Communication antenna unit and mobile terminal apparatus

In a communication antenna unit which is stored inside a casing, a flexible circuit board is supported by a support member in a bent state. A first antenna conductor pattern which configures a first communication antenna and a human body sensor are substantially formed on a flat plane section of the flexible circuit board adjacent to a curved section of the flexible circuit board. A second antenna conductor pattern which configures a second communication antenna is substantially formed on the curved section. The first antenna conductor pattern and the second antenna conductor pattern are connected to each other through an inductor coil which configures a resonant circuit portion.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a communication antenna unit that includes a communication antenna that utilizes a circuit board and a human body sensor, and relates to a mobile terminal apparatus, that includes such communication antenna, in which a battery pack is accommodated adjacent to the circuit board inside a casing and a power feeding portion of the battery pack is connected to a power reception portion inside the casing.

2. Background Art

In outdoor operations such as deliveries and payments by door-to-door parcel delivery service, warehousing management and insurance sales, mobile terminal apparatuses are used in many cases in order to deal with various types of data.

As illustrated inFIG. 22, in a mobile terminal apparatus500, for example, a connector portion502is provided in a circuit board501inside a casing, and a power feeding portion506of a battery pack505is connected to a power reception portion504that is connected to the connector portion502. Among the power reception portions504, there has been known a power reception portion in which a plurality of power reception terminals507are formed in a band form. In the power reception portion504, each of the power reception terminals507is aligned at a predetermined interval along a mutual thickness direction (see JP-A-2008-97961).

In recent years, the mobile terminal apparatus500has been required for improvement in drop durability and shock resistance. However, in the related art, if a shock greater than an anticipated shock is applied to the casing, vibration of a power reception portion are transferred to a connector portion. Therefore, there is a possibility that damage such as a separation from a circuit board may occur in the circuit board and the connector portion.

Moreover, when the mobile terminal apparatus500is used in outdoor operations, there occurs a case where a battery in a battery pack is in an empty state during the operations. In that case, there is a need to replace the battery pack. In addition, it is required that the mobile terminal apparatus500used in the outdoor operations has water resistance and dust resistance compared to a case of being used indoors, thereby being required for studies to improve the water resistance and the dust resistance.

In addition, in the above mobile terminal apparatuses for outdoor operations, for example, for a case of processing a payment, in order to transmit payment data to a payment process center, there are provided a data communication module such as Second Generation (2G), Third Generation (3G) and Long Term Evolution (LTE); a communication antenna that is connected thereto and the like.

In the data communication modules, there is a data communication module compatible with multiple telecommunication standards, for example, compatible with both 2G and 3G. In addition, as for LTE, for example, there is a data communication module that adopts multiple carrier frequencies under one communication standard. Therefore, the communication antenna that is connected to a communication module compatible with the multiple communication standards also needs to be designed in an antenna pattern compatible with the multiple communication standards or the multiple carrier frequencies.

Moreover, in mobile phones, a negative influence on the human body by electromagnetic waves generated from the communication antenna is of great concern. In that respect, there is adopted a technology to detect an approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna so as to weaken electromagnetic wave energy generated by the communication antenna (for example, refer to JP-A-2000-216610).

In JP-A-2000-216610, impedance of the communication antenna is changed when the human body approaches or comes into contact with the communication antenna, and it is detected that the electromagnetic wave energy that is supposed to be output returns to an apparatus side. In other words, this is an indirect detection method for which it is doubtful whether high detection sensitivity can be acquired with the indirect detection method. Therefore, it is more preferable to adopt a direct detection method. JP-A-9-233016 discloses a technology, for example, to directly detect the approach or contact itself of the human body with respect to the communication antenna or a radio communication apparatus on which the communication antenna is mounted.

Regarding the mobile terminal apparatuses for outdoor operations, even though the apparatus is used for only data communication, it is anticipated that the apparatus is held in the hand or is put in a holder attached to the waist or in a pocket to be carried. In that case, the approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna of a communication terminal apparatus occurs frequently. Therefore, in the mobile terminal apparatuses for outdoor operations as well, there is a need for the technology that controls communication electricity by detecting the approach or contact of the human body.

In addition to the above technology to be compatible with the multiple communication standards and the technology to control the communication electricity by detecting the approach or contact of the human body, functions to be implemented in the mobile terminal apparatus are increasing steadily. For example, when using the apparatus for an operation that requires a payment processing, a reading function for magnetic cards or contact/non-contact IC cards is necessary. In addition, when using the apparatus for deliveries in a parcel delivery service or for warehousing management, a reading function for a bar code, a QR code (registered trademark), an RF-ID Tag and the like is necessary. Therefore, a space for circuits assigned for each function is steadily reduced. The circumstance is not exceptional for a communication control circuit including the aforementioned communication antenna, the human body sensor and the battery pack including the connector portion and the power reception portion thereof.

