Communication device

The communication device design addresses portability issues by integrating antennas outside the laptop housing with a second part that matches the combined housing thickness and includes drainage paths, enhancing usability and reliability.

WO2026154743A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-07-23PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-10-15
Publication Date
2026-07-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing communication devices that attach to mobile terminals, such as laptop PCs, face challenges in ensuring portability due to protruding antenna portions that worsen usability when carried.

Method used

A communication device design with a first part housed inside the laptop's first housing and a second part containing antennas outside, where the second part's thickness is equal to or less than the combined thickness of both housings, featuring an inclined surface and drainage paths to prevent damage and liquid ingress.

Benefits of technology

Enhances portability by preventing antenna protrusion and damage, while ensuring effective liquid drainage, thus improving the reliability and usability of the communication device.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A communication device disclosed herein is used by being inserted into a first housing of an electronic apparatus having the first housing and a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing. The communication device comprises: a first portion that is accommodated inside the first housing when the communication device is inserted in the first housing; and a second portion that is connected to the first portion, accommodates one or more antennas, and is positioned outside the first housing when the communication device is inserted in the first housing. The thickness of the second portion is equal to or less than the sum of the thickness of the first housing and the thickness of the second housing.
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Description

Communication device

[0009] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device.

[0002] An extension device that imparts additional functions by being attached to a mobile terminal such as a laptop PC is known. As an example of the extension device, for example, a communication device equipped with an antenna for 5G communication can be mentioned.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication processing device including a main body, an antenna base, a storage unit, a holding unit, a substrate, and a passive element.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-154487

[0005] In the communication processing device of Patent Document 1, there is still room for improvement in terms of improving portability.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a communication device with improved portability.

[0007] A communication device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a communication device that is inserted into and used in a first housing of an electronic device having a first housing and a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing, and includes: a first portion housed inside the first housing when the communication device is inserted into the first housing; and a second portion connected to the first portion and housing one or more antennas and located outside the first housing when the communication device is inserted into the first housing, wherein the thickness of the second portion is not more than the sum of the thicknesses of the first housing and the second housing.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, a communication device with improved portability can be provided.

[0009] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a communication device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 shows the communication device in an open state mounted on an electronic device. Figure 3 shows the state when the communication device in Figure 1 is inserted into an open electronic device. Figure 4 shows the communication device in Figure 1 mounted on an electronic device in a closed state. Figure 5 shows the state when the communication device in Figure 1 is inserted into an electronic device in a closed state. Figure 5 shows the state when the communication device in Figure 1 is inserted into an electronic device in a closed state. Figure 1 shows a disassembled portion of the communication device in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the communication device in Figure 1 from a different angle. Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view along A-A. Figure 10 shows an enlarged view of region R1.

[0010] (Background to this disclosure) Expansion devices that attach to mobile terminals such as laptop PCs are known. Among such expansion devices, in the case of communication devices that have a built-in antenna for wireless communication, it is preferable that the antenna portion is located outside the laptop PC in order to ensure a predetermined communication performance even when the communication device is attached to the casing of the laptop PC. When the antenna portion is located outside the laptop PC, the antenna portion may protrude when the PC is carried around with the communication device attached to the PC, which can worsen portability.

[0011] Therefore, the present inventors (et al.) investigated a communication device with improved portability and arrived at the following invention.

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the elements are exaggerated to facilitate the explanation.

[0013] In this specification, terms such as “First,” “Second,” etc., are used for illustrative purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features designated as “First” and “Second” express or imply that they include one or more such features.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [Overall Configuration] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a communication device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the communication device 1 of Figure 1 mounted on an open electronic device 100. Figure 3 is a view of Figure 2 from a different angle. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the state when the communication device 1 of Figure 1 is inserted into an open electronic device 100. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the communication device 1 of Figure 1 mounted on an electronic device 100 in a closed state. Figure 6 is a view of Figure 5 from a different angle. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the state when the communication device 1 of Figure 1 is inserted into an electronic device 100 in a closed state. The X-Y-Z coordinate system shown in the figures is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the embodiment and does not limit the embodiment. In the X-Y-Z coordinate system, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the communication device 1, the Y-axis direction is the depth direction, and the Z-axis direction is the thickness direction.

