Notebook personal computer

Abstract

This invention provides a notebook personal computer that facilitates achieving desired resonant frequencies and characteristics by positioning the magnetic field antenna so that it overlaps with the palm rest of the chassis. [Solution] The notebook personal computer comprises a foldable casing including a palm rest, a magnetic field antenna that generates a magnetic field and is housed in the casing so as to overlap with the palm rest in the direction of the magnetic field, and a metal plate portion for adjusting the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna, which is arranged so as to overlap with the magnetic field antenna in the direction of the magnetic field, wherein the metal plate portion includes at least one hole and has a hole pattern formed thereon to suppress eddy currents generated in the metal plate portion due to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a notebook personal computer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, an NFC antenna as shown in Patent Document 1 is known. The NFC antenna is a kind of magnetic field antenna that generates a magnetic field (electromagnetic wave). Such a magnetic field antenna may be used while being housed in the housing of a notebook personal computer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Even when the structure of the magnetic field antenna is the same, the resonance frequency of the magnetic field antenna can change depending on which part of the housing of the notebook personal computer the magnetic field antenna is housed in. This is because the magnetic field antenna and an object arranged around it (for example, metal constituting the housing, etc.) have an electromagnetic interaction. As a result of intensive studies by the inventors of the present application, it was found that such a change in the resonance frequency occurs when the magnetic field antenna is arranged so as to overlap with the palm rest of the housing.

[0005] In order to cope with this change in the resonance frequency, it is conceivable to arrange a metal plate portion for adjusting the resonance frequency of the magnetic field antenna so as to overlap with the magnetic field antenna. However, eddy currents can be generated in such a metal plate portion due to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field antenna. These eddy currents generate a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field antenna, and as a result, may cause deterioration of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna.

[0006] This invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances and aims to provide a notebook personal computer that facilitates the realization of desired resonant frequencies and characteristics for a magnetic field antenna positioned to overlap with the palm rest of the chassis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a notebook personal computer according to embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a foldable casing including a palm rest, a magnetic field antenna that generates a magnetic field and is housed in the casing so as to overlap with the palm rest in the direction of the magnetic field, and a metal plate portion for adjusting the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna, which is arranged so as to overlap with the magnetic field antenna in the direction of the magnetic field, wherein the metal plate portion includes at least one hole and has a hole pattern formed thereon to suppress eddy currents generated in 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 can be adjusted by the metal plate portion, while the degradation of the magnetic field antenna's characteristics due to eddy currents can be suppressed by the hole pattern. Therefore, it becomes easier to achieve a desired resonant frequency and characteristics in a magnetic field antenna positioned to overlap with a palm rest.

[0009] Furthermore, in embodiment 2 of the present invention, in the notebook personal computer of embodiment 1, the hole has a slit shape.

[0010] According to aspect 2 of the present invention, the generation of eddy currents can be further suppressed, and the degradation of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna can be further suppressed.

[0011] Furthermore, in a third aspect of the present invention, in a notebook personal computer according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, the hole pattern includes a plurality of holes.

[0012] According to aspect 3 of the present invention, the generation of eddy currents can be further suppressed, and the degradation of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna can be further suppressed.

[0013] Furthermore, in embodiment 4 of the present invention, in any one of embodiments 1 to 3 of the notebook personal computer, the center of the hole pattern and the center of the magnetic field antenna coincide when viewed from the direction of the magnetic field.

[0014] According to aspect 4 of the present invention, the generation of eddy currents can be more effectively suppressed, and the degradation of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna can be more effectively suppressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a notebook personal computer that makes it easier to achieve a desired resonant frequency and characteristics for a magnetic field antenna that is positioned to overlap with the palm rest of the chassis. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This figure shows a notebook personal computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section along the line II-II shown in Figure 1. [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. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between a magnetic field antenna and a metal plate when a hole pattern is formed on the metal plate. [Figure 5A] This figure shows the first example of a row of holes. [Figure 5B] This figure shows a second example of a row of holes. [Figure 5C] This figure shows a third example of a hole arrangement. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Hereinafter, the notebook personal computer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a notebook personal computer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section along line II-II shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the notebook personal computer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 10, a magnetic field antenna 20, a metal plate portion 30, and a substrate 40. The notebook personal computer 1 is also referred to as a clamshell type personal computer 1.

[0020] The housing 10 is configured to be foldable. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 10 according to the present 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 to each other by the hinge H so as to be foldable (openable and closable). Hereinafter, the state in which the housings 10A and 10B (housing 10) are closed may be referred to as the "closed state", and the state in which the housings 10A and 10B (housing 10) are open may be referred to as the "open state".

