electronic machines

Abstract

To appropriately listen to the FM radio even without an external connection antenna.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus comprises: a housing that is provided with an operating unit; a substrate that is incorporated in the housing; a first antenna that is provided on the substrate and transmits and receives information to and from an external device by using radio waves in a first frequency band; a receiving circuit that is provided on the substrate and receives radio waves in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; a connection terminal that is provided on the substrate and is electrically connected with the receiving circuit; and a coupling pad that is provided on the substrate, is electrically connected with the receiving circuit, and is directly or indirectly connected to a user who holds the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices. [Background technology]

[0002] There are electronic devices equipped with FM (Frequency Modulation) radios. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mobile phone that can receive FM radio signals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-208334 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The FM radio built into mobile phones uses the earphones connected to the phone as an antenna to receive FM radio broadcast signals, so if you do not have an external antenna such as earphones, you may not be able to listen to FM radio properly.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device that allows FM radio to be properly listened to even without an externally connected antenna. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electronic device of the present disclosure comprises a housing having an operating unit, a substrate built into the housing, a first antenna provided on the substrate for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device using radio waves in a first frequency band, a receiving circuit provided on the substrate for receiving radio waves in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, a connection terminal provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the receiving circuit, and a bonding pad provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the receiving circuit, for direct or indirect connection with a user holding the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present disclosure allows for proper listening to FM radio even without an externally connected antenna. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the substrate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the radio listening method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a substrate according to the first pattern of the second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a substrate according to the second pattern of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a substrate according to the third pattern of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a switch element according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a radio listening method according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a mobile phone according to a comparative example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a substrate according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mobile phone according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a metal member according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the positions where the bonding pads are provided according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of communication antennas according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a side view of an electronic device according to a comparative example of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the rear surface of the electronic device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a method for installing a camera plate according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of wiring of an electronic device according to a comparative example of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of wiring of an electronic device according to the ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and in the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] [Embodiment] An example of the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0011] 1, the electronic device according to the embodiment is a mobile phone 10. The mobile phone 10 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, a display unit 13, a speaker 14, operation keys 15, direction selection keys 16, a microphone 17, a connection terminal 18, and a connection pad 19.

[0012] The mobile phone 10 is a foldable mobile phone that is configured with a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 that can be opened and closed. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are a type of housing for the mobile phone 10. The mobile phone 10 has an FM radio function. In the following, the electronic device according to the present disclosure will be described as a foldable mobile phone 10, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. As will be described later, the electronic device according to the present disclosure may also be, for example, a smartphone.

[0013] The display unit 13 is provided on the first housing 11. The display unit 13 is configured to display various images. The display unit 2 displays a standby image and a menu image used to assist in the operation of the mobile phone 10.

[0014] The speaker 14 is provided in the first housing 11. For example, the speaker 14 outputs the voice of the person on the other end of the call when a call is made on the mobile phone 10. For example, the speaker 14 outputs the sound of the FM radio when the mobile phone 10 receives FM radio waves.

[0015] Operation keys 15 are provided on second housing 12. Operation keys 15 accept operations such as inputting a telephone number and inputting characters. Direction selection keys 16 are provided on second housing 12. Direction selection keys 16 accept operations such as selecting a menu displayed on display unit 13 and scrolling an image displayed on display unit 13. Operation keys 15 and direction selection keys 16 are a type of operation unit.

[0016] The microphone 17 is provided in the second housing 12. The microphone 17 receives the voice of the user of the mobile phone 10, for example, when the mobile phone 10 is making a call.

[0017] Connection terminal 18 is provided on second housing 12. An audio output device is connected to connection terminal 18, and for example, earphones are connected to connection terminal 18 as the audio output device. A user of mobile phone 10 can listen to FM radio using the earphones connected to connection terminal 18. Connection terminal 18 can be realized by, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector and an audio jack connector.