SUMMARY

In detecting not only a direct contact of an object such as the human body with a communication antenna of an apparatus but also an approach of an object toward the communication antenna of the apparatus, using a communication antenna of the JP-A-2000-216610 can be considered. However, it is difficult to precisely detect the approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna. In addition, a direct detection method of JP-A-9-233016, compared to a method of JP-A-2000-216610, is capable of precisely detecting the approach or contact of the human body more. However, as mentioned above, in recent mobile terminal apparatuses, many devices are mounted on the inside of a casing to attain various functions, thereby causing flexibility in disposition of the human body sensor adopted in JP-A-9-233016 to be limited. That is, a problem is to have both a precise detection of the approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna and a space-saving design for a disposition of devices in a limited space of the casing to be compatible with each other. Recently in particular, a demand level for this technology has become higher. Hitherto, it has been permissibly considered that an approach of the human body toward the communication antenna is equivalent to the approach or contact of the human body with respect to the mobile terminal apparatus. However, it has become insufficient presently, and the approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna and the vicinity thereof needs to be detected precisely. That is, a detection range is specified within the communication antenna and the vicinity thereof so as to be more particular than before. In precisely detecting the approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna itself, in order to adopt the direct detection method disclosed in JP-A-9-233016 under the limited design flexibility, for example, a configuration and disposition of the human body sensor and the communication antenna are important.

Moreover, if the communication antenna and the human body sensor are individually provided, a range needs to be secured in which the human body sensor can sufficiently detect the approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna. However, if the aforementioned components are arranged in a limited narrow space, there is a possibility that a detection range of the human body sensor may be one-sided or a sufficient detection performance cannot be acquired due to interference of the communication antenna and a communication circuit that is connected thereto.

The above-mentioned circumstance relates to mobile terminal apparatuses having both the communication antenna and the human body sensor provided therein. Meanwhile, if there is provided only the communication antenna in the mobile terminal apparatus not provided with the human body sensor, from a viewpoint of increasing the types of communication standards and carrier frequencies, there is required a further space-saving design.

The present invention provides a technology to dispose the communication antenna and the human body sensor inside the limited narrow space and to precisely detect the approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna itself. Moreover, the present invention also provides a technology to dispose only the communication antenna inside the limited narrow space. In addition, the present invention also provides a technology for a battery pack to be secured with drop durability, shock resistance, water resistance and dust resistance, while being replaceable. Accordingly, both miniaturization and functional maintenance in the mobile terminal apparatus can be achieved.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication antenna unit including: a communication antenna formed of a conductor pattern; a human body sensor formed of another conductor pattern separately from the communication antenna; and a single unit board on which the communication antenna and the human body sensor are formed.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to dispose the human body sensor and the communication antenna inside a limited narrow space by the single circuit board without degrading a communication performance or a performance to detect an approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna, thereby achieving both miniaturization and functional maintenance in the apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the communication antenna unit further includes a first reactance element which connects the communication antenna to the human body sensor.

According to the above configuration, the human body sensor utilizes a conductor pattern of the communication antenna effectively.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the communication antenna further includes: a first communication antenna that is configured by a first antenna conductor pattern formed on the unit board and adapted to transmit or receive a radio wave in a first frequency; and a second communication antenna that is configured by the first antenna conductor pattern and a second antenna conductor pattern that is formed adjacent to the first antenna conductor pattern on the circuit board and configured to transmit or receive a radio wave in a second frequency, and the first reactance element connects the first antenna conductor pattern to the human body sensor.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a so-called dual antenna that transmits and receives two or more types of radio waves in which the frequencies are different from each other with a single communication antenna unit.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the communication antenna unit further includes: a flat plane section; and a curved section formed adjacent to the flat plane section, wherein the communication antenna is formed in the flat plane section and the curved section, and the human body sensor is formed in the flat plane section.

