Electronic apparatus

An electronic apparatus is provided, which includes: a middle frame having a frame section formed in the shape of a frame with four side sections; a front panel joined with the middle frame to seal one opening of the middle frame; a rear panel joined with the middle frame to seal another opening of the middle frame; a liquid crystal panel placed within an outer casing configured by the middle frame, the front panel and the rear panel; a back light panel placed within the outer casing, irradiating light towards the liquid crystal panel; and a holding plate placed within the outer casing on a side opposite the liquid crystal panel with the back light panel in-between, pressing the back light panel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a technical field regarding electronic apparatuses. More particularly, the present invention relates to a technical field that seeks to reduce the component count by configuring an outer casing with a middle frame and two panels that are joined with the middle frame.

2. Description of Related Art

Electronic apparatuses include, for example, video cameras, still cameras, television receivers, mobile phones, audio apparatuses and the like, and such apparatuses generally include certain components arranged within an outer casing. See, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei-8-79585.

In the electronic apparatus (video camera) described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. Hei-8-79585, an outer casing includes a camera chassis with openings in the front and rear, a front panel that is joined with the front end of the camera chassis, and a rear cover that is joined with the rear end of the camera chassis. The camera chassis includes an upper case that has an opening in the bottom, and a lower case that is joined with the lower end of the upper case.

Thus, this outer casing includes four components, which are the upper case, the lower case, the front panel, and the rear cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in the conventional electronic apparatus mentioned above, the number of components constituting the outer casing is numerous, as a result of which more connective components such as screws for joining components are needed, and therefore, there is a problem in that the component count increases.

In addition, since the camera chassis is configured by joining two components, the upper case and the lower case, there is a problem in that it is difficult to secure a high level of strength.

As such, the present invention seeks to address the problems mentioned above, reduce the component count, and so forth.

An electronic apparatus of the present invention, in order to solve the problems above, may include a middle frame including a frame section formed in the shape of a frame using four side sections, a front panel that is joined with the middle frame in such a manner that it seals one of the openings in the middle frame, a rear panel that is joined with the middle frame in such a manner that it seals the other opening in the middle frame, an outer casing that includes the middle frame, the front panel and the rear panel, a liquid crystal panel that is placed inside the outer casing, a back light panel that illuminates the liquid crystal panel and which is placed inside the outer casing, and a holding plate that presses the back light panel and which is placed within the outer casing on a side opposite the liquid crystal panel with the back light panel in-between.

Therefore, in an electronic apparatus of the present invention, the outer casing includes three components, including the middle frame with the four side sections integrated into one.

An electronic apparatus of the present invention may include a middle frame including a frame section formed in the shape of a frame using four side sections, a front panel that is joined with the middle frame in such a manner that it seals one of the openings in the middle frame, a rear panel that is joined with the middle frame in such a manner that it seals the other opening in the middle frame, an outer casing that includes the middle frame, the front panel and the rear panel, a liquid crystal panel that is placed inside the outer casing, a back light panel that illuminates the liquid crystal panel and which is placed inside the outer casing, and a holding plate that presses the back light panel and which is placed within the outer casing on a side opposite the liquid crystal panel with the back light panel in-between.

Thus, the component count may be reduced, operations such as joining each component with screws, by caulking and so on can be reduced, thereby improving efficiency.

In an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the above-mentioned holding plate may be brought into contact with the back light panel, and a holding rib, which is located opposite the back light panel with the holding plate in-between and which presses the holding plate, may be provided on and integrated into the above-mentioned middle frame, thereby making it unnecessary to provide a component for holding the holding plate, and thus reducing the component count.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a touch panel for executing predetermined functions through touch operations may be provided opposite the back light panel with the above-mentioned liquid crystal panel in-between, thereby reliably preventing deflection or breaking of the touch panel.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a component holding section that holds a functional component for executing a predetermined function may be integrated into and provided on the above-mentioned middle frame, thereby making it unnecessary to use a component whose purpose is to hold the functional component, thus reducing the component count, and therefore, manufacturing costs.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a battery accommodating section, into which a battery is inserted and loaded, may be integrated into and provided on the above-mentioned middle-frame, and the battery may be held in place by the battery accommodating section and at least a portion of the above-mentioned holding plate, thereby reducing the component count, and making it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs for the electronic apparatus.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a reinforcement section that links two opposing sides of the above-mentioned middle frame may be provided on and integrated into the above-mentioned two opposing sides, thereby increasing the strength of the middle frame and the rigidity of the outer casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in accordance with the appended drawings.

The embodiment indicated below is one in which the present invention is applied to a still camera.

It is to be noted that the application of the present invention is by no means limited to still cameras, and may instead be widely applied to various electronic apparatuses such as, for example, video cameras, television receivers, mobile phones, personal computers, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), network terminals, portable information terminals, work stations, audio apparatuses and the like.

In the description below, directions such as front, rear, up, down, left and right will be referred to as seen by the photographer using a still camera. Therefore, the subject's side will be the front, while the photographer's side will be referred to as the rear.

It is to be noted that these directional terms used below are used only for the purpose of convenience and clarity of explanation, and the implementation of the present invention should not be limited in any way as a result of the use of these directional terms.

