Communication device

A communication device is capable of extending a power supply unit to a second casing without additional components. A mobile telephone includes a circuit board disposed at an operation unit-side casing, a circuit board disposed at a display unit-side casing, a circuit part formed on the circuit board having a ground pattern and a contact point, a reference potential pattern layer disposed at the operation unit-side casing and electrically connected to the ground pattern, a reference potential pattern layer disposed at the display unit-side casing, and an FPC unit. The FPC unit includes a signal line and a shield layer. The shield layer is electrically connected to the contact point in the operation unit-side casing and is thus electrically connected to the reference potential pattern layer in the display unit-side casing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2009/006441, which designates the U.S., filed Nov. 27, 2009 which claims the benefit of JP 2009-107102, filed Apr. 24, 2009 and JP 2008-301955, filed Nov. 27, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a communication device in which a plurality of bodies is connected.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, technologies for reducing in size and thinning an antenna that receives wireless signals have been proposed in response to demands for reducing in size and thinning communication devices such as cellular telephone devices and the like.

For example, a communication device has been proposed that allows a display unit side housing and a operation unit side housing to move relatively via a connection portion and allows circuit boards arranged in each of the display unit side housing and the operation unit side housing to function as an antenna and a ground and to operate as a dipole antenna.

Furthermore, technology has been proposed to obtain high gain antenna characteristics in such a communication device (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2002-335180).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2002-335180 discloses that a flexible printed circuit (hereinafter, referred to as FPC) is connected to a shield box of a display unit side housing (a second housing) and power is fed to the shield box of the display unit side housing. Furthermore, it discloses a communication device that allows the shield box of the display unit side housing and a ground pattern on the circuit board having the ground potential of the operation unit side housing (a first housing) to function as a dipole antenna.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Here, it is necessary to include an additional configuration in order to extend an power feed portion to the second housing in the communication device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. 2002-335180. However, in view of the requirement of minimizing a communication device, such a configuration of extending the power feed portion is not preferable.

Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a communication device that can extend an power feed portion to a second housing without requiring an additional configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

In order to solve the abovementioned objects, a communication device according to the present invention includes: a first housing; a second housing; a first circuit board disposed in the first housing; a second circuit board disposed in the second housing; a circuit portion that is formed on the first circuit board, and includes a grounding portion, an power feed portion, and a signal processing unit electrically connected to the power feed portion; a first conductive portion that is disposed in the first housing and is electrically connected with the grounding portion; a second conductive portion that is disposed in the second housing; and a signal line that electrically connects the first circuit board with the second circuit board, in which the signal line includes a signal transmission unit that transmits a predetermined signal and a shield portion that shields the signal transmission unit electrically, and in which the shield portion is electrically connected with the power feed portion in the first housing and is electrically connected with the second conductive portion in the second housing.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, the shield portion has a plurality of contact points, and the communication device further includes: a first selector unit that is configured to be able to select a connection state electrically connecting one contact point among the plurality of contact points with the power feed portion; and a first control unit that controls selection of the connection state by the first selector unit.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the communication device further includes: a connection unit that connects the first housing with the second housing to be relatively movable; and a detection unit that detects a relative movement state of the first housing and the second housing via the connection unit, in which the first control unit controls selection of the connection state by the first selector unit in accordance with the relative movement state of the first housing and the second housing detected by the detection unit.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the the detection unit detects a closed state in which the first housing and the second housing are arranged to overlap each other, an opened state in which the first housing and the second housing are arranged not to overlap each other, and an intermediate state between the closed state and the opened state, as the relative movement state.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the communication device further includes a function executing unit that executes a function based on a signal resonated by the second conductive portion, in which the first control unit controls selection of the connection state by the first selector unit in accordance with a frequency of a signal resonated by the second conductive portion and is a basis for a function executed by the function executing unit.

It is preferable that the function executing unit includes a tuner unit and a decoder unit, the tuner unit receives a signal resonated by the second conductive portion as a broadcast wave, and the decoder unit decodes the broadcast wave received by the tuner unit.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, the length of the first conductive portion in the length direction of the first housing is substantially the same as the length obtained by the sum of the length of the second conductive portion in the length direction of the second housing and the length of a transmission path in the shield portion through which a signal resonated by the second conductive portion passes through.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, the first conductive portion is a first reference electric potential pattern that is formed on the first circuit board.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, the second conductive portion is a second reference electric potential pattern that is formed on the second circuit board.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, the signal line includes a first shield portion and a second shield portion that sandwiches the signal transmission unit, and the first shield portion and the second shield portion are electrically connected with the power feed portion in the first housing, and are electrically connected with the second conductive portion in the second housing.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, the first shield portion is configured in a first shape that resonates with a first frequency band, and the second shield portion is configured in a second shape that resonates with a second frequency band.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, the communication device further includes a second selector unit that is configured so as to be able to select either one of a first state in which the first shield portion is electrically connected with the power feed portion in the first housing and is electrically connected with the second conductive portion in the second housing, and a second state in which the second shield portion is electrically connected with the power feed portion in the first housing and is electrically connected with the second conductive portion in the second housing.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, the signal transmission unit includes a signal transmission line that transmits a signal and a ground line that is electrically connected with a reference electric potential, and the shield portion is electrically connected with the power feed portion proximal to the ground line in the first housing.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, a groove with a predetermined depth is formed in the shield portion to correspond to a location between the signal transmission line and the ground line.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, the signal transmission unit includes a first signal transmission line that transmits a signal at a first transmission rate and a second signal transmission line that transmits a signal at a second transmission rate that is faster than the first transmission rate, and the shield portion is electrically connected with the power feed portion more proximal to the first signal transmission line than to the second signal transmission line in the first housing.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the communication device, a groove with a predetermined depth is formed in the shield portion to correspond to a location between the first signal transmission line and the second signal transmission line.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a communication device capable of extending an power feed portion to a second housing without the need for additional components.

PREFERRED MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereafter, the best modes for implementing the present invention with reference to the drawings are explained. A basic structure in the cellular telephone device1as an electric apparatus will be described with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1shows a perspective view of an outer appearance in a state in which the cellular telephone device1is opened.