[0018] The coupling pad 19 is provided on the second housing 12. The coupling pad 19 is provided, for example, in an area above the direction selection key 16. The coupling pad 19 is provided on a substrate built into the second housing 12. The coupling pad 19 is, for example, a metal pad formed in a flat plate shape. The coupling pad 19 is electrically connected to a radio receiving circuit that receives FM radio broadcast waves. The coupling pad 19 may be exposed to the second housing 12 or may be built into the second housing 12. When the coupling pad 19 is exposed on the surface of the second housing 12, the user is electromagnetically connected to the coupling pad 19 when the user touches the coupling pad 19 with a finger or the like. When the coupling pad 19 is built into the second housing 12, the user is capacitively connected to the coupling pad 19 when the user touches the surface of the second housing 12 at the position where the coupling pad 19 is connected. In other words, the user of the mobile phone 10 is connected to the radio receiving circuit by connecting to the coupling pad 19. As a result, the user of the mobile phone 10 himself functions as an antenna for receiving FM radio broadcast waves.

[0019] [First embodiment] An example of the configuration of the substrate according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the substrate according to the first embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a substrate 40 built into the second housing 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the substrate 40 is provided with a connection terminal 18, a coupling pad 19, and a radio receiving circuit 20. A ground conductor 41 is formed on the substrate 40. The ground conductor 41 is electrically connected to a reference potential (e.g., ground) not shown. The ground conductor 41 is also called a reference conductor. For simplicity, components other than the connection terminal 18, the coupling pad 19, and the radio receiving circuit 20 are omitted in the example shown in FIG. 2.

[0021] The radio receiving circuit 20 is a receiving circuit for receiving FM radio broadcast waves.

[0022] The connection terminal 18 and the bonding pad 19 are electrically connected by a wire 23. The bonding pad 19 and the radio receiving circuit 20 are electrically connected by a wire 24. That is, when a user connects to the bonding pad 19, the user is connected to the radio receiving circuit 20.

[0023] Normally, when listening to FM radio on mobile phone 10, earphones connected to connection terminal 18 are used as an antenna. Therefore, if earphones are not connected to connection terminal 18, the user cannot listen to FM radio. In contrast, with the present disclosure, the user can connect to radio receiving circuit 20 by connecting to coupling pad 19. In other words, the present disclosure allows the user of mobile phone 10 to function as an antenna for receiving FM radio broadcast waves.

[0024] A radio listening method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a radio listening method according to the first embodiment.

[0025] 3, when listening to FM radio, the user of the mobile phone 10 holds the second housing 12 with the hand H and connects it to the radio receiving circuit 20 by touching the coupling pad 19 with the thumb. This allows the user to function as an antenna that receives FM radio broadcast waves. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the user can receive broadcast waves and listen to FM radio by touching the coupling pad 19 without connecting earphones to the connection terminal 18.

[0026] [Second embodiment] (First pattern) A configuration example of a substrate related to the first pattern of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a substrate related to the first pattern of the second embodiment.

[0027] 2, the wires 22 and 23 may be stub wires for the wire 24 connecting the coupling pad 19 and the radio receiving circuit 20. In this case, if the user of the mobile phone 10 uses it as an antenna for receiving FM radio broadcast waves, there is a possibility that the sensitivity may be degraded.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, in a substrate 40A according to the first pattern of the second embodiment, the bonding pad 19 is electrically connected to the radio receiving circuit 20 via a wiring 23 and a wiring 25.

[0029] 4, the wiring 22 can be a stub wiring compared to the wiring 23 and wiring 25 that connect the coupling pad 19 and the radio receiving circuit 20. That is, the first pattern of the second embodiment can shorten the stub wiring compared to the case shown in Fig. 2. As a result, the first pattern of the second embodiment can suppress deterioration of sensitivity caused by the stub wiring.

[0030] (Second pattern) A configuration example of a substrate related to the second pattern of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a substrate related to the second pattern of the second embodiment.

[0031] 5, in the substrate 40B according to the second pattern of the second embodiment, the bond pads 19 are provided on the lower part of the substrate 40B. Specifically, the bond pads 19 are provided near the connection terminals 18.

[0032] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the radio receiving circuit 20 is electrically connected to the coupling pad 19 by a wiring 26. In this case, the wiring 24 can be a stub wiring relative to the wiring 26. That is, the second pattern of the second embodiment can shorten the stub wiring compared to the case shown in Fig. 2. As a result, the second pattern of the second embodiment can suppress deterioration of sensitivity caused by the stub wiring.

