electronic devices
The electronic device design with an elastic body between the base and case holds the plate-shaped member, addressing stress concentration issues and preventing damage, while enabling a compact and durable structure.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2021138872
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-05
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-08-27
AI Technical Summary
Antenna devices and other electronic components are prone to damage due to stress concentration at screw-fixed portions when subjected to shocks or vibrations, leading to breakage of the plate-shaped members.
An electronic device design that incorporates a base, case, and an elastic body sandwiched between them, which holds a plate-shaped member with electronic components, preventing direct fixation and distributing stress.
This design effectively suppresses damage to the plate-shaped member, allows for a smaller device form factor, and enhances waterproofing and shock absorption.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna device in which a substrate on which a patch antenna, which is an electronic component, is arranged is fixed to a base with screws. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-199440 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, when an antenna device is subjected to shocks or vibrations, stress can be concentrated on the screw-fixed portions of the board, causing the board to break. Note that even if a plate-shaped member is equipped with electronic components other than an antenna, such as a camera, light emitter, or sound generator, the same phenomenon of the plate-shaped member being broken due to shocks or vibrations can occur.
[0005] One example of an object of the present invention is to prevent damage to a plate-shaped member on which electronic components are arranged. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an electronic device comprising a base, a case that forms a storage space together with the base, electronic components stored in the storage space, a plate-shaped member on which the electronic components are arranged, and an elastic body sandwiched between the base and the case, the elastic body having a holding portion that holds the plate-shaped member. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, damage to a plate-shaped member on which electronic components are arranged can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 10 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 10X of a comparative example. [Figure 4] 4A is a perspective view of the electronic device 10 showing the cutting line, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 10 cut along line AA. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the elastic body 20. [Figure 6] 10 is an enlarged view of a cross section of an elastic body 20 according to a first modified example. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a cross section of an elastic body 20 according to a second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 40 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 9A is a perspective view of the elastic body 50 as viewed from below, and FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the elastic body 50 when attached to a plate-like member 44 and an electronic component 45. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, etc. shown in each drawing are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate.
[0011] Overview of the Electronic Device 10 of the First Embodiment First, an outline of the configuration of an electronic device 10 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device 10 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment.
[0013] 1 and 2, the directions parallel to the surface on which the electronic device 10 is installed are defined as the X direction and the Y direction, the direction of the coaxial cable 16 connected to the electronic device 10 is defined as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X direction is defined as the Y direction. The direction perpendicular to the surface on which the electronic device 10 is installed is defined as the Z direction. The X direction may also be referred to as the "front-to-back direction," the Y direction as the "left-to-right direction," and the Z direction as the "up-down direction." Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the directions indicated by the arrows are defined as the +X direction (forward), +Y direction (rightward), and +Z direction (upward), respectively.
[0014] The electronic device 10 is a device that includes an electronic component and a plate-like member on which the electronic component is arranged. In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 is an antenna device that includes an antenna (electronic component 15, which is a patch antenna described later) and a substrate on which the antenna is arranged (plate-like member 14, which is a substrate described later). Therefore, hereinafter, the "electronic device" may be referred to as an "antenna device."
[0015] In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 is an in-vehicle antenna device used in a vehicle (not shown). The electronic device 10, which is an in-vehicle antenna device, is installed on the roof or inside the instrument panel of the vehicle. However, the electronic device 10 may be installed in a location of the vehicle other than the roof or inside the instrument panel. The electronic device 10 may also be an antenna device other than an in-vehicle antenna device, such as an antenna device installed on a moving object other than an in-vehicle antenna device, such as a construction machine, an agricultural machine, a robot, or a drone.
[0016] The electronic device 10 may be a device other than an antenna device as long as it includes an electronic component and a plate-like member on which the electronic component is arranged. The electronic device 10 may be, for example, a measurement device including a sensor component and a board on which the sensor component is arranged and on which a signal converter and the like are mounted. The electronic device 10 may also be, for example, a light-emitting device including a light-emitting element and a control board on which the light-emitting element is arranged and which controls the lighting of the light-emitting element.
[0017] In addition to the examples described above, the electronic device 10 may be, for example, an imaging device including a camera and a plate-like member on which the camera is mounted, or an imaging device including a camera and a board on which the camera is mounted and for image processing of still images and videos. Such imaging devices include, for example, devices having a video camera used in a vehicle's drive recorder or rear monitor. Furthermore, the electronic device 10 may be, for example, a sound-generating device including a sound-generating body that emits a sound such as a voice or a siren, and a control board on which the sound-generating body is mounted and that controls the volume of the sound emitted by the sound-generating body.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4B described later, the electronic device 10 includes a base 11, a case 12, a plate-like member 14, a shield cover 18, electronic components 15, and an elastic body 20.