[0015] The communication device 1 is a device that, when attached to the electronic device 100, provides the electronic device 100 with communication functionality. The communication device 1 has, for example, a built-in antenna for 5G communication, and by connecting the communication device 1 to the electronic device 100, the electronic device 100 becomes able to use 5G communication functionality.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the communication device 1 is used by being inserted into the housing of the electronic device 100. An example of the electronic device 100 is a laptop-type PC having a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, as shown in Figures 2 to 7. The first housing 110 has a first main surface 110a. The first housing 110 has input / output devices such as a keyboard 111 and a touchpad 112, a motherboard (not shown) equipped with a CPU and memory, and a storage device (not shown) such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The second housing 120 has a second main surface 120a. The second housing 120 has a display device 121 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and a camera 122, etc., located on the second main surface 120a. The components included in the first enclosure 110 and the second enclosure 120 are not limited to these, and only components necessary for the electronic device 100 to function as a laptop PC are required.

[0017] In the electronic device 100, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are rotatably connected. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 7, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are connected via a hinge 130, and the second housing 120 is rotatable relative to the first housing 110 around the hinge 130. The first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100 can have two positional relationships: an open position as shown in Figures 2 to 4 and a closed position as shown in Figures 5 to 7. In the open position shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are separated. In the closed position shown in Figures 5 to 7, the first main surface 110a of the first housing 110 and the second main surface 120a of the second housing 120 are facing each other.

[0018] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the communication device 1 can be used as a device connected to the electronic device 100 by being inserted into a slot 110c provided on the side surface 110b of the first housing 110 of the electronic device 100.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the communication device 1 has a first part 10 and a second part 20. The first part 10 and the second part 20 are the housing of the communication device 1.

[0020] The first part 10 is the part housed inside the first housing 110 when the communication device 1 is inserted into the first housing 110. The first part 10 contains, for example, a circuit board (not shown) for controlling an antenna. The first part 10 is made of a material such as a magnesium alloy.

[0021] The second part 20 is connected to the first part 10. The second part 20 houses one or more antennas 26-28 (see Figure 8). In this embodiment, the second part 20 houses three antennas 26-28. The number of antennas housed in the second part 20 is not limited to three; the second part 20 can house one or more antennas. The second part 20 is located outside the first housing 110 when the communication device 1 is inserted into the first housing 110. The second part 20 is made of a material such as resin.

[0022] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a part of the communication device 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the communication device 1 is provided with a partition wall 30 between the first part 10 and the second part 20. The second part 20 also has a base part 24 integrally formed with the first part 10. Antennas 26 and 27 are arranged on the base part 24. In this embodiment, the antennas 26 and 27 are arranged along the partition wall 30. The second part 20 is also arranged to cover the base part 24 and has a cover part 25 having a first upper surface 21, an inclined surface 22, and a first bottom surface 23. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11 which will be described later, the antenna 28 is arranged along the first upper surface 21. The antenna 28 is made of a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) and has a portion along the first upper surface 21 and a portion that is bent from the first upper surface 21 and arranged toward the first bottom surface 23. The configuration of the second part 20 is not limited to those described above. The second part 20 may be formed integrally with the first part 10, or it may be formed completely separately from the first part 10.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, in the communication device 1, the thickness t1 of the second portion 20 in the thickness direction (Z direction) is greater than the thickness t2 of the first housing 110. Also, as shown in Figure 6, in the communication device 1, the thickness t1 of the second portion 20 in the height direction (Z direction) is less than or equal to the sum of the thickness t2 of the first housing 110 and the thickness t3 of the second housing 120. That is, when the electronic device 100 is in the closed position, the thickness t1 of the communication device 1 is less than or equal to the thickness of the electronic device 100.

[0024] Figure 9 is a view of the communication device 1 from Figure 1 from a different angle. As shown in Figure 9, the height t1 of the second part 20 in the height direction (Z direction) is greater than the height t4 of the first part 10 in the height direction.