According to the above configuration, the flat plane section of the flexible circuit board has a larger plane part than the curved section, and intensity of a transmission radio wave is greater as well. Therefore, there is provided the human body sensor adjacent to the flat plane section of the communication antenna of which the intensity of the transmission radio wave needs to be lowered when the human body approaches or comes into contact such that it is possible to suppress an influence of a communication electromagnetic wave on the human body while suppressing deterioration in communication quality to a minimum.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the communication antenna further includes: a first communication antenna that is configured by a first antenna conductor pattern formed on the unit board and adapted to transmit or receive a radio wave in a first frequency; and a second communication antenna that is configured by the first antenna conductor pattern and a second antenna conductor pattern that is formed adjacent to the first antenna conductor pattern on the circuit board and configured to transmit or receive a radio wave in a second frequency, wherein the first reactance element connects the first antenna conductor pattern to the human body sensor, and one of the first and second communication antenna conductor patterns is at least partly formed in the curved section, and the other of the first and second communication antenna conductor patterns and the human body are formed in the flat plane section.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to dispose the dual antenna and the human body sensor through a space-saving design without degrading each of performances thereof. In the dual antenna, there is provided the human body sensor adjacent to the flat plane section of the communication antenna, of which the intensity of the transmission radio wave needs to be lowered when a human body approaches thereto or comes into contact therewith such that it is possible to suppress an influence of a communication electromagnetic wave on a human body while suppressing deterioration in communication quality to a minimum.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal apparatus including: a casing; and a communication antenna unit disposed in the casing, wherein the communication antenna unit includes: a communication antenna formed of a conductor pattern; a human body sensor formed of another conductor pattern separately from the communication antenna; and a single unit board on which the communication antenna and the human body sensor are formed.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to dispose the human body sensor and the communication antenna inside a limited narrow space by the single circuit board without degrading a communication performance or a performance to detect an approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna, thereby achieving both miniaturization and functional maintenance in the apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a display portion including a display surface on the casing, wherein a flat plane section of the communication antenna unit is arranged closer to a surface opposite to the display surface than to the display surface.

According to the above configuration, the first antenna conductor pattern (the first communication antenna) and the human body sensor are disposed on the rear surface side which is the opposite side to the front surface on which the display portion is disposed. Since the rear surface is frequently exposed to the approach and contact of a user when in use, it is possible to enhance the detection sensitivity by disposing the human body sensor close to the rear surface.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a first reactance element which connects the communication antenna to the human body sensor; and a capacitor which connects the communication antenna to a transmission and reception circuit accommodated in the casing.

According to the above configuration, the human body sensor utilizes a conductor pattern of the communication antenna effectively, and electric current of a direct-current component necessary for the human body sensor is secured by the capacitor such that the human body sensor functions effectively.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the communication antenna is disposed at a position closer to a corner of the casing than the human body sensor is disposed.

According to the above configuration, the human body sensor can be disposed being closer to the center side being in a frequent contact with a human body than the corner portion of the casing, and thus, it is possible to improve the detection sensitivity of the human body sensor with respect to a human body.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a first reactance element which connects the communication antenna to the human body sensor; and a capacitor which connects the communication antenna to a transmission and reception circuit accommodated in the casing.

According to the above configuration, the first antenna conductor pattern that is disposed at the corner portion of the casing functions not only as the first communication antenna but also as a part of the human body sensor. Therefore, for example, even if the human body sensor is away from the corner portion of the casing, the approach or contact of a human body with respect to the corner portion can be precisely detected.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the mobile terminal apparatus further includes a battery pack that is accommodated in the casing, wherein the human body sensor and the communication antenna are disposed on a corner portion at a side far from the battery pack in the casing.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to dispose the human body sensor and the communication antenna inside a limited narrow space by the single circuit board without degrading a communication performance or a performance to detect an approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna, thereby achieving both miniaturization and functional maintenance in the apparatus. In further consideration with the maintenance of the functions, a user holds a lower side of the housing since the lower side of the housing in which the battery pack is stored is heavier. As a result, since the communication antenna and the human body sensor are disposed separate away from the human body, the possibility of lowering the transmission power due to the absorption of the transmission and reception radio waves by the human body or the erroneous operation of the human body detection is lowered.

Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal apparatus in which even though a power reception portion vibrates in a thickness direction of a power reception terminal with respect to the casing following a battery pack that vibrates with respect to the circuit board due to a shock such as dropping, no damage to the circuit board and a connector portion occurs, and which can satisfy all of replaceability, water resistance and dust resistance of the battery pack.

Therefore, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal apparatus including: a casing; a circuit board that is accommodated in the casing; a battery pack that is accommodated in the casing; a power reception portion that is held in the casing; a power feeding portion that is provided in the battery pack and connected to the power reception portion; a plurality of terminal plates, each having one end to be held on one surface which is included in the power reception portion, and having two widest surfaces which are parallel to each other, one of which facing and being parallel to one of two widest surfaces of an adjacent terminal plate, wherein the plurality of terminal plates are aligned along a direction orthogonal to those two widest surfaces; and a flexible circuit board that includes a flexible bendable portion provided along the direction in which the plurality of terminal plates are aligned and connects the circuit board to the power reception portion.