As shown inFIG. 1, the cellular telephone device1includes a operation unit side housing2as a housing and a display unit side housing3. The operation unit side housing2(a first housing) and the display unit side housing3(a second housing) are connected such that the opening and closing thereof are possible via a connection portion4having a hinge mechanism. Specifically, an upper end portion of the operation unit side housing2and a lower end portion of the display unit side housing3are connected via the connection portion4. Thereby, the cellular telephone device1is configured such that it is possible to move the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3, which are connected via the hinge mechanism, relatively with each other. That is, the cellular telephone device1can be in a state (opened state) where the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3are opened, and a state (closed state) where the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3are in a folded state. Here, a closed state means a state where both housings are arranged to overlap with each other, and an opened state means a state where both housings are arranged not to overlap with each other.

An outer surface of the operation unit side housing2is configured with a front case2aand a rear case2b. The operation unit side housing2is configured so that, at its front case2aside, a operation key group11, and a voice input unit12as a microphone to which voice produced by the user of the cellular telephone device1are respectively exposed.

The operation key group11is configured with a function setting operation key13for bringing various functions such as various settings, a telephone directory function, a mail function, and the like, and an input operation key14for inputting numbers of a telephone number, characters of mail and the like, for example, and a determination operation key15, which is an operation member that performs determination in various operations, scrolling in up, down, left and right directions, and the like. A predetermined function is assigned to each key constituting the operation key group11according to the opening or closing state of the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3, various modes, type of application running, or the like (key assigning). Then, when the user presses the keys, an operation is executed according to the function assigned to each key.

The voice input unit12is arranged at an outer end portion side opposite to the connection portion4side in the longitudinal direction of the operation unit side housing2. That is, the voice input unit12is arranged at the outer end portion side of one side when the cellular telephone device1A is in the opened state.

On a side face of one side of the operation unit side housing2, an interface (not illustrated) for communicating with external devices (for example, a host device) is arranged. On a side face of the other side of the operation unit side housing2, a side key to which a predetermined function is assigned, and an interface (not illustrated) with which insertion and removal of an external memory are performed are arranged. The interface is covered with a cap. Each interface is covered with a cap when not in use.

An outer surface of the display unit side housing3is configured by a front panel3a, a front case3b, a rear case3c, and a rear panel3d. A display21for displaying a variety of information and a voice output unit22, which is a receiver that outputs voice of the other party of a call are arranged at the display unit side housing3so that they are exposed. The display21is configured by a liquid crystal panel, a drive circuit which drives this liquid crystal panel, and a light source unit such as a back light, which radiates light from a back side of this liquid crystal panel.

Furthermore,FIG. 2is a perspective view of a folded state of the cellular telephone device1. The operation unit side housing2includes on one side face a side key30to which a predetermined function is assigned and a cap31used for an interface with which insertion and removal of external memory are performed. Furthermore, the display unit side housing3is formed so that a camera33that captures an image of an object and a light34that radiates light to the object are exposed on a surface of the rear panel3dof the display unit side housing3.

FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of a member embedded in the operation unit side housing2. As shown inFIG. 3, the operation unit side housing2includes a front case2a, a key structure portion40, a key substrate50, a case housing60, a circuit board70(a first circuit board) including various electronic parts such as a reference electric potential pattern layer75(a first conductive portion) that is electrically connected to a grounding portion on an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit portion106(described later) and an RF module for a cellular telephone device, a rear case2bincluding a battery lid2c, and a battery81. The key substrate50and a circuit board70are electrically connected by way of an FPC unit90as a board extending from the key substrate50. Furthermore, the RF circuit portion106(circuit portion) that includes an power feed portion that feeds power or to which power is fed and the grounding portion that is electrically connected to a reference electric potential and that performs processing of high-frequency signals is mounted on the circuit board70.

The front case2aand the rear case2bare arranged so that their concave-shaped internal surfaces face each other and their outer circumferential edges overlap each other. In addition, a key structure portion40, a key substrate50including the FPC unit90, a case housing60, and a circuit board70are housed between the front case2aand the rear case2bso as to be sandwiched therebetween.

Key holes13a,14a, and15aare formed in the front case2aon an internal surface that faces the display21of the display unit side housing3in a state where the cellular telephone device1is folded together. From each of the key holes13a,14aand15a, a pressing surface of the function setting operation key member13bconstituting the function setting operation key13, a pressing surface of the input operation key member14bconstituting the input operation key14, and a pressing surface of the determination operation key member15bconstituting the determination operation key15are exposed. By pressing the pressing surfaces of thus exposed function setting operation key member13b, input operation key member14b, and determination operation key member15b, the top of a metal dome (bowl-shaped), which is described later, provided at each of the corresponding key switches51,52, and53is pressed and contacts a switch terminal to be electrically conducted to it.

The key structure portion40is configured with an operation member40A, a key frame40B as a reinforcement member, and a key seat40C as a sheet member.

The operation member40A is configured with a plurality of key operation members. Specifically, it is configured with a function setting operation key member13b, an input operation key member14b, and a determination operation key member15b. Each of the operation key members constituting the operation member40A is adhered to the key seat40C by sandwiching the key frame40B described later. The pressing surface on each of the operation key members adhered to the key seat40C is arranged to be exposed outside from each of the key holes13a,14aand15a, as described above.

The key frame40B is a metallic plate-shaped member in which a plurality of hole portions14care formed. The key frame40B is a reinforcement member for preventing adverse effects to the circuit board70or the like due to pressing of the input operation key member14b. In addition, the key frame40B is an electrically conductive member, and functions also as a member for releasing static electricity in the input operation key member14b. Convex portions14dformed on the key seat40C described later are arranged to fit to a plurality of hole portions14cformed in the key frame40B. Then, the input operation key members14badheres to the convex portions14d.

The key seat40C is a sheet-shaped member made of silicone rubber having flexibility. A plurality of convex portions14dare formed in the key seat40C as described above. The plurality of convex portions14dare formed on a surface of the key seat40C on a side where the key frame40B is to be arranged. Each of the plurality of convex portions14dis formed at a position corresponding to the key switch52described later.

The key substrate50has a plurality of key switches51,52and53arranged on a first surface50awhich is a surface of the key seat40C side. Each of the plurality of key switches51,52and53are arranged at a position corresponding to each operation member40A. The key switches51,52and53arranged at the key substrate50have structures that have metal domes of metallic plates three-dimensionally formed so as to have a curved bowl shape. The metal dome is configured so that when the top of its bowl shape is pressed, it contacts the switch terminal formed on an electrical circuit (not illustrated) printed on the surface of the key substrate50and conducts electrically. Furthermore, a plurality of electric wires is formed at a second surface50bside of the key substrate50.

FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of a member embedded in the display unit side housing3. As shown inFIG. 4, the display unit side housing3includes a front panel3a, a front case3b, a connection portion4, a display21, a circuit board80(a second circuit board) to which the display21is connected, a rear case3c, and rear panel3d. Furthermore, at the display unit side housing3, the front panel3a, the front case3b, the display21, the circuit board80, the rear case3c, and the rear panel3dare arranged in a stacked manner.

As shown inFIG. 4, the front case3band the rear case3care arranged so that their concave internal surfaces face each other, and they are joined together so that their outer circumferential edges overlap with each other. Furthermore, the display21and the circuit board80are sandwiched between the front case3band the rear case3cand are housed therein. In addition, a reference electric potential pattern layer86(a second conductive portion) is formed on the circuit board80.

Furthermore, in the cellular telephone device1, the circuit board80provided inside the display unit side housing3is electrically connected with the circuit board70provided inside the operation unit side housing2by way of a flexible print circuits (hereinafter, referred to as FPC) between the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3.

First Embodiment

FIG. 5is a view illustrating an internal structure of the cellular telephone device1in an opened state according to a first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 5, the circuit board70and the circuit substrate80are electrically connected with each other by way of the FPC unit101. More specifically, an FPC connector102is arranged at an end portion of the circuit board70on a operation unit side housing2side thereof and an FPC connector103is arranged at an end portion of the circuit board80of the display unit side housing3side. Then, the FPC unit101is inserted to the FPC connectors102and103so as to electrically connect the circuit board70with the circuit board80.

Furthermore, a contact point104is provided at the FPC unit101, which is located at the circuit board70side, and is electrically connected with the RF circuit portion106via a signal line105.

FIG. 6is a view illustrating a conductive structure of the FPC unit101and the contact point104of the cellular telephone device1in a closed state according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 6, the RF circuit portion106is mounted on a side opposite to the side on which the FPC connector102is arranged. Furthermore, an opening portion107is formed on the circuit board70. Then, the contact point104is provided at the FPC unit101(a shield layer204or a shield layer260as described later) and is connected to the power feed portion of the RF circuit portion106by the signal line105through the opening portion107. In this way, the contact point104has a function of supplying electric power from the power feed portion or as an power feed point supplying electric power.

FIGS. 7 and 8are views illustrating a cross section of the FPC unit101along a line A-A, and configuration examples of the internal structure of the FPC unit101. It should be noted that, inFIGS. 7 and 8, since the structure of the FPC unit101is a line-symmetric shape with respect to a center line in a thickness direction of the FPC unit101, explanations for the upper surface side thereof are mainly made and explanations for the lower surface side thereof are omitted.

FIG. 7is a view illustrating an internal structure of the FPC unit101. As shown inFIG. 7, the FPC unit101includes a base material200, a plurality of signal wires210(a signal transmission unit) formed on the base material200, an insulation layer220, a conductive adhesive layer230, and a shield layer240(a shield portion).

The signal wires210transmit a display signal of the display21and a receiver signal as predetermined signals. The insulation layer220is formed on the signal wires210. The conductive adhesive layer230bonds the insulation layers220and the shield layers240.

The shield layer240electrically shields the signal wires210. Furthermore, the shield layer240is electrically connected to the contact point104at the operation unit side housing2. Moreover, the shield layer240is electrically connected to the reference electric potential pattern layer86, which is a second conductive portion, at the display unit side housing3. As a result, power is fed to the reference electric potential pattern layer86from the power feed portion of the RF circuit portion106via the contact point104or the reference electric potential pattern layer86feeds power to the power feed portion of the RF circuit portion106via the contact point104.

Herein, transmission of noise signals in the FPC unit101shown inFIG. 7and transmission of radio signals from outside are explained. Firstly, a display signal of the display21, a receiver signal, and the like, transmit through the signal wires210. Furthermore, the electric field of the noise from the signal wires210reaches a surface of the base material200side of the conductive adhesive layer230proximal to the signal wires210, and thus, electric current flows to a surface of the conductive adhesive layer230on the base material200side thereof due to the skin effect.

On the other hand, the radio signals from outside reach a surface of the shield layer240, and thus, electric current flows to an outer surface of the shield layer240(a surface opposite to the surface of the base material200) due to the skin effect. In this way, the FPC unit101can suitably isolate the noise from the signal wires210from the radio signals from outside.

Furthermore,FIG. 8is a view illustrating another configuration example of the internal structure of the FPC unit101. As shown inFIG. 8, the FPC unit101includes a base material200, a plurality of signal wires210(a signal transmission unit) formed on the base material200, an insulation layer220, a conductive adhesive layer230, a shield layer240, an insulation layer250, and a shield portion260(shield portion). The FPC unit101shown inFIG. 8is different from the FPC unit101shown inFIG. 7in that the former includes the insulation layer250and the shield layer260.

The insulation layer250is formed on the shield layer240and electrically isolates the shield layer240from the shield layer260.

The conductive adhesive layer230and the shield layer260electrically shield the signal wires210. Furthermore, the shield layer260is electrically connected to the contact point104at the operation unit side housing2. Moreover, the shield layer260is electrically connected to the reference electric potential pattern layer86, which is a second conductive portion, at the display unit side housing3. As a result, power is fed to the reference electric potential pattern layer86from the power feed portion of the RF circuit portion106via the contact point104or the reference electric potential pattern layer86feeds power to the power feed portion of the RF circuit portion106via the contact point104.

Here, transmission of a radio signal from outside at the FPC unit101shown inFIG. 8will be explained. The radio signal from outside reaches a surface of the shield layer260, and thus, electric current flows to an outer surface of the shield layer260(a surface opposite to the surface of the base material200) due to the skin effect. Since the FPC unit101shown inFIG. 8is provided with the insulation layer250on the shield layer240in this way, it is possible to suitably isolate the noise from the signal wires210from the radio signals from outside. It should be noted that, in the following descriptions, a case in which the shield layer240shown inFIG. 7is used as a shield portion will be explained; however, a case in which the shield layer260shown inFIG. 8is used as a shield portion can also exert similar operations and effects.

Furthermore, as described above, the reference electric potential pattern layer75as the first conductive portion is formed on the circuit board70. The reference electric potential pattern layer75is connected to the grounding portion of the RF circuit portion106that is mounted to the circuit board70. Furthermore, the reference electric potential pattern layer86as the second conductive portion is formed at the circuit board80, and power is fed to the reference electric potential pattern layer86from the power feed portion of the RF circuit portion106via the contact point104or the reference electric potential pattern layer86feeds power to the power feed portion of the RF circuit portion106via the contact point104.