An electronic apparatus1includes various components arranged within an outer casing2. The outer casing2, for example, may be shaped in a wide and flat form (seeFIG. 1andFIG. 2). The outer casing2includes three components, a middle frame3, a front panel4joined with the front surface of the middle frame3, and a rear panel5joined with the rear surface of the middle frame3.

The middle frame3is formed by having its respective components integrated into one and with a resin material, and as shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, includes a frame section6that is formed as a wide frame. The frame section6includes an upper side surface section7, a lower side surface section8, a left side surface section9, and a right side surface section10.

A button placement hole7aand a microphone hole7bare formed in the upper side surface section7. In close proximity to the button placement hole7aand in the upper side surface section7is formed a shallow member placement recessed section11whose upper side is open. An operation pin placement hole11ais formed in the member placement recessed section11.

A member placement hole12is formed in the frame section6at a position that is continuous with the member placement recessed section11, and the member placement hole12is located on a portion that is continuous with the upper side surface section7and the right side surface section10. Pin insertion holes6a,6athat penetrate the frame section6from the front through the rear are formed in the frame section6both in front of and behind the member placement hole12.

In approximately the center in the horizontal direction of the lower side surface section8is formed a tripod hole8a.

A speaker hole9ais formed in the left side surface section9.

A vertically long opening10athat is continuous with the inside is formed in the right side surface section10. A placement hole10bis formed in the lower end section of the right side surface section10at a position in close proximity to the opening10a.

A battery lid13is supported on the right side surface section10in such a manner that it is freely openable and closable (seeFIG. 1andFIG. 5). The battery lid13is formed in a vertically long shape, and is made rotatable in relation to the middle frame3with its upper end section as the fulcrum. Through a rotating motion of the battery lid13, the opening10aand the placement hole10bare opened and closed.

In the center portion of the middle frame3in the horizontal direction, there is provided a reinforcement section14which extends in the vertical direction and which is integrated with the middle frame3(seeFIG. 3andFIG. 4). The reinforcement section14links the approximately central portion of the upper side surface section7in the horizontal direction and the approximately central portion of the lower side surface section8in the horizontal direction, and the center portion of the reinforcement section14in the vertical direction is formed as a holding rib14a.

Thus, since there is provided on the middle frame3the reinforcement section14that links the upper side surface section7and the lower side surface section8, the strength of the middle frame3is high, and it is possible to increase the rigidity of the outer casing2.

In addition, since the reinforcement section14is integrated with the middle frame3, it is possible to increase the strength of the middle frame3, while at the same time reducing the component count.

A restrictive wall section15that extends in the horizontal direction is provided on the middle frame3. The ends of the restrictive wall15are continuous with a portion of the reinforcement section14towards its upper end and a portion of the right side surface section10towards its upper end, respectively.

A holding wall section16that extends in the horizontal direction is provided on the middle frame3. The ends of the holding wall section16are continuous with the lower end section of the reinforcement section14and the lower end section of the right side surface section10, respectively.

Of the middle frame3, a battery accommodating section (or battery loading section)17into which a battery is loaded and which will be described later includes the right side surface section10, the restrictive wall section15, the reinforcement section14and the holding wall section16, and the internal space of the battery accommodating section17is taken to be an insertion space17ainto which a battery is inserted.

A receiving surface section18that faces the front and rear directions is provided on the middle frame3at a position that is continuous with the upper end section of the reinforcement section14and with an approximately central portion of the upper side surface section7in the horizontal direction, and a unit receiving surface18ais formed on the receiving surface section18. A strobe fixing section18bis provided on the receiving surface section18.

A receiving surface section19that faces the front and rear directions is provided on the middle frame3at a position that is continuous with the left end portion of the upper side surface section7and the upper half portion of the left side surface section9, and a unit receiving surface19ais formed on the receiving surface section19.

A receiving surface section20which faces the front and rear directions and which protrudes upward from a position towards the left end of the lower side surface section8is provided on the middle frame3, and a unit receiving surface20ais formed on the receiving surface section20.

The unit receiving surfaces18a,19aand20aare each formed in the shape of a shallow recess.

A microphone placement section21is provided on the middle frame3on the inner side of the upper side surface section7. The microphone placement section21includes a placement recessed section21awhose front is open.

A speaker placement section22is provided on the middle frame3on the inner side of the left side surface section9. The speaker placement section22includes a placement recessed section22awhose rear is open.

Screw insertion holes3a,3athat penetrate the middle frame3from the front through the rear are formed in the middle frame3both in the upper and lower end portions of the left end portion. A screw insertion hole14bthat penetrates the reinforcement section14from the front through the rear is formed in the upper end portion of the reinforcement section14of the middle frame3.

On each portion of the middle frame3are arranged such components as the ones described below (seeFIG. 6).

A lens unit23is placed on the receiving surface sections18,19and20of the middle frame3. The lens unit23may include, for example, a flat lens holder24on which an iris mechanism, various lenses, such as a focus lens, a zoom lens and the like, and so forth are held. The lens unit23is placed in such a manner that the rear surface of the outer circumference portion of the lens holder24is positioned and received by the unit receiving surfaces18a,19aand20athat are formed on the receiving surface sections18,19and20, respectively. Therefore, the unit receiving surfaces18a,19aand20afunction as positioning sections for the lens unit23.