[0033] (Third pattern) A configuration example of a substrate related to the third pattern of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a substrate related to the third pattern of the second embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the substrate 40C is provided with a connection terminal 18, a coupling pad 19, a radio receiving circuit 20, and a switch element 27.

[0035] The bonding pad 19 and the switch element 27 are electrically connected by a wire 28. The radio receiving circuit 20 and the switch element 27 are electrically connected by a wire 29. The switch element 27 and the connection terminal 18 are electrically connected by a wire 30.

[0036] The switch element 27 is configured to selectively electrically connect the bond pad 19 and the connection terminal 18 to the radio receiving circuit 20. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the switch element according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the switch element 27 includes a first terminal 271, a second terminal 272, and a third terminal 273.

[0037] The first terminal 271 is electrically connected to the bonding pad 19 via a wire 28. The second terminal 272 is electrically connected to the radio receiving circuit 20 via a wire 29. The third terminal 273 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 18 via a wire 30.

[0038] The switch element 27 is configured so that, when an earphone is connected to the connection terminal 18, the second terminal 272 and the third terminal 273 are electrically connected to each other. In other words, when an earphone is connected to the connection terminal 18, the switch element 27 is configured so that the radio receiving circuit 20 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 18 and the coupling pad 19 is electrically disconnected from the radio receiving circuit 20.

[0039] The switch element 27 is configured so that the first terminal 271 and the second terminal 272 are electrically connected when no earphone is connected to the connection terminal 18. In other words, when no earphone is connected to the connection terminal 18, the switch element 27 is configured so that the bond pad 19 is electrically connected to the radio receiving circuit 20 and the connection terminal 18 is electrically disconnected from the bond pad 19.

[0040] That is, when the coupling pad 19 and the radio receiving circuit 20 are electrically connected, the switch element 27 can prevent the wiring 30 between the coupling pad 19 and the connection terminal 18, which could potentially become a stub wiring, from functioning as a stub wiring. As a result, the third pattern of the second embodiment can suppress deterioration of sensitivity caused by the stub wiring.

[0041] [Third embodiment] A third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, when listening to the radio while holding the mobile phone 10 by gripping the second housing 12 with the hand H, the entire palm of the hand comes into contact with the back of the second housing 12. In this case, there is a possibility that the palm of the hand will be coupled with the ground conductor 41 of the substrate 40 built into the second housing 12. In this case, it becomes difficult for current to flow through the coupling pad 19, and there is a possibility that the reception sensitivity of the FM radio broadcast wave will be reduced.

[0042] A radio listening method according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a radio listening method according to the third embodiment.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8 , in the third embodiment, the coupling pad 19 is provided at a position where a user of the mobile phone 10 can grasp the lower portion of the second housing 12 with their hand H and touch the coupling pad 19 with their thumb. In the third embodiment, the coupling pad 19 is provided, for example, in a region below the operation keys 15. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8 , the area of ​​the user's hand H that touches the second housing 12 can be made smaller than in the example shown in FIG. 3 . This weakens the coupling between the ground conductor 41 of the substrate 40 and the user's hand H, making it easier for current to flow through the coupling pad 19 compared to the example shown in FIG. 3 , thereby improving the reception sensitivity of FM radio broadcast waves. For example, by providing the coupling pad 19 in a region below the operation keys 15, the reception sensitivity can be improved by approximately 10 dB (decibels) compared to when the coupling pad 19 is provided in a region above the direction selection keys 16.

[0044] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. As described in the third embodiment, when a user's hand is connected to the ground conductor 41 of the substrate 40 built into the second housing 12, it becomes difficult for current to flow through the connection pad 19, which may result in a decrease in the reception sensitivity of FM radio broadcast waves. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the distance between the ground conductor 41 of the substrate 40 and the user's hand is configured to be longer.

[0045] An example of the configuration of a mobile phone according to a comparative example of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a mobile phone according to a comparative example of the fourth embodiment.

[0046] 9, a mobile phone 10a according to a comparative example of the fourth embodiment includes a circuit board 40 and a battery 50 in the second housing 12. In the comparative example of the fourth embodiment, the circuit board 40 is disposed on the lower surface side, and the battery 50 is disposed on the operation key 15 side. In this case, when a user holds the second housing 12, the distance between the circuit board 40 and the hand H is short, about 1 mm, and therefore the ground conductor 41 of the circuit board 40 may couple with the hand H, resulting in a decrease in reception sensitivity for broadcast radio waves.