In this way, the reference electric potential pattern layer75functions as a grounding portion and the shield layer240and the reference electric potential pattern layer86functions as an antenna element, a result of which the reference electric potential pattern layer75and the reference electric potential pattern layer86function as a dipole antenna.

Furthermore, in this case, as shown inFIG. 5, it is preferable for a length L2of the reference electric potential pattern layer75to be substantially the equal to the length L1+L3, which is sum total length of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86that operates as an antenna element and the length L3of the FPC unit101(shield layer240).

As described above, according to the cellular telephone device1of the present embodiment, the shield layer240electrically shields the signal wires210. Furthermore, the shield layer240is electrically connected to the contact point104at the operation unit side housing2. Moreover, the shield layer240is electrically connected to the reference electric potential pattern layer86, which is a second conductive portion, at the display unit side housing3. Therefore, the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the contact point104are electrically connected via the shield layer240of the FPC unit101. Accordingly, it is possible to extend the wiring to the display unit side housing3by providing an additional power feed line other than the signal wires210, so that it is possible to achieve simplification of the wiring structure of the FPC unit101and the connection portion4. Consequently, simplification of the structure is also achieved for the cellular telephone device1overall.

Furthermore, according to the cellular telephone device1of the present embodiment, the length L2of the reference electric potential pattern layer75that operates as the grounding portion becomes substantially the same as the length L1+L3, which is the sum total length of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86that operates as an antenna element and the length L3of the FPC unit101(shield layer240). Therefore, for the cellular telephone device1, it is possible to achieve optimization of the antenna characteristics of the reference electric potential pattern layer75and the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the FPC unit101, which operate as a dipole antenna.

Furthermore, according to the cellular telephone device1of the present embodiment, the first conductive portion is the reference electric potential pattern layer75formed on the circuit board70. As a result, it is possible to achieve effective utilization of the circuit board70and realize a size reduction in the operation unit side housing2.

Furthermore, according to the cellular telephone device1of the present embodiment, the second conductive portion is the reference electric potential pattern layer86formed on the circuit board80. As a result, it is possible to achieve effective utilization of the circuit board80effectively and realize a size reduction in the display unit side housing3,

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be explained with reference toFIGS. 9 to 12. In the following, the points in which a cellular telephone device1according to the second embodiment differs from the cellular telephone device1according to the first embodiment are mainly described, and those for similar configurations and operations therebetween are abbreviated or omitted.

FIG. 9is a view illustrating an internal structure of the cellular telephone device1in an opened state of the second embodiment. As shown inFIG. 9, similarly to the first embodiment, the circuit board70and the circuit board80in the cellular telephone device1are electrically connected by way of the FPC101.

The cellular telephone device1of the second embodiment is mainly different from that of the first embodiment in that the former includes a contact point104a, a contact point104b, a contact point104c, an power feed portion109a, an power feed portion109b, an power feed portion109c, a switch unit110, a tuner unit112that receives broadcast waves, a decoder unit113that decodes the broadcast waves received by the tuner unit112, an angle detector114, and a control unit115that performs overall control of the cellular telephone device1.

FIG. 10is an enlarged view of the FPC unit101inFIG. 9. As shown inFIG. 10, the contact point104aand the contact point104bare spaced apart from each other by a distance L10. The contact point104band the contact point104care spaced apart from each other by a distance L11.

The contact point104ais a length L12from an end portion of the FPC connector102and is arranged a length L15from the other end portion of the FPC connector102. Furthermore, the contact point104bis a length L13from one end portion of the FPC connector102and is arranged a length L16from the other end portion of the FPC connector102. Furthermore, the contact point104cis a length L14from one end portion of the FPC connector102and is arranged a length L17from the other end portion of the FPC connector102.

FIG. 11is a view illustrating a conductive structure of the contact points104a,104b, and104c, and the power feed portions109a,109b, and109cof the cellular telephone device1in an opened state according to the second embodiment, andFIG. 12is a view illustrating a conductive structure of the contact points104a,104b, and104c, and the power feed portions109a,109b, and109cin an closed state of the cellular telephone device1of the second embodiment.

As shown inFIGS. 11 and 12, the RF circuit portion106is mounted on a surface opposite to a surface on which the FPC connector102is arranged. Furthermore, opening portions107a,107b, and107care formed on the circuit board70. Then, the contact points104a,104b, and104care provided on the FPC unit101(the shield layer240). The power feed portions109a,109b, and109care configured by a member having a spring characteristics and one end thereof are connected with the switch unit110electrically. Furthermore, the other one end of the power feed portions109a,109b, and109care adapted to allow themselves to be in contact with or spaced apart from the contact points104a,104b, and104cvia the opening portions107a,107b, and107c, respectively, due to spring characteristics.

The switch unit110is adapted to allow itself to select among a first state in which the power feed portion109ais connected to the contact point104aelectrically, a second state in which the power feed portion109bis connected to the contact point104belectrically, and a third state in which the power feed portion109cis connected to the contact point104celectrically. More specifically, the switch unit110is adapted to switch to one state (contact point) from among the first state, the second state, and the third state, in accordance with a control signal from the control unit115.

The tuner unit112receives, for example, broadcast waves as a signal which is resonated by the reference electric potential pattern layer86. The decoder unit113decodes broadcast waves received by the tuner unit112. In the present embodiment, the tuner unit112and the decoder unit113function as a function executing unit that executes a function based on a signal resonated by the reference electric potential pattern layer86functioning as an antenna element.

The angle detector114detects an opening angle of the operation unit side housing2in relation to the display unit side housing3, i.e. a signal in accordance with a relative movement state of the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3, and outputs the signal thus detected to the control unit115.

The control unit115controls selection of the first state, the second state, and the third state by controlling switching of the switch unit110.

More specifically, the control unit115controls the selection of the first state, the second state, and the third state by switching the switch unit110in accordance with the relative movement state of the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3detected by the angle detector114.

According to the cellular telephone device1of the present embodiment, the contact point104a, the contact point104b, and the contact point104care provided at the shield layer240in this way, and the switch unit110is provided which can select connections from between the power feed portion109aand the contact point104a, between the power feed portion109band the contact point104b, and between the power feed portion109cand the contact point104c. Then, the control unit115controls the selection from among the first state, the second state, and the third state by switching the switch unit110in accordance with the relative movement state of the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3detected by the angle detector114.

Therefore, since the cellular telephone device1can adjust the range functioning as an antenna element in the shield layer240in accordance with the selection of the switch unit110performed based on the control of the control unit115, it is possible to achieve adjustment and preservation of antenna characteristics in the shield layer240(shield layer260).

