Electronic device

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus capable of surely validating a peripheral device.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus includes a mounting tool on which a peripheral device can be mounted, a first support tool and a second support tool which can support a member including a conductor shared with the peripheral device and each of which includes a conductor, and a controller which determines necessity of an operation of the peripheral device on the basis of a potential of the second support tool, wherein the first support tool is connected to a potential reference point. The peripheral device is, for example, a wireless network module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to electronic devices, for example, electronic devices that detachably mount peripheral devices such as wireless network modules. [Background technology]

[0002] Some electronic devices, including personal computers (PCs), have wireless communication capabilities. Typical wireless communication capabilities include short-distance wireless communication using a short-distance wireless network (WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network) and wide-area wireless communication using a wide-area wireless network (WWAN: Wireless Wide Area Network). Short-distance wireless communication is primarily performed between devices within a facility. Wide-area wireless communication is primarily performed with devices located outside the facility as the source or destination.

[0003] For example, the user terminal described in Patent Document 1 is a 5G (5 th It is equipped with a communication unit for communicating with other devices using a wireless network for mobile communication services based on standards such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) and LTE (Next Generation), and a wireless network for short-range wireless communication specified in IEEE802.11.

[0004] Manufacturers of electronic devices, such as PCs, often offer multiple models with different additional features to meet diverse demands. Regarding wireless communication, for example, they offer models with A. short-range communication (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "WLAN") functionality but no wide-area wireless communication (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "WWAN") functionality (Model A), B. a model that ships with WLAN functionality but does not have WWAN functionality but can accommodate the installation of a WWAN module to enable wide-area wireless communication (Model B), and C. a model that has both WLAN and WWAN functionality (Model C). On the other hand, to simplify development or inventory management, they may standardize the hardware platform across multiple models and set the availability of additional features for each model. For example, one approach is to use a proximity sensor to determine the availability of the WWAN function based on whether or not a WWAN module is installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-097102 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, proximity sensors can sometimes produce false detections due to the placement of other components, such as antennas. Furthermore, using a different detection method for a specific device, such as a WWAN module, increases development time and product costs. Therefore, there is a need for a method to reliably enable the functionality of peripheral devices, such as wireless communication modules, in electronic devices that share a common hardware platform. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present application has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an electronic device according to one embodiment comprises a mounting fixture capable of mounting a peripheral device, a first support and a second support capable of supporting a member including a conductor shared with the peripheral device, each of the first support and the second support including a conductor, and a controller that determines whether or not the peripheral device needs to operate based on the potential of the second support, and the first support is connected to a potential reference point.

[0008] In the electronic device, the peripheral device may be a wireless network module.

[0009] The electronic device may include an antenna, and the member may be a conductor that connects the wireless network module and the antenna.

[0010] In the electronic device, the member may be a shielding plate that shields the wireless network module.

[0011] The electronic device may further include a resistive element connected to a power supply terminal, and the second support may be connected to the power supply terminal via the resistive element.

[0012] In the electronic device described above, the controller may be a system device including a processor.

[0013] The electronic device includes a short-range wireless network module, and the wearing fixture is capable of mounting a wide-area wireless network module as the wireless network module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the embodiment of the present application, peripheral devices can be reliably enabled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an example of the external configuration of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]2 is a plan view showing a first arrangement example inside the electronic device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second arrangement example inside the electronic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a support tool and a coaxial cable according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a system device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a third arrangement example inside the electronic device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a first arrangement example inside an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a second arrangement example inside the electronic device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a system device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of an electronic device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the electronic device 1 will be mainly a notebook PC.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the external configuration of an electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. The electronic device 1 includes a first housing 62 and a second housing 64. The first housing 62 and the second housing 64 are connected using a connector 68. In the example of Fig. 1, a pair of hinges 68a, 68b is used as the connector 68. The hinges 68a, 68b connect the first housing 62 and the second housing 64 so that they can rotate around a rotation axis parallel to one side of each housing when subjected to an external force.

[0018] The display 14 is disposed on the main surface of the first housing 62. Most of the surface of the first housing 62 is covered by the display surface of the display 14. A keyboard 32k, a touch sensor 32t, and an antenna 42 are arranged on the main surface of the second housing 64. The antenna 42 includes a radiating element. The antenna 42 is installed on one of the side surfaces of the second housing 64 that faces the hinges 68a and 68b.

[0019] Next, an example of the arrangement of components inside the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a first example of the arrangement inside the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. The second housing 64 has a substrate 52 in its internal space. The substrate 52 is a planar plate on which various components are fixedly arranged. The system device 10, a connector 54, supports 57a and 57b, and a resistor element 58 are arranged on the surface of the substrate 52.