[0047] An example of the configuration of the mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the mobile phone according to the fourth embodiment.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 10 , a mobile phone 10 according to the fourth embodiment includes a circuit board 40 and a battery 50 within the second housing 12. In the fourth embodiment, the circuit board 40 is disposed on the operation key 15 side, and the battery 50 is disposed on the underside. That is, the fourth embodiment is configured so that the battery 50 is disposed between the circuit board 40 and the hand H when the user holds the second housing 12. In this case, the distance between the circuit board 40 and the hand H when the user holds the second housing 12 can be set to, for example, approximately 8.7 mm, thereby weakening the bond between the circuit board 40 and the hand H and improving the reception sensitivity of broadcast radio waves. In this embodiment, if the bonding pad 19 is built into the second housing 12 and not exposed on the surface of the second housing 12, it is preferable that the distance between the circuit board 40 and the hand H when the user holds the second housing 12 be at least 8.7 mm.

[0049] [Modification of the fourth embodiment] A modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the board 40 is arranged on the operation key 15 side and the battery 50 is arranged on the underside of the second housing 12, thereby increasing the distance between the board 40 and the user's hand H. In the modified example of the fourth embodiment, for example, the distance between the board 40 and the user's hand H may be increased by increasing the thickness of the resin on the back surface of the second housing 12 that comes into contact with the user's hand H.

[0050] 9, the distance between board 40 and hand H is about 1 mm, but the distance between board 40 and hand H may be set to 1 mm or more (e.g., 8.7 mm) by increasing the thickness of the back surface of second housing 12. In this case, the receiving sensitivity of broadcast radio waves can be improved by about 0.7 dB for every 1 mm increase in the thickness of the back surface of second housing 12.

[0051] [Fifth embodiment] A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. When the coupling pad 19 is built into the second housing 12 and the user is capacitively coupled to the coupling pad 19, there is a problem that the smaller the area of ​​the coupling pad 19, the more the sensitivity deteriorates. However, when the coupling pad 19 is exposed on the surface of the second housing 12 and the user's finger directly touches the coupling pad 19, the area of ​​the coupling pad 19 has almost no effect on the strength of the coupling.

[0052] An example of the configuration of the substrate according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the substrate according to the fifth embodiment.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 11 , the bond pad 19D is provided on the substrate 40D below the region 31 where the conductive patterns for the operation keys 15 are provided. The bond pad 19D is positioned to prevent accidental pressing of the operation keys 15 and maximize the area overlapping with the user's finger, thereby increasing the strength of capacitive coupling. For example, the length L1 of the bond pad 19D in the first direction is 8 mm to 19 mm, and the length L2 in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction is 4 mm to 6 mm. For example, in the fifth embodiment, the length L1 can be set to approximately 18.6 mm, which roughly covers the size of an adult male's thumb, and the length L2 can be set to approximately 5.9 mm, which can cover the size of an adult male's thumb without accidentally pressing the operation keys 15. In this way, by enlarging the bond pad 19D, the strength of coupling between the user's finger and the bond pad 19D can be increased, thereby improving the reception sensitivity of broadcast radio waves.

[0054] In the fifth embodiment, the bond pad 19D is described as being provided in the lower part of the region 31, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The bond pad 19D may be provided in the upper part of the region 32, for example.

[0055] [Sixth embodiment] A sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. When the coupling pad 19 is built into the second housing 12 and the user is capacitively coupled to the coupling pad 19, there is a problem that the reception sensitivity of broadcast radio waves deteriorates as the distance between the user's finger and the coupling pad 19 increases.

[0056] An example of the configuration of a mobile phone according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a mobile phone according to the sixth embodiment.

[0057] 12 shows a cross section of the second housing 12. A gap exists between the operation keys 15 and the substrate 40 to accommodate a light guide sheet and a cushion for the microphone 17. Therefore, the distance between the user's finger F and the coupling pad 19 is usually about 1.0 mm.