A strobe25is fixed to and held by the strobe fixing section18bof the receiving surface section18through some method such as adhesion.

A microphone26that is formed in the shape of an approximately circular disc is placed on and held by the microphone placement section21. The microphone26is held in place by being inserted into the placement recessed section21aof the microphone placement section21.

A speaker27that is formed in the shape of an approximately circular disc is placed on and held by the speaker placement section22. The speaker27is held in place by being inserted into the placement recessed section22aof the speaker placement section22.

The lens unit23, the strobe25, the microphone26and the speaker27mentioned above will be referred to as functional components that perform predetermined functions, and the unit receiving surfaces18a,19aand20a, the strobe fixing section18b, the microphone placement section21and the speaker placement section22will be referred to as component holding sections that hold functional components.

In the electronic apparatus1, since the component holding sections that hold such functional components as the lens unit23, the strobe25, the microphone26, the speaker27and the like are integrated into the middle frame3, there is no need to use components dedicated to the purpose of holding various functional components, it is possible to cut the component count, and therefore reduce manufacturing costs.

A circuit plate28is attached to the inside of the right end portion of the upper side surface section7of the middle frame3. A circuit board (not shown in drawing) on which a switching circuit is formed is attached to the circuit plate28, and the circuit board is placed in such a manner that it faces the inner surface of the upper side surface section7.

A power button29is placed in the button placement hole7athat is formed in the upper side surface section7.

A shutter unit30is placed in the member placement recessed section11formed in the upper side surface section7(seeFIG. 7). The shutter unit30includes a unit base31and a shutter button32that is supported by the unit base31. The unit base31includes a linear section33that extends in the horizontal direction and an arc section34, which is formed in the shape of an arc that is continuous with the right end of the linear section33. A button hole33athat penetrates the linear section33in the vertical direction is formed in the linear section33. A groove34athat extends in the horizontal direction is formed in the arc section34, and pin attachment holes34b,34bthat penetrate front and rear wall sections that form the groove34afrom the front through the rear are formed in those front and rear wall sections.

The shutter button32is placed in the button hole33aof the unit base31.

The shutter unit30is placed by having the linear section33of the unit base31inserted into the member placement recessed section11and by having the arc section34inserted into the member placement hole12adjacent to the member placement recessed section11.

When the shutter unit30is placed as described above, an attachment pin35is inserted into the pin insertion holes6a,6aof the middle frame3and into the pin attachment holes34b,34bof the unit base31. Thus, the unit base31is attached to the middle frame3with the attachment pin35.

In addition, a portion of the attachment pin35is positioned within the groove34a, and it is possible to wind and attach a strap (not shown in drawing) around and to this attachment pin35.

As described above, the attachment pin35may function as a strap attachment section around which a strap can be wound in addition to serving the function of attaching the unit base31to the middle frame3. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the component count.

In addition, when the strap is held, the entire weight of the electronic apparatus1will have to be supported by the attachment pin35. However, since the attachment pin35is inserted through both the pin insertion holes6a,6aof the middle frame3as well as the pin attachment holes34b,34bof the unit base31, the attachment strength is high, and it is able to withstand a large weight.

When the shutter unit30is attached to the middle frame3, an operation pin32athat protrudes downward from the shutter button32protrudes downward through the operation pin placement hole11athat is formed in the member placement recessed section11, and becomes able to operate a switch on the circuit board attached to the circuit plate28.

A tripod female screw36is placed in the tripod hole8athat is formed in the lower side surface section8of the middle frame3(seeFIG. 6). Therefore, by inserting a screw section provided on the upper end portion of a tripod into the tripod hole8aand engaging it with the tripod female screw36, it is possible to mount the electronic apparatus1on a tripod.

The front panel4may be formed with, for example, some metal material such as aluminum and the like. By thus forming the front panel4with a metal material, it is possible to improve heat radiation, and therefore effectively suppress an increase in the internal temperature of the electronic apparatus1. As shown inFIG. 8, the front panel4includes a front surface section37that is formed in a wide and approximately rectangular shape, and a rim section38that protrudes approximately towards the rear slightly from the periphery of the front surface section37. A wide flash hole37ais formed in the upper end portion of the front surface section37, and a large opening37bis formed in the left half section of the front surface section37.

A ring panel39is attached to the front surface section37of the front panel4at a position where the rim of the opening37bcan be covered (seeFIG. 1andFIG. 8).

A holding member40that is formed with, for example, a resin material is attached to the rear surface of the front surface section37of the front panel4through adhesion and the like. When the front panel4is attached to the middle frame3, the holding member40serves to hold the various components arranged on the middle frame3.

The rear panel5may be formed with, for example, some metal material such as aluminum and the like. By thus forming the rear panel5with a metal material, it is possible to improve heat radiation, and therefore effectively suppress an increase in the internal temperature of the electronic apparatus1.

As shown inFIG. 8, the rear panel5includes a rear surface section41that is formed in a wide and approximately rectangular shape, and a rim section42that protrudes approximately towards the front slightly from the periphery of the rear surface section41. A large opening41aof a rectangular shape is formed in the rear surface section41.