Herein, since the relative positions of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240, which function as an antenna element, and the reference electric potential pattern layer75, which functions as a grounding portion, are different between the opened state and closed state of the cellular telephone device1, the antenna characteristics of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240may decline. Furthermore, the impedance of the shield layer240differs between the contact point104a, the contact point104b, and the contact point104c. According to the cellular telephone device1of the present embodiment, a decline in the antenna characteristics of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240can be suppressed by changing the position of the contact point in accordance with the relative movement state of the cellular telephone device1detected by the angle detector114.

More specifically, when transitioning the cellular telephone device1from the opened state to the closed state, the distance between the circuit board70and the circuit board80becomes close to each other. Furthermore, the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3are generally formed using resin having a predetermined dielectric constant.

Furthermore, in a case of transitioning the cellular telephone device1from the opened state to the closed state without switching the switch unit110from the contact point104b, for example, since the circuit board70and the circuit board80become close to the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3having a predetermined dielectric constant, the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240that operate as an antenna in the closed state becomes lower than that in the opened state.

In this case, the control unit115controls the switch unit110to select the contact point104a. In this way, since the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L15of the shield layer240(L1+L15) becomes shorter than the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L16of the shield layer240(L1+L16), it is possible to maintain the antenna characteristics by adjusting the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240to a high value.

Similarly, in a case of transitioning the cellular telephone device1from the closed state to the opened state, since the circuit board70and the circuit board80are spaced away from the operation unit side housing2and the display unit side housing3having a predetermined dielectric constant, the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield payer240that operate as an antenna in the opened state becomes lower than that in the closed state.

In this case, the control unit115controls the switch unit110to select the contact point104c. In this way, since the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L17of the shield layer240(L1+L17) becomes longer than the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L16of the shield layer240(L1+L16), it is possible to maintain the antenna characteristics by adjusting the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240to a low value.

Furthermore, when transitioning the cellular telephone device1to an intermediate state between the opened state and the closed state, the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240that function as an antenna element becomes lower than the resonant frequency in the opened state and higher than the resonant frequency in the closed state.

Then, the control unit115controls the switch unit110to select the contact point104b. In this way, the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L16of the FPC unit101(L1+L16) becomes longer than the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L15of the shield layer240(L1+L15), and shorter than the sum total value (L1+L17) of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L17of the shield layer240. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the antenna characteristics by adjusting the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240to a higher value than in the opened state and to a lower value than in the closed state.

Furthermore, the control unit115may be adapted to control the selection among the first state, the second state, and the third state by the switch unit110in accordance with the frequency of the broadcast wave, which is a signal resonated by the tuner unit112and the decoder unit113.

With such a configuration, it is possible to maintain the antenna characteristics according to the signal which is resonated by the reference electric potential pattern layer86and is a basis for operation of the tuner unit112and the decoder unit113.

More specifically, the reference electric potential pattern layer75, the FPC unit101, and the reference electric potential pattern layer86that function as a dipole antenna can be adapted as an antenna for terrestrial digital broadcasting, for example. In the following, an example will be explained for case in which switching of the contact points104a,104b, and104cby the switch unit110is adapted for terrestrial digital broadcasting.

Terrestrial digital broadcasting uses the UHF band, and the received frequency band thereof is quite wide ranging from 473 MHz to 737 MHz. Therefore, wide band characteristics are required for an antenna for terrestrial digital broadcasting as well.

Consequently, the received frequency from 473 MHz to 737 MHz is divided into three frequency bands, for example. Then, a lower band of the frequency is defined as UHF_L, an intermediate band of the frequency is defined as UHF_M, and a higher band of the frequency is defined as UHF_H.

Then, for example, in a case in which a channel of UHF_L, which is the low band of frequency, is selected in accordance with the manipulation of the operation key group11, the control unit115controls the switch unit110to select the contact point104c. As shown inFIG. 10, since the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L17of the shield layer240(L1+L17) becomes longer than the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L16of the shield layer240(L1+L16) in this way, it is possible to obtain preferable antenna characteristics in UHF_L by adjusting the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240to a low value.

Similarly, in a case in which a channel of UHF_H, which is the high band of frequency, is selected, the control unit115controls the switch unit110to select the contact point104a. Since the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L15of the shield layer240(L1+L15) becomes shorter than the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L16of the shield layer240(L1+L16) in this way, it is possible to obtain preferable antenna characteristics in UHF_H by adjusting the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240to a high value.

Similarly, in a case in which a channel of UHF_M, which is the intermediate band of frequency, is selected, the control unit115controls the switch unit110to select the contact point104b. In this way, the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L16of the shield layer240(L1+L16) becomes longer than the sum total value of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L15of the shield layer240(L1+L15), and shorter than the sum total value (L1+L17) of the length L1of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the length L17of the shield layer240. Therefore, it is possible to obtain preferable antenna characteristics at UHF_M by adjusting the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240.

By configuring in this way, it is possible to obtain preferable antenna characteristics for terrestrial digital broadcasting by switching the switch unit in accordance with a frequency band thus received.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 13is a view illustrating an internal structure of the cellular telephone device1in an opened state according to a third embodiment according to the present invention. As shown inFIG. 13, in the cellular telephone device1of the third embodiment, an FPC unit125is formed not in a linear shape, but rather is bent in an L-shape at the circuit board70side and bent in an L-shape again to connect with the FPC connector102. Since the length of the FPC unit125, that is, the length of the shield layer240, can thereby be changed, it is possible to adjust the resonant frequency of the reference electric potential pattern layer86and the shield layer240that functions as an antenna element.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 14is a view illustrating an internal structure of the cellular telephone device1in an opened state according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 14, the cellular telephone device1according to the fourth embodiment is formed with a thin coaxial cable130in place of the FPC unit101. Then, the thin coaxial cable130is electrically connected with the circuit board80via a connector131. Furthermore, the thin coaxial cable130is electrically connected with the circuit board70via a connector132. Moreover, power is fed to the thin coaxial cable130from the power feed portion of the RF circuit portion106via the contact point133or the thin line coaxial cable130feeds power to the power feed portion of the RF circuit portion106via the contact point133. In this way, similar effects to the abovementioned embodiments can be exerted even when using the thin coaxial cable130instead of the FPC unit101.