[0021] The first housing 10A has a fixed edge 10a and a free edge 10b. The fixed edge 10a is an edge connected to the second housing 10B via the hinge H. The free edge 10b is an edge located on the opposite side of the fixed edge 10a.

[0022] 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 a plate portion facing the second housing 10B in the closed state. Hereinafter, the thickness direction of the upper plate portion 10c1 may be referred to as the "vertical direction Z". The upper plate portion 10c1 is a plate portion constituting the upper surface of the first housing 10A. The lower plate portion 10c2 is a plate portion constituting the lower surface of the first housing 10A. The peripheral wall portion 10c3 is an annular portion that connects the outer peripheral edges of the plate portions 10c1 and 10c2 and is annular when viewed from the vertical direction Z. The peripheral wall portion 10c3 constitutes the side surface of the first housing 10A.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first housing 10A has an internal space S. The internal space S is a space enclosed by an upper plate portion 10c1, a lower plate portion 10c2, and a peripheral wall portion 10c3.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the upper plate portion 10c1 is provided with a keyboard 12, a clickpad 13, and a palm rest 14. The keyboard 12 and the clickpad 13 are arranged side by side in the direction in which the fixed edge 10a and the free edge 10b are aligned. The keyboard 12 is located on the fixed edge 10a side, and the clickpad 13 is located on the free edge 10b side. The clickpad 13 according to this embodiment includes a touchpad 13a and two click buttons 13b.

[0025] The palm rest 14 is located on the free edge 10b side of the keyboard 12. In the notebook personal computer 1 according to this embodiment, the portion of the upper plate 10c1 that is on the free edge 10b side of the keyboard 12 and excluding the clickpad 13 corresponds to the palm rest 14.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the palm rest 14 according to this embodiment includes a metal part 14c and a transparent resin part 14b. The metal part 14c is a portion formed of metal. As shown in Figure 1, the metal part 14c constitutes substantially the entire palm rest 14. The transparent resin part 14b is a portion formed of a resin that can transmit magnetic fields (electromagnetic waves).

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the metal part 14c has a permeable hole 14a that penetrates the metal part 14c in the vertical direction Z. The permeable resin part 14b is positioned in this permeable hole 14a. Such a palm rest 14 can be manufactured, for example, by two-color molding of a resin that can transmit a magnetic field (electromagnetic wave) through a metal plate having a permeable hole 14a. In this embodiment, the permeable hole 14a and the permeable resin part 14b are provided on the side of the click pad 13.

[0028] The magnetic field antenna 20 (see Figure 2) is an antenna that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves by changing the magnetic field. The magnetic field antenna 20 may be, for example, a near-field communication (NFC) antenna.

[0029] The magnetic field antenna 20 generates a magnetic field. The type of magnetic field antenna 20 can be changed as appropriate, as long as it is an antenna that generates a magnetic field. The magnetic field antenna 20 in this embodiment includes a loop line 21 which is an annular conductor (see Figures 3 and 4). The magnetic field antenna 20 generates a magnetic field H1 by the annular flow of current in the loop line 21.

[0030] Hereinafter, the direction in which the magnetic field antenna 20 generates the magnetic field H1 may be referred to as the "magnetic field direction." In this embodiment, the magnetic field direction coincides with the vertical direction Z.

[0031] The magnetic field antenna 20 is housed in the first housing 10A, as shown in Figure 2. That is, the magnetic field antenna 20 is arranged in the internal space S of the first housing 10A. The magnetic field antenna 20 is arranged so as to overlap with the transparent resin portion 14b in the vertical direction Z. The magnetic field antenna 20 is arranged with a gap in the vertical direction Z from the transparent resin portion 14b. The method of fixing the magnetic field antenna 20 in the internal space S is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known fixing methods. Note that in Figure 2, the mechanism for fixing the magnetic field antenna 20 in the internal space S is omitted.

[0032] The substrate 40 is, for example, a printed circuit board. The substrate 40 is formed of, for example, resin. The substrate 40 does not necessarily have metal wiring or metal components (circuit components, etc.) mounted on it. In this case, the substrate 40 is also called a "dummy substrate 40".

[0033] The substrate 40 is housed in the first housing 10A. That is, the substrate 40 is placed in the internal space S of the first housing 10A. The substrate 40 is positioned so as 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 (transparent resin part 14b) and the magnetic field antenna 20 in the vertical direction Z. The method of fixing the substrate 40 in the internal space S is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known fixing methods. Note that in Figure 2, the mechanism for fixing the substrate 40 in the internal space S is omitted.

[0034] 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 (transparent resin portion 14b), and the second surface 40b is the surface facing the magnetic field antenna 20.