Operation buttons43,44and45, and a slide tab46are arranged on the right end portion of the rear panel5at predetermined positions (seeFIG. 2). The operation buttons43,44and45, and the slide tab46are placed in their respective button placement holes formed in the rear panel5. The operation button43is a zoom button for zooming while photographing. Operation buttons44and45are, for example, buttons for switching between various modes and the like. The slide tab46is a tab for switching between such modes as photograph mode, play mode and the like.

With the middle part in the vertical direction as a point of reference, the operation button43is operable in such a manner that the upper half section and the lower half section can be held separately, and through such an operation, wide angle shots or zoom shots may be photographed.

A panel holder47that is formed with, for example, a resin material is attached to the front surface of the rear surface section41of the rear panel5through adhesion or the like (seeFIG. 8).

As shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10, the panel holder47includes a frame section48that has a wide rectangular shape, an operation surface section49that is provided in a continuous manner with the right rim of the frame section48, and a protruding surface section50that is provided in a continuous manner with the left rim of the frame section48, all of which are integrated into one.

The frame section48includes an upper section51, a lower section52and a pair of side sections53,53, and elevated sections54,54that protrude further forward than the other sections do are provided on, for example, the upper section51and the lower section52(seeFIG. 9throughFIG. 11). The elevated sections54,54include extension sections54a,54athat extend in the horizontal direction, and protruding sections54b,54b. . . that protrude downward or upward from the left and right end sections of the extension sections54a,54a, respectively.

Parts of the frame section48where the elevated section54,54are not provided are provided as a first panel positioning section55that is positioned behind the elevated sections54,54, and the front surface of the side sections53,53and the elevated sections54,54may form a second panel positioning section56.

As shown inFIG. 9andFIG. 10, two operation holes49a,49aare aligned vertically on the upper side of the operation surface section49of the panel holder47, and a button receiving section49bthat extends in the horizontal direction is provided between the operation holes49a,49a. The operation button43that functions as a zoom button is pressed from behind by this button receiving section49b, and the upper half section and the lower half section of the operation button43are made separately operable with the middle part, in the vertical direction, as a point of reference.

It is noted that a circuit board for the switches, which is not shown in drawing, is placed on the front surface side of the operation surface section49, and when the operation button43is pressed and operated, a push switch provided on the circuit board for the switches is operated via the operation holes49a,49a, thereby realizing a zooming function.

As described above, by integrating into the panel holder47the button receiving section49bthat presses the operation button43, it is possible to reduce the component count.

Two operation panel sections49c,49care aligned vertically on the lower side of the operation surface section49. The operation panel sections49c,49care positioned within formed holes49d,49d, respectively, that are aligned vertically in the operation surface section49, and each is linked to another part of the operation surface section49through two arm sections49e,49e. . . that are elastically distortable.

The above-mentioned operation buttons44and45are linked with the rear surfaces of the operation panel sections49c,49c, respectively. When the operation buttons44and45are pressed, the operation panel sections49c,49care moved forward due to the elastic distortion of the arm sections49e,49e. . . , and push switches provided on the above mentioned circuit board for the switches are operated by the operation panel sections49c,49c, and predetermined functions are thus realized. When the pressure on the operation buttons44and45are released, the operation panel sections49c,49cmove backward due to the elastic return of the arm sections49e,49e. . . and return to their original positions.

As described above, by integrating the operation panel sections49c,49cthat operate in accordance with operations of the operation buttons44,45, as well as the arm sections49e,49e. . . into the panel holder47, it becomes unnecessary to employ spring means for returning the operation buttons44and45to their original positions after they are operated, and it is thus possible to reduce the component count.

It is noted that the operation buttons44and45may also be integrated into the operation panel sections49c,49c. By integrating the operation buttons44and45into the operation panel sections49c,49c, the component count can be further reduced.

A speaker holding section50athat protrudes forward is provided on the protruding surface section50of the panel holder47. When the rear panel5is attached to the middle frame3, the speaker27that is placed in the speaker placement section22of the middle frame3is held by the speaker holding section50a, and the speaker27is prevented from slipping out of the speaker placement section22.

A touch panel57and a liquid crystal panel58are positioned and held by the panel holder47(seeFIG. 8).

The touch panel57is so formed to be of a rectangular shape that is slightly larger than the opening section41aformed in the rear panel5, and serves the function of an operation section that executes predetermined functions by being touch operated with the finger, a stylus and the like. In general, there is a pattern section57aon the touch panel57for operation execution, and the pattern section57ais positioned along the entire circumference that leans towards the outer side (seeFIG. 12). The pattern section57ais the portion of the touch panel57that is the weakest.

The liquid crystal panel58functions as a display section for displaying images, text and the like, and is formed to be approximately equal in size with the touch panel57. As shown inFIG. 13, the liquid crystal panel58includes a liquid crystal display section59and a holding frame60that holds the liquid crystal display section59and is attached to a panel attachment board61.

The holding frame60is provided as positioning protrusions60a,60a. . . where the four corners are formed like hooks that protrude further outward than the other parts.

The panel attachment board61is so provided to cover, of the outer circumference portion of the holding frame60, parts other than the positioning protrusions60a,60a . . . .