[0019] The base 11 is a member that forms the bottom surface of the electronic device 10. In this embodiment, in which the electronic device 10 is an antenna device, the base 11 is formed from an insulating resin. However, the base 11 may be formed from a material other than insulating resin, such as metal. The base 11 may also be composed of an insulating resin portion and a metal portion. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 11 is fixed to the case 12 by a plurality of screws 17. However, the base 11 is not limited to being fixed by screws, and may also be fixed to the case 12 by snap fitting, welding, adhesive, or the like.
[0020] The base 11 may function as the ground of the antenna by being made of metal or having a metal plate or the like.
[0021] Furthermore, the base 11 is a member that constitutes the bottom surface of the electronic device 10, and members can be freely combined.
[0022] The case 12 is a component that forms the top surface of the electronic device 10. In this embodiment, since the electronic device 10 is an antenna device, the case 12 is formed of an insulating resin. When the electronic device 10 is an antenna device, the case 12 may be formed of any material that transmits radio waves. The case 12 may be formed of an insulating resin portion and another material that transmits radio waves, or may be formed by freely combining components. However, when the electronic device 10 is an antenna device, the case 12 may be formed of a material other than insulating resin, such as metal. The case 12 may also be formed of an insulating resin portion and a metal portion, or may be formed by freely combining components. As shown in FIG. 2 , the case 12 is fixed to the base 11 with a plurality of screws 17. However, the case 12 is not limited to being fixed by screws, and may also be fixed to the base 11 by snap-fitting, welding, adhesive, or the like.
[0023] In this embodiment, the base 11 and the case 12 accommodate at least the plate-shaped member 14 and the electronic component 15. In other words, the base 11 and the case 12 form an accommodation space 13 that accommodates the plate-shaped member 14 and the electronic component 15. In yet other words, the base 11 and the case 12 are members that cover the plate-shaped member 14 and the electronic component 15. Therefore, hereinafter, the base 11 and the case 12 may be collectively referred to as the "exterior body." Alternatively, either the base 11 or the case 12 may be referred to as the "exterior body."
[0024] As described above, the exterior body is formed by the base 11 on the bottom side of the electronic device 10 and the case 12 on the top side of the electronic device 10. However, the configuration of the exterior body is not limited to this. For example, the exterior body may be formed by two members: a member on the left side of the electronic device 10 and a member on the right side of the electronic device 10. Furthermore, if the electronic device 10 is a general shark fin antenna, the base 11 and the case 12 may be the housing of the shark fin antenna. That is, the names "base" and "case" in this embodiment are convenient names given based on the configuration of the exterior body.
[0025] The plate-shaped member 14 is a plate-shaped member on which the electronic components 15 are arranged, such as a circuit board, a resin plate or holder, or a metal plate. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped member 14 is a substrate and is formed of a material such as glass epoxy resin. However, the plate-shaped member 14 (substrate) may be formed of a material other than glass epoxy resin, such as phenolic resin. Also, in this embodiment, the plate-shaped member 14 is formed in a plate shape. However, the entire plate-shaped member 14 does not need to be formed in a plate shape, and the plate-shaped member 14 may have a portion formed in a shape other than a plate shape. In other words, the plate-shaped member 14 may be curved, bent, or have a convex portion or a concave portion.
[0026] Hereinafter, the surface of the plate-shaped member 14 on the +Z direction side will be referred to as the "front surface," and the surface of the plate-shaped member 14 on the -Z direction side will be referred to as the "rear surface." The +Z direction side may also be referred to as the "front surface side," and the -Z direction side as the "rear surface side."
[0027] In this embodiment, the plate-like member 14 is a substrate. Therefore, hereinafter, the "plate-like member" may be referred to as a "substrate." Conductive patterns (not shown) are formed on the front and back surfaces of the substrate 14. On the front surface of the substrate 14, a ground conductor plate (ground conductor film) of the electronic component 15, which is a patch antenna (described later), and a conductive pattern that functions as a ground for a circuit (not shown) are formed. On the back surface of the substrate 14, a conductive pattern to which a signal line of a coaxial cable 16 from an amplifier board (not shown) is connected is formed. However, the conductive patterns formed on the substrate 14 are not limited to these and may vary depending on the type of electronic component 15.
[0028] Shield cover 18 is a member made of metal that electrically shields the amplifier board arranged on the back surface of board 14. Although not shown in Fig. 2, shield cover 18 is attached to the back surface of board 14 as shown in Fig. 4B, which will be described later.