The power feeding portion of the battery pack is connected to the power reception portion, and the connector portion is connected to the power reception portion via the flexible circuit board. Moreover, the flexible circuit board has the bendable portion, and the bendable portion is caused to be flexible in an arrangement direction of the power reception portion and the connector portion. Accordingly, when a power reception portion vibrates in the thickness direction of the power reception terminal with respect to the casing following the battery pack that vibrates with respect to the circuit board due to the shock such as dropping, it is possible to cause the bendable portion of the flexible circuit board to be bent. It is possible to absorb a vibration of the power reception portion by flexing the bendable portion. Accordingly, the vibration of the power reception portion is not transferred to the connector portion so as to be able to prevent damage to the connector portion or a fall-out from the board from occurring such that it is possible to prevent the power supply from being cut. Particularly, in a case where the mobile terminal apparatus in the aspects of the present invention is used to handle important data such as payments and deliveries in sales activities, warehousing management operations and the like, the cut of power supply when processing information thereof or temporarily holding the data leads to a crucial loss or disruption of the data. According to the configuration of the present invention, the crucial loss or disruption of the data can be prevented.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, a U-shaped portion is provided between the power reception portion and the bendable portion of the flexible board, and the U-shaped portion has a U shape when viewed from a direction orthogonal to a wiring surface of the flexible board and protrudes toward an opposite side of the power reception portion with respect to the bendable portion in a direction parallel to the wiring surface of the flexible circuit board and the two widest surfaces of the plurality of terminal plates.

Accordingly, it is possible to further enhance an ability to absorb a shock transmitted through the battery pack due to dropping or the like of the mobile terminal apparatus.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile terminal apparatus including: a casing; a battery pack that is accommodated in the casing; an accommodation portion which the battery pack is attachable to and detachable from; a power reception portion that is held in the casing; and a power feeding portion that is provided in the battery pack and detachably connected to the power reception portion, wherein the battery pack includes a first waterproof member, and the power reception portion and the power feeding portion are disposed in an inner side of the accommodation portion than the first waterproof member of the battery pack in a state where the battery pack is accommodated in the accommodation portion.

Accordingly, the power reception portion and the power feeding portion of the battery pack are free from being exposed to the liquid or dust from an external portion such that the battery pack is replaceable and can secure water resistance and dust resistance.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a recess portion that is provided outside the accommodation portion for the battery pack in the casing; a lid portion that closes the recess portion; and a hole portion that is provided on a bottom surface of the recess portion, and is covered with a water stopper which disallows a liquid passing through from an external portion into an internal portion of the casing, and allows air to pass through between the external portion and the internal portion of the casing.

The recess portion is provided with the hole portion, and the hole portion is covered with the water stopper that allows air to pass therethrough. Accordingly, when the casing is deformed due to an external pressure applied to the casing such that an internal space of the casing is reduced, surplus air in the internal space is discharged from the hole portion. The casing recovers an initial shape so as to cause the internal space to be restored in its original state when the external pressure against the casing is released. When the internal space is restored so as to be under a negative pressure, outside air is sucked from the hole portion into the internal space, thereby restoring an internal pressure of the internal space in its original state. Meanwhile, the water stopper covering the hole portion has a function of disallowing the liquid passing through from the external portion into the internal portion of the casing. Accordingly, when a spray of water, rainwater or the like is applied to the casing, it is possible to prevent the applied water from infiltrating the casing using the water stopper such that the water resistance of the casing can be maintained. Accordingly, the liquid or dust influenced by the negative pressure applied to the casing is prevented from intruding from a pack opening portion (accommodation portion for battery pack) that accommodates the battery pack, thereby being possible to secure tamper resistance to prevent a read-out of data by unauthorized means.

According to an aspect of the present invention, for example, the mobile terminal apparatus further includes: a through hole that is provided on the bottom surface of the recess portion and allows an access from the external portion of the casing to the circuit board; and a frame-shaped second waterproof member that surrounds the through hole and is disposed between the bottom surface of the recess portion and a rear surface of the lid portion to be in close contact therewith, wherein the hole portion is provided outside the second waterproof member in the bottom surface of the recess portion.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid and dust from intruding not only from the accommodation portion of the battery pack but also from the through hole. Then, it is possible to secure water resistance, dust resistance and tamper resistance, and to attach or enable a desired module while being free from an influence of the negative pressure.