The liquid crystal panel58and the touch panel57are joined and integrated front to back through adhesion or the like, and the pattern section57aof the touch panel57is so positioned to align with the outer side of the liquid crystal display section59, in other words, the inner circumference portion of the holding frame60.

When the touch panel57and the liquid crystal panel58are joined, they are positioned and held by the panel holder47that is attached to the rear panel5(seeFIG. 14). The touch panel57and the liquid crystal panel58are positioned and held by being fit within the first panel positioning section55of the panel holder47while seat cushions62,62. . . (seeFIG. 11) are adhered to the inner rim of the opening section41aof the rear panel5.

Here, since the positioning protrusions60a,60a. . . of the liquid crystal panel58fit with the four corners of the first panel positioning section55, the touch panel57and the liquid crystal panel58are securely positioned, and it is possible to improve the positioning accuracy of the touch panel57and the liquid crystal panel58in relation to the rear panel5.

In addition to the touch panel57and the liquid crystal panel58, a back light panel63is also positioned and held by the panel holder47(seeFIG. 8).

The back light panel63is formed in the shape of a flat plate that is slightly larger than the liquid crystal panel58and has, for example, positioning notches63a,63a. . . formed in its four corners.

The back light panel63is positioned and held by the panel holder47that is attached to the rear panel5(seeFIG. 15). The positioning notches63a,63a. . . are each engaged with the protruding sections54b,54bof the elevated sections54,54, respectively, and the back light panel63is thus positioned and held by the second panel positioning section56of the panel holder47.

The back light panel63is held from the front side by the holding plate64. As shown inFIG. 16, the holding plate64includes a holding section65that is formed in the shape of a wide rectangle, and attachment sections66,66,67that are provided on the left and right edges of the holding section65, respectively, in a continuous manner. The attachment section66,66,67are positioned slightly backwards in relation to the holding section65. Screw insertion holes64a,64aare formed vertically spaced apart in the left edge section of the holding plate64. On the upper edge section of a portion of the holding plate64that is approximately in the middle in the horizontal direction, a folded piece64bthat is folded forward is provided, and a screw hole64cis formed in the folded piece64b.

The holding plate64is attached to the middle frame3by having an attachment screw, which is not shown in drawing and which is screwed through the screw insertion hole14bformed in the reinforcement section14of the middle frame3, screwed into the screw hole64c. In addition, the holding plate64is attached to the rear panel5by having attachment screws, which are not shown in drawing and which are inserted through the screw insertion holes3a,3a, respectively, of the middle frame3, inserted through the screw insertion holes64a,64aand engaged with screw engagement sections of the rear panel5, which are not shown in drawing.

When the holding plate64is attached to the rear panel5, the holding section65is held against the front surface of the back light panel63, and the back light panel63is thus held by the holding section65. When the back light panel63is held by the holding section65, the back light panel63is held against the liquid crystal panel58, and the liquid crystal panel58and the touch panel57are thus held.

When the touch panel57, the liquid crystal panel58, and the back light panel63are held in the manner described above, a gap is formed between the touch panel57and the inner perimeter of the rear panel5as shown inFIG. 17.

Therefore, even when a portion near the opening section41aof the rear panel5is held by a finger100while the photographer holds the electronic apparatus1in his hand while using the electronic apparatus1, the rear panel5does not come into contact with the touch panel57, and it is thus possible to prevent such failures as malfunctioning, breakage or the like of the touch panel57.

In particular, since a gap is formed between the pattern section57a, which is the weakest portion of the touch panel57, and the rear panel5, it is possible to prevent contact between the pattern section57aand the rear panel5, thereby securing the reliability of the functioning of the touch panel57.

In addition, as described above, since the touch panel57, the liquid crystal panel58and the back light panel63are positioned by the same panel holder47, it is possible to secure ideal positioning accuracy of the touch panel57, the liquid crystal panel58and the back light panel63in relation to the rear panel5, while at the same time securing ideal positioning accuracy between the touch panel57, the liquid crystal panel58and the back light panel63.

It is noted that although in the description above, an example is given where the seat cushions62,62. . . are placed between the touch panel57and the rear surface section41of the rear panel5, it is also possible to form a gap between the touch panel57and the rear panel5by, for example, providing receiving sections47a,47a. . . as integrated parts of the panel holder47by making parts of the rear end section of the panel holder47protrude inward, and receiving the touch panel57with the receiving sections47a,47a. . . as shown inFIG. 18.

Thus, by integrating the receiving sections47a,47a. . . into the panel holder47, the seat cushions62,62. . . become unnecessary, and it becomes possible to reduce the component count while also saving the trouble of having to adhere the seat cushions62,62. . . to the rear panel5.

As described above, with respect to the electronic apparatus1, the outer casing2includes three components, namely, the middle frame3, the front panel4, which is joined with the front of the middle frame3, and the rear panel5, which is joined with the rear of the middle frame3.

Therefore, the component count is small, such procedures as putting components together through screwing, caulking and the like are reduced, and an improvement in efficiency may be expected.

In addition, since the various parts of the middle frame3, which is placed between the front panel4and the rear panel5, are integrated into one, it is possible to secure high strength for the outer casing2.