[0029] The electronic component 15 is a component of the electronic device 10 that utilizes an electronic circuit. In this embodiment, the electronic component 15 is a patch antenna. Therefore, hereinafter, the "electronic component" may be referred to as a "patch antenna." A patch antenna is, for example, a planar antenna that supports radio waves from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). In this embodiment, the electronic component 15 supports radio waves in the 1.5 GHz band for GNSS. Note that the communication standards and frequency bands supported by the electronic component 15 are not limited to those described above, and other communication standards and frequency bands may also be used.
[0030] The electronic component 15 may be an antenna other than a patch antenna, such as a monopole antenna or a dipole antenna compatible with radio waves for GSM, UMTS, LTE, or 5G. The electronic component 15 may also be an antenna compatible with radio waves for telematics, AM / FM radio, or terrestrial digital television broadcasting. Furthermore, the electronic component 15 may also be an electronic component other than an antenna, such as a sensor component, a light emitter, a camera, or a sound generator.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, electronic component 15, which is a patch antenna, has radiating element 15A and dielectric 15B.
[0032] The radiating element 15A is an element capable of at least one of receiving and transmitting signals (radio waves) in a desired frequency band. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the radiating element 15A is a conductive, substantially quadrilateral member having an area smaller than the front surface of the dielectric 15B. Here, the term "substantially quadrilateral" refers to a shape consisting of four sides, including, for example, a square or a rectangle. For example, at least some of the corners may be cut out obliquely relative to the sides. Furthermore, the "substantially quadrilateral" shape may have a notch (recess) or a protrusion (convex portion) on some of the sides. Note that the shape of the radiating element 15A is not limited to a substantially quadrilateral shape and may be, for example, a circle or an ellipse. In other words, the shape of the radiating element 15A may be any shape that is capable of at least one of receiving and transmitting signals (radio waves) in a desired frequency band.
[0033] Radiating element 15A is provided on the front surface of dielectric 15B as shown in Fig. 2. The normal direction of the radiation surface of radiating element 15A is the +Z direction.
[0034] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, the radiating element 15A has a feed point 15C. The feed point 15C is the point at which the feed line of the coaxial cable 16 shown in Fig. 2 is electrically connected to the radiating element 15A. In this embodiment, a configuration in which two feed points 15C are provided, i.e., a two-feed system, is adopted. The radiating element 15A of the two-feed system has, for example, an approximately square shape with equal length and width so that it can transmit and / or receive desired circularly polarized waves. Note that the "approximate square" is a shape that falls within the "approximate quadrilateral" mentioned above.
[0035] However, as will be described later, the radiating element 15A may adopt a four-feed system or a single-feed system so that it can transmit and / or receive radio waves having a desired polarization. Furthermore, it is not limited to circular polarization and may also be compatible with linear polarization.
[0036] The dielectric 15B is a substantially quadrilateral plate-like member made of a dielectric material such as ceramic, etc. However, the shape of the dielectric 15B is not limited to a substantially quadrilateral shape, and may be, for example, a circle or an ellipse.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the front and back surfaces of dielectric 15B are parallel to the X and Y directions, with the front surface of dielectric 15B facing the +Z direction and the back surface of dielectric 15B facing the -Z direction. A conductive pattern that functions as a ground conductor plate (ground conductor film) is formed on the back surface of dielectric 15B. The back surface of dielectric 15B is attached to substrate 14 by, for example, adhesive, double-sided tape, solder, or the like (not shown). In this way, electronic component 15 is placed on substrate 14.
[0038] The elastic body 20 is a buffer material disposed between components constituting the electronic device 10. The elastic body 20 also serves to ensure waterproofing of the housing space 13 of the electronic device 10. In this embodiment, the elastic body 20 is provided so as to cover the side surfaces of the substrate 14. Note that the elastic body 20 may be provided so as to cover the side surfaces of the electronic component 15 in addition to covering the side surfaces of the substrate 14.
[0039] Other details of the elastic body 20 will be described later.
[0040] ==Comparative Example Electronic Device 10X== Before describing the details of the elastic body 20, which is a feature of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, an electronic device 10X as a comparative example will be described below.
[0041] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 10X of the comparative example.
[0042] The electronic device 10X of the comparative example, like the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment, has a base 11X, a case 12X (not shown), a plate-shaped member 14X, and an electronic component 15X. Unlike the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment, the electronic device 10X of the comparative example does not have the elastic body 20. Note that, like the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment, the electronic device 10X of the comparative example has the electronic component 15X disposed on the plate-shaped member 14X.
[0043] Here, to prevent the electronic component 15X from colliding with other components and being damaged when the electronic device 10X is subjected to impact or vibration, the plate-shaped member 14X on which the electronic component 15X is disposed needs to be fixed to an exterior body (base 11X or case 12X). Therefore, in the electronic device 10X of the comparative example, as shown in Fig. 3, the plate-shaped member 14X on which the electronic component 15X is disposed is fixed to the base 11X with a plurality of screws 17X. Specifically, the four corners of the plate-shaped member 14X, which is formed in a substantially quadrilateral shape, are fixed to the base 11X with four screws 17X, respectively.
