Electronic apparatus

According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus comprises: a casing comprising a circuit module; a keyboard mounting portion on which a keyboard is detachably mounted, and a cover detachably covering the opening. The key board mounting portion comprises an opening which allows a wiring electrically connecting the keyboard and the circuit module to be passed therethrough. An area of the opening is equal to or less than half of an area of the keyboard mounting portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-221726, filed on Jul. 29, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

One embodiment of the invention relates to an electronic apparatus preventing a liquid such as water from entering thereinto.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, in an electronic apparatus, e.g., a portable computer, a keyboard and switches are disposed above a circuit module which is formed with electronic circuit parts mounted on a wiring board, so as to realize a compact size.

In this type of electronic apparatus, after the circuit module is accommodated in a casing, the keyboard is disposed on the casing. Therefore, an opening, through which a cable for electrically connecting the circuit module and the keyboard is passed and is used for performing that operation, is formed in a wall portion of the casing. This opening is formed in a wall portion located between the circuit module and the keyboard in the casing, e.g., in an upper wall portion of the casing. The opening is closed by a keyboard baseplate.

However, the keyboard is exposed to the outside such as when the portable computer is in use. Therefore, in the event that a user has spilled a beverage such as water during the use of the portable computer, the beverage conceivably enters through a gap between a baseplate of the keyboard and an edge portion of the opening. The attachment of a liquid such as water to the circuit module is not used.

Therefore, a dripproof structure is provided for the portable computer to prevent the entry of a liquid such as water into the casing.

As a dripproof structure, a discharge hole is formed in the baseplate of the keyboard. The discharge hole communicates with the outside. Therefore, even if a liquid such as water flows into the keyboard, the liquid is discharged to the outside after passing through the discharge hole (e.g., refer to JP-A-2003-122454)

However, even with the dripproof structure disclosed in JP-A-2003-122454, a liquid conceivably enters between an edge of the baseplate of the keyboard and an edge of the opening.

In addition, with the dripproof structure disclosed in the patent document 1, the opening has a size which is substantially equal to the area of the baseplate of the keyboard. Therefore, the opening is relatively large.

Namely, since the length of the edge of the opening is long, the entry of a liquid such as water into the casing is conceivable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments according to the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In general, according to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic apparatus comprises: a casing comprising a circuit module; a keyboard mounting portion on which a keyboard is detachably mounted, and a cover detachably covering the opening. The key board mounting portion comprises an opening which allows a wiring electrically connecting the keyboard and the circuit module to be passed therethrough. An area of the opening is equal to or less than half of an area of the keyboard mounting portion.

Referring toFIGS. 1 to 17, a description will be given of an electronic apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention by citing a portable computer10as an example.

FIG. 1shows the portable computer10. The portable computer10includes a computer body20and a display unit30, as shown inFIG. 1.

The computer body20has a casing21, a keyboard28, and a circuit module40as described below.

The casing21is formed in the shape of a flat box. The casing21has an upper wall portion22, a lower wall portion23, a front wall portion24, a rear wall portion25, a right wall portion26, and a left wall portion17. The keyboard28is installed on the upper wall portion22. The circuit module40is accommodated in the casing21.

In the casing21, the rear wall portion25side is higher than the front wall portion24side in view of operability of the keyboard28. The front side of the keyboard28is inclined downward.

The display unit30includes a display unit housing31and a liquid crystal display panel32. The liquid crystal display panel32is accommodated in the display unit housing31. The liquid crystal display32has a screen32awhich displays an image. The screen32ais exposed to the outside of the display unit housing31through an opening31aformed on the front surface of the display unit housing31.

The display unit30is connected to the computer body20by hinges (unillustrated).

The display unit30is rotatable between a closed state and an open state. The closes state is a state in which the display unit30is laid over the computer body20so as to cover the keyboard28from above. The open state is a state in which the display unit30is made upright with respect to the computer body20so as to expose the keyboard28and the screen32a.

FIG. 2exemplary shows a state in which the computer body20is disassembled. A keyboard mounting portion50is formed on the upper wall portion22of the casing21, as shown inFIG. 2. The keyboard28is mounted on the keyboard mounting portion50. The keyboard mounting portion50is recessed relative to the portion of the upper wall portion22other than the keyboard mounting portion50. A front edge51of the keyboard mounting portion50is opposed to the front wall portion24of the casing21. A rear edge52of the keyboard mounting portion50is opposed to the rear wall portion25of the casing21.