[0058] In the sixth embodiment, a metal member 60 is disposed on the bond pad 19. The bond pad 19 and the metal member 60 are electrically connected. That is, the sixth embodiment is configured to reduce the distance between the user's finger F and the bond pad 19 by disposing the metal member 60 on the bond pad 19. The metal member 60 may be, for example, a 0.6 mm thick metal plate. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a metal member according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the metal member 60 from above. As shown in FIG. 13, the metal member 60 is disposed on a bond pad (not shown) of the substrate 40. By disposing a 0.6 mm thick metal plate on the bond pad 19 as the metal member 60, the distance between the finger F and the bond pad 19 can be reduced to 0.4 mm. This improves the reception sensitivity of broadcast radio waves by approximately 2.5 dB compared to when the metal member 60 is not disposed on the bond pad 19.

[0059] In the sixth embodiment, the metal member 60 is described as a metal plate having a thickness of 0.6 mm, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The metal member 60 may be a metal plate having a thickness of 0.6 mm or less.

[0060] [Seventh embodiment] A seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Coupling between the ground conductor 41 of the substrate 40 and the coupling pad leads to a deterioration in the reception sensitivity of broadcast radio waves, so it is desirable to provide the coupling pad away from the ground conductor 41 of the substrate 40. However, if the coupling pad is provided at the very bottom of the substrate 40 to be away from the ground conductor 41 of the substrate 40, there is a possibility that the coupling pad and the communication antenna will be coupled, since a communication antenna is disposed near the microphone 17 of the substrate 40.

[0061] The positions where the bond pads according to the seventh embodiment are provided will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the positions where the bond pads according to the seventh embodiment are provided.

[0062] For example, by providing the coupling pad 19 in a region of the substrate 40E shown in FIG. 14 below the dashed line 33 where the ground conductor 41 is not provided, the coupling between the coupling pad 19 and the ground conductor 41 is weakened, thereby improving the reception sensitivity of broadcast radio waves. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of communication antennas according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating the lower region of the substrate 40E. As shown in FIG. 15, communication antennas for cellular and WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) are arranged in a region 34 below the dashed line 33. Therefore, if the coupling pad 19 is provided in the region below the dashed line 33, the coupling pad 19 and the communication antenna may be coupled, which may degrade the reception sensitivity of radio waves for calls.

[0063] Generally, there is a strong tendency for the reception sensitivity of the communication antenna to be required to have better characteristics than the reception sensitivity of the radio receiving circuit 20. Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, the coupling pad 19 is provided within the region where the ground conductor 41 of the substrate 40 is provided. In other words, in the seventh embodiment, the coupling pad 19 is not provided in the region where the communication antenna is provided. This makes it possible to prevent coupling between the coupling pad 19 and the communication antenna, thereby suppressing deterioration in the reception sensitivity of the communication antenna.

[0064] [Eighth embodiment] An eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The electronic device according to the eighth embodiment is a smartphone.

[0065] Generally, smartphones have many functions and are densely packed with components, with the front surface being almost entirely covered by the LCD screen. This makes it difficult to provide a bonding pad that allows the user to use themselves as an antenna. Furthermore, providing a bonding pad that the user can directly touch could potentially compromise the smartphone's usability and design.

[0066] (Comparative Example) Before describing the eighth embodiment, a comparative example of the eighth embodiment will be described. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a side view of an electronic device according to the comparative example of the eighth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, operation keys 81 are provided on the side of a smartphone 10b. Here, it is considered that a coupling pad 82 for using the user himself / herself as an antenna is provided on the side of the smartphone 10b.

[0067] Modern smartphones are equipped with numerous antennas because they support many bands. Consequently, antennas are spread all over the edges of the smartphone. Therefore, when providing a coupling pad 82 on the side of the smartphone 10b, it is difficult to locate it in a position that does not affect the antenna. It is also conceivable to make the operation keys 81 metal and use them as coupling pads. However, because a waterproof packing is provided between the operation keys 81 and the interior of the housing, it is difficult to electrically connect the operation keys 81 to the radio receiving circuit.

[0068] Considering these factors, the connection pad needs to be a decorative accessory mounted on the smartphone so as not to impair the design, and it needs to be waterproof.Furthermore, it is preferable that the connection pad is located in a position that is easy to touch when the user holds the smartphone naturally.