It is noted that in apparatuses that include the touch panel57as the electronic apparatus1does, although the touch panel57, the liquid crystal panel58and the back light panel63are prone to loads that accompany manual operations of the touch panel57, since the holding plate64that presses the back light panel63, and the holding rib14athat presses the holding plate64are provided in the electronic apparatus1, it is possible to reliably prevent deformation or breakage of the touch panel57, the liquid crystal panel58, and the back light panel63.

In addition, since the touch panel57, the liquid crystal panel58and the back light panel63are held by the holding plate64and the holding rib14a, it becomes possible to suppress deformation of the touch panel57and the liquid crystal panel58, and an improvement in the usability of the touch panel57and the liquid crystal panel58by making them larger may be achieved.

When the back light panel63is held from the front by the holding plate64as described above, the middle frame3and the rear panel5are joined through some appropriate means, such as screws and the like, and the middle frame3and the front panel4are also joined through some appropriate means, such as screws and the like.

When the middle frame3and the rear panel5are joined, the holding rib14aof the middle frame3is held against the front surface of the holding section65of the holding plate64, and the holding plate64is thus held by the holding rib14a(seeFIG. 19).

Since this holding rib14ais integrated into the middle frame3, a component dedicated to the purpose of holding the holding plate64becomes unnecessary, and the component count may thus be reduced.

In addition, when the middle frame3and the rear panel5are joined, since the holding plate64is held by the holding rib14aat the same time, no work is required specifically for holding the holding plate64with the holding rib14a, and an improvement in efficiency may be expected.

Below, a description will be given with respect to the above-mentioned battery accommodating section17provided inside the outer casing2, and a battery200that is loaded into the battery accommodating section17(seeFIG. 20throughFIG. 36).

As described above, the battery accommodating section17includes the right side surface section10, the restrictive wall section15, the reinforcement section14and the holding wall section16, all of which belong to the middle frame3. The internal space of the battery accommodating section17is taken to be the insertion space17ainto which the battery200is inserted (seeFIG. 20).

Since the battery accommodating section17is thus provided through the right side surface section10, the restrictive wall section15, the reinforcement section14and the holding wall section16which are integrated into the middle frame3, the component count can be reduced, and a reduction in the manufacturing costs of the electronic apparatus1may be expected.

The battery200is formed approximately in a flat block shape with only two out of four longer-side edges being rounded-off (seeFIG. 21). Outer perimeters202,202of end surfaces201,201, which face the insertion direction and ejection direction with respect to the insertion space17a, respectively, of the battery200include six portions. In other words, the outer perimeter202includes first linear sections202a,202aof equal length, a second linear section202bthat is orthogonal to the first linear sections202a,202a, a third linear section202c, and two curve sections202d,202dthat form an approximately circular arc whose center angle is approximately 90 degrees.

The end surface201of the battery200facing the insertion direction is provided with connective terminals203,203,203. The connective terminals203,203,203are positioned near the third linear section202cin such a manner that they align with the third linear section202c.

The third linear section202cis shorter than the second linear section202b, and one end of each of the first linear sections202a,202aand both ends of the third linear section202care continuous with the curve sections202d,202d, respectively.

The insertion space17aof the battery accommodating section17is formed in a shape that accommodates the battery200, and there are formed at the opening of the insertion space17acircular arc rims17b,17bformed in the shape of circular arcs that accommodate the curve sections202d,202dof the battery200, respectively (seeFIG. 22).

Towards the right end of the holding wall section16, there is formed an insertion hole16athat is continuous with the insertion space17a(seeFIG. 22). Towards the right end of the front surface of the holding wall section16, there are provided bearing sections16b,16bwhich are spaced apart in the horizontal direction (seeFIG. 23).

A supporting member68is attached to the front surface of the holding wall section16(seeFIG. 23)

The supporting member68includes a middle section69that extends in the horizontal direction, and attachment sections70,71that are provided continuously with the left and right sides of the middle section69, respectively. Screw insertion holes70a,71aare formed in the attachment sections70,71, respectively. A spring supporting piece70bthat protrudes upward is provided on the attachment section70.

The supporting member68is attached to the holding wall section16by having attachment screws72,72, which penetrate the screw insertion holes70a,71aof the attachment sections70,71, respectively, screwed into the holding wall section16.

A lock member73that functions as lock means is supported rotatably on the bearing sections16b,16bof the holding wall section16. As shown inFIG. 24, the lock member73includes a spindle section74that extends in the horizontal direction, a lock section75provided on the right end section of the spindle section74, and a spring hooking protrusion section76that protrudes from a portion of the spindle section74towards the right end, all of which are integrated into one.

The lock section75protrudes from the spindle section74in a direction that is orthogonal to the shaft of the spindle section74, and is formed to resemble a right-angled triangle (seeFIG. 25). The lock section75includes two linear sections75a,75bwhose outer perimeters are approximately orthogonal to each other, and one curve section75c. The curve section75cis formed in the shape of a moderate arc that corresponds to the circular arc rim17bof the insertion space17ainto which the battery200is inserted. One of the non-right-angles of the lock section75is continuous with the spindle section74, and the other non-right-angle is provided as a tip section75d. The surface of the lock section75is such that the portion on the side of the tip section75dis formed as a slope section75e, and the lock section75becomes thinner as it gets closer to the tip of the tip section75ddue to the slope section75e.