[0044] However, in the electronic device 10X of the comparative example, although the electronic component 15X is prevented from colliding with other components and being damaged when subjected to impact or vibration, stress may concentrate on the four corners of the plate-shaped member 14X, which are the fixed portions of the plate-shaped member 14X, and the plate-shaped member 14X may be damaged. Note that the plate-shaped member 14X may also be damaged by reducing the thickness of the plate-shaped member 14X or by increasing the impact or vibration that the electronic device 10X receives.
[0045] ==Details of Elastic Body 20== Therefore, in the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, the elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 holds the plate-shaped member 14. That is, in the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, the plate-shaped member 14 on which the electronic components 15 are arranged is not directly fixed to the exterior body as in the electronic device 10X of the comparative example, but is held via the elastic body 20 held in the exterior body. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the plate-shaped member 14 on which the electronic components 15 are arranged. Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, compared to the electronic device 10X of the comparative example, no space is required for the plate-shaped member 14 to be screwed, and the plate-shaped member 14 and the exterior body can be made smaller, thereby achieving a smaller electronic device 10.
[0046] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section of the elastic body 20 of the electronic device 10, Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the electronic device 10 showing the cutting line, and Fig. 4B is a cross section of the electronic device 10 cut along line AA. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the cross section of the elastic body 20. Details of the elastic body 20 will be described below with reference to Fig. 2 mentioned above.
[0047] <Retention of Elastic Body 20 by Base 11 and Case 12> First, in this embodiment, the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12, as shown in Fig. 4B and Fig. 5. Specifically, the base 11 has a first convex portion 11A that protrudes upward from the main body of the base 11, as shown in Fig. 5. Furthermore, the case 12 has a second convex portion 12A that protrudes downward from the main body of the case 12. The elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the end of the first convex portion 11A and the end of the second convex portion 12A. Here, the "end" of a certain member does not mean only the tip of the member, but also includes a portion within a predetermined distance from the tip.
[0048] The elastic body 20 does not have to be sandwiched between respective protruding portions, such as the first protruding portion 11A and the second protruding portion 12A. For example, the base 11 does not have to have the first protruding portion 11A, and the case 12 does not have to have the second protruding portion 12A. The elastic body 20 may be sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12, neither of which have a protruding portion. The elastic body 20 may also be sandwiched between the end of the first protruding portion 11A of the base 11 and the case 12, which does not have a protruding portion. Furthermore, the elastic body 20 may be sandwiched between the base 11, which does not have a protruding portion, and the end of the second protruding portion 12A of the case 12.
[0049] However, as in this embodiment, by sandwiching the elastic body 20 between the end of the first convex portion 11A and the end of the second convex portion 12A, it is possible to reduce the area for sandwiching the elastic body 20 and increase the compressive force when sandwiching the elastic body 20. Therefore, by sandwiching the elastic body 20 between the end of the first convex portion 11A and the end of the second convex portion 12A, it is possible to sandwich the elastic body 20 sufficiently, and in particular, it is possible to improve the waterproofness of the storage space 13.
[0050] As described above, the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12, and is thereby held by the exterior body of the electronic device 10, which is made up of the base 11 and the case 12.
[0051] 2, the elastic body 20 has a grommet 25. The grommet 25 is a portion of the elastic body 20 through which the coaxial cable 16 is inserted. In this embodiment, the grommet 25 is sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12, thereby improving the waterproofing around the coaxial cable 16.
[0052] The inner diameter of the grommet 25 through which the coaxial cable 16 is inserted is formed to be slightly larger than the diameter (outer diameter) of the coaxial cable 16. At least one rib (not shown) that protrudes toward the coaxial cable 16 is provided inside the grommet 25 and extends around the outer periphery of the coaxial cable 16. By shaping the inside of the grommet 25 in this manner, it becomes easier to insert the coaxial cable 16 into the grommet 25 and waterproofing around the coaxial cable 16 can be ensured. However, the inner diameter of the grommet 25 may not be provided with a rib, and the inner diameter of the grommet 25 may be approximately the same as the diameter of the coaxial cable 16.
[0053] <Holding of Plate-Like Member 14 by Elastic Body 20> Next, in this embodiment, the elastic body 20 has a holding portion 21.