[0069] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the rear view of an electronic device according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 17 shows the rear view of a smartphone 10A as an electronic device according to the eighth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, a camera 100 is provided on the rear view of the smartphone 10A. For example, a camera plate 110 is exposed around the camera 100. In the eighth embodiment, the camera plate 110 is shared as a coupling pad for allowing the user to act as an antenna.

[0070] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a method for installing a camera plate 110 according to an eighth embodiment. FIG. 18 shows the interior of the back surface of a smartphone 10A. The camera plate 110 is made of metal. A conductive cushion 130 is provided at an installation position 120 for the camera plate 110. The conductive cushion 130 is electrically connected to one end of a metal-plated line 140. The other end of the metal-plated line 140 is electrically connected to a radio receiving circuit (not shown). In other words, by placing the camera plate 110 at the installation position 120, the camera plate 110 and the radio receiving circuit are electrically connected. As a result, when a user touches the camera plate 110, the user himself or herself functions as an antenna for receiving FM radio broadcast waves.

[0071] The user and the camera plate 110 may be capacitively coupled, so the surface of the camera plate 110 may be painted. It is advisable to attach waterproof double-sided tape to the outer periphery of the camera plate 110 to prevent water from entering the camera 100.

[0072] By providing the coupling pad on the outside of the smartphone 10A, it is anticipated that the user may touch the camera plate 110 without visually checking the camera plate 110. In this case, if the user touches the lens of the camera 100, the lens may become dirty, which may interfere with shooting. Therefore, it is preferable to make the periphery of the camera plate 110 convex so that the area to be touched can be identified without visual inspection.

[0073] [Ninth embodiment] Before describing the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, a comparative example of the ninth embodiment will be described. Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining a wiring example of an electronic device according to the comparative example of the ninth embodiment.

[0074] 19, in the smartphone 10Aa according to the comparative example, one end of a wire 71 is electrically connected to the branch point 70, and the other end is electrically connected to the other end of a metal-plated line 140, one end of which is electrically connected to a conductive cushion 130. One end of a wire 72 is electrically connected to the branch point 70, and the other end is electrically connected to a radio receiving circuit 150. One end of a wire 73 is electrically connected to the branch point 70, and the other end is electrically connected to a connection terminal 160 to which an audio output device such as an earphone is connected.

[0075] 19, when a user touches camera plate 110 to listen to FM radio, wiring 73 connecting branch point 70 and connection terminal 160 may become a stub wiring. In this case, if the user of smartphone 10A uses the smartphone 10A as an antenna for receiving FM radio broadcast waves, there is a possibility that the sensitivity may be degraded.

[0076] 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of wiring in an electronic device according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, one end of a wire 71 is electrically connected to the switch element 170, and the other end is electrically connected to the other end of a metal-plated line 140, one end of which is electrically connected to the conductive cushion 130. One end of a wire 72 is electrically connected to the switch element 170, and the other end is electrically connected to the radio receiving circuit 150. One end of a wire 73 is electrically connected to the switch element 170, and the other end is electrically connected to the connection terminal 160.

[0077] The switch element 170 has a configuration similar to that of the switch element 27 shown in FIG. 7 . That is, when an earphone is connected to the connection terminal 160, the switch element 170 is configured to electrically connect the radio receiver circuit 150 to the connection terminal 160 and electrically disconnect the camera plate 110 from the radio receiver circuit 150. When an earphone is not connected to the connection terminal 160, the switch element 170 is configured to electrically connect the camera plate 110 to the radio receiver circuit 150 and electrically disconnect the radio receiver circuit 150 from the connection terminal 160. That is, when the camera plate 110 and the radio receiver circuit 150 are electrically connected, the switch element 170 can prevent the wiring 73 between the connection terminal 160 and the switch element 170, which could become a stub wiring, from functioning as a stub wiring. This allows the ninth embodiment to suppress sensitivity degradation caused by stub wiring.

[0078] [Modification of the ninth embodiment] A modification of the ninth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The switch element 170 may be, for example, a switch that branches into a plurality of antenna ports. The switch element 170 may be, for example, an SP3T or SP4T type switch circuit.