An opening53is formed in the keyboard mounting portion50.FIG. 3exemplary shows the upper wall portion22of the casing21in enlarged form.

The opening53penetrates the keyboard mounting portion50(upper wall portion22). Edge portions55of the opening53are formed one step lower than the keyboard mounting portion50. The edge portions55are portions close to edges56of the opening53.

The opening53is disposed in the vicinity of a substantially widthwise center of the keyboard mounting portion50. The opening53is substantially rectangular. The circuit module40is not accommodated in the casing21shown inFIG. 3.

The range occupied by the opening53, i.e., an opening area S of the opening53, is equal to or less than half of the area occupied by the keyboard mounting portion50. In the embodiment, the range occupied by the opening53, i.e., the opening area S, is, for example, 30 percent of the range occupied by the keyboard mounting portion50. The range occupied by the opening53may be 10 to 30 percent of the range occupied by the keyboard mounting portion50.

The circuit module40is accommodated in the casing21shown inFIG. 2.FIG. 4exemplary shows in enlarged form the range of F4indicated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 2. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, a portion of the circuit module40is exposed to the outside of the casing21through the opening53in a state where the keyboard28and a slide cover70, as described later, are not installed on the casing21.

As shown inFIG. 4, a front edge53bof the opening53is located rearwardly of the front edge51of the keyboard mounting portion50. A gap A is defined between the front edge51of the keyboard mounting portion50and the front edge53bof the opening53.

The circuit module40includes a wiring board41and parts mounted on the wiring board41. The parts mounted on the wiring board41include a harness connector42for a liquid crystal display, a switch board connector43, a speaker connector44, a keyboard connector45, and a touch pad connector46.

The harness connector42for a liquid crystal display, the switch board connector43, the speaker connector44, the keyboard connector45, and the touch pad connector46, as described above, are parts to which wirings to be connected from outside the casing21are electrically connected after the circuit module40is accommodated in the casing21.

The harness connector42for a liquid crystal display, the switch board connector43, the speaker connector44, the keyboard connector45, and the touch pad connector46are mounted on the wiring board41in a range opposed to the opening53.

The harness connector42for a liquid crystal display, the switch board connector43, the speaker connector44, the keyboard connector45, and the touch pad connector46are exposed to the outside through the opening53in the state where the keyboard28and the slide cover70are not installed on the casing21.

The electronic parts, which are mounted on the wiring board41in the range opposed to the opening53, are not limited to the harness connector42for a liquid crystal display, the switch board connector43, the speaker connector44, the keyboard connector45, and the touch pad connector46, as described above.

Apart from the above-described parts, parts which are accessed from outside the casing21after the circuit module40is accommodated in the casing21may be mounted on the wiring board41in the range opposed to the opening53.

The portable computer10which is formed in the above-described manner has a dripproof construction60for preventing the entry of a liquid such as water into the casing21through the opening53.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 2, the dripproof construction60has the slide cover70, a grip member80, a first hole closing insulator90, a seal member100, an engaging mechanism110, and a second hole closing insulator200.

FIG. 5shows the slide cover70. The slide cover70covers the opening53.FIG. 6shows a state in which the slide cover70covers the opening53. It should be noted that the grip member80and the first hole closing insulator90, which will be described later, are mounted on the slide cover70inFIG. 6. As shown inFIG. 6, the slide cover70is substantially rectangular, and has a size which covers the entire region (the opening area S) of the opening53and covers substantially the entire regions of the edge portions55of the opening53.

The thickness of the slide cover70corresponds to the depth from the upper surface of the keyboard mounting portion50to the upper surface of the edge portion55. Therefore, if the slide cover70is installed on the casing21, an upper surface73of the slide cover70becomes substantially flush with the upper surface of the keyboard mounting portion50.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 5, a plurality of through holes71are formed in the slide cover70. Each through hole71penetrates the slide cover70. In addition, a through hole72, through which a below-described screw160is passed, is formed in the slide cover70. The slide cover70is formed of, for example, a metallic material.

The grip member80is installed on the upper surface73of the slide cover70. The grip member80is made of, for example, a resin and is in the form of a thin film. The grip member80has a fixed portion81and a grip portion82.