[0054] The holding portion 21 is a portion of the elastic body 20 that holds the plate-like member 14. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the holding portion 21 has a slit 22 formed along the edge of the plate-like member 14. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, by inserting the edge of the plate-like member 14 into this slit 22, the portions of the elastic body 20 above and below the slit 22 sandwich the plate-like member 14 and hold the plate-like member 14. Therefore, in this embodiment, the holding portion 21 is the portion of the elastic body 20 above and below the slit 22. By having the holding portion 21 in which the slit 22 is formed, the elastic body 20 can easily manufacture a structure in which the elastic body 20 holds the plate-like member 14.
[0055] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the end P1 of the plate-like member 14 is located inside the innermost position P2 (hereinafter referred to as position P2) of the area sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 in the elastic body 20.
[0056] Here, "inside" refers to the side facing the center of the storage space 13, as shown in Fig. 5. On the other hand, "outside" refers to the side away from the center of the storage space 13, as shown in Fig. 5. Note that "the center of the storage space 13" refers to the central point of a three-dimensional object that fills the storage space 13, in other words, the geometric center of the three-dimensional object.
[0057] Furthermore, "the innermost position of the area of elastic body 20 sandwiched between base 11 and case 12" refers to the more inner end position of the innermost end position of the surface of elastic body 20 that contacts base 11 and the innermost end position of the surface of elastic body 20 that contacts case 12, in the cross-sectional view of elastic body 20 shown in Figure 5.
[0058] Specifically, in the case shown in FIG. 5, the position of the innermost end of the surface of the elastic body 20 with which the base 11 comes into contact is the same as the position of the innermost end of the surface of the elastic body 20 with which the case 12 comes into contact. Therefore, position P2 in the case shown in FIG. 5 is the position of the innermost end of the surface of the elastic body 20 with which the base 11 comes into contact, or the position of the innermost end of the surface of the elastic body 20 with which the case 12 comes into contact. In the case shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later, the position of the innermost end of the surface of the elastic body 20 with which the base 11 comes into contact is different from the position of the innermost end of the surface of the elastic body 20 with which the case 12 comes into contact. Therefore, position P2 in the case shown in FIG. 6 is the innermost end position, that is, the position of the innermost end of the surface of the elastic body 20 with which the case 12 comes into contact.
[0059] 5, in the case where the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the end of the first protrusion 11A and the end of the second protrusion 12A, the innermost position of the region of the elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 is the same position as the position of the inner end of the first protrusion 11A or the position of the inner end of the second protrusion 12A. In this case, if the tips of the first protrusion 11A and the second protrusion 12A are sharp, the innermost position of the region of the elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 is the position of the tip of the first protrusion 11A or the position of the tip of the second protrusion 12A.
[0060] That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , the base 11 and the case 12 do not sandwich the elastic body 20 together with the plate-shaped member 14, but sandwich a portion of the elastic body 20 where the plate-shaped member 14 is not located. In other words, the plate-shaped member 14 is not present between the first protrusion 11A and the second protrusion 12A, and only the elastic body 20 is present. The plate-shaped member 14 has large tolerances, such as manufacturing tolerances. Therefore, when the base 11 and the case 12 sandwich the elastic body 20 together with the plate-shaped member 14 (i.e., when the end P1 of the plate-shaped member 14 is located outside the position P2), the width by which the base 11 and the case 12 sandwich the elastic body 20 (the distance between the end of the first protrusion 11A and the end of the second protrusion 12A) can vary significantly due to the tolerance of the plate-shaped member 14 (in this embodiment, the substrate), which can change the compressive force when sandwiching the elastic body 20.
[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, by positioning the end P1 of the plate-shaped member 14 more inward than the position P2, it is possible to prevent the width of the elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 from changing significantly due to the tolerance of the plate-shaped member 14, and to maintain a desired compressive force. However, the end P1 of the plate-shaped member 14 may also be positioned more outward than the position P2 (the elastic body 20 may be sandwiched together with the plate-shaped member 14).
[0062] 5, in this embodiment, the holding portion 21 that holds the plate-like member 14 is located inside position P2. This also prevents the width of the elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 from changing significantly due to the tolerance of the plate-like member 14, and makes it possible to maintain a desired compressive force. However, the holding portion 21 may also be located outside position P2.
[0063] At this time, the inner end P3 of the elastic body 20 is located more inward than position P2, as shown in Fig. 5. This allows the holding portion 21 that holds the plate-like member 14 to be located more inward than the position where the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12. However, the inner end P3 of the elastic body 20 may be located at the same position as position P2.
[0064] 5, when the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the end of the first protrusion 11A and the end of the second protrusion 12A, the inner end P3 of the elastic body 20 is located more inward than the inner end (e.g., position P2) of at least one of the first protrusion 11A and the second protrusion 12A. This allows the holding portion 21 that holds the plate-like member 14 to be located more inward than the position where the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12. However, the inner end P3 of the elastic body 20 may be located more outward than at least one of the inner end of the first protrusion 11A and the inner end of the second protrusion 12A, and more inward than at least one of the outer end of the first protrusion 11A and the outer end of the second protrusion 12A.