[0020] The system device 10 is a computer system, i.e., a host system, that forms the core of the electronic device 1. The system device 10 functions as a controller that executes processes for realizing and controlling the functions of the electronic device 1. The system device 10 includes a processor and a Platform Controller Hub (PCH). The processor executes various processes instructed by instructions written in a program. The processor includes, for example, one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs). The PCH connects the processor to peripheral devices via a wired connection and controls the input and output of various types of data. Peripheral devices that require relatively high-speed data input and output are connected to the PCH. For example, a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) module 56, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) module, an audio system, and the like can be connected to the PCH.

[0021] The system device 10 further includes an EC (Embedded Controller). The EC is also connected to other devices via a wired connection and controls the input and output of various data. The EC is connected to devices slower than the PCH, such as various sensors and power supply circuits, and controls their operation. Sensors to which the EC is connected may include, for example, a temperature sensor, a proximity sensor, and the like.

[0022] The system device 10 detects devices to be connected to itself in accordance with a predetermined input / output method, and executes connection processing with the detected devices. However, for connection with the WWAN module 56, the system device 10 is electrically connected to the support 57b using the conductor 34. The system device 10 includes, for example, a GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) terminal, and the conductor 34 is connected using the GPIO terminal. The system device 10 includes a detector that detects the potential generated at the GPIO terminal as the potential of the support 57b.

[0023] The connector 54 is an input / output interface that allows the WWAN module 56 to be attached and detached by applying an external force. The connector 54 is configured according to a predetermined standard and connects the system device 10 and the WWAN module 56 via a wired connection so that various types of data can be transmitted and received. The predetermined standard is, for example, the M.2 (M.2) standard.

[0024] The supports 57a and 57b each have a configuration that allows the coaxial cable 46 to be detachably attached by an external force. The coaxial cable 46 is used as an antenna cable. The supports 57a and 57b are configured to include an electrically conductive conductor. The supports 57a and 57b are clips made of metal such as copper or aluminum. The supports 57a and 57b are electrically insulated from each other and are spaced apart. The support 57a is electrically connected to the potential reference point (GND) of the substrate 52. The support 57b is electrically connected to the power supply terminal (VCC) of the substrate 52 via a resistor element 58. One end of the resistor element 58 is connected to the power supply terminal, and the other end is connected to the support 57b. That is, the resistor element 58 functions as a pull-up resistor. When the resistor element 58 is insulated from the support 57a, the potential of the support 57b becomes higher than the reference potential.

[0025] Next, an example of the configuration of support 57a will be described. Support 57b has a similar configuration to support 57a, and therefore the description thereof will be used. FIG. 4 shows a cross section of support 57a and coaxial cable 46. Support 57a is elongated, with one side longer than the width, and has a curved shape parallel to the longitudinal direction. The convex surface of support 57a is placed on the surface of substrate 52. The concave surface of support 57a allows coaxial cable 46 to be inserted along the longitudinal direction.

[0026] Next, a second arrangement example inside the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing on differences from the first arrangement example in Fig. 2. For points in common with the first arrangement example, the same explanation will be used unless otherwise specified. 3 is a plan view showing a second arrangement example inside the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. This arrangement example differs from the first arrangement example in that a WWAN module 56 is attached to the connector 54, and the coaxial cable 46 is supported on the substrate 52 using supports 57a and 57b.

[0027] When attached to the connector 54, the WWAN module 56 wirelessly transmits and receives various data to and from other devices using the antenna 42. The WWAN module 56 transmits and receives various data to and from the antenna 42 via the coaxial cable 46. The WWAN module 56 connects to the WWAN in accordance with a predetermined wide-area wireless communication method (e.g., 5G, LTE, etc.) and transmits and receives various data to and from other devices connected to the WWAN. The WWAN module 56 converts the frequency band of transmission data input from the system device 10 from baseband to wireless band, supplies a transmission signal carrying the transmission data to the antenna 42, and wirelessly radiates it. On the other hand, the WWAN module 56 converts the frequency band of a reception signal wirelessly received by the antenna 42 from wireless band to baseband, and extracts the reception data addressed to the WWAN module 56. The WWAN module 56 outputs the extracted reception data to the system device 10.

[0028] In the example of Figure 3, the insulating coating of coaxial cable 46 has fallen off, leaving the outer conductor exposed and in contact with supports 57a and 57b. Therefore, support 57b is electrically shorted to the potential reference point via the outer conductor and support 57a. As a result, the potential of support 57b becomes equal to the reference potential.