[0025] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second portion 20 has a first upper surface 21 and an inclined surface 22 that slopes from the first upper surface 21 toward the first portion 10. Furthermore, the second portion 20 has a first bottom surface 23 opposite to the first upper surface 21. As shown in Figure 3, the inclined surface 22 can also be said to be inclined toward the first main surface 110a of the first housing 110. The inclined surface 22 is inclined at an angle of approximately 50 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane (XY plane), for example. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 22 can be in the range of 30 degrees to 80 degrees, for example.

[0026] Antennas 26 and 27 are positioned on the first upper surface 21 side inside the second portion 20. Therefore, when the electronic device 100 with the communication device 1 attached is used by placing it on, for example, a desk, the presence of the first upper surface 21 in the second portion 20 improves the antenna characteristics. The greater the distance between the first upper surface 21 and the mounting surface such as a desk, the better the antenna characteristics can be. This is because the greater the distance between the first upper surface 21 and the mounting surface of the electronic device 100, the more the influence on the antenna from the mounting surface and below can be suppressed. In this embodiment, as described above, the thickness t1 of the second portion 20 is greater than the thickness t2 of the first housing 110. Therefore, the first upper surface 21 is positioned higher from the mounting surface such as a desk than the first main surface 110a of the first housing 110, thereby improving the antenna characteristics.

[0027] As shown in Figure 6, the inclined surface 22 of the second part 20 creates a gap sp between the second part 20 and the second housing 120 when the electronic device 100 is in the closed position. The formation of this gap sp makes it less likely for fingers or objects to get caught between the second part 20 and the second housing 120, or between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, when closing the second housing 120 to move the electronic device 100 from the open position to the closed position. This helps to prevent damage to fingers or objects, or damage to the electronic device 100.

[0028] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of region R1 in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, a drainage path C is provided inside the second part 20 to discharge any liquid that has entered the second part 20 to the outside. For example, when the electronic device 100 is used outdoors in rainy weather, liquid may enter the communication device 1. In this embodiment, a drainage path C is provided in the second part 20 of the communication device 1, and the liquid can be discharged to the outside of the communication device 1 via the drainage path C.

[0029] As described above, the communication device 1 includes a partition wall 30 that separates the first part 10 and the second part 20. As shown in Figure 8, the partition wall 30 extends from the first bottom surface 23 toward the first top surface 21. That is, the partition wall 30 extends along a plane parallel to the YZ plane. However, the partition wall 30 does not necessarily have to extend along a plane parallel to the YZ plane; for example, it may be positioned at an angle to the YZ plane.

[0030] The partition wall 30 is provided with three openings 31. The three openings 31 are connected to the drainage path C. Therefore, liquid flows into the drainage path C from the openings 31, and the liquid that flows in is discharged to the outside of the second section 20 from the first bottom surface 23 side via the drainage path C.

[0031] The drainage path C will be described in detail with reference to Figure 11. In this embodiment, a recess 12 is provided on the second upper surface 11, and liquid can be stored in the recess 12. The second upper surface 11 is the surface of the first part 10 that is located on the first main surface 110a side of the first housing 110 when the communication device 1 is housed in the first housing 110. Also, since the inclined surface 22 of the second part 20 is inclined toward the first part 10, liquid on the surface of the second part 20 flows down the inclined surface 22 and accumulates in the recess 12. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the recess 12 is provided adjacent to the partition wall 30, and the drainage path C and the recess 12 are in communication through an opening 31 provided in the partition wall 30. The opening 31 is formed by making the height of the wall at the location of the opening 31 lower than the height of the other parts of the partition wall 30. Therefore, when the liquid level in the recess 12 reaches the height of the opening 31, the liquid flows through the opening 31 along arrow C1 into the interior of the second portion 20. In this embodiment, the three openings 31 are provided at a predetermined height from the concave surface 12a of the recess 12. The concave surface 12a is the bottom of the recess 12, and in this embodiment, the concave surface 12a is provided substantially parallel to the second upper surface 11. More specifically, the three openings 31 are provided at the same height from the concave surface 12a. By providing the three openings 31 at the same height from the concave surface 12a, the liquid accumulated in the recess 12 can be evenly distributed through the three openings 31. Furthermore, even when the electronic device 100 is used at an angle from the horizontal plane, the provision of the three openings 31 makes it easy to drain the liquid through any one of the three openings 31. In this embodiment, the three openings 31 are formed in a rectangular shape. The rectangular shape of the openings 31 makes it easier to drain the liquid through the drainage path C from the openings 31.