[0065] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 11A and the second protrusion 12A are provided so as to surround the periphery of the plate-shaped member 14. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 described above, the elastic body 20 is formed in a shape that surrounds the periphery of the plate-shaped member 14. That is, the elastic body 20 holds the periphery of the plate-shaped member 14 while the periphery of the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the end of the first protrusion 11A and the end of the second protrusion 12A. This allows the elastic body 20 to ensure the waterproofing of the housing space 13 of the electronic device 10 and also to function as a cushioning material for the plate-shaped member 14.
[0066] Furthermore, the shapes of the end of the first protrusion 11A and the end of the second protrusion 12A are not limited to those shown in FIG. 5, and may be formed in various shapes.
[0067] <First Modification> FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elastic body 20 according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 6, the end of the first convex portion 11A and the end of the second convex portion 12A are tapered. That is, the end of the first convex portion 11A and the end of the second convex portion 12A are each formed so that the width from left to right decreases toward the tip. This allows the width of the end to be made smaller, thereby suppressing the reaction force from the elastic body 20 when sandwiched. Therefore, the elastic body 20 can be sandwiched more reliably. However, only one of the end of the first convex portion 11A and the end of the second convex portion 12A may be tapered. Furthermore, the end of the first convex portion 11A and the end of the second convex portion 12A may have a pointed tip, a hemispherical shape, or a semi-elliptical spherical shape, in addition to the tapered shape shown in FIG. 6.
[0068] 6, when the width of the end of the first convex portion 11A that sandwiches the elastic body 20 is defined as W1 and the width of the end of the second convex portion 12A that sandwiches the elastic body 20 is defined as W2, the width (W2) of the end of the second convex portion 12A that sandwiches the elastic body 20 is larger than the width (W1) of the end of the first convex portion 11A that sandwiches the elastic body 20 (W2>W1). However, the width (W1) of the end of the first convex portion 11A that sandwiches the elastic body 20 may be larger than the width (W2) of the end of the second convex portion 12A that sandwiches the elastic body 20 (W1>W2). Furthermore, the width (W1) of the end of the first convex portion 11A that sandwiches the elastic body 20 and the width (W2) of the end of the second convex portion 12A that sandwiches the elastic body 20 may be the same (W1=W2).
[0069] Among the above, by making the width (W1) of the end of the first protrusion 11A and the width (W2) of the end of the second protrusion 12A different (W2>W1 or W1>W2), even if the widths of the ends of the first protrusion 11A and the second protrusion 12A vary due to tolerances such as manufacturing tolerances, the elastic body 20 can be reliably sandwiched between them. This is because it is possible to prevent the end of the first protrusion 11A and the end of the second protrusion 12A from sandwiching the elastic body 20 alternately, which would occur if the widths varied due to tolerances.
[0070] Among the above, it is particularly desirable that the width (W2) of the end of the second protrusion 12A is larger than the width (W1) of the end of the first protrusion 11A (W2>W1). In other words, it is desirable that the width of the end of the first protrusion 11A is smaller than the width of the end of the second protrusion 12A so that the reaction force from the elastic body 20 when sandwiched is reduced on the first protrusion 11A side. This is because, as shown in FIG. 4B , the base 11 on which the first protrusion 11A is formed is thinner than the case 12 on which the second protrusion 12A is formed, and the influence of the reaction force from the elastic body 20 when sandwiched is greater. Therefore, by making the width of the end of the first protrusion 11A smaller than the width of the end of the second protrusion 12A, the influence of the reaction force from the elastic body 20 on the base 11 can be suppressed.
[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the end of the plate-like member 14 is inserted into the notch 22, so that the holding portion 21 holds the end of the plate-like member 14. However, the manner in which the holding portion 21 holds the end of the plate-like member 14 is not limited to the case shown in Fig. 5.
[0072] <Second Modification> FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a cross section of an elastic body 20 according to a second modified example.
[0073] The holding portion 21 shown in FIG. 5 holds the end of the plate-shaped member 14, including the tip P1 of the plate-shaped member 14. However, as shown in FIG. 7, the holding portion 21 may be configured to hold at least a portion of the end of the plate-shaped member 14 without holding the tip P1 of the plate-shaped member 14. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the holding portion 21 holds the plate-shaped member 14 around the entire periphery of the plate-shaped member 14. However, the electronic device 10 may have a portion of the entire periphery of the plate-shaped member 14 where the plate-shaped member 14 is not held by the holding portion 21. In this way, the holding portion 21 may be in any form as long as it can hold the plate-shaped member 14.