A spring member77is supported by the spindle section74of the lock member73(seeFIG. 23andFIG. 24). The spring member77may be, for example, a torsion coil spring, and includes a coil section78, and a first arm section79and a second arm section80that protrude from both ends of the coil section78, respectively.

The first arm section79is bent to a predetermined form and includes a flexible contact section79a, which is continuous with the coil section78and which is formed so as to be bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the tip section of the coil section78, and a lateral pressure exerting section79b, which is formed so as to be bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the flexible contact section79a. The tip portion of the lateral pressure exerting section79bis bent in the shape of an approximately circular arc and is made to be a pressure section79c. When the battery200is loaded into the battery accommodating section17, the lateral pressure exerting section79bserves the role of pressurizing means that exerts lateral pressure on the battery200.

The spindle section74of the lock member73is inserted into the coil section78of the spring member77, and the spring member77is thus supported by the lock member73.

The spindle section74is inserted into the bearing sections16b,16bformed on the holding wall section16, and the lock member73is thus rotatably supported by the middle frame3(seeFIG. 20). When the lock member73is supported by the middle frame3, the spindle section74and the spring hooking protrusion section76are aligned vertically, and the lock section75protrudes outward from the opening10aformed in the right side surface section10of the middle frame3(seeFIG. 22).

When the lock member73is supported by the middle frame3, the spring member77supported by the lock member73is positioned between the bearing sections16b,16bof the holding wall section16(seeFIG. 26andFIG. 27), and as shown inFIG. 20andFIG. 24, the flexible contact section79aof the first arm section79elastically contacts the spring hooking protrusion section76of the lock member73from the front, and the tip section of the second arm section80elastically contacts, from behind, the spring supporting piece70bof the supporting member68attached to the holding wall section16. Thus, the lock member73is biased by the spring member77, with the spindle section74as the fulcrum, in a direction of rotation that causes the spring hooking protrusion section76to move in approximately the forward direction, and the rotation of the lock member73is restricted by having the spring hooking protrusion section76be in contact with the holding wall section16. At this point, the lock section75is in a state where its tip section75dprotrudes out from the circular arc rim17btowards the insertion space17a(seeFIG. 22). In addition, the pressure section79cof the lateral pressure exerting section79bof the spring member77protrudes out to the insertion space17athrough the insertion hole16ain the middle frame3(seeFIG. 22).

A battery circuit board81is attached to the holding rib14aof the reinforcement section14of the middle frame3(seeFIG. 20). Terminal sections82,82,82are mounted on the battery circuit board81. The terminal sections82,82,82are aligned vertically.

The operations of various parts when the battery200is inserted into or ejected from the insertion space17awill be described below (seeFIG. 28throughFIG. 31).

Before the battery200is inserted into the insertion space17a, the lock member73is in a state where the tip section75dof the lock section75protrudes from the circular arc rim17btowards the insertion space17a(seeFIG. 28). At this point, with respect to the spring member77, the pressure section79cof the lateral pressure exerting section79bprotrudes out to the insertion space17athrough the insertion hole16ain the middle frame3.

In trying to insert the battery200into the insertion space17a,first, the battery lid13is opened, the lock member73is rotated in direction R1(seeFIG. 28) against the bias of the spring member77, and the entire insertion space17ais thus opened. The rotating of the lock member73in direction R1is performed manually by, for example, holding the lock section75of the lock member73.

In addition, the rotating of the lock member73in direction R1may also be carried out by holding the battery200against the slope section75eof the lock section75from above or diagonally from above (seeFIG. 29). More specifically, when the battery200is held against the slope section75efrom above or diagonally from above, the battery200slides along the slope section75e, thereby causing the lock section75to rotate in direction R1.

Thus, since the slope section75eis formed on the lock section75of the lock member73, the lock section75is made rotatable in direction R1by holding the battery200against the slope section75efrom above or diagonally from above, and the insertion of the battery200into the insertion space17acan be carried out with ease.

When the lock member73is rotated in direction R1, the first arm section79of the spring member77that is in elastic contact with the spring hooking protrusion section76is caused to move approximately forward. Therefore, the pressure section79cof the spring member77is drawn into the insertion hole16a(seeFIG. 30).

Since there exists a gap between the insertion space17aand the battery200in order to secure good insertability/ejectability of the battery200with respect to the insertion space17a, when the battery200is inserted into the insertion space17a, there are cases where the battery200tilts in relation to the insertion space17ato an extent corresponding to the size of the gap (seeFIG. 31). If the battery200does tilt in relation to the insertion space17a, there is a risk that contact failure would occur between the connective terminals203,203,203of the battery200and the terminal sections82,82,82.

However, when the battery200is inserted into the insertion space17a, the lock member73is rotated in direction R2(seeFIG. 30) due to the bias of the spring member77, and along with this rotating motion, the first arm section79is caused to move approximately backward, and the pressure section79cprotrudes out to the insertion space17athrough the insertion hole16a(seeFIG. 32).

Through the rotation of the lock member73in direction R2, a portion of the lock member75comes into contact with one of the end surfaces201of the battery200, and a state where the battery200is loaded into the battery accommodating section17is locked (seeFIG. 32andFIG. 33). In addition, when the pressure section79cprotrudes through the insertion hole16ato the insertion space17a, the battery200is held by the pressure section79c, is held against the restrictive wall section15, and the tilted state is corrected (seeFIG. 32andFIG. 33). Thus, the connective terminals203,203,203of the battery200and the terminal sections82,82,82are connected in a good condition.

Finally, by closing the battery lid13, the insertion of the battery200is completed.

On the other hand, the ejection of the battery200from the battery accommodating section17is performed by first opening the battery lid13, then undoing the lock on the battery200by rotating the lock member73, and finally pulling the battery200out from the insertion space17a.

As described above, in the electronic apparatus1, the lateral pressure exerting section79b, which functions as pressurizing means for exerting lateral pressure on the battery200, of the spring member77and the lock member73that functions as lock means are linked, and when the battery200is locked by the lock member73, lateral pressure is exerted on the battery200by the lateral pressure exerting section79b, while the lateral pressure on the battery200exerted by the lateral pressure exerting section79bis released when the locking of the battery200by the lock member73is released.

Therefore, when the battery200is loaded into the battery accommodating section17and locked, the battery200is held against the restrictive wall section15by the lateral pressure exerting section79b, and it is thus possible to maintain a good connective state between the connective terminals203,203,203and the terminal sections82,82,82. In addition, since the exertion of lateral pressure by the lateral pressure exerting section79bis released when the lock on the battery200is released, it is possible to insert or take out the battery200into or from the insertion space17asmoothly.

It is noted that since the lateral pressure on the battery200is exerted by the pressure section79cof the spring member77and not by the lock member73, it is possible to form the lock means and pressurizing means in their ideal shapes that suit there respective functions, thereby enabling an improvement in the flexibility of design and an efficient placement of the components.

In addition, although in the description above, an example is given where the lock means and the pressurizing means are linked by having the spring member77supported by the lock member73, it is also possible to link the lock means and the pressurizing means using some appropriate link means.

In addition, since the lock member73is rotated with the spindle section74as the fulcrum, and the lateral pressure exerting section79balso moves in the same rotational direction along with the rotational motion of the lock member73, it is possible to secure operational reliability, the operational space for the lock member73and the lateral pressure exerting section79bcan be kept small, and miniaturization of the electronic apparatus1can be achieved.

Further, since the lateral pressure exerting section79bthat functions as the pressurizing means is part of the spring member77, the dimensional tolerance between the members when the battery200is held against the restrictive wall section15is absorbed, and it is thus possible to have the battery200held against the restrictive wall section15with an appropriate force.

In addition, since the battery200is locked in the battery accommodating section17by forming the lock section75in such a shape that it becomes wider the further it is from the spindle section74by forming the curve section75con the lock section75of the lock member73, and by having the lock section75contact the end surface201of the battery200on the side that is inserted, the contact area of the lock member75with respect to the end surface201is large, and a locked state for the battery200can be stabilized.

It is noted that although in the description above, an example is given of a lock member73that locks that battery200by rotating, it is also possible to use, instead of the lock member73, a lock member73A that performs locking through elastic deformation (seeFIG. 34throughFIG. 36).

The lock member73A is formed using a material having a large capacity for elastic deformation, such as a resin material, and as shown inFIG. 34, includes a base section83that extends in the horizontal direction, a lock section84that protrudes orthogonally from one end section, in its longitudinal direction, of the base section83, and a lateral pressure exerting section85that protrudes orthogonally from a middle section, in its longitudinal direction, of the base section83.

The other end section of the base section83of the lock member73A is attached to the holding wall section16. The lock section84protrudes from the placement hole10bin the right side surface section10and a portion of the lock member84is positioned towards the side of the insertion space17a. A tip section of the lateral pressure exerting section85protrudes out to the insertion space17athrough the insertion hole16ain the holding wall section16.

When inserting the battery200into the insertion space17a, the lock member73ais bent in order to open the whole of the insertion space17a(seeFIG. 35). By bending the lock member73A, the lateral pressure exerting section85is drawn into the insertion hole16a. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly insert the battery200into the insertion space17a.

When the lock member73A is returned to its original state once the battery200is inserted into the insertion space17a, the battery200is locked by the lock section84, and lateral pressure is exerted on the battery200by the lateral pressure exerting section85, thereby holding the battery200against the restrictive wall section15. By having the battery200held against the restrictive wall section15, the battery200is prevented from tilting within the insertion space17a, and the connective terminals203,203,203and the terminal sections82,82,82are securely connected.

Ejection of the battery200from the insertion space17ais performed in a state where the whole of the insertion space17ais opened by bending the lock member73A again, and where the exertion of the lateral pressure on the battery200by the lateral pressure exerting section85is released.

Since the lock member73A has the lock section84and the lateral pressure exerting section85integrated into one as described above, it is possible to reduce the component count.

The present invention contains subject mater related to Japanese Patent Application No. JP2005-247959 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Aug. 29, 2005, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein by reference.

The specific forms and structures of the various components described above are merely examples of embodiments in implementing the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should by no means be restricted by these examples.