[0032] The liquid that flows into the interior of the second section 20 along arrow C1 flows along the partition wall 30, that is, along arrow C2, and then passes through the interior of the second section 20 in the order of arrows C3, C4, and C5, and is discharged to the outside of the second section 20 from the outlet of the drainage path C along arrow C6. The second section 20 is provided with a drainage path C through which the liquid flows in the order of arrows C1 to C6. The entrance to the drainage path C is an opening 31 provided in the partition wall 30. The outlet of the drainage path C is provided in the section between the first section 10 and the second section 20.

[0033] Since antennas 26 and 27 are waterproof, providing a drainage path C in the space where antennas 26 and 27 are located can prevent other components located inside the communication device 1 from being submerged in water. In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, when viewed from the thickness direction (X direction) of the partition wall 30, at least one of antennas 26, antenna 27, or antenna 28 is positioned to overlap with the opening 31. By positioning the antennas 26-28 to overlap with the opening 31, liquid can be flowed into the area where the waterproof antennas 26-28 are located.

[0034] As shown in Figure 11, the first bottom surface 23 of the second portion 20 is inclined with respect to the first top surface 21. More specifically, the first bottom surface 23 is inclined toward the first portion 10 to facilitate liquid discharge. More specifically, it is inclined vertically downward toward the outlet of the drainage path C.

[0035] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, a second drainage path D is provided for draining the liquid accumulated in the recess 12 of the first portion 10. The second drainage path D is a path for draining the liquid held in the recess 12 via two grooves 13 provided on the second upper surface 11 of the first portion 10, and is indicated by arrow D in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the two grooves 13 are in communication with the recess 12. Furthermore, the grooves 13 are provided at a position higher than the height from the concave surface 12a to the opening 31. Therefore, any liquid that overflows and cannot be drained from the opening 31 can be drained to the outside of the communication device 1 via the second drainage path D.

[0036] For example, when using the electronic device 100 outdoors in rainy weather, if the communication device 1 is mounted on the first housing 110 of the electronic device 100, liquid first flows from the inclined surface 22 of the second part 20 into the recess 12 of the first part 10. Then, as liquid accumulates in the recess 12 and the water level exceeds the height p1 of the opening 31, the liquid flows from the opening 31 into the drainage path C and is discharged to the outside of the second part 20. Furthermore, when liquid accumulates in the recess 12, the liquid is discharged to the outside of the communication device 1 through the groove 13 provided on the second upper surface 11 of the first part 10 and through the second drainage path D.

[0037] [Effects] According to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0038] The communication device 1 is a communication device used by being inserted into the first housing 110 of an electronic device 100, which has a first housing 110 and a second housing 120 rotatably connected to the first housing 110. The communication device 1 comprises a first part 10 and a second part 20. The first part 10 is housed inside the first housing 110 when the communication device 1 is inserted into the first housing 110. The second part 20 is connected to the first part 10, houses one or more antennas 26, 27, and is located outside the first housing 110 when the communication device 1 is inserted into the first housing 110. The thickness of the second part 20 is less than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the first housing 110 and the thickness of the second housing 120.

[0039] This configuration makes it possible to provide a communication device with improved portability.

[0040] The thickness t1 of the second portion 20 is greater than the thickness t4 of the first portion 10. The second portion 20 has a first upper surface 21 and an inclined surface 22 that slopes from the first upper surface 21 toward the first portion 10.

[0041] With this configuration, when closing the second housing 120 to close the electronic device 100 from the open position, it becomes less likely for fingers or objects to get caught between the second part 20 and the second housing 120, or between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Therefore, damage to fingers or objects, or damage to the electronic device 100, can be suppressed.

[0042] The first housing 110 has a first main surface 110a located on the side of the second housing 120. When the communication device 1 is inserted into the first housing 110, the inclined surface 22 is inclined from the first upper surface 21 toward the first main surface 110a.