[0074] In the above-described embodiment, the electronic device 10 is of a two-power supply system, as shown in Fig. 2. Also, the elastic body 20 of the electronic device 10 is provided so as to cover only the side surface of the plate-like member 14. However, the present invention is not limited to this case.
[0075] Electronic Device 40 of Second Embodiment Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of electronic device 40 of the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of elastic body 50, Fig. 9A is a perspective view of elastic body 50 as viewed from below, and Fig. 9B is a perspective view of elastic body 50 when attached to plate-like member 44 and electronic component 45.
[0076] The electronic component 45 of the electronic device 40 of the second embodiment is a patch antenna that supports radio waves in at least two of multiple frequency bands, such as the L1 band, the L2 band, and the L5 band, in order to achieve a wider bandwidth and higher gain. The electronic component 45 at least transmits and receives radio waves in the desired frequency band. The electronic device 40 of the second embodiment employs a four-feed system, as shown in FIG. 8 . That is, the electronic component 45 has a radiating element 45A, a dielectric 45B, and four feed points 45C.
[0077] 3, when the electronic device 10X is made compatible with radio waves in multiple frequency bands or a relatively low frequency band due to the demand for wider bandwidth and higher gain, the electronic component 15X may become larger. As a result, in the electronic device 10X of the comparative example, the gravity acting on the electronic component 15X also increases, and stress may be concentrated on the fixing portion of the plate-shaped member 14X, which may result in damage to the plate-shaped member 14X.
[0078] Therefore, in the electronic device 40 of the second embodiment, even if the electronic component 45 is enlarged as described above, similar to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the elastic body 50 has a holding portion 51, and the holding portion 51 has a slit 52 formed along the edge of the plate-like member 44. Therefore, by inserting the edge of the plate-like member 44 into the slit 52, the elastic body 50 is structured to hold the plate-like member 44. The plate-like member 44 is held via the elastic body 50 held by the exterior body, which has the advantageous effect of suppressing damage to the plate-like member 44 on which the electronic component 45 is arranged.
[0079] In addition, in the electronic device 40 of the second embodiment, the elastic body 50 covers the side surface of the plate-like member 44, as well as at least a portion of the side and upper portion of the electronic component 45, as shown in Figures 8 to 9B.
[0080] The electronic device 40 of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, except that a four-power supply system is adopted and an elastic body 50 is provided so as to cover at least a portion of the side and top of the electronic component 45.
[0081] Furthermore, in addition to the electronic device 40 of the second embodiment that employs the four-power supply system, an electronic device that employs a single power supply system may also be used, although this is not shown. Even in this case, as with the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the plate-like member is held by an elastic body that is held by the exterior body, thereby preventing damage to the plate-like member on which the electronic components are arranged.
[0082] ==Summary== The electronic device 10 of this embodiment has been described above. As shown in, for example, FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment includes a base 11, a case 12 that forms an accommodation space 13 together with the base 11, electronic components 15 accommodated in the accommodation space 13, a plate-like member 14 on which the electronic components 15 are arranged, and an elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12. As shown in, for example, FIGS. 4 and 5, the elastic body 20 has a holding portion 21 that holds the plate-like member 14. The electronic device 10 of this embodiment can prevent damage to the plate-like member 14 on which the electronic components 15 are arranged.
[0083] 4B and 5, in the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, the holding portion 21 holds the end portion of the plate-like member 14. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the plate-like member 14 on which the electronic component 15 is arranged.
[0084] 4B and 5, in a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, when the side toward the center of the housing space 13 is defined as the inside, the end P1 of the plate-like member 14 is located inside the innermost position P2 of the area of the elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12. This prevents the width of the elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 from changing significantly due to the tolerance of the plate-like member 14, and allows the desired compressive force to be maintained.
[0085] 4B and 5, in a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, when the side toward the center of the housing space 13 is defined as the inside, the holding portion 21 is located on the inside of the elastic body 20 relative to the innermost position P2 of the area sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12. This prevents the width of the elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 from changing significantly due to the tolerance of the plate-like member 14, and allows the desired compressive force to be maintained.
[0086] 4B and 5, in a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, when the side toward the center of the housing space 13 is defined as the inside, the inner end P3 of the elastic body 20 is located more inward than the innermost position P2 of the area of the elastic body 20 sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12. This allows the holding portion 21 that holds the plate-like member 14 to be located more inward than the position where the base 11 and the case 12 sandwich the elastic body 20, preventing the width where the base 11 and the case 12 sandwich the elastic body 20 from changing significantly due to the tolerance of the plate-like member 14, and maintaining a desired compressive force.