[0035] The metal plate portion 30 is a plate-shaped part made of metal. The metal plate portion 30 is positioned so as to overlap with the magnetic field antenna 20 in the direction of the magnetic field (in this embodiment, the vertical direction Z). The metal plate portion 30, which is positioned so as to overlap with the magnetic field antenna 20 and is made of metal, acts to adjust (change) the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20.

[0036] The metal plate portion 30 according to this embodiment includes a single metal plate 31. The metal plate 31 may be a metal foil such as copper foil. The resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 changes according to the area of ​​the metal plate 31 (i.e., the impedance of the metal plate 31).

[0037] The metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) according to this embodiment is fixed to the second surface 40b of the substrate 40. The method of fixing the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) to the second surface 40b is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected from known fixing methods such as adhesive bonding. The metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) may also be fixed to the first surface 40a of the substrate 40.

[0038] The magnetic field antenna 20 and the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) interact electromagnetically. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the magnetic field antenna 20 and the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31). In the example of Figure 3, the hole pattern 32 (described later) is not formed on the metal plate portion 30.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, when an electric current (antenna current) I1 flows through the magnetic field antenna 20, a magnetic field (antenna magnetic field) H1 is generated. When the magnetic field H1 is generated (more specifically, when the magnetic field H1 changes over time), eddy currents I2 are generated in the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. These eddy currents I2 then generate a magnetic field H2 that is in the opposite direction to the magnetic field H1.

[0040] The generation of magnetic field H2 cancels out a portion of the magnetic field H1, which is in the opposite direction to magnetic field H2. This means that the magnetic field antenna 20 generates a magnetic field of weaker strength than it was originally supposed to generate, which in turn means that the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna 20 deteriorate.

[0041] To solve this problem, a hole pattern 32 is formed on the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the magnetic field antenna 20 and the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) when a hole pattern 32 is formed on the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) (i.e., in the case of this embodiment).

[0042] The hole pattern 32 according to 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).

[0043] In this embodiment, the multiple holes 32a are arranged in two dimensions on the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31). Specifically, two rows of holes 32R extending in a first direction X are arranged side by side in a second direction Y. Each row of holes 32R contains multiple (four in the illustrated example) holes 32a arranged at intervals in the first direction X.

[0044] Here, the first direction X is a direction parallel to the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) and intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) the vertical direction Z. The second direction Y is a direction parallel to the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) and intersects (for example, is perpendicular to) both the vertical direction Z and the first direction X.

[0045] When holes 32a are formed in the metal plate portion 30, eddy currents I2 that pass through the holes 32a (for example, path P shown in Figure 4) will not be generated in the metal plate portion 30. This inhibits the generation of eddy currents I2 and weakens the intensity of eddy currents I2 generated in the metal plate portion 30. In other words, eddy currents I2 can be suppressed by forming a hole pattern 32 including holes 32a in the metal plate portion 30. By suppressing eddy currents I2, the magnetic field H2 caused by eddy currents I2 can be weakened. As a result, the amount of cancellation of the magnetic field H1 by the magnetic field H2 is reduced compared to when there is no hole pattern 32 in the metal plate portion 30, and the degradation of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna 20 can be improved.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, it is desirable that the center C2 of the hole pattern 32 and the center C1 of the magnetic field antenna 20 coincide when viewed from the vertical direction Z (magnetic field direction). This effectively suppresses eddy currents I2. Note that "center C2 of the hole pattern 32" may be defined as the average position of the centers of the multiple holes 32a in the hole pattern 32. However, the centers C1 and C2 do not necessarily coincide when viewed from the vertical direction Z (magnetic field direction).

[0047] Figure 5A shows a first example of hole row 32R. Figure 5B shows a second example of hole row 32R. Figure 5C shows a third example of hole row 32R. This is a diagram.

[0048] As shown in Figures 4 and 5A to 5C, 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 that is shorter than the length L. The longitudinal direction D of the hole (slit) 32a is inclined with respect to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. For example, the longitudinal direction D may be inclined at 45° with respect to both the first direction X and the second direction Y. However, the inclination angle of the longitudinal direction D with respect to directions X and Y can be changed as appropriate. The longitudinal direction D may also be parallel to the first direction X or the second direction Y.