[0043] With such a configuration, when the second housing 120 is closed to move the electronic device 100 from the open position to the closed position, it is difficult for fingers, objects, etc. to be caught between the second portion 20 and the second housing 120, or between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Therefore, damage to fingers, objects, etc., or damage to the electronic device 100 can be suppressed.

[0044] Inside the second portion 20, a drainage path C for discharging the inflowed liquid to the outside is provided.

[0045] With such a configuration, the liquid can be actively discharged to the outside without staying inside the communication device 1, and the reliability of the communication device 1 can be improved.

[0046] The second portion 20 further has a first bottom surface 23 on the side opposite to the first upper surface 21. The communication device 1 further includes a partition wall 30 that extends from the first upper surface 21 toward the first bottom surface 23 and separates the first portion 10 and the second portion 20. One or more openings 31 for allowing the liquid to enter the inside of the second portion 20 are provided in the partition wall 30. The drainage path C is connected to the one or more openings 31.

[0047] With such a configuration, the intrusion of the liquid from the drainage path C of the second portion 20 into the first portion 10 can be suppressed. Further, the opening(s) 31 serve(s) as an entrance for the liquid into the drainage path C, and the liquid adhering to the surface of the communication device 1 can flow into the drainage path C.

[0048] The first portion 10 has a second upper surface 11 located on the side of the first main surface 110a when housed in the first housing 110. A recess 12 for holding the liquid is provided on the second upper surface 11. The recess 12 communicates with the drainage path C via one or more openings 31. <00​

[0050] One or more openings 31 are provided at a predetermined height from the concave surface 12a of the recess 12.

[0051] With this configuration, a certain amount of liquid can be held in the recess 12, while any liquid that overflows from the recess 12 can be drained into the drainage path C.

[0052] Multiple openings 31 are provided at the same height from the concave surface 12a.

[0053] This configuration allows the liquid to flow evenly through the multiple openings 31.

[0054] One or more antennas 26, 27 are arranged along the partition wall 30. One or more openings 31 are positioned so as to overlap with one or more antennas 26, 27 when viewed from the thickness direction of the partition wall 30.

[0055] This configuration allows liquid to flow through the area where the waterproof antennas 26 and 27 are located, preventing other components from being submerged.

[0056] The first part 10 and the second part 20 are formed separately. The outlet of the drainage path C is provided between the first part 10 and the second part 20 on the first bottom surface 23 side.

[0057] This configuration makes it easier to drain the liquid from the second part 20.

[0058] The first bottom surface 23 is inclined with respect to the first top surface 21.

[0059] This configuration makes it easier to drain the liquid from the second part 20.

[0060] A second drainage path D is provided on the second upper surface 11 for discharging the liquid held in the recess 12. The second drainage path D discharges the liquid held in the recess 12 through one or more grooves 13 provided on the second upper surface 11.

[0061] With this configuration, the accumulated liquid can be discharged to the outside of the communication device 1 through the second drainage path D. Therefore, liquid cannot enter the inside of the first part 10, and the internal components of the first part 10 are not submerged in water.

[0062] One or more openings 31 are formed in a rectangular shape.

[0063] This configuration makes it easier to drain liquid through the drainage path C from the opening 31.

[0064] The electronic device 100 is used in a closed position where the first main surface 110a of the first housing 110 and the second main surface 120a of the second housing 120 face each other, and in an open position where the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are separated in the rotational direction. When the electronic device 100 is in the closed position, the thickness t1 of the second portion 20 is less than or equal to the thickness of the electronic device 100.

[0065] This configuration improves the portability of the electronic device 100.

[0066] In the embodiment described above, an example was given in which a drainage path C is provided in the second part 20, but the drainage path C is not an essential component of the communication device 1.

[0067] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described an example in which the inclined surface 22 of the second portion 20 is inclined toward the first portion 10, the invention is not limited to this. Instead of the inclined surface 22, the portion extending from the first upper surface 21 toward the first portion 10 may be configured in a stepped manner. In other words, the second portion 20 may have a portion whose thickness decreases in a stepped manner from the first upper surface 21 toward the first portion 10.