[0079] For example, a case will be described in which the switch element 170 is an SP4T type switch circuit. In this case, when listening to FM radio, regardless of whether the reception method is digital or analog, the switch element 170 is configured to connect the radio receiving circuit 150 to the camera plate 110 or the connection terminal 160. In this case, when not listening to FM radio, the switch element 170 may connect the radio receiving circuit 150 to ground.

[0080] As in the modified example of the ninth embodiment, by using a switch circuit such as an SP4T type, it becomes possible to switch the switch in accordance with a plurality of conditions.

[0081] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 10 Mobile Phones 11 First cabinet 12 Second enclosure 13 Display section 14 Speaker 15 Operation keys 16 Direction selection keys 17. Mike 18,160 connection terminals 19,82 Bonding Pad 20,150 Radio receiving circuit 27,170 Switching elements 40, 40A, 40B, 40C board 41 Ground Conductor 50 Battery 60 Metallic parts 100 cameras 110 Camera Plate 130 Conductive Cushion 140 Metal Plating Line

Claims

1. a housing provided with an operation unit; a substrate built into the housing; a first antenna provided on the substrate for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device using radio waves in a first frequency band; a receiving circuit provided on the substrate for receiving radio waves in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; a connection terminal provided on the substrate and electrically connected to the receiving circuit, for connecting an earphone used as a second antenna for receiving radio waves in the second frequency band; a coupling pad provided on the substrate, electrically connected to the receiving circuit, and configured to directly or indirectly connect to a user holding the housing, thereby allowing the user to function as the second antenna; An electronic device comprising:

2. the receiving circuit and the connection terminal are electrically connected by a first connection wiring and a second connection wiring; the connection terminal and the bonding pad are electrically connected by the second connection wiring and the third connection wiring, thereby electrically connecting the receiving circuit and the bonding pad; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. the bonding pad is provided near the connection terminal; the receiving circuit and the bonding pad are electrically connected by a first connection wiring; The connection terminal and the bonding pad are electrically connected by a second connection wiring. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

4. a switch element electrically connected to the bond pad; the receiving circuit and the switch element are electrically connected by a first connection wiring, the connection terminal and the switch element are electrically connected by a second connection wiring, The switch element is When an audio output device is connected to the connection terminal, the receiving circuit and the connection terminal are electrically connected, and the coupling pad and the receiving circuit are electrically disconnected, When the audio output device is not connected to the connection terminal, the coupling pad and the receiving circuit are electrically connected, and the receiving circuit and the connection terminal are electrically disconnected. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

5. The bonding pad is provided in a region below the region where the operation unit is provided. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

6. a distance between a rear surface of the housing opposite to the surface on which the operation unit is provided and the ground of the circuit board is 1 mm or more; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

7. a battery is disposed between a rear surface of the housing opposite to the surface on which the operation unit is provided and the ground of the circuit board; 7. The electronic device according to claim 6.

8. The thickness of the rear surface of the housing is greater than the thickness of the surfaces other than the rear surface of the housing.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6.

9. The bond pads are The length in the first direction is 8 mm or more and 19 mm or less, The length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is 4 mm or more and 6 mm or less. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

10. the bond pad is configured to indirectly electrically connect with the user; a metal member is disposed between the operation portion and the bonding pad; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

11. The thickness of the metal member is 0.6 mm or less. The electronic device according to claim 10.

12. the first antenna and the connection terminal are provided in a region below a region in which the operation unit is provided, a reference conductor is formed on the substrate in an area excluding an area where the first antenna and the connection terminal are provided; the bonding pad is provided in a region of the substrate below the operation unit where the reference conductor is formed; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

13. a display unit provided on the front surface of the housing; a camera provided on the rear surface of the housing, the bonding pad is configured as a camera plate of the camera; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

14. a switch element electrically connected to the camera plate; the receiving circuit and the switch element are electrically connected by a first connection wiring, the connection terminal and the switch element are electrically connected by a second connection wiring, The switch element is When an audio output device is connected to the connection terminal, the receiving circuit and the connection terminal are electrically connected, and the camera plate and the receiving circuit are electrically disconnected, When the audio output device is not connected to the connection terminal, the camera plate and the receiving circuit are electrically connected, and the receiving circuit and the connection terminal are electrically disconnected. The electronic device according to claim 13.

Images