[0049] The hole (slit) 32a shown in Figure 5B has a longer length L compared to the hole (slit) 32a shown in Figure 5A. By increasing the length L of the hole (slit) 32a in this way, the number of paths that eddy currents I2 cannot pass through increases. In other words, by increasing the length L of the hole (slit) 32a, eddy currents I2 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0050] The hole (slit) 32a shown in Figure 5C has a larger width W compared to the hole (slit) 32a shown in Figure 5A. By increasing the width W of the hole (slit) 32a in this way, the area of ​​the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) decreases. This means that the amount of change in the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 due to the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) becomes smaller. Conversely, if the width W of the hole (slit) 32a is reduced, the area of ​​the metal plate portion 30 (metal plate 31) increases, and the amount of change in the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 becomes larger. In this way, the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 can be adjusted by adjusting the width W of the hole (slit) 32a.

[0051] Furthermore, the number, arrangement, and shape of the holes 32a in the hole pattern 32 are not limited to the examples in Figures 4 and 5A to 5C, but can be changed as appropriate, provided that eddy currents I2 can be suppressed. For example, the holes 32a may have shapes other than slit shapes (e.g., circular or square shapes), and the hole pattern 32 may have only one hole 32a. However, configurations in which the holes 32a have a slit shape, or configurations in which the hole pattern 32 has multiple holes 32a, are preferable in that they can effectively suppress eddy currents I2.

[0052] As described above, the notebook personal computer 1 according to this embodiment includes a foldable casing 10 that includes a palm rest 14, a magnetic field antenna 20 that generates a magnetic field H1 and is housed in the casing 10 so as to overlap with the palm rest 14 in the direction of the magnetic field where the magnetic field H1 is generated (vertical direction Z), and a metal plate portion 30 for adjusting the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20, which is arranged so as to overlap with the magnetic field antenna 20 in the direction of the magnetic field. The metal plate portion 30 includes at least one hole 32a and has a hole pattern 32 formed therein to suppress eddy currents I2 generated in the metal plate portion 30 due to the magnetic field H1 generated by the magnetic field antenna 20. With this configuration, the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 can be adjusted by the metal plate portion 30, while the deterioration of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna 20 due to eddy currents I2 can be suppressed by the hole pattern 32. Therefore, it becomes easier to achieve a desired resonant frequency and characteristics in the magnetic field antenna 20 which is arranged to overlap with the palm rest 14.

[0053] Furthermore, the hole 32a may have a slit shape. This configuration further suppresses the generation of eddy currents I2 and further suppresses the degradation of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna 20.

[0054] Furthermore, the hole pattern 32 may include multiple holes 32a. This configuration further suppresses the generation of eddy currents I2 and further suppresses the degradation of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna 20.

[0055] Furthermore, when viewed from the direction of the magnetic field, the center C2 of the hole pattern 32 and the center C1 of the magnetic field antenna 20 may coincide. With this configuration, the generation of eddy currents I2 can be suppressed more effectively, and the degradation of the characteristics of the magnetic field antenna 20 can be further suppressed.

[0056] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0057] For example, in the above embodiment, the magnetic field direction coincided with the vertical direction Z, but the magnetic field direction does not have to coincide with the vertical direction Z. That is, the magnetic field direction may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z.

[0058] Furthermore, although the metal plate portion 30 was composed of a single metal plate 31 in the above embodiment, the metal plate portion 30 may include multiple metal plates 31. In this case, the multiple metal plates 31 may be arranged with gaps between them. The gaps between the metal plates 31 may be used as holes 32a for suppressing eddy currents I2.

[0059] Furthermore, the type of metal plate 31 and the configuration of the metal plate portion 30 are not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate, provided that the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna 20 is adjustable. For example, if the metal plate portion 30 has sufficient rigidity, it does not need to be fixed to the substrate 40. In this case, the notebook personal computer 1 does not need to have a substrate (dummy substrate) 40 for fixing the metal plate portion 30.

[0060] Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1…Notebook personal computer 10…Casing 14…Palm rest 20…Magnetic antenna 30…Metal plate section 32…Perforation pattern 32a…Hole Z…Vertical direction (magnetic field direction) H1…Magnetic field I2…Eddy current

Claims

1. The casing includes a palm rest and is foldable. A magnetic field antenna is housed in the casing so as to overlap with the palm rest in the direction of the magnetic field generated, The system includes a metal plate portion, which is arranged to overlap with the magnetic field antenna in the direction of the magnetic field, for adjusting the resonant frequency of the magnetic field antenna, The metal plate portion includes at least one hole, and a hole pattern is formed therein to suppress eddy currents generated in the metal plate portion due to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field antenna. Notebook personal computer.

2. The hole has a slit shape, A notebook personal computer as described in claim 1.

3. The hole pattern includes a plurality of the holes, A notebook personal computer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When viewed from the direction of the magnetic field, the center of the hole pattern and the center of the magnetic field antenna coincide. A notebook personal computer according to claim 1 or 2.

Images