[0068] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described an example in which three openings 31 are provided in the partition wall 30, the invention is not limited to this. The number of openings 31 may be one, two, or four or more.

[0069] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described an example in which a recess 12 is provided in the first portion 10, the recess 12 is not an essential component of the communication device 1.

[0070] (Note) The following technologies are disclosed by the embodiments described above.

[0071] (Technical 1) A communication device used by being inserted into the first housing of an electronic device having a first housing and a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing, comprising: a first part which is housed inside the first housing when the communication device is inserted into the first housing; and a second part which is connected to the first part, houses one or more antennas, and is located outside the first housing when the communication device is inserted into the first housing, wherein the thickness of the second part is less than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the first housing and the thickness of the second housing.

[0072] This configuration makes it possible to provide a communication device with improved portability.

[0073] (Technical 2) The communication device according to Technical 1, wherein the thickness of the second part is greater than the thickness of the first part, and the second part has a first upper surface and an inclined surface that slopes toward the first part from the first upper surface.

[0074] This configuration makes it less likely for fingers or other objects to get caught between the second part and the second housing, or between the first housing and the second housing, when closing the second housing to move the electronic device from the open position to the closed position. Therefore, damage to fingers or other objects, or damage to the electronic device, can be suppressed.

[0075] (Technology 3) A communication device according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the first housing has a first main surface located on the second housing side, and when the communication device is inserted into the first housing, the inclined surface is inclined from the first upper surface toward the first main surface.

[0076] This configuration makes it less likely for fingers or other objects to get caught between the second part and the second housing, or between the first housing and the second housing, when closing the second housing to move the electronic device from the open position to the closed position. Therefore, damage to fingers or other objects, or damage to the electronic device, can be suppressed.

[0077] (Technology 4) The communication device of Technology 3, wherein a drainage path for discharging the incoming liquid to the outside is provided inside the second part.

[0078] This configuration allows liquid to be actively discharged to the outside without accumulating inside the communication device, thereby improving the reliability of the communication device.

[0079] (Technology 5) The communication device of Technology 4, wherein the second part further has a first bottom surface opposite to the first top surface, and the communication device further comprises a partition wall extending from the first top surface toward the first bottom surface and separating the first part from the second part, the partition wall being provided with one or more openings for allowing liquid to flow into the interior of the second part, and a drainage path being connected to one or more openings.

[0080] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the inflow of liquid from the drainage path of the second part to the first part. In addition, the opening serves as an inlet for liquid to the drainage path, allowing liquid adhering to the surface of the communication device to flow into the drainage path.

[0081] (Technology 6) The communication device of Technology 5, wherein the first part has a second upper surface located on the first main surface side when housed in the first housing, the second upper surface is provided with a recess for holding liquid, and the recess communicates with a drainage path through one or more openings.

[0082] This configuration allows liquid accumulated in the recess to flow more easily through the opening into the drainage path.

[0083] (Technical 7) The communication device of Technical 6, wherein one or more openings are provided at a predetermined height from the concave surface of the recess.

[0084] This configuration allows a certain amount of liquid to be held in the recess while any liquid that overflows from the recess is drained into the drainage path.

[0085] (Technology 8) The communication device of Technology 7, wherein multiple openings are provided at the same height from the concave surface.

[0086] This configuration allows liquid to flow evenly through multiple openings.

[0087] (Technology 9) A communication device according to any one of Techniques 5 to 8, wherein one or more antennas are arranged along a bulkhead, and one or more openings are positioned to overlap with the one or more antennas when viewed from the thickness direction of the bulkhead.

[0088] This configuration allows liquid to flow through the area where the waterproof antenna is located, preventing other components from being submerged.

[0089] (Technology 10) A communication device according to any one of the technologies 5 to 9, wherein the first part and the second part are formed separately, and the outlet of the drainage path is provided between the first part and the second part on the first bottom side.

[0090] This configuration makes it easier to drain the liquid from the second section.

[0091] (Technology 11) A communication device according to any one of technologies 5 to 10, wherein the first bottom surface is inclined with respect to the first top surface.

[0092] This configuration makes it easier to drain the liquid from the second section.