FIG. 7exemplary shows a state in which the grip member80is installed on the upper surface73of the slide cover70. The fixed portion81is fixed to the upper surface73of the slide cover70, as shown inFIG. 7. The fixed portion81may be fixed by such as an adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape. The grip portion82is formed integrally with the fixed portion81, but is not fixed to the slide cover70. Therefore, the grip portion82is movable with respect to the slide cover70, as shown by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 7.

FIG. 8exemplary shows a state in which the first hole closing insulator90is installed on the upper surface73of the slide cover70. The first hole closing insulator90is made of, for example, a resin and is in the form of a thin film. The first hole closing insulator90may be fixed by such as an adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 8, the first hole closing insulator90has substantially the same area as that of the slide cover70. The first hole closing insulator90has a size which covers all the through holes71. Each through hole71is liquid-tightly closed by the first hole closing insulator90.

A slit91is formed in the first hole closing insulator90. The slit91is formed in a linear shape, and penetrates the first hole closing insulator90. The slit91is formed at a position opposing the grip portion82, and has a size allowing the grip portion82to pass therethrough.

When the first hole closing insulator90is fixed to the slide cover70, the grip portion82is passed through the slit91, and projects to the upper surface side of the first hole closing insulator90. The grip portion82projects to the outside.

A screw through hole92, through which the below-described screw160is passed, is formed in the range of the first hole closing insulator90which opposes the screw through hole72.

FIG. 9is an exemplary cross-sectional view taken along line F9-F9shown inFIG. 8.FIG. 9exemplary shows a cross section, taken along the transverse direction, of a front end74of the slide cover70. In the slide cover70, the front side refers to that portion which is located on the front edge53bside of the opening53when the slide cover70is disposed above the opening53.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 9, the first hole closing insulator90has a size for covering the front end74of the slide cover70. In the embodiment, the first hole closing insulator90has such a size that it is folded back at the front edge74of the slide cover70, and is turned around to a lower surface75of the slide cover70. The front end74of the slide cover70is covered by the first hole closing insulator90.

The seal member100is provided between the slide cover70and the edge portions55of the opening53. The seal member100liquid-tightly the opening53in a state in which the slide cover70is engaged with the casing21so as to cover the opening53.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 2, the seal member100is annular, is larger than the edges56of the opening53, and is arranged on the edge portions55. The seal member100is formed of a sponge, and is relatively deformable. The seal member100may be formed from a porous elastic member such as a sponge.

The engaging mechanism110causes the slide cover70to engage the casing21in a state in which the opening53is liquid-tightly sealed by the slide cover70and the seal member100.

The engaging mechanism110has first retaining portions111, second retaining portions112, first pawl portions120, and second pawl portions130.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 4, as the first retaining members111, two first retaining members111are formed at a left edge portion55aamong the edge portions55of the opening53. The first retaining portions111are formed one each at a transversely intermediate position and on the rear side of the left edge portion55a.

FIG. 13is an exemplary cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the below-described first pawl portion120is engaged with the first retaining portion111.FIG. 13shows a cross section, taken along the transverse direction, of the first retaining portion111. As exemplary shown inFIG. 13, the first retaining portion111extends in the transverse direction. The first pawl portion120engages a lower surface11aof the first retaining portion111.

Here, a description will be given of the parts which are disposed in the vicinities of the left edge portion55aamong the edge portions55in the casing21.FIG. 10is an exemplary cross-sectional view taken along line F10-F10shown inFIG. 6.FIG. 10exemplary shows a cross section, taken in the widthwise direction, of the left edge portion55aand its vicinity among the edge portions55in the casing21.

As exemplary partially shown inFIGS. 4 and 10, a fan unit5is disposed on the immediately left rear side of the left edge portion55aamong the edge portions55in the casing21. The fan unit5has substantially the same height as the height from the lower wall portion23to the upper wall portion22of the casing21, for example. InFIG. 4, the fan unit5is shown by dotted lines. Therefore, the space defined between the left edge portion55aamong the edge portions55and the fan unit5is small.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 10, a first part6is mounted on the wiring board41on the immediately inner side (right side in the drawing) of the left edge portion55a. The first part6is not shown inFIG. 4. An upper surface portion6aof the first part6is located higher than a lower surface75of the slide cover70in the state in which the slide cover70is engaged with the casing21.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 5, an accommodating hole76as an accommodating portion is formed in the range of the slide cover70which opposes the first part6. The accommodating hole76penetrates the slide cover70. As the upper surface portion6aof the first part6is accommodated in the accommodating hole76, the interference between the first part6and the slide cover70is prevented. The accommodating portion is not limited to the accommodating hole76. For example, the accommodating portion may not penetrate the slide cover70. Since it suffices if the accommodating portion is capable of accommodating the upper portion of the part having the possibility of interfering with the slide cover70as in the case of the first part6, the accommodating portion may be formed in the shape of a groove, for example. The accommodating hole76is liquid-tightly closed by the first hole closing insulator90.

As described above, the rear side of the left edge portion55aof the opening53is located between the fan unit5and the first part6in the widthwise direction. The width of the first retaining portion111is small. The width of the first retaining portion111is a length which extends toward the farther side in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing ofFIG. 13.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 4, as the second retaining portions112, three second retaining portions112are formed in a right edge portion55bamong the edge portions55. The second retaining portions112are arranged in the transverse direction at substantially equal intervals, for example. Another second retaining portion112is formed on the front side of the left edge portion55aamong the edge portions55. Still another second retaining portion112is formed in the substantially widthwise center of the front side of the opening53. This second retaining portion112may be formed integrally with, for example, a front portion of the edge portion55. Alternatively, this second retaining portion112may be formed in the circuit module40.

FIG. 14is an exemplary cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the below-described second pawl portion130is engaged with the second retaining portion112which is formed on the front side of the left edge portion55aamong the edge portions55.FIG. 14exemplary shows a cross section, taken along the transverse direction, of the second retaining portion112. As exemplary shown inFIG. 14, the second retaining portion112extends in the transverse direction. The other second pawl portions130may be formed in similar shapes.

A description will be given of a part which is disposed in the vicinity of the front side of the left edge portion55aamong the edge portions55in the casing21. As exemplary shown inFIG. 14, a second part7such as a disk unit is accommodated below the left edge portion55aof the opening53. The space defined between the second part7and the left edge portion55aamong the edge portions55is small.

Similarly, an unillustrated third part is disposed below the right edge portion55bamong the edge portions55. The space defined between this third part and the second retaining portion112formed in the right edge portion55bis small.

Similarly, an unillustrated fourth part is disposed below the substantially widthwise center of the front side of the opening53. The space defined between the fourth part and the second retaining portion formed in the substantially widthwise center of the front side of the opening53is small.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 5, as the first pawl portions120, two first pawl portions are formed on a left edge portion77of the slide cover70. The shapes of the respective first pawl portions120are the same. The first pawl portions120are respectively disposed in such a manner as to be spaced apart in the transverse direction. One first pawl portion120is engaged with one first retaining portion111. The other first pawl portion120is engaged with the other first pawl portion120.

FIG. 11exemplary shows in enlarged form the first pawl portion120which is disposed in the rear. As exemplary shown inFIG. 11, the first pawl portion120is formed by a portion of the slide cover70. Specifically, when the accommodating hole76is formed, a shape corresponding to the first pawl portion120is kept left in the slide cover70. Then, the first pawl portion120is formed by downwardly bending the portion left as just mentioned. The accommodating hole76is liquid-tightly closed by the first hole closing insulator90.

The first pawl portion120has a base portion121and a body portion122. The base portion121is connected to the left edge portion77. The base portion121is bent and extends downwardly.

The body portion122is formed integrally with a lower end portion of the base portion121. The body portion122extends forwardly from the base portion121. In the first pawl portion120, the body portion122is engaged with the first retaining portion111.

A first width L1of the body portion122is small so as to avoid interference with the fan unit5and the first part6. In addition, a first thickness L2in the heightwise direction of the body portion122is greater than the width L1so as to maintain the strength of the body portion122.

The first width L1is a width extending in a widthwise direction X of the casing21, i.e., in a direction oriented from the left wall portion27toward the right wall portion26or a direction oriented from the right wall portion26toward the left wall portion27. The first thickness L2is a thickness extending in a vertical direction Y of the casing21, i.e., in a direction oriented from the lower wall portion23toward the upper wall portion22or a direction oriented from the upper wall portion22toward the lower wall portion23.

The widthwise direction X is a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction referred to in the invention and to the heightwise direction. The vertical direction Y is the heightwise direction referred to in the invention.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 5, the second pawl portion130is formed at a position corresponding to the second retaining portion112in the slide cover70. Each second pawl portion130is engaged with a corresponding second retaining portion112.

Specifically, three second pawl portions130are formed on a right edge portion78of the slide cover70in correspondence with the three second retaining portions112formed in the right edge portion55bamong the edge portions55of the opening53. The second pawl portions130are arranged in such a manner as to be spaced apart at substantially equal intervals in the transverse direction.

In addition, another second pawl portion130is formed at the substantially widthwise center of the front side of the slide cover70in correspondence with the second retaining portion112formed in the substantially widthwise center of the front side of the opening53.

Furthermore, still another second pawl portion130is formed on the front side of the left edge portion77of the slide cover70in correspondence with the second retaining portion112formed on the front side of the left edge portion55aamong the edge portions55of the opening53.

FIG. 12shows the second pawl portion130formed on the front side of the left edge portion77of the slide cover70. Since the respective pawl portions130may be similar, a description will be given by using as a representative example the second pawl portion130formed on the front side of the left edge portion77of the slide cover70.

The second pawl portion is formed integrally with the slide cover70. Specifically, when the second pawl portion130is formed, a portion of the slide cover70which surrounds the portion corresponding to the second pawl portion130is, for example, cut off. The second pawl portion130is formed by downwardly bending the portion left as just mentioned. It should be noted that the portion removed by being cut off as described above is liquid-tightly closed by the first hole closing insulator90.

The second pawl portion130has a base portion131and a body portion132. The base portion131is connected to the slide cover70. The base portion131is bent and extends downwardly. The body portion132is formed integrally with a lower end portion of the base portion131. The body portion132extends forwardly from the base portion131. In the second pawl portion130, the body portion132is engaged with the second retaining portion112.

A second thickness L3in the heightwise direction of the body portion132is small so as to avoid interference with the second to fourth parts and the body portion132. A second width L4of the body portion132is greater than the second thickness L3so as to maintain the strength of the body portion132.

The second width L4is a width extending in the widthwise direction X of the casing21, i.e., in the direction oriented from the left wall portion27toward the right wall portion26or the direction oriented from the right wall portion26toward the left wall portion27. The second thickness L3is a thickness extending in the vertical direction Y of the casing21, i.e., in the direction oriented from the lower wall portion23toward the upper wall portion22or the direction oriented from the upper wall portion22toward the lower wall portion23.

The thickness L3of the body portion132of the second pawl portion130formed in the substantially widthwise center of the front side of the slide cover70is formed to be small to avoid interference with the fourth part located below this body portion132. Similarly, the thickness L3of the body portion132of each of the three second pawl portions130formed on the right edge portion78of the slide cover70is formed to be small to avoid interference with the third part located below these body portions132.

The first and second pawl portions120and130formed, as described above, are engaged with the corresponding first and second retaining portions111and112as the slide cover70is slid forward. As exemplary shown inFIGS. 4 and 13, a first through hole79a, into which the corresponding first pawl portion120is vertically inserted, is formed in the rear of the first retaining portion111in the edge portion55. Similarly, as exemplary shown inFIGS. 4 and 14, a second through hole79b, into which the corresponding second pawl portion130is vertically inserted, is formed in the rear of the second retaining portion112in the edge portion55.

In the case of the second retaining portion112formed on the front side of the opening53in the substantially widthwise center, the rear side of this retaining portion is open. The second through hole79bmay not be formed in the rear of this second retaining portion112.

When the slide cover70is installed on the casing21, the first and second pawl portions120and130are inserted into the corresponding first and second through holes79aand79b. Then, as the slide cover70is slid forwardly, the body portions122and132of the respective first and second pawl portions120and130are engaged with the corresponding first and second retaining portions111and112.

Therefore, as exemplary shown inFIG. 13, a first guide portion140is formed at the tip of the body portion122of the first pawl portion120. An upper surface141of the first guide portion140is inclined in a diagonally forward and downward direction. A second guide portion142is formed at the tip of the first retaining portion111. A lower surface143of the second guide portion142is inclined in a diagonally forward and downward direction.

As exemplary shown inFIG. 14, a third guide portion144is formed at the tip of the body portion132of the second pawl portion130. An upper surface145of the third guide portion144is inclined in a diagonally forward and downward direction. A fourth guide portion146is formed at the tip of the second retaining portion112. A lower surface147of the fourth guide portion146is inclined in a diagonally forward and downward direction.

FIG. 15exemplary shows the front end74and its vicinity of the slide cover70in the state in which the slide cover70is engaged with the casing21.

As exemplary shown inFIGS. 13,14, and15, a rib150for restricting the degree of collapse of the seal member100is formed at the respective edge portion55of the opening53. As exemplary shown inFIG. 4, the rib150is formed in a annularly rectangular shape, and is formed over the entire peripheries of the edges56of the opening53. The rib150is formed between the seal member100and each edge56. Therefore, the rib150is located on the inner side of the seal member100.

The slide cover70side end portion, i.e., an upper end portion100a, of the seal member100projects upwardly of an upper surface150aof the rib150(exemplary shown inFIGS. 16 and 17). The upper surface150aserves as a distal end of the rib.

The rib150abuts against the lower surface75of the slide cover70when the respective first and second pawl portions120and130are engaged with the corresponding first and second retaining portions111and112. At this time, the seal member100is collapsed between the slide cover70and the edge portions55.

As the rib150abuts against the lower surface75of the slide cover70, the slide cover70is prevented from moving downwardly. Namely, the downward movement of the slide cover70is restricted by the rib150.

Next, a description will be given of installing the slide cover70on the casing21. First, the grip member80is mounted on the upper surface73of the slide cover70. Next, the first hole closing insulator90is mounted on the upper surface of the slide cover70. At this time, the grip portion82is passed through the slit91and projects upwardly of the first hole closing insulator90.

Next, the slide cover70is installed on the casing21. At this time, the seal member100is interposed between the slide cover70and the edge portions55of the opening53.

Next, as exemplary shown inFIG. 15, the wirings which are electrically connected to the respective connectors42to46, including a flexible circuit board28bof the keyboard28, are passed between the seal member100and the slide cover70, and are electrically connected to the corresponding connectors42to46such as the keyboard connector45which is mounted on the wiring board41. The flexible circuit board28bserves as the wiring.

Next, the slide cover70is assembled to the casing21. At this time, the first pawl portions120are inserted into the first through holes79a, and the second pawl portions130are inserted into the second through holes79b.FIG. 16exemplary shows a cross section, taken in the transverse direction, of a state in which the first pawl portion120is inserted in the first through hole79a.FIG. 17exemplary shows a cross section, taken in the transverse direction, of a state in which the second pawl portion130is inserted in the second through hole79b.

At this time, as exemplary shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, the first and second pawl portions120and130are not yet engaged with the first and second retaining portions111and112.

Next, the slide cover70is slid in the forward direction. An operator slides the slide cover70by pulling the grip portion82of the grip member80. As exemplary shown by arrow C inFIG. 16, as the slide cover70is lid in the forward direction, the upper surface141of the first guide portion140of the first pawl portion120slides along the lower surface143of the second guide portion142of the first retaining portion111.

In addition, as exemplary shown inFIG. 17, when the slide cover70is slid in a forward direction C, the upper surface145of the third guide portion144of the second pawl portion130slides along the lower surface147of the fourth guide portion146of the second retaining portion112.

As described above, as the upper surface141of the first guide portion140slides along the lower surface143of the second guide portion142, and the upper surface145of the third guide portion144slides along the lower surface147of the fourth guide portion146, the slide cover70is slid in the forward direction, and is concurrently sunk in a downward direction D.

Therefore, the first and second pawl portions120and130are sunk in the downward direction D, as exemplary shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIGS. 16 and 17, and are engaged with the first and second retaining portions111and112. The first and second pawl portions120and130exemplary shown by the two-dot chain lines inFIGS. 16 and 17are in the state of being engaged with the first and second retaining portions111and112.

As the slide cover70is sunk in the downward direction while being slid in the forward direction, as described above, the seal member100is collapsed between the edge portions55and the slide cover70.

The seal member100, exemplary shown inFIGS. 16 and 17, is in the state before being collapsed between the slide cover70and the edge portions55. The seal member100, exemplary shown inFIGS. 13,14, and15, is in the state of having been collapsed between the slide cover70and the edge portions55of the opening53.

Next, when the first and second pawl portions120and130are engaged with the first and second retaining portions111and112, as exemplary shown inFIGS. 13 and 14, the slide cover70is fixed to the casing21by the screw160, as exemplary shown inFIG. 6. The screw160is passed through the screw through hole72formed in the slide cover70, and is threadedly engaged with a threaded portion57provided in the opening53in the circuit module40, for example. The threaded portion57is exemplary shown inFIG. 4.

As the slide cover70is fixed to the casing21by the screw160, the slide cover70is prevented from sliding along the direction in which the first and second pawl portions120and130are disengaged from the first and second retaining portions111and112.

After the screw160is fixed, as shown inFIG. 6, the second hole closing insulator200for liquid-tightly covering the through holes72and92is attached to the first hole closing insulator90. The second hole closing insulator200is made of, for example, a resin and is in the form of a thin film.

The second hole closing insulator200is an example of a covering member for covering a screw referred to in the invention. As a result, a liquid such as water is prevented from entering the interior of the casing21through the screw through hole72.

After the slide cover70is fixed to the casing21, the keyboard28is disposed on the keyboard mounting portion50from a base plate28aside of the keyboard28.

In the portable computer10thus formed, the range occupied by the opening53, i.e., the opening area S, is less than half of the range (area) occupied by the keyboard mounting portion50. Therefore, the entire perimeter of the edges56of the opening53becomes small. Namely, when a liquid such as water enters the interior of the casing21, the liquid conceivably enters between the edges56of the opening53and the slide cover70; however, since the entire periphery of the edges56becomes short, the liquid is made difficult to enter the interior of the casing21.

Accordingly, in the portable computer10, a liquid such as water is made difficult to enter the interior of the casing21.

Further, as the opening53is made small, the size of the slide cover70can also be made small. Therefore, it is possible to lower the cost of the slide cover70. Furthermore, as the slide cover70becomes small, the portable computer10is made lightweight. Similarly, since the first hole closing insulator90and the seal member100are restrained from becoming large-sized, low cost and light weight are attained.

In addition, the front edge53bof the opening53is located rearwardly of the front edge51of the keyboard mounting portion50. For this reason, the gap A is defined between the front edge53band the front edge51.

In the case where the keyboard28is tilted by setting the front side of the keyboard28lower than the rear side to improve the operability of the keyboard28, even in the event that a liquid has spilled onto the keyboard28, the liquid stays in the gap A. A liquid is restrained from entering the interior of the casing21.

In addition, as the seal member100is provided, the entry of the liquid into the casing21is restrained.

In addition, since the slide cover70is supported by the rib150, the keyboard28is restrained from moving in the downward direction D. Therefore, a trampoline phenomenon (vertical movement of the key) which occurs during key entry is restrained.

The seal member100projects upwardly of the rib150. Therefore, the seal member100is collapsed, so that the opening53is liquid-tightly sealed effectively.

The rib150is located between each ridge56of the rib150and the seal member100. Therefore, the rib150comes to have the function of preventing the entry of a liquid into the casing21. Accordingly, the entry of the liquid into the casing21is restrained.

The first and second pawl portions120and130serving as engaging portions are formed on the slide cover70, while the first and second retaining portions111and112are formed in the casing21. The first and second pawl portions120and130and the first and second retaining portions111and112are engaged with each other.

Therefore, the slide cover70can be fixed effectively to the casing21.

Since the slide cover70is engaged with the casing21merely by being slid, the operating efficiency in the engaging operation of engaging the slide cover70and the casing21improves.

Since the grip member80is fixed to the slide cover70, the operator is able to efficiently slide the slide cover70by using the grip member80.

In addition, as for the first pawl portion120, the first width L1is smaller than the first thickness L2in the heightwise direction. As the first pawl portion120thus formed is formed at a portion which is limited in the widthwise direction X by, for example, being located between such as the fan unit5and the first part6in the widthwise direction X, even such a portion which is limited in the widthwise direction X is capable of preventing interference between the engaging portion and its surrounding part.

Furthermore, as for the second pawl portion130, the second width L4is greater than the second thickness L3in the heightwise direction. As the second pawl portion130thus formed is formed at a portion which is limited in the heightwise direction by having, for example, the second to fourth parts disposed therebelow, even such a portion which is limited in the heightwise direction is capable of preventing interference between the engaging portion and its surrounding part.

In other words, by selectively using the first and second pawl portions120and130, as described above, the casing21may not enlarge in consideration of the above-described interference. Accordingly, it is possible to restrain the casing21from becoming large. Further, by selectively using the first and second pawl portions120and130, the limitation on the arrangement of these pawl portions is alleviated. Therefore, it is possible form a large number of engaging portions on the slide cover70. Specifically, it is possible to form the engaging portions in substantially the entire region of the left edge portion55aand in substantially the entire region of the right edge portion55bamong the edge portions55of the opening53. Similarly, a large number of retaining portions on the edge portions55. Therefore, the slide cover70is firmly engaged with the casing21.

In addition, the slide cover70, after being slid, is fixed to the casing21by the screw160. Therefore, the slide cover70is prevented from moving in the direction in which the first and second pawl portions120and130and the first and second retaining portions111and112are disengaged. Namely, since the slide cover70is restrained from coming off the casing21, a liquid such as water is restrained from entering the interior of the casing21.

In addition, the through hole71, the accommodating hole71, and the first and second pawl portions120and130are liquid-tightly closed by the first hole closing insulator90. Therefore, a liquid such as water is restrained from entering the interior of the casing21.

Further, by virtue of the adoption of the structure in which the first hole closing insulator90is provided, the through hole71for attaining the light weight can be formed in the slide cover70. Therefore, the portable computer10is made lightweight.

The first and second pawl portions120and130are formed from portions of the slide cover70. Therefore, since the first and second pawl portions120and130are not formed by using separate members, the cost is reduced. Further, since the first and second pawl portions120and130are formed integrally with the slide cover70, the strength of the first and second pawl portions120and130improves.

The fixed portion81of the grip member89is located between the slide cover70and the first hole closing insulator90. Namely, the first hole closing insulator90is provided with the function of fixing the grip member80to the slide cover70. Therefore, the grip member80is restrained from coming off.

The first guide portion140is formed on the first pawl portion120; the second guide portion142is formed on the first retaining portion111; the third guide portion144is formed on the second pawl portion130; and the fourth guide portion146is formed on the second retaining portion112. As a result, the slide cover70sinks in the downward direction D by being merely slid in the forward direction C. As the slide cover70sinks, the seal member100is collapsed between each edge portion55and the slide cover70, so that the opening53is liquid-tightly sealed. The downward direction D serves as the direction oriented from the cover toward the casing.

Namely, by merely sliding the slide cover70, the operation of engaging the first and second pawl portions120and130and the first and second retaining portions111and112and the operation of collapsing the seal member100are effected simultaneously. Accordingly, the efficiency in the operation of assembling the slide cover70to the casing21improves.

In the embodiment, since the size of the slide cover70can be reduced to a small size, the sliding resistance occurring in the slide cover70is reduced to a small level. Therefore, the slide cover70can be slid relatively easily.

In addition, since the seal member100is formed of a sponge, the seal member100can be collapsed relatively easily. Further, the sliding resistance occurring between the seal member100and the slide cover70can be suppressed. Therefore, the efficiency in the operation of assembling the slide cover70improves.

In addition, since the wirings, such as the flexible circuit board28b, which are connected to parts such as the connectors42to46which are mounted in the range opposing the opening53in the wiring board41, are passed between the seal member100and the slide cover70, it is possible to restrain the occurrence of a gap between the seal member100and the slide cover70, which is ascribable to the wirings. Therefore, the entry of a liquid such as water into the casing21is restrained.

A specific description will be given of this aspect. For instance, in a case where the wirings are passed between the seal member and the edge portion55, the wirings would be bent from the keyboard mounting portion50toward the edge portion55. As the wirings are bent, a gap is likely to be formed. If the wirings are passed over the upper surface of the seal member100, the bending of the wirings is restrained.

In addition, since the front end74of the slide cover70, i.e., a leading end in the sliding direction of the slide cover70, is covered by the first hole closing insulator90in the slide cover70, peripheral wirings and the like are restrained from becoming damaged by the front end74when the slide cover70is slid.

Although the grip member80is fixed between the first hole closing insulator90and the slide cover70, the invention is not limited to the same. For example, the grip member80may be fixed on the upper surface of the first hole closing insulator90.

Next, referring toFIG. 18, a description will be given of the electronic apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention by citing the portable computer10as an example. It should be noted that constructions having functions similar to those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the embodiment, the structure of the first hole closing insulator90differs from that of the first embodiment. The other aspects may be similar to the first embodiment.

A specific description will be given of this aspect.FIG. 18shows a state in which the first hole closing insulator90in this embodiment is fixed to the slide cover70. As shown inFIG. 18, the grip portion82is formed integrally with the first hole closing insulator90.

Therefore, in the embodiment, a grip member is not separately formed. Accordingly, in this embodiment, in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment, the number of parts can be reduced, thereby making it possible to lower the cost.