According to aspects of the present invention, in a mobile terminal apparatus, it is possible to dispose the human body sensor and a communication antenna inside a limited narrow space by the single circuit board without degrading a communication performance or a performance to detect an approach or contact of the human body with respect to the communication antenna. In addition, according to the aspect of the present invention, a vibration of a power reception portion is absorbed by flexing the bendable portion so as not to transfer the vibration of the power reception portion to a connector portion such that it is possible to prevent damage to the connector portion. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both miniaturization and functional maintenance in the mobile terminal apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, mobile terminal apparatuses according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings. In each of the drawings, an X-axis indicates a transverse direction, an E1-E2direction and an A-direction of a casing11. A Y-axis indicates a longitudinal direction, a vertical direction and a B-direction of the casing11. A positive direction of a Z-axis indicates a front surface11A of the casing11, and a negative direction of the Z-axis indicates a rear surface11B of the casing11.

First Embodiment

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, a mobile terminal apparatus10includes a substantially rectangular body-shaped casing11, a display portion12that is provided on a front surface11A of the casing11, a circuit board13(refer toFIG. 3) that is accommodated in the casing11and a battery pack14that is accommodated in the casing11.

Moreover, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the mobile terminal apparatus10includes a power reception portion16that is held in the casing11, a power feeding portion18that is provided in the battery pack14, a flexible circuit board21of which one end portion21A is connected to the power feeding portion18, and a connector portion23that is connected to the other end portion21B of the flexible circuit board21. In addition, the mobile terminal apparatus10includes a recess portion25that is provided on a rear surface11B of the casing11, and a lid portion27that closes the recess portion25.

Additionally, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6, the mobile terminal apparatus10includes the recess portion25that is provided on the rear surface11B of the casing11, a through hole26that is provided on a bottom surface25A of the recess portion25, the lid portion27(refer toFIG. 3) that closes the recess portion25and a waterproof member28(a second waterproof member) that surrounds the through hole26. Moreover, the mobile terminal apparatus10includes a hole portion31that is provided on the bottom surface25A, and a water stopper32that covers the hole portion31.

Returning toFIGS. 1 and 2, the casing11includes a case35that has an opening portion37(refer toFIG. 6) that accommodates the display portion12, and a cover36that is overlapped with the case35to form the rear surface (rear surface of casing11)11B at the opposite side of the display portion12.

The opening portion37is formed on a front surface (that is, front surface of casing11)11A of the case35. The opening portion37is provided with the display portion12. A pack opening portion38that is formed on the rear surface11B that is the opposite side of the display portion12in the casing11, and the recess portion25(refer toFIG. 6) that is formed adjacent to the pack opening portion38are formed on the cover36. A front surface14A of the battery pack14is exposed in the pack opening portion38, and the lid portion27is attached to the recess portion25.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the lid portion27is attached by a plurality of fastening screws57so as not to be detached easily by a user. Since the lid portion27is caused not to be detached easily, the mobile terminal apparatus10has tamper resistance to prevent a read-out of data by unauthorized tools.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the circuit board13is formed in a substantially rectangular shape and provided in an upper half portion35A of the case35. The battery pack14is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view having a top edge14B, a bottom edge14C and a pair of lateral edges14D and14E. The battery pack14is accommodated in a lower half portion35B of the case35via the pack opening portion38of the cover36to be provided adjacent to the circuit board13. A storage portion for a cell body of the battery pack14is surrounded by the top edge14B, the bottom edge14C and the pair of lateral edges14D and14E. The storage portion is positioned to be interposed between the front surface14A and a rear surface14F at the opposite side thereof.

An area of the front surface14A of the battery pack14that is viewed from the rear surface11B side in a state where the battery pack14is attached to the pack opening portion38of the casing11is larger than that of the storage portion of the cell main body of the battery pack14. In the front surface14A of the battery pack14, a frame-shaped waterproof member17(a first waterproof member) is provided on a rear side of a flange portion15that protrudes from a part surrounded by the top edge14B, the bottom edge14C and the pair of lateral edges14D and14E.

The frame-shaped waterproof member17prevents a liquid or dust from intruding into an internal portion of the pack opening portion38that is formed in the rear surface11B of the casing11. The frame-shaped waterproof member17is provided so as to surround the top edge14B, the bottom edge14C and the pair of lateral edges14D and14E on the rear surface of the flange portion15of the battery pack14. The frame-shaped waterproof member17is in contact with a side wall portion of the pack opening portion38and receives a compressive force in a state where the battery pack14is attached to the pack opening portion38of the casing11. Particularly, in between parts fixed by two lock mechanisms19that are at the lowest portion of the cover36of the casing11, a width of the frame-shaped waterproof member17becomes wider along the bottom edge14C of the battery pack14(refer toFIG. 6).