As described above, although an embodiment of the present invention has been explained, the present invention is not limited to the abovementioned embodiment, and can be appropriately modified. For example, in the abovementioned embodiment, the ground pattern is provided on the circuit board70and the reference electric potential pattern layer75as the first conductive portion is electrically connected with the grounding portion of the RF circuit portion106; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and if the electric potential between the reference electric potential pattern layer75and the RF circuit portion106is the same potential, the reference electric potential pattern layer75, the FPC unit101(the shield layer240), and the reference electric potential pattern layer86can function as a dipole antenna.

Furthermore, in the abovementioned embodiment, although the first conductive portion is the reference electric potential pattern layer75formed on the circuit board70, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first conductive portion may form a shield case formed on the circuit board70or a portion of an outer surface of the operation unit side housing2and may be composed of a detachable conductive case material.

Furthermore, in the abovementioned embodiment, although the second conductive portion is the reference electric potential pattern layer86formed on the circuit board80, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second conductive portion may form a shield case formed on the circuit board80or a portion of an outer surface of the display unit side housing3and may be composed of a detachable conductive case material.

Furthermore, in the abovementioned embodiment, three contact points are provided to the FPC unit101and these contact points are switched by the switch unit110; however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any number of contact points in accordance with the desired frequencies may be provided and the contact points thus provided may be switched by the switch unit110.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, the cellular telephone device1according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference toFIGS. 7 and 15. In the following, the points in which a cellular telephone device1according to the fifth embodiment differs from the cellular telephone device1according to the first embodiment will be mainly explained, and similar configurations and operations therebetween are abbreviated or omitted. The cellular telephone device1according to the fifth embodiment is mainly different from that of the first embodiment in that a shield layer240a, which is a top surface side of the shield layer240of the FPC unit101, and a shield layer240b, which is a back surface side of the shield layer240of the FPC unit101, are allowed to operate as a separate antenna element, respectively.

As shown inFIG. 7described above, the shield layer240in the FPC unit101is composed of the shield layer240of the top surface side (the first shield layer) and the shield layer240of the back surface side (the second shield layer). It should be noted that, in the following embodiment, the shield layer240of the top surface side is referred to as a shield layer240aand the shield layer240of the back surface side is referred to as a shield layer240bfor ease of explanation.

The FPC unit101is configured by sandwiching the signal wires210with the shield layer240aand the shield layer240b. More specifically, the FPC unit101is configured by sandwiching the signal wires210by the shield layer240aand the shield layer240bvia the insulation layer220and the conductive adhesive layer230.

FIG. 15is a view illustrating an internal structure of the cellular telephone device1in an opened state according to the fifth embodiment. As shown inFIG. 15, the circuit board70includes the FPC connector102, a signal line105d, a signal line105e, an RF circuit portion106(signal processing unit), a switching unit120(second selector unit), and a control unit121(second control unit). It should be noted that an explanation for the FPC connector102is omitted since it has a similar configuration to the first embodiment.

Contact points104dand104eof an power feed portion are formed at the FPC unit101. The contact point104dis formed on the shield layer240aand is connected with the signal line105delectrically. The contact point104eis formed on the shield layer204band is connected with the signal line105eelectrically. That is, the contact point104dand the contact point104eare connected with a switching unit120via the signal line105dand the signal line105e, respectively.

The shield layer240aand the shield layer240bare electrically connected with the contact portion104dat the operation unit side housing2, and are connected with the reference electric potential pattern layer86electrically at the display unit side housing3.

The switching unit120, for example, is configured with a switch and the like, and switches electrically between the shield layer240aand the shield layer240bin accordance with the control of the control unit121.

More specifically, the switching unit120is configured so as to be able to select either one of a first state in which the shield layer240ais electrically connected with the contact point104dat the operation unit side housing2and is electrically connected with the reference electric potential pattern layer86at the display unit side housing3, or a second state in which the shield layer240bis electrically connected with the contact point104dat the operation unit side housing2and is electrically connected with the reference electric potential pattern layer86at the display unit side housing3.

Then, by being switched by the switching unit120, either one of the shield layer240aand the shield layer240bfunctions as a portion of an antenna element.

The control unit121is electrically connected with and controls the signal line105, the RF circuit portion106, and the switching unit120.

The RF circuit portion106performs processing on a signal received by using either one of the shield layer240aand the shield layer240bas a portion of an antenna element by switching by way of the switching unit120.

Next, an operational example will be explained for when the shield layer240according to the fifth embodiment functions as an antenna.

For example, during a call in the opened state of the cellular telephone device1, the control unit121switches the switching unit120and selects the contact point104e. In this case, the reference electric potential pattern layer75functions as a ground side of the antenna element. In addition, the shield layer240bfunctions as a portion of a radiating element of the antenna element. Furthermore, the reference electric potential pattern layer86functions as a radiating element of the antenna element. In this way, the reference electric potential pattern layer75, the shield layer240b, and the reference electric potential pattern layer86function as an antenna element (for example, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, and the like).

On the other hand, for example, during data communication or manipulations of the operation key group11, the control unit121switches the switching unit120and selects the contact point104d. In this case, the reference electric potential pattern layer75functions as a radiating element on a ground side of the antenna element. In addition, the shield layer240afunctions as a portion of the radiating element of the antenna element. Furthermore, the reference electric potential pattern layer86functions as a radiating element of the antenna element. In this way, the reference electric potential pattern layer75, the shield layer240a, and the reference electric potential pattern layer86function as an antenna element (for example, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, and the like).

The radiative efficiency while functioning as a radiating element of the antenna element may decline more in the closed state than in the opened state of the cellular telephone device1. However, according to the cellular telephone device1of the fifth embodiment, the signal wires210are configured to be sandwiched by the shield layer240aof the top side and the shield layer240bof the back side. In addition, the shield layer240ais electrically connected with the contact point104dat the operation unit side housing2, and the shield layer240bis electrically connected with the contact point104eat the operation unit side housing2. In addition, the shield layer240aand the shield layer240bare electrically connected with the reference electric potential pattern layer86at the display unit side housing3. Therefore, it is possible to supply electric power at both surfaces of the shield layer240aand the shield layer240band to suppress a decline in radiative efficiency even in the closed state.

In addition, according to the cellular telephone device1of the fifth embodiment, for example, during a call, the face of a user comes close to a side of the front case2aand the front panel3aof the cellular telephone device1. In this case, by the switching unit120being switched, the shield layer240bfunctions as a portion of the antenna element and the shield layer240ashields noise and the like from the signal wires210.

On the other hand, for example, during data communication or manipulation of the operation key group11, the face of a user moves away from the side of the front case2aand the front panel3aof the cellular telephone device1. In this case, by the switching unit120being switched, the shield layer240afunctions as a portion of an antenna element and the shield layer240bshields noise and the like from the signal wires210.