[0087] 5, the holding portion 21 has a notch 22 formed therein that holds the plate-like member 14 by sandwiching the plate-like member 14. This makes it easy to manufacture a structure in which the elastic body 20 holds the plate-like member 14.
[0088] Furthermore, in the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, either the base 11 or the case 12 has a convex portion (first convex portion 11A or second convex portion 12A), and the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the end of the convex portion and the other of the base 11 and the case 12. This allows the elastic body 20 to be sufficiently sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12.
[0089] 4B and 5, in the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, the base 11 has a first protrusion 11A, the case 12 has a second protrusion 12A, and the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the end of the first protrusion 11A and the end of the second protrusion 12A. This allows the elastic body 20 to be sufficiently sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12.
[0090] 4B and 5, in the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, the end of the first protrusion 11A and the end of the second protrusion 12A are formed in a tapered shape, which allows the elastic body 20 to be sufficiently sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12.
[0091] 5, for example, one of the width (W1) of the end of the first protrusion 11A between which the elastic body 20 is sandwiched and the width (W2) of the end of the second protrusion 12A between which the elastic body 20 is sandwiched is larger than the other (W2>W1). This allows the elastic body 20 to be sufficiently sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 even if the opposing ends of the first protrusion 11A and the second protrusion 12A are misaligned.
[0092] 4B and 5, in a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, when the side toward the center of the accommodation space 13 is defined as the inside, the inside end P3 of the elastic body 20 is located more inward than the inside end (for example, position P2) of at least one of the first protrusion 11A and the second protrusion 12A. This allows the holding portion 21 that holds the plate-like member 14 to be located more inward than the position where the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12, preventing the width where the elastic body 20 is sandwiched between the base 11 and the case 12 from changing significantly due to the tolerance of the plate-like member 14, and allowing the desired compressive force to be maintained.
[0093] 2, for example, the holding portion 21 holds the plate-shaped member 14 around the entire periphery of the plate-shaped member 14. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the plate-shaped member 14 on which the electronic components 15 are arranged.
[0094] 2 and 8, the electronic component 15 is a patch antenna, which can prevent damage to the plate-like member 14 on which the patch antenna is disposed.
[0095] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]
[0096] 10,10X,40 electronic equipment 11,11X base 11A First protrusion 12,12X Case 12A Second protrusion 13 Containment Space 14, 14X, 44 Plate-shaped member (substrate) 15,15X,45 Electronic Components (Antennas, Patch Antennas) 15A, 45A radiating element 15B, 45B dielectric 15C, 45C power supply point 16,16X coaxial cable 17,17X screws 18 Shield cover 20,50 Elastic body 21,51 Holding part 22,52 notch 25 Grommets
Claims
1. With the base, a case that forms a storage space together with the base; an electronic component accommodated in the accommodation space; a plate-shaped member on which the electronic components are arranged; a cable electrically connected to at least one of the electronic component and the plate-like member; an elastic body sandwiched between the base and the case; Equipped with the elastic body has a holding portion that holds the plate-like member and a grommet through which the cable is inserted, and covers at least a portion of the electronic component; electronic equipment.
2. The holding portion holds an end portion of the plate-like member. The electronic device of claim 1 .
3. In a cross-sectional view, when the side toward the center of the accommodation space is defined as the inside, the end of the plate-like member is located inside the innermost position of the region of the elastic body that is sandwiched between the base and the case.
3. The electronic device of claim 2.
4. When viewed in cross section, the holding portion is located inside the elastic body relative to the innermost position of the region sandwiched between the base and the case, when the side toward the center of the accommodation space is defined as the inside. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. In a cross-sectional view, when the side toward the center of the accommodation space is defined as the inside, the inner end of the elastic body is located inside the innermost position of the region of the elastic body sandwiched between the base and the case. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The holding portion has a notch formed therein that holds the plate-like member by sandwiching the plate-like member. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. one of the base and the case has a protrusion, the elastic body is sandwiched between an end of the protrusion and the other of the base and the case. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. the base has a first protrusion, the case has a second protrusion, the elastic body is sandwiched between an end of the first convex portion and an end of the second convex portion; The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
9. An end of the first convex portion and an end of the second convex portion are formed in a tapered shape.
9. The electronic device of claim 8.
10. one of a width of an end of the first convex portion between which the elastic body is sandwiched and a width of an end of the second convex portion between which the elastic body is sandwiched is larger than the other; 10. An electronic device according to claim 8 or 9.
11. When viewed in cross section, the side toward the center of the accommodation space is defined as the inside, and an inner end portion of the elastic body is located more inner than an inner end portion of at least one of the first convex portion and the second convex portion. The electronic device according to any one of claims 8 to 10.
12. The holding portion holds the plate-shaped member around the entire periphery of the plate-shaped member. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. The electronic component is a patch antenna. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
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