[0029] The system device 10 detects the potential of the support 57b and determines whether or not the WWAN module 56 needs to operate based on the detected potential. As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the coaxial cable 46 is supported by supports 57a and 57b, the system device 10 detects the potential of the support 57b as L (Low). The coaxial cable 46 is used as an antenna cable connecting the antenna 42 and the WWAN module 56. At this time, the system device 10 determines that the WWAN module 56 needs to operate (is enabled) (FIG. 5). The system device 10 then enables the wide-area wireless communication function using the WWAN module 56. The potential L corresponds to a state where the potential is equal to the reference potential or where no significant difference occurs.

[0030] 2, when the coaxial cable 46 is not supported by the supports 57a and 57b, the system device 10 detects the potential of the support 57b as H (High). The H potential corresponds to a state where the potential is significantly higher than the L potential. In this case, the system device 10 determines that the WWAN module 56 is inoperative (disabled) (FIG. 5). Then, the system device 10 disables the wide-area wireless communication function using the WWAN module 56.

[0031] The WWAN module 56 connected to the connector 54 as described above is connected to the antenna 42 using the coaxial cable 46, thereby realizing wide-area wireless communication functionality. The installation of the coaxial cable 46 in the supports 57a, 57b is simple and easy for users to accept as a means of realizing wide-area wireless communication functionality. Therefore, whether or not the wide-area wireless communication functionality needs to be enabled by the WWAN module 56 can be reliably determined based on the potential change depending on whether the unsheathed coaxial cable 46 is supported by the supports 57a, 57b without compromising the merchantability of the electronic device 1.

[0032] The electronic device 1 may further include a WLAN module 55. In the example of FIG. 6, the WLAN module 55 is fixedly disposed on the substrate 52 and connected to the system device 10. The WLAN module 55 wirelessly transmits and receives various data to and from other devices in accordance with a predetermined short-range wireless communication method (e.g., IEEE802.11). The WLAN module 55 may use the antenna 42 or an antenna separate from the antenna 42 when communicating with other devices.

[0033] The configuration shown in Figure 6 makes it possible to provide the following three types of models on a single common hardware platform without compromising marketability: A. A model with WLAN functionality but without wide-area wireless communication functionality, B. A model with WLAN functionality but without WWAN functionality at the time of shipment but which allows the installation of a WWAN module to enable wide-area wireless communication, and C. A model with both WLAN and WWAN functionality.

[0034] <Second embodiment> Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described, focusing mainly on the differences from the first embodiment. For the commonalities with the first embodiment, the explanation given therein will be used unless otherwise specified. An example of the arrangement of components inside the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a first example of the arrangement inside the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment. The second housing 64 of the electronic device 1 according to this embodiment also includes a substrate 52 . This embodiment differs in that the surface of the substrate 52 is provided with supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2 in addition to the system device 10, connector 54, and resistor element 58, and supports 57a and 57b are omitted.

[0035] The supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2 are configured to include an electrically conductive conductor, and are electrically insulated from one another and arranged at intervals. Supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2 are arranged along the outer edge of WWAN module 56 when WWAN module 56 is attached to connector 54. The spacing between supports 57u1 and 57d1 is approximately equal to the width of WWAN module 56, and the spacing between supports 57u1 and 57u2 and the spacing between supports 57d1 and 57d2 are each shorter than the length of WWAN module 56.

[0036] The supports 57u1, 57d1, and 57d2 are each electrically connected to a potential reference point (GND). The support 57u2 is connected to a power supply terminal (VCC) via a resistive element 58. Supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2 fix shield plate 59 so as to cover the entire surface of WWAN module 56 attached to connector 54. Supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2 each have a configuration that supports shield plate 59 so that it can be attached or detached by external force. For example, supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2 each may have a configuration that clamps the outer edge of shield plate 59.

[0037] The shielding plate 59 is a flat plate made of a conductor. The shielding plate 59 is made of, for example, a metal such as copper or aluminum. The width of the shielding plate 59 is approximately equal to the sum of the width of the WWAN module 56 and the width of the supports 57u1 and 57d1 or the width of the supports 57u2 and 57d2. The length of the shielding plate 59 is approximately equal to the length of the WWAN module 56. When the shielding plate 59 is installed, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the WWAN module 56 are blocked by the shielding plate 59. Therefore, electromagnetic waves leaking from the second housing 64 are suppressed.

[0038] The system device 10 is electrically connected to the support 57u2 using the conductor 34. The system device 10 detects the potential of the support 57u2 and determines whether or not the WWAN module 56 needs to operate based on the detected potential. 8, when the shielding plate 59 is supported by the supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2, the system device 10 detects the potential of the support 57u2 as L. At this time, the system device 10 determines that the WWAN module 56 needs to operate (is enabled) (FIG. 9). Then, the system device 10 enables the wide-area wireless communication function using the WWAN module 56.