Accordingly, in a case in which the face of a user comes close to the side of the front case2aand the front panel3aof the cellular telephone device1during a call, for example, it is possible to suppress the radiation of radiowaves, noise, and the like to the user's housing and achieve a reduction in SAR (Specific Absorption Rate).

In addition, the RF circuit portion106may be configured to perform predetermined signal processing based on the signal received at the shield layer240aand the signal received at the shield layer240b. More specifically, the control unit121compares the intensity of a signal received at the shield layer240awith the intensity of a signal received at the shield layer240b, and controls so as to switch the switching unit120to select the side having higher (greater) signal intensity. In addition, the RF circuit portion106may be configured to perform processing on a signal received at either one of the shield layer240aor the shield layer240bswitched by the switching unit120.

It should be noted that, although the FPC unit101shown inFIG. 7has been described as a configuration example of the FPC unit101in the fifth embodiment, the FPC unit101may be configured as shown inFIG. 8.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, the cellular telephone device1according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference toFIGS. 16 to 18. In the following, the points in which the cellular telephone device1according to the sixth embodiment differs from the cellular telephone device1according to the first embodiment will be mainly explained, and explanations for similar configurations and operations between the sixth embodiment, and the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment are abbreviated or omitted. The cellular telephone device1of the sixth embodiment mainly differs in that it is configured so as to be able to support a plurality of different frequencies at the shield layers240aand240bof the FPC unit101.

FIG. 16is a view illustrating a configuration example of the FPC unit101according to the sixth embodiment.FIG. 16Ais a view illustrating a configuration of a top surface of the FPC unit101andFIG. 16Bis a view illustrating a configuration of a back surface of the FPC unit101.

As shown inFIG. 16A, a plurality of slits (grooves)241ais formed in the shield layer240aat the surface side of the FPC unit101. The shield layer240ais configured in a meandering shape (first shape) that resonates with a first frequency (portions denoted by diagonal lines ofFIG. 16A) by the slit24being formed. In addition, a contact point104das an power feed portion is formed on the shield layer240a.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 16B, a slit is not formed in the shield layer240bat the back side of the FPC unit101, and the shield layer240bis configured in substantially a rectangular shape (second shape) that resonates with a second frequency different from the first frequency (portions denoted by diagonal lines ofFIG. 16B). In addition, a contact point104eas an power feed portion is formed on the shield layer240b.

The contact point104dand the contact point104eare electrically connected with the signal line105dand the signal line105e, respectively. The signal lines105dand105eare electrically connected with the switching unit120.

Then, similarly to the fifth embodiment, the switching unit120is configured so as to be able to select either one of a first state in which the shield layer240ais electrically connected with the contact point104dat the operation unit side housing2and is electrically connected with the reference electric potential pattern layer86at the display unit side housing3or a second state in which the shield layer240bis electrically connected with the contact point104eat the operation unit side housing2and is electrically connected with the reference electric potential pattern layer86at the display unit side housing3.

In this way, the shield layer240ais formed in a meandering shape and the shield layer240bis formed in a substantially rectangular shape. Therefore, the shield layer240ais longer than the shield layer240bin terms of high frequency passing through. Therefore, the shield layer240aresonates with the first frequency, the shield layer240bresonates with the second frequency, and it can allow the shield layer240aand the shield layer240bto function as a portion of a multiband antenna that can support a plurality of different frequencies.

FIG. 17is a view illustrating another configuration example of the FPC unit101according to the sixth embodiment.FIG. 17Ais a view illustrating a configuration of a top surface of the FPC unit101andFIG. 17Bis a view illustrating a configuration of a back surface of the FPC unit101.

The configuration of the top surface side of the FPC101unit shown inFIG. 17Ais the same as that of the top surface side of the FPC unit101as shown inFIG. 16Aabove, and the shield layer240ais configured in a meandering shape (first shape) that resonates with the first frequency (portions denoted by diagonal lines ofFIG. 17A). In addition, the contact point104dis formed on the shield layer240a.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 17B, a slit241band a slit241care formed in the shield layer240bat the back surface side of the FPC unit101(portions denoted by diagonal lines ofFIG. 17B). More specifically, the slit241bis formed along the longitudinal direction of the FPC unit101with a constant width.

The slit241cdivides the shield layer240bto right and left, and thus, a shield region A and a shield region B are formed on the shield layer240b. A plurality of slit241bis formed on the shield region B that is divided by the slit241cto right and left.

The shield region A is in a linear shape (substantially rectangular shape) due to the slit241c. On the other hand, the shape of the shield region B is in a meandering shape due to the slits241band the slit241cof which length in terms of electricity passing through is different from that of the shield region C. In this way, the shield layer240bis configured in a linear shape that resonates with the second frequency and a shape (second shape) with a meandering shape that resonates with the third frequency.

Furthermore, the contact point104fas the power feed portion is formed on the shield region A and the contact point104gas the power feed portion is formed on the shield region B.

In this way, the shield layer240ais configured in a meandering shape (first shape) that resonates with the first frequency band. Furthermore, the shield layer240bincludes the shield region A, which is configured in a linear shape that resonates with the second frequency band, and the shield region B, which is configured in a meandering shape that resonates with the third frequency band. Therefore, the lengths in terms of high frequency passing through are different between the shield region A and the shield region B of the shield layer240a. Therefore, the cellular telephone device1can have the shield layer240aand the shield layer240bfunction as a portion of a multiband antenna that can support three different frequency bands.

FIG. 18is a view illustrating another configuration example of the FPC unit101according to the sixth embodiment.FIG. 18Ais a view illustrating a configuration of a top surface side of the FPC unit101, andFIG. 18Bis a view illustrating a configuration of a back surface side of the FPC unit101.

As shown inFIG. 18A, the shield layer240ais formed on the top surface side of the FPC101. A slit241dand a slit241eare formed in the shield layer240a.

More specifically, the slit241dis formed along the longitudinal direction of the FPC unit101with a constant width. Furthermore, a plurality of the slits241eis formed at a predetermined interval in a shield region C, and each of slits241eis substantially a rectangular shape.

The slit241ddivides the shield layer240ainto right and left sides and the shield region C and a shield region D are formed in the shield layer240a.

The shield region C is formed in a lattice shape by the slit241dand the slits241e. Furthermore, the shield region D is formed in a linear shape by the slit241d. In this way, the shield layer240aincludes the shield region C, which is configured in a lattice shape that resonates with the first frequency, and the shield region D, which is configured in a linear shape that resonates with the second frequency different from the first frequency.

