member has a positioning portion for positioning the portable terminal with respect to a charging stand.

8. an antenna member different from the predetermined antenna member is disposed on the other end side of the main body case in the longitudinal direction; The protective case according to claim 1 , wherein the first case member has an opening formed at a location corresponding to the second antenna member in a thickness direction of the main case.

9. The second case member is formed with a protrusion serving as the positioning portion, The protective case according to claim 7 , wherein the protrusion fits into a recess of the charging stand.

10. A mobile terminal unit comprising: a protective case; and a mobile terminal having a main body case to which the protective case is detachably attached and in which a predetermined antenna member for wireless communication is disposed, the main body case is formed of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant at a portion corresponding to the predetermined antenna member in a thickness direction of the main body case, The protective case includes: a first case member covering a rear side of the main body case and made of a material having a first dielectric constant; a second case member formed from a material having a second dielectric constant closer to the predetermined dielectric constant than the first dielectric constant, or the predetermined dielectric constant; Equipped with A mobile terminal unit in which, when the protective case is attached to the main body case, the second case member is arranged in an area including a portion corresponding to the specified antenna member in the thickness direction of the main body case.

11. 11. The portable terminal unit according to claim 10, wherein the frequency characteristics of the predetermined antenna member are set in accordance with the material of the main body case.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Cover, electronic device having cover, and method for manufacturing cover

    JP2016083921A