The wide-width part is exactly at the opposite side of the power feeding portion18that is on the top edge14B of the battery pack14having the storage portion of the cell main body of the battery pack14which is surrounded by the top edge14B, the bottom edge14C and the pair of lateral edges14D and14E to be interposed therebetween. Since the above-described compressive force becomes particularly large at the wide-width part, a connection between the power feeding portion18of the battery pack14and the power reception portion16at the casing11side of the mobile terminal apparatus10becomes firmer due to a repulsive force thereof. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power feeding portion18and the power reception portion16from being exposed to the liquid or dust.

The power reception portion16includes a power reception case43that is held substantially in a center of an internal portion41of the casing11, and a plurality of power reception terminals44(terminal plates) that are provided on a surface43A facing the power feeding portion18of the power reception case43. One end of each of the plurality of power reception terminals44is respectively held on one surface that is included in the power reception case43of the power reception portion16. As illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, the power reception portion16is disposed in a storage portion59that is provided on a metal frame50substantially in a center of the internal portion of the casing11in a thickness direction (Z-axis direction). Moreover, cushion members45(rectangular parts at both ends of power reception portion16inFIG. 8) are attached to both ends of the power reception portion16orthogonal to an arrow A direction (arrow X direction). When the power reception portion16is disposed in the storage portion59, the cushion member45is compressed.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the plurality of power reception terminals44are formed in plate shapes or belt shapes to be aligned in a comb shape along a mutual plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each of the power reception terminals44having predetermined intervals S therebetween. Moreover, the plurality of power reception terminals44are aligned in a surface direction of the circuit board13, that is, along a direction parallel to a component mounting surface and orthogonal to an arrangement direction (longitudinal direction of casing11, refer toFIGS. 2 to 6) of the circuit board13and the battery pack14, that is, the arrow B direction (arrow Y direction). In other words, the plurality of power reception terminals44are aligned so that two widest surfaces of each power reception terminal which are parallel to each other are parallel to one of two widest surfaces of an adjacent power reception terminals along a direction orthogonal to those two widest surfaces, that is, along a direction (arrow A direction, arrow X direction) in which the plurality of power reception terminals44are aligned.

Returning toFIG. 4, the power feeding portion18is provided on the top edge14B of the battery pack14facing the power reception portion16. Similar to the power reception portion16, the power feeding portion18includes a plurality of power supply terminals46that are formed in a belt shape. The plurality of the power supply terminals46are arranged in a connectable manner corresponding to the power reception terminals44.

Accordingly, the power feeding portion18is connected to the power reception portion16in a state where the battery pack14is accommodated in the pack opening portion38that is in the lower half portion35B of the case35via the pack opening portion38of the cover36. The battery pack14is fixed to the pack opening portion38by a connection part between the power feeding portion18and the power reception portion16, and those two lock mechanisms19(refer toFIG. 3) that are at the lowest portion of the cover36of the casing11. In this accommodated state, when viewed from the pack opening portion side, the power feeding portion18and the power reception portion16are disposed in inner side of the pack opening portion38than the frame-shaped waterproof member17(the first waterproof member) provided on the above-described rear side of the flange portion15on the front surface14A of the battery pack14, that is, on an internal portion side of the casing11. Therefore, the power feeding portion18and the power reception portion16are free from being exposed to the liquid or dust from the external portion such that the battery pack14is replaceable and can secure water resistance and dust resistance.

Particularly, the above-mentioned matter is important in a case where the mobile terminal apparatus10according to the first embodiment is operated outside away from an office or a location of business for a long period for payments and deliveries in sales activities, warehousing management operations and the like. That is because the mobile terminal apparatus10is unlikely driven for a long period only with one battery pack14. In other words, the battery pack14needs to be replaceable when using outside. Furthermore, in this circumstance, since the mobile terminal apparatus10is operated outside, it is vulnerable to rainwater or dust that rises by wind. Accordingly, in a state where the battery pack14is accommodated in the pack opening portion38of the casing11, there is a need for the internal portion of the pack opening portion38having the power feeding portion18and the power reception portion16to be free from a liquid such as rainwater, dust and the like intruding thereto. In the above-described configuration according to the first embodiment, all of replaceability, water resistance and dust resistance of the battery pack14are satisfied.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, one end portion21A of the flexible circuit board21is connected to the power reception portion16, and the other end portion21B is connected to the connector portion23. The flexible circuit board21has a first board portion47that is bent in a U shape from the power reception portion16in a longitudinal direction of the casing11, and a second board portion48that extends from an end portion47A of the first board portion47to the connector portion23in a transverse direction of the casing11.

The second board portion48has a bendable portion51along an alignment direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception portion16and the connector portion23. The bendable portion51is formed in a bellows shape by having a plurality of waving portions52in which a predetermined position of the second board portion48waves along a thickness direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z direction)) of the flexible circuit board21. That is, the flexible circuit board21has the flexible bendable portion51along a direction (arrow A direction, arrow X direction) in which a plurality of power reception terminals44of the power reception portion16are aligned.

In the first embodiment, an example is described regarding the plurality of waving portions52as the bendable portion51to be included. However, without being limited thereto, it is possible to include one waving portion52as the bendable portion51.

As the second board portion48has the bendable portion51, it is possible to bend the bendable portion51along the alignment direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception portion16and the connector portion23. In addition, as the bendable portion51is formed to wave along the thickness direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z direction) illustrated inFIG. 8) of the flexible circuit board21, it is possible to reduce an occupancy space of the bendable portion51in the internal portion41of the casing11compared to a case where the bendable portion51is in a bent shape or is formed to protrude parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit board13.

The connector portion23is provided in the circuit board13and connected to the power reception portion16via the flexible circuit board21. The connector portion23is parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit board13with respect to the power reception portion16and arranged along a direction parallel to the alignment direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each power reception terminal44.

Here, as illustrated inFIG. 4, a case will be described in which the mobile terminal apparatus10is dropped or the like in a state where the power feeding portion18of the battery pack14is connected to the power reception portion16. It can be assumed that the battery pack14vibrates with respect to the circuit board13due to a shock such as dropping the mobile terminal apparatus10, the power reception portion16vibrates in a plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception terminals44with respect to the casing11following a battery pack14.

Therefore, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the bendable portion51is provided in the flexible circuit board21that connects the power reception portion16and the connector portion23to each other. The bendable portion51is caused to be flexible along an arrangement direction of the power reception portion16and the connector portion23.

Accordingly, when the power reception portion16vibrates in the plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception terminals44following the battery pack14due to a shock such as dropping, it is possible to cause the bendable portion of the flexible circuit board21to be bent. The bendable portion51bends to absorb a vibration of the power reception portion16in the arrow A direction (arrow X direction) so as not to transfer the vibration of the power reception portion16to the connector portion23. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a fall-out of the connector portion23from the circuit board13due to a shock such as dropping of the mobile terminal apparatus10.

In addition, the power reception portion16is not directly connected to the circuit board13by direct mounting thereon but is indirectly connected thereto via the flexible circuit board21and the connector portion23. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the circuit board13itself due to a shock such as dropping that is transmitted to the power reception portion16.

Moreover, as described above, the cushion members45(rectangular parts at both ends of power reception portion16inFIG. 8) are attached to both ends of the power reception portion16orthogonal to the arrow A direction (arrow X direction). When the power reception portion16is disposed in the storage portion59, the cushion member45is compressed. Accordingly, a vibration transmitted to the battery pack14in the plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception terminal44of the power reception portion16due to a shock by dropping or the like of the mobile terminal apparatus10is relaxed. In this manner as well, it is possible not to transfer the vibration of the power reception portion16to the connector portion23, thereby enabling the connector portion23to be prevented from falling out from the board.

In addition, each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals44included in the power reception portion16is formed in belt shapes to be aligned in a comb shape along the mutual plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each of the power reception terminals44having predetermined intervals S therebetween. Moreover, each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals44is aligned along a direction parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit board13and orthogonal to the arrangement direction (arrow B direction (arrow Y direction)) of the circuit board13and the battery pack14. With respect to the direction parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit board13and orthogonal to the arrangement direction (arrow B direction (arrow Y direction)) of the circuit board13and the battery pack14, each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals44has a wider area than the plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) thereof. Each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals44has a wider area than the plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) thereof with respect to a thickness direction of the circuit board13, that is, the thickness direction of the flexible circuit board21(arrow C direction (arrow Z direction) illustrated inFIG. 8) as well.

Accordingly, even though the battery pack14vibrates in the arrow B direction (arrow Y direction) or the thickness direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z direction) inFIG. 8) of the circuit board13due to a shock such as dropping or the like of the mobile terminal apparatus10, it is no longer a disadvantage. A contact area between the power reception portion16that has the plurality of plate-shaped power reception terminals44and the power feeding portion18of the battery pack in the aforementioned directions is wider than the plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each power reception terminal44. Even though relative positions of the power reception portion16and the power feeding portion18of the battery pack14are changed within a certain movable range due to a shock such as dropping or the like of the mobile terminal apparatus10, a contact state is maintained between each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals44included in the power reception portion16and the power feeding portion18of the battery pack14.

Moreover, the flexible circuit board21has the first board portion47that is bent in a U shape from the power reception portion16along the longitudinal direction of the casing11. When the battery pack14vibrates to the above-described arrow B direction (arrow Y direction) or the thickness direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z direction) inFIG. 8) of the circuit board13, there is a possibility that the relative positions of the power reception portion16and the connector portion23may be changed. Regarding the vibration of the battery pack14to the plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each of the power reception terminals44, it is possible to be absorbed by the bendable portion51provided in the above-described second board portion48. However, regarding other vibrations in the arrow B direction (arrow Y direction) or the thickness direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z direction) inFIG. 8) of the circuit board13, particularly regarding the vibration of the battery pack14to the arrow B direction (arrow Y direction), there may be a difficult case to absorb the vibration with only the bendable portion51.

With respect to the vibration of the battery pack14to the arrow B direction (arrow Y direction) or the thickness direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z direction) inFIG. 8) of the circuit board13, a U-shaped portion or a bent portion of the flexible circuit board21toward the longitudinal direction of the casing11which is provided on a side close to the power reception portion16particularly, that is, provided on the first board portion47is effective. Here, the longitudinal direction of the casing11denotes an arrangement direction (arrow B direction (arrow Y direction)) of the circuit board13and the battery pack14while being parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit board13. In addition, the direction can be also considered as a direction that is orthogonal to the plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals44included in the power reception portion16and parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit board13. Moreover, the above-described direction can be also considered as an extending direction of each of the plate-shaped power reception terminals44included in the power reception portion16and a direction parallel to the component mounting direction of the circuit board13. The U-shaped portion has a U shape when viewed from a direction (arrow Z direction) orthogonal to a wiring surface of the flexible circuit board21. The U-shaped portion protrudes toward opposite side of the power reception portion16with respect to the connector portion23and the bendable portion51in a direction (arrow B direction, arrow Y direction) parallel to the wiring surface of the flexible circuit board21and those two widest surfaces of each power reception terminal44(terminal plate). Accordingly, it is possible to further enhance the ability to absorb a shock transferred via the battery pack14caused by the dropping of the mobile terminal apparatus10.

Regarding the remaining plate thickness direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of each power reception terminal44, as described above, a configuration of indirect contact to the circuit board13via the flexible circuit board21and the connector portion23is formed, thereby reducing the influence of a shock such as dropping or the like. According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the power supply from being cut. Particularly, in a case where the mobile terminal apparatus10according to the first embodiment is used to handle important data such as payments and deliveries in sales activities, warehousing management operations and the like, the cut of the power supply when processing information thereof or temporarily holding the data leads to a crucial loss or disruption of the data. According to the configuration of the first embodiment, the crucial loss or disruption of the data can be prevented.

Moreover, as described above, in the flange portion15on the front surface14A of the battery pack14, the frame-shaped waterproof member17is provided to secure all of the replaceability, the water resistance and the dust resistance of the battery pack14. The frame-shaped waterproof member17has a function that relaxes a shock applied to the battery pack14due to dropping or the like of the mobile terminal apparatus10. That is, a shock applied to the power feeding portion18of the battery pack14and a shock applied to the power reception portion16on the body side of the mobile terminal apparatus10connected to the power feeding portion18are relaxed. Accordingly, in the mobile terminal apparatus10of the first embodiment, it is possible to improve shock resistance while satisfying all of the replaceability, the water resistance and the dust resistance of the battery pack14.

Next, with reference toFIGS. 5,6,9and10, a water resistant function included in the mobile terminal apparatus10will be described. As illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6, the recess portion25is provided adjacent to the pack opening portion38(refer toFIG. 3) in the rear surface (rear surface of casing11)11B of the cover36. The recess portion25is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and the bottom surface25A is formed on an inner side of the casing11further than the cover36along a periphery wall25B.

The through hole26is provided on the bottom surface25A. The internal portion41and the external portion42of the casing11are communicating with each other via the through hole26provided on the bottom surface25A. The through hole26is a gadget attachment portion to attach a desired module (gadget)60(refer toFIG. 9). The module60is electrically connected to the circuit board13in the internal portion of the casing11and other circuit boards (not illustrated). That is, the through hole26enables an access from an external portion of the casing11to the circuit board13and other circuit boards.

In the bottom surface25A, a groove portion55is formed in a frame shape so as to surround the through hole26. A frame-shaped waterproof member28(a second waterproof member) is accommodated in the groove portion55, thereby surrounding the through hole26with the waterproof member28. If the recess portion25is closed with the lid