On the other hand,FIG. 18Bis a similar configuration toFIG. 16Bdescribed above and the shield layer240bis formed on the back surface side of the FPC unit101. In addition, the contact portion104eis formed on the shield layer240b.

A slit is not formed in the shield layer240band the shield layer240bhas a linear shape. The shield layer240bis configured in a linear shape that resonates with a third frequency band different from the first and second frequency bands.

Furthermore, the contact point104hof an power feed portion is formed on the shield region C, and the contact point104iof an power feed portion is formed on the shield region D.

In this way, the shield layer240aincludes the shield region C, which is configured in a lattice shape that resonates with the first frequency band, and the shield region D, which is configured in a linear shape that resonates with the second frequency band. Furthermore, the shield layer240bis configured in a linear shape that resonates with the third frequency band. Therefore, the lengths in terms of high frequency passing through are different between the shield region C and the shield region D of the shield layer240b. Consequently, the shield region C, the shield region D, and the shield layer240bcan function as a portion of a multiband antenna that can support three different frequency bands.

It should be noted that, in the configuration examples ofFIGS. 17 and 18as described above, it may be configured that each contact point is electrically connected with the switching unit120via the signal line so that each contact point can be selected by switching of the switching unit120, similarly to the configuration example ofFIG. 16.

Seventh Embodiment

Next, the cellular telephone device1of a seventh embodiment according to the present invention will be explained with reference toFIG. 19.FIG. 19is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of the FPC101according to the cellular telephone device1of the seventh embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 19, the FPC101includes the base material200, the signal wires210, the insulation layer220, the conductive adhesive layer230, the shield layer240, the slit241, a contact point104j, and a contact point104k. The FPC unit101according to the seventh embodiment is mainly different from the FPC101(refer toFIG. 7) according to the first embodiment in that the former includes the slit241, the contact point104j, and the contact point104k, and in that the configuration of the signal wires210of the former is different from that of the latter.

The signal wires210include a signal transmission line211and a ground line212. A plurality of signal transmission lines211is provided inside the signal wires210in a width direction of the FPC unit101and transmits a signal. The ground line212is electrically connected with the reference electric potential (for example, the reference electric potential pattern layer75, the reference electric potential pattern layer86), and is provided outside of the signal wires210in a width direction of the FPC unit101.

Herein, the purpose of providing the signal transmission line211inside in a width direction of the FPC unit101and providing the ground line212outside in a width direction of the FPC unit101is to protect the signal transmission line211from noise from outside, avoid radiating the noise radiated from the signal transmission line211to the outside of the FPC unit101, and the like.

The contact points104jand104kare formed at locations facing the signal transmission line211on the shield layer240in a width direction of the FPC unit101.

The shield layer240is electrically connected with the contact point104jand the contact point104kproximal to the ground line212at the operation unit side housing2.

Furthermore, a slit (a groove)241with a predetermined depth is formed at the shield layer240to correspond to a location between the signal transmission line211and the ground line212. Similarly to the slit241dofFIG. 18Adescribed above, the slit241is formed in the longitudinal direction of the FPC unit101with a constant width.

According to the cellular telephone device1of the seventh embodiment, the shield layer240is electrically connected with the contact point104jand the contact point104kproximal to the ground line212at the operation unit side housing2. Therefore, by providing the contact point104jand the contact point104kas power feed portions proximal to the ground line212, the distance between the contact point104jand the contact point104k, and the ground line212, is longer than the distance between the contact point104jand the contact point104k, and the ground line212. Therefore, the contact point104jand the contact point104kare less subjected to high frequency noise from the signal transmission line211.

Furthermore, according to the cellular telephone device1of the seventh embodiment, the slit241with a predetermined depth is formed at the shield layer240to correspond a location between the signal transmission line211and the ground line212. Therefore, the two contact points104jand104kcan be provided as power feed portions in the cellular telephone device1, and it is possible to feed power in a state in which the contact point104jand the contact point104kare less subjected to high frequency noise from the signal transmission line211.

Eighth Embodiment

Next, the cellular telephone device1according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference toFIG. 20.FIG. 20is a cross-sectional view illustrating an internal structure of the FPC101of the cellular telephone device1according to the eighth embodiment. It should be noted that, in the eighth embodiment, the points different from the seventh embodiment will be mainly explained, and explanation of similar configurations and operations therebetween are omitted.

As shown inFIG. 20, the FPC101includes the base material200, the signal wires210, the insulation layer220, the conductive adhesive layer230, the shield layer240, the slit241, the contact point104l, and the contact point104m. The FPC101according to the eighth embodiment is different from the FPC101(refer toFIG. 19) mainly in the configuration of the signal wires210.

The signal wires210include a first signal transmission line213and a second signal transmission line214.

The first signal transmission line213is provided in the signal wires210and transmits a signal at a first transmission rate. The second signal transmission line214is provided in the signal wires210and transmits a signal at a second transmission rate, which is faster than the first transmission rate. The contact points104land104mare formed at locations facing the signal transmission line211on the shield layer240in a width direction of the FPC unit101.

The shield layer240is electrically connected with the contact point104land the contact point105mmore proximal to the first signal transmission line213than the second signal transmission line214at the operation unit side housing2.

A slit (a groove)242with a predetermined depth is formed in the shield layer240to correspond to locations between the first signal transmission line213and the second transmission line214. Similarly to the slit241of the seventh embodiment as described above, the slit242is formed in the longitudinal direction of the FPC unit101with a constant width.

According to the eighth embodiment, the shield layer240is electrically connected with the contact point104land the contact point105mproximal to the first signal transmission line213at the operation unit side housing2. Therefore, by providing the contact point104land the contact point105mas power feed portions proximal to the first signal transmission line213, the distance between the contact point104land the contact point105m, and the second signal transmission line214is longer than the distance between the contact point104land the contact point105m, and the first signal transmission line213. Therefore, the contact point104land the contact point105mare less subjected to high frequency noise from the second signal transmission line214.

Furthermore, according to the eighth embodiment, the slit242with a predetermined depth is formed in the shield layer240to correspond to locations between the first signal transmission line213and the second signal transmission line214. Therefore, the two contact points104land105mcan be provided as power feed portion in the cellular telephone device1, and it is possible to supply electric power in a state in which the contact point104land the contact point105mare less subjected to high frequency noise from the second signal transmission line214.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS