Electronic apparatus

An electronic apparatus includes a keyboard unit that has an upper surface on which a plurality of keys are provided, and one side and a different side each of which has an attachment section, the different side facing the one side, a fixing section that fixes the keyboard unit in cooperation with the attachment sections of the keyboard unit, and a mounting section on which the keyboard unit is mounted in a state in which the keyboard is upwardly curved with respect to a predetermined reference surface when the keyboard unit is fixed by the attachment sections of the keyboard unit and the fixing section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Laid-open Patent No. 2008-168991, filed on Jun. 27, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The embodiment discussed herein is related to an electronic apparatus having a keyboard.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been widely used a portable electronic apparatus, such as a cellular phone, a laptop personal computer, provided with a display device that displays information. In addition to high-speed processing and multifunction, a reduction in size and weight has been strongly desired for the portable electronic apparatus. In response to this demand, an application of a display device using a thin and light liquid crystal panel and reduction in size and enhancement in performance of electronic components to be built in the electronic apparatus have been advancing.

However, there is a limitation in the reduction in size and weight of the electronic components while maintaining demanded performance. Recently, the reduction in size and weight of the electronic apparatus has been made by contriving materials of a housing, an operator and the like and a structure that fixes various components to the housing. For example, in a laptop personal computer, a light-weight keyboard having resin-made keys arranged on one sheet is used, and multiple openings are formed in a housing portion located between a keyboard and an electronic component to reduce weight.

However, in the soft keyboard made of resin, the keyboard is put in a slightly floating state due to a tolerance of the keyboard, the housing or the like, and when the key is depressed, sinking occurs and the user may feel a sense of discomfort at the time of operation.

SUMMARY

According to an basic aspect of the invention, an electronic apparatus includes:

a keyboard unit that has an upper surface on which a plurality of keys are provided, and one side and a different side each of which has an attachment section, the different side facing the one side;

a fixing section that fixes the keyboard unit in cooperation with the attachment sections of the keyboard unit; and

a mounting section on which the keyboard unit is mounted in a state in which the keyboard is upwardly curved with respect to a predetermined reference surface when the keyboard unit is fixed by the attachment sections of the keyboard unit and the fixing section.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

A specific embodiment for the basic aspect described above will be explained with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is an external view of a personal computer10being a specific first embodiment of the electronic apparatus.

The personal computer10includes a main unit20and a display unit30. These main unit20and display unit30are connected to each other through a biaxial connecting section40in such a way that the display unit30is openable and closable with respect to the main unit20in a direction of an arrow A (hereinafter referred to as the direction A) and rotatable (around a rotary shaft arranged perpendicular to the main unit20) in a direction of an arrow B (hereinafter referred to as the direction B). The connecting section40corresponds to one example of the connecting section of the electronic apparatus.FIG. 1illustrates the personal computer10with the display unit30opened to the main unit20(opened state).

The main unit20has a main housing25which houses therein electronic components such as a hard disk, various boards and the like, the main housing25including an upper cover25A and a lower housing25B. In addition, the main unit20includes a keyboard with multiple keys21arranged, a track pad22, a left click button23and a right click button24on its upper surface. The main housing25corresponds to one example of the second housing of the electronic apparatus.

The display unit30of the personal computer10is one for displaying a result of information processing executed by the main unit20. The display unit30has a display housing34which houses therein a thin liquid crystal panel, a control circuit for the liquid crystal panel, an electromagnetic induction-type digitizer or a touch panel, and the like, the display housing34including a front cover34A and a rear cover34B. The display housing34corresponds to one example of the first housing of the electronic apparatus. Moreover, the display housing34includes multiple push buttons32at a lower portion of a display screen31. The display housing34also includes on its upper end surface a housed antenna50housable in the display housing34.

FIG. 2is an external perspective view illustrating a front side of the personal computer10with the display unit30closed on the main unit20.FIG. 3is an external perspective view illustrating a rear side of the personal computer10in the state illustrated inFIG. 2.

InFIG. 2, the display unit30overlaps the main unit20with the display screen31(seeFIG. 1) directed toward the main unit20. This state is hereinafter called as a first closed state.

When the display unit30being in the opened state as illustrated inFIG. 1is closed in the direction A, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the display screen31is hidden and a surface opposed to the display screen31, that is, a rear side of the display housing34is exposed. This is the state called the first closed state. In the first closed state, the user can carry the personal computer10while preventing the display screen31from being stained and damaged.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, screws26are attached to the rear side of the main unit20. The screws26fix the connecting section40to the main unit20. The main unit20also includes an air inlet28on its rear side. The air inlet28takes in air to the inside of the main unit20. The air thus taken in from the air inlet28absorbs heat generated by various electronic components and is exhausted from an outlet (not illustrated) provided on a side surface of the main unit20.

FIG. 4is an external perspective view illustrating a state in which the display unit30overlaps the main unit20with the display screen31directed upward.

The state illustrated inFIG. 4can be obtained by rotating the display unit30by 180 degrees in the direction B from the state illustrated inFIG. 1so that the display screen31may be directed to a side opposed to the keyboard, and then, under this state, by overlapping the display unit30on the main unit20with a surface of the display unit30opposed to the display screen31directed toward the main unit20. This state is called a second closed state. The second closed state is a mode in which the personal computer10is used as a tablet PC (tablet mode).

The personal computer10is basically configured as mentioned above.

Sequentially, each section, of the personal computer10will be explained in detail.

FIG. 5is a view illustrating a state in which the housed antenna50is housed in the display unit30.FIG. 6is a view illustrating a state in which the housed antenna50is erected on the display unit30.

The display housing34includes on its upper end surface an antenna housing groove61extending in a width direction of the display housing34. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the housed antenna50is housed inside the antenna housing groove61(housed position).

Moreover, the antenna housing groove61includes a notch62on its end portion. The user can erect the housed antenna50on the display housing34as illustrated inFIG. 6(protruding position) by putting his/her finger in the notch62to pull up the housed antenna50.

FIG. 7is an exploded view of the housed antenna50.

The housed antenna50includes a plate piece-like upper cover51, an antenna52and a lower cover53. The upper cover51has a through-hole51aon its one end side. The antenna52and the lower cover53have through-holes52aand53a, respectively, at positions each corresponding to the through-hole51a. The housed antenna50is assembled in such a manner that the antenna52is fitted into the lower cover53and the upper cover51is attached to the lower cover53. The upper cover51and the lower cover53are formed of flexible materials such as elastomer, rubber (NBR, silicone rubber, CR), sheet (PET, PC) and the like. Further, any antenna such as a FPC antenna, a board antenna, a plate antenna or the like may be used as the antenna52.

FIG. 8is a perspective view illustrating the assembled housed antenna50seen from the upper cover51side.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the housed antenna50has an insertion opening54. A boss82A (seeFIG. 9) provided in the display unit30is inserted into the insertion opening54. A bearing portion55that forms an edge of the insertion opening54has multiple concave sections56that surround the insertion opening54. The insertion opening54is fixed to the antenna52so as to be electrically conducted therewith by a predetermined fixing method such as soldering, caulking, bonding, screwing and the like.

FIG. 9is a view illustrating the rear cover34B of the display unit30.

A liquid crystal panel31A is attached to the rear cover34B such that the display screen31may face the front. The rear cover34B houses a camera board module71, a built-in antenna (not illustrated), a fixing bracket81for fixing the housed antenna50illustrated inFIG. 8, and the like in a free space beside the liquid crystal panel31A. The fixing bracket81includes the boss82A, a boss member82, and a metal plate member83. The boss82A is inserted into the insertion opening54of the housed antenna50. The boss member82is directly fixed to the rear cover34B by a screw80. The metal plate member83is fitted into the boss82A to thereby be indirectly fixed to the rear cover34B, and the bearing portion55of the housed antenna50abuts thereon.

FIG. 10is a view illustrating the boss member82and the metal plate member83.FIG. 11is a view illustrating the fixing bracket81obtained by assembling the boss member82and the metal plate member83.

The boss member82has the boss82A, a fixing section82B, and a leg section82C. The boss82A is inserted into the metal plate member83and the housed antenna50. The fixing section82B is fixed to the rear cover34B of the display unit30. The leg section82C is a portion extending in a direction opposed to the fixing section82B. The metal plate member83has engagement sections83B and a ground leg piece83A. The engagement sections83B surround the boss82A inserted into the metal plate member83. Moreover, the engagement sections83B each have a convex section83C at its tip end. The ground leg piece83A extends from the engagement section83B to press-contact the leg section82C of the boss member82. The engagement section83B has elasticity since it has a plate piece-like shape.

FIG. 12is a view illustrating a state in which the liquid crystal panel31A, the camera board module71and the fixing bracket81are detached from the rear cover34B illustrated inFIG. 9.

The rear cover34B includes a metal part120and a plastic part110. The plastic part110surrounds an outer periphery of the metal part120. The camera board module71, the built-in antenna (not illustrated) and the housed antenna50are arranged on the plastic part110. The plastic part110allows transmission of radio waves transmitted and received to and from the built-in antenna. Moreover, a grounding part130made of metal is attached to the plastic part110. The grounding part130extends from the metal part120to a position where the housed antenna50is installed.

The fixing bracket81is arranged on a rib131of the grounding part130. The boss member82of the fixing bracket81and the camera board module71are fixed to the rear cover34B by the screw80illustrated inFIG. 9. Sequentially, the boss82A of the fixing bracket81is inserted into the insertion opening54of the housed antenna50. In this manner, the housed antenna50is indirectly fixed to the rear cover34B.

The grounding part130extending from the metal part120comes in contact with the fixing bracket81, whereby the housed antenna50is indirectly connected to the metal part120and is grounded.

Further, the boss82A is inserted into the insertion opening54, whereby the convex section83C of the metal plate member83(FIG. 10) is fitted into the concave section56(FIG. 8) of the housed antenna50.

FIG. 13is a view illustrating a positional relationship between the convex section83C of the metal plate member83and the concave section56of the housed antenna50.

Under a state in which the housed antenna50is housed in the antenna housing groove61as illustrated inFIG. 5, the convex section83C of the metal plate member83is fitted into the concave section56of the housing antenna50as illustrated inFIG. 13A.

When the user puts his/her fingers in the notch62of the display unit30and pulls up the housed antenna50, the housed antenna50rotates about the boss82A, so that engagement between the convex section83C of the metal plate member83and the concave section56of the housing antenna50is released. Here, as illustrated inFIG. 13B, the engagement section83B of the metal plate member83is deformed by the bearing portion55of the housed antenna50, so that the convex section83C is pressed down. Thereby, the user is able to easily rotate the housed antenna50. When the user further rotates the housed antenna50from the state illustrated inFIG. 13B, the convex section83C of the metal plate member83is fitted into a concave section56of the housed antenna50different from the concave section56into which the convex section83C has been fit during the housed antenna50has been fit into the antenna housing groove61, so that the state is returned to one illustrated inFIG. 13A. As a result, the housed antenna50, which is erected at 90 degrees to the display unit30, is held as illustrated inFIG. 6.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the housed antenna50, which is movable between the housed position and the protruding position, can be mounted on the electronic apparatus without requiring a large space. This makes it possible to attach both the built-in antenna and the housed antenna50in a narrow space beside the liquid crystal panel31A in the display unit30of the electronic apparatus and to improve communication performance. Moreover, when no communication function is used, the housed antenna50can be housed in the display housing. Also, it is possible to use the housed antenna50with being erected at a place where a radio wave condition is bad.

Herein, the explanation of this embodiment is once stopped and a personal computer of a different version having a housed antenna will be explained.

First, a description will be given of the personal computer having only the housed antenna50as the antenna in the display unit.

When the built-in antenna is mounted beside the liquid crystal panel31A, a portion where the built-in antenna is arranged needs to be formed by using plastic or the like that easily transmits a radio wave. However, the housed antenna50is erected outside the housing when being used, and therefore a portion where the housed antenna50is arranged may be formed of metal.

FIG. 14is a view illustrating a rear cover34_1B of a display unit of a personal computer11having only the housed antenna50.

In the personal computer11of the different version illustrated inFIG. 14, the entire surface, where the liquid crystal panel31and the housed antenna50are attached, of the rear cover34_1B is formed of metal. A boss82_1A is formed so as to protrude from the rear cover34_1B. Accordingly, the boss82_1A is formed of metal, similar to the rear cover34_1B. When the entire surface, where the housed antenna50is attached, of the rear cover34_1B is formed of metal in this manner, the housed antenna50is grounded by inserting the boss82_1A into the insertion opening54of the housed antenna50. For this reason, the grounding part130(seeFIG. 12) and the boss member82(seeFIG. 9) can be omitted. However, when radio wave-intensity is insufficient only from the housed antenna50, it is preferable that a portion where the antenna is arranged be formed of plastic or the like and both the built-in antenna and the housed antenna be mounted as illustrated inFIG. 9.

Next, a description will be given of a personal computer12in which a rotary shaft of the housed antenna50is provided at a corner of a display unit30_2.

FIG. 15is a view illustrating a rear cover of the display unit30_2of the personal computer12in which the rotary shaft of the housed antenna50is provided at the corner of the display unit30_2.

In the personal computer12illustrated inFIG. 15, a boss82_2A is formed at at least one (upper left side in this embodiment) of four corners of the display unit30_2. Additionally, at the base of the boss82_2A, four ribs84are formed at positions separated from one another in the display unit30_2.

FIG. 16is a view illustrating a metal plate member90to be fit into the boss82_2A of the personal computer12illustrated inFIG. 15.

The metal member90illustrated inFIG. 16has two convex sections92at positions, being separated from each other, on an upper surface of a main body91having a through-hole into which the boss82_2A is to be inserted. Note that, the metal plate member90has no ground leg piece83A unlike the metal plate member83illustrated inFIG. 10.

FIG. 17is a view illustrating a state in which the metal plate member90is attached to the rear cover illustrated inFIG. 15.

The metal plate member90is attached to the boss82_2A in a state where the ribs84and the convex sections92of the display unit30_2are shifted from each other. Further, the housed antenna50is attached so that the convex section92of the metal plate member90may be fit into the concave section56of the housed antenna50illustrated inFIG. 8.

FIG. 18is a view illustrating a state in which the housed antenna50is housed in the display unit30_2.FIG. 19is a view illustrating a state in which the housed antenna50is erected at 90 degrees to the display unit30_2.FIG. 20is a view illustrating a state in which the housed antenna50is erected at 180 degrees to the display unit30_2.

In the personal computer12, the antenna housing groove61extends from a position closer to the center of the display unit30_2to the corner thereof in one side of the peripheral edge of the display unit30_2. The housed antenna50can be adjusted to a first protruding position and a second protruding position. In the first protruding position, the housed antenna50is rotated about the boss82_2A at 90 degrees from the housed position where it is housed in the display unit30_2and protrudes from the display unit30_2. In the second protruding position, the housed antenna50is rotated about the boss82_2A at 180 degrees from the housed position and protrudes from the display unit30_2. Here, the side of the peripheral edge in which the antenna housing groove61is formed may be any side of an upper side of the display unit30_2.

FIG. 21is a view illustrating a positional relationship between the convex section92of the metal plate member90and the concave section56of the housed antenna50.

In a state in which the housed antenna50is housed in the display unit30_2as illustrated inFIG. 18, the convex section92of the metal plate member90is fitted into the concave section56of the housed antenna50as illustrated inFIG. 21A.

When the user pulls up the housed antenna50, the housed antenna50rotates about the boss82_2A, so that the convex section92of the metal plate member90is pulled out from the concave section56of the housed antenna50as illustrated inFIG. 21B. In the personal computer12, the ribs84of the display unit30_2and the convex sections92of the metal plate member90are arranged at positions different from each other. Thus, when the housed antenna50is rotated, the convex section92is pushed down by the elasticity of the main body91, thereby making it possible to release the engagement between the housed antenna50and the metal plate member90.

When the housed antenna50is further rotated, the convex section92of the metal plate member90is fitted into the concave section56of the housed antenna50and the housed antenna50is locked with being erected at 90 degrees to the display unit30_2(seeFIG. 19). When the housed antenna50is furthermore rotated from this state, the housed antenna50is locked with being erected at 180 degrees to the display unit30_2(seeFIG. 20).

Accordingly, in the personal computer12, the housed antenna50can be held at a different angle depending on a radio wave condition and a place to be used, thus making it possible to enlarge the range of use.

It is noted that in this embodiment, as an example is given in which the housed antenna50is mounted on the display units30and30-2, the housed antenna50may be mounted on the main unit20. Even in an embodiment in which the housed antenna50is mounted on the main unit20, the housed antenna50, which is movable between the housed position and the protruding position, can be mounted on the electronic apparatus without having a large space.

This ends the description of the antenna.

Backing to the personal computer10illustrated inFIG. 1, the display housing34of the personal computer10will be next described.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the rear cover34B of the display housing34has a structure in which the plastic part110surrounds the outer periphery of the metal part120.

FIG. 22is a view illustrating one example of a conventional rear cover200.

When the entire rear cover is formed of metal having high strength in order to protect the liquid crystal panel31A from shock such as dropping, the built-in antenna is not able to be placed beside the liquid crystal panel31A. For this reason, heretofore, the metal part210, which is conformed to the shape of the liquid crystal panel31A, is bonded to the plastic part220, which is larger than the size of the liquid crystal panel31A, as illustrated inFIG. 22. In the rear cover200having such a structure, when the display unit is opened and closed to the main unit, a strong force is applied to a portion near an attachment section221to which the connecting section is attached. The force concentrates on a bond boundary P on a side closer to the attachment section221, and thus the metal part210may be removed from the plastic part220due to aging fatigue. In the personal computer10of this embodiment, such a defect is prevented by contriving an attaching surface of the plastic part and the metal part.

FIG. 23is a view illustrating a front side, to which the liquid crystal panel31A is attached, of the rear cover34B.FIG. 24is a view illustrating a rear side of the rear cover34B illustrated inFIG. 23.

On the front side of the rear cover34B, the liquid crystal panel31A is surrounded by the plastic part110. The plastic part110forms an outer shape (rectangle) of the rear cover34B. The plastic part110has at its lower end attachment sections111to which the connecting section40is attached.

Moreover, on the rear side of the rear cover34B, the plastic part110is exposed over the entire surface. A decorative cover (not illustrated) is attached to the plastic part110.

FIG. 25is a view illustrating a state in which the liquid crystal panel31A is detached from the rear cover34B illustrated inFIG. 23.

As illustrated inFIG. 25, the rear cover34B is structured in such a manner that the metal part120is fitted into the front side of the plastic part110by integral molding and bonding. Further, as the plastic part110and the metal part120come closer to end portions, in a width direction, of the rear cover34B, an attaching area therebetween is increased. A bond boundary Q therebetween has an arc shape extending in a width direction using the attachment sections111as poles. Therefore, a force to be applied to the connecting section40is dispersed without concentrating on the bond boundary Q between the plastic part110and the metal part120, thereby making it possible to prevent a defect in which the metal part120is removed from the plastic part110.

Moreover, inFIG. 25, the bond boundary Q between the plastic part110and the metal part120has an arc shape extending in a width direction using the attachment sections111as poles. However, the attaching surface of the plastic part110and the metal part120may be formed in any shape as long as the attaching area is different between the central portion and the end portions in the width direction of the rear cover34B.

FIG. 26is a view illustrating one example of a rear cover of a version different from that inFIG. 25.

On a rear cover34B_1, an area of an attaching surface of a plastic part110_1and a metal part120_1is increased toward the central portion in a width direction of a rear cover34B_1, and a bond boundary therebetween has a linear shape. Thus, even when the attaching area between the plastic part110_1and the metal part120_1is decreased toward end portions in the width direction of the rear cover34B_1, this provides an effect of reducing a defect in which the metal part120_1is removed from the plastic part110_1.

It is noted that, in addition to general plastic, reinforced plastic containing glass fiber or carbon may be used as material for the plastic parts110and110_1. Further, it is possible to use magnesium alloy, aluminum, titanium or the like as material for the metal parts120and120_1. Furthermore, the metal parts120and120_1may be replaced with parts of other material such as a carbon plate or the like.

Sequentially, a description will be given of a method of attaching a keyboard of the personal computer10.

The main housing25illustrated inFIG. 1houses electronic components in the space formed of the upper cover25A and the lower housing25B. Moreover, the upper cover25A has a resin-made keyboard, with the multiple keys21arranged, mounted on its upper surface and a connecting section cover310(seeFIG. 27) for covering the connecting section40fit thereto.

FIG. 27is an enlarged view of the connecting section cover310.FIG. 28is a view illustrating the personal computer10from which the connecting section cover310is detached.

As illustrated inFIG. 27, the connecting section cover310has screw holes311for fixing the connecting section cover310and the main unit20to each other. As illustrated inFIG. 28, the connecting section40, wires, and the like are exposed in the state where the connecting section40is attached to the main unit20. The connecting section cover310is attached to the main unit20for covering up these parts.

FIG. 29is a view illustrating a keyboard320.FIG. 30is a view illustrating the personal computer10from which the keyboard320is detached.

The keyboard320is formed of a sheet and the multiple keys21arranged on the sheet in a predetermined matrix. Moreover, at front and rear peripheral edge portions of the basic body of the keyboard320, the keyboard320has multiple attachment pieces321, which protrude from a peripheral portion of the keyboard320, for attaching the keyboard320to the upper cover25A of the main unit20. The attachment pieces321are one example of the attachment section. As illustrated inFIG. 30, the upper cover25A has an opening331. A metal plate332is fixed to the main unit20so as to cover the opening331.

FIG. 31is a view illustrating an upper surface of the upper cover25A.FIG. 32is a view illustrating a lower surface of the upper cover25A.

The upper cover25A has multiple attachment openings333. The attachment openings333are one example of the fixing section. The keyboard320is mounted on the metal plate332in such a manner that the attachment pieces321are inserted into the attachment openings333and fixed onto the metal plate332. Further, as illustrated inFIG. 32, the metal plate332is fixed to the lower surface of the upper cover25A by screws334so as to cover the opening331illustrated inFIG. 31from the lower surface side.

FIG. 33is a view illustrating a state in which the upper cover25A is detached from the main unit20.

The lower housing25B houses electronic components410such as a hard disk device, various boards and the like. When the upper cover25A is fixed to the lower housing25B, the electronic components410come in contact with the metal plate332which is fitted into the upper cover25A. In this way, the portion of the upper cover25A on which the keyboard320is mounted is formed of metal, whereby heat generated by the electronic components410is absorbed and dissipated by the metal plate332.

The upper cover25A is attached to the lower housing25B illustrated inFIG. 33and the attachment pieces321of the keyboard320are inserted into the attachment openings333of the upper cover25A, whereby the keyboard320is mounted on the metal plate332. Here, as a structure for mounting the keyboard320on the upper cover25A, it is possible to use a structure that fixes the attachment pieces321to the upper cover25A by screws, and a structure that provides a slide type claw on the keyboard320to hook the claw on the upper cover25A. Moreover, it may be possible to use a structure that screws the attachment pieces321of the keyboard320to the upper cover25A.

FIG. 34is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the keyboard320mounted on the metal plate332is cut in a depth direction of the personal computer10.

As illustrated inFIG. 34, the metal plate332is formed so that front and rear end sides thereof, where the attachment pieces321of the keyboard320are provided, may be thin and the other portion may be thicker toward the central portion thereof away from the sides where the attachment pieces321are provided. Therefore, the keyboard320is mounted in a state in which it is upwardly curved in an arc shape where the front and rear end sides are used as end portions, thereby making it possible to reduce a feeling that a key on the keyboard320is sinking when the user depresses the keys on the keyboard320.

The cross-section of the metal plate332may have a shape where only the central portion rises, in addition to the shape that smoothly rises in the depth direction from the surrounding of the keyboard to the portion close to the center as illustrated inFIG. 34. Moreover, instead of forming the risen shape on the basis of a difference in thickness, the central portion of a metal plate having a uniform thickness may be narrowed to form a stepped portion so as to be used as the equivalent shape. Further, the structure may be formed by using multiple parts, instead of using a single part, such that, for example, a flat plate and a different part bonded onto the flat plate may form a shape where the central portion rises. In this case, the number of parts to be bonded may be single or multiple.

In this embodiment, the keyboard320is structured so that the cross section in the front and back direction (depth direction) of the keyboard320may have a convex shape. However, the keyboard320may be structured so that the cross section in the left and right direction of the keyboard320may have a convex shape. In this case, the attachment pieces321of the keyboard320are formed at side ends of the keyboard320.

FIG. 35is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion close to the attachment piece321in a state where the keyboard320is attached to the upper cover25A.

As illustrated inFIG. 35, the attachment openings333formed on the upper cover25A are formed under the position where the attachment pieces321of the keyboard320are provided. Accordingly, the attachment pieces321enter the lower side than a reference surface R horizontal to the attachment pieces321and are fixed to the upper cover25A, and therefore the keyboard320is curved upwardly. In this manner, the attachment openings333are formed under the reference surface R, thereby making it possible to more surely curve the keyboard320upwardly and maintain a good operational feeling of the keyboard320for a long time.

Actually, by curving the keyboard320upwardly by 0.1 mm with respect to the metal plate332, a sense of discomfort like a spongy touch when depressing keys21is eliminated and a good operational feeling can be obtained.

A description will be next given of a method for attaching the connecting section40to the main housing25.

(Method for Attaching the Connecting Section)

FIG. 36is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which the connecting section40before being attached to the main housing25is seen from the front.FIG. 37is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which the connecting section40before being attached to the main housing25is seen from the rear.

The connecting section40has a first member41, a second member42, front fastening sections43and rear fastening sections44. The first member41opens and closes the display unit30about a horizontal first axis (direction of an arrow A_1). The second member42rotates the display unit30about a second axis (direction of an arrow B_1) crossing the first axis. The front fastening sections43are screwed to fixed positions410formed on the metal plate332of the main housing25on the front side. The back fastening sections44are screwed to fixed positions420formed on the lower housing25B of the main housing25on the rear side. The front side of the main housing25corresponds to one side and the rear side thereof corresponds to the other side facing the front side.

FIG. 38is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which the connecting section40after being attached to the main housing25is seen from the front.FIG. 39is an enlarged view illustrating a state in which the connecting section40after being attached to the main housing25is seen from the rear.

The connecting section40is fixed to the metal plate332on the front side of the personal computer10by fastening screws27to the front fastening sections43, and is fixed to the lower housing25B on the rear side of the personal computer10by fastening the screws26to the rear fastening sections44.

FIG. 40is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a conventional personal computer is cut in a depth direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 40, in the conventional personal computer, a connecting section530is fixed to a lower housing522by pinching an upper cover521of a main unit520with screws542, and is fixed to the lower housing522in front of a shaft511of a display unit510by screws541. Therefore, when the connecting section530is pulled relative to the main unit520at the time of opening and closing the display unit510, there is a possibility that a defect will occur in which a surface of the upper cover521fixed to the connecting section530by the screws541and542is distorted as if it swelled on the surface.

FIG. 41is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the personal computer10of this embodiment is cut in a depth direction.

In the personal computer10of this embodiment, the connecting section40is fixed to the metal plate332by the screws27. Even when the connecting section40is pulled at the time of opening and closing the display unit30, the force is transmitted to the upper cover25A through the metal plate332, and therefore it is possible to prevent the upper cover25A from being deformed. Moreover, the connecting section40is also fixed to the lower housing25B on the rear side of the main unit20by the screws26. However, it is fixed at a position away from the surface of the upper cover25A, and therefore it is possible to reduce an influence on the upper cover25A.

Thus, according to the personal computer10of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the defect in which the surface of the upper cover is distorted at the time of opening and closing the display unit.

The tablet type personal computer has been taken as an example of the electronic apparatus above; however, the electronic apparatus disclosed in the present case may be applied to a personal computer having no tablet function such as a PDA, a game machine, an electronic notebook, and the like.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal panel has been taken as an example of the display panel above; however, the display panel to be mounted on the electronic apparatus disclosed in the present case may be a plasma display, a field emission display, an organic EL display, or the like.

According to the basic aspect of the electronic apparatus disclosed in the present case, the keyboard unit is mounted with being upwardly curved to the predetermined reference surface. Thereby, it is possible to reduce a defect in which the keyboard unit is floated to the mounting section and to suppress a feeling that a depressed key is sinking at the time of key operation.

As has been described above, according to the basic aspect of the electronic apparatus, it is possible to prevent keys from sinking due to floating of the keyboard at the time of key operation and to maintain a preferable key-operation feeling for a long time.