[0039] 7, when the shielding plate 59 is not supported by the supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2, the system device 10 detects the potential of the support 57u2 as H. At this time, the system device 10 determines that the WWAN module 56 is inoperative (disabled) (FIG. 9). Then, the system device 10 disables the wide-area wireless communication function using the WWAN module 56.

[0040] When WWAN module 56 connected to connector 54 as described above executes the wide-area wireless communication function, it emits electromagnetic waves containing wireless band components. The installation of shielding plate 59 on supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2 is simple and user-friendly, providing a means of suppressing electromagnetic waves generated by the wide-area wireless communication function. Therefore, whether or not the wide-area wireless communication function needs to be enabled by WWAN module 56 can be reliably determined based on the potential change depending on whether shielding plate 59 is supported by supports 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, and 57d2, without compromising the merchantability of electronic device 1.

[0041] 2, 3, and 6, the coaxial cable 46 connecting the WWAN module 56 and the antenna 42 may or may not be supported by supports 57a and 57b. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a WLAN module 55 may be installed on the substrate 52, and the WLAN module 55 may be connected to the system device 10.

[0042] As described above, the electronic device 1 of this embodiment includes a mounting fixture (e.g., connector 54) to which a peripheral device can be attached, first supports (e.g., supports 57a, 57u1, 57d1, 57d2) and second supports (e.g., supports 57b, 57u2) that can support a member including a conductor shared with the peripheral device and each include a conductor, and a controller that determines the attached peripheral device based on the potential of the second support, and the first support is connected to the potential reference point. According to this configuration, when a component used with a peripheral device is supported by both the first support and the second support, the second support is shorted to the potential reference point, and the potential of the second support becomes the reference potential. When a component including a conductor is not supported by either the first support or the second support, the second support is not shorted to the potential reference point, and the potential of the second support deviates from the reference potential. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether to enable the function of the peripheral device based on the potential of the second support.

[0043] The electronic device 1 according to this embodiment may also be implemented as follows. The peripheral device may be a wireless network module. The electronic device 1 includes an antenna 42, and the member may be a conductor (for example, an uncoated coaxial cable 46) connected to the antenna 42. The member may be a shielding plate 59 that shields the wireless network module.

[0044] The electronic device 1 may include a resistive element 58 connected to the power supply terminal VCC, and the second support may be connected to the power supply terminal VCC via the resistive element 58. The controller may be a system device 10 that includes a processor. The electronic device 1 may include a WLAN module 55, and the wearing fixture may be configured to allow a WWAN module 56 to be attached as the wireless network module.

[0045] In the above description, the WWAN module 56 is used as an example of a peripheral device to be determined whether to enable it, but this is not limiting. A peripheral device other than the WWAN module 56 may be determined whether to enable it, and the necessity of enabling the peripheral device may be determined based on whether a component used together with the peripheral device is installed. For example, instead of the WWAN module 56, or together with the WWAN module 56, the necessity of enabling the function of the WLAN module 55 may be determined. The peripheral device to be determined whether to enable it may be an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an audio system, a video system, or the like. Furthermore, the electronic device 1 is not limited to a PC, and may be another type of information terminal device, such as a tablet terminal device or a multi-function mobile phone.

[0046] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the present invention also includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. The configurations described in the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1...electronic device, 10...system device, 14...display, 32k...keyboard, 32t...touch sensor, 34...conductor, 42...antenna, 46...coaxial cable, 52...board, 54...connector, 55...WLAN module, 56...WWAN module, 57 (57a, 57b, 57u1, 57u2, 57d1, 57d2)...support, 58...resistive element, 59...shielding plate, 62...first housing, 64...second housing, 68a, 68b...hinge,

Claims

1. a mounting fixture on which a peripheral device can be mounted; a first support and a second support each including a conductor, the first support and the second support being capable of supporting a member including a conductor shared with the peripheral device; a controller that determines whether or not the peripheral device needs to operate based on the potential of the second support tool; The first support is connected to a potential reference point. electronic equipment.

2. The peripheral device is a wireless network module. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. Equipped with an antenna, The member is a conductor that connects the wireless network module and an antenna. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

4. The member is a shielding plate that shields the wireless network module. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

5. a resistor element connected to a power supply terminal, The second support is connected to the power supply terminal via the resistive element. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

6. The controller A system device that includes a processor The electronic device according to claim 1 .

7. Equipped with a short-range wireless network module, The mounting fixture is capable of mounting a wide-area wireless network module as the wireless network module. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

Images