[0093] (Technology 12) A communication device according to any one of Technologies 6 to 11, wherein a second drainage path is provided on the second upper surface for discharging liquid held in a recess, the second drainage path discharges the liquid held in the recess through one or more grooves provided on the second upper surface, and one or more grooves communicate with the recess.

[0094] This configuration allows the accumulated liquid to be discharged to the outside of the communication device through a second drainage path. As a result, liquid cannot enter the interior of the first part, and the internal components of the first part are not submerged in water.

[0095] (Technology 13) A communication device according to any one of the technologies 5 to 12, wherein one or more openings are formed in a rectangular shape.

[0096] This configuration makes it easier to drain liquid through the opening and drainage path.

[0097] (Technology 14) A communication device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 13, wherein the electronic equipment is used in a closed position in which the first main surface of the first housing and the second main surface of the second housing face each other, and in an open position in which the first housing and the second housing are separated in the rotational direction, and when the electronic equipment is in the closed position, the thickness of the second part is less than or equal to the thickness of the electronic equipment.

[0098] This configuration can improve the portability of electronic devices.

[0099] This disclosure is useful for communication devices used in conjunction with electronic devices.

[0100] 1 Communication device 10 First part 11 Second upper surface 12 Recess 12a Concave surface 13 Groove 20 Second part 21 First upper surface 22 Inclined surface 23 First bottom surface 24 Base part 25 Cover part 26, 27, 28 Antenna 30 Partition 31 Opening 100 Electronic equipment 110 First housing 110a First main surface 120 Second housing 120a Second main surface

Claims

A communication device used by being inserted into the first housing of an electronic device having a first housing and a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing, A first portion that is housed inside the first housing when the communication device is inserted into the first housing, A second part is connected to the first part, houses one or more antennas, and is located outside the first housing when the communication device is inserted into the first housing, Equipped with, The thickness of the second portion is less than or equal to the sum of the thickness of the first housing and the thickness of the second housing. Communication device.   The thickness of the second part is greater than the thickness of the first part. The second portion has a first upper surface and an inclined surface that slopes toward the first portion from the first upper surface. The communication device according to claim 1.   The first housing has a first main surface located on the side of the second housing, When the communication device is inserted into the first housing, the inclined surface is inclined from the first upper surface toward the first main surface. The communication device according to claim 2.   The second part is provided with a drainage path for discharging the incoming liquid to the outside. The communication device according to claim 3.   The second portion further has a first bottom surface opposite to the first top surface, The communication device further comprises a partition wall extending from the first upper surface toward the first bottom surface and separating the first part and the second part. The partition wall is provided with one or more openings for allowing liquid to flow into the interior of the second portion. The drainage path is connected to one or more openings. The communication device according to claim 4.   The first portion has a second upper surface that is located on the first main surface side when housed in the first housing, The second upper surface is provided with a recess for holding liquid, The recess communicates with the drainage path through one or more openings. The communication device according to claim 5.   The one or more openings are provided at a predetermined height from the concave surface of the recess. The communication device according to claim 6.   The plurality of openings are provided at the same height from the concave surface. The communication device according to claim 7.   The one or more antennas are arranged along the partition wall, The one or more openings are positioned so as to overlap with the one or more antennas when viewed from the thickness direction of the partition wall. The communication device according to claim 5.   The first part and the second part are formed separately. The outlet of the drainage path is provided on the first bottom side, between the first portion and the second portion. The communication device according to claim 5.   The first bottom surface is inclined with respect to the first top surface. The communication device according to claim 5.   A second drainage path is provided on the second upper surface for discharging the liquid held in the recess. The second drainage path discharges the liquid held in the recess through one or more grooves provided on the second upper surface. The one or more grooves communicate with the recess, The communication device according to claim 6.   The one or more openings are formed in a rectangular shape. The communication device according to claim 5.   The electronic device is used in a closed position where the first main surface of the first housing and the second main surface of the second housing face each other, and in an open position where the first housing and the second housing are separated in the rotational direction. When the electronic device is in the closed position, the thickness of the second portion is less than or equal to the thickness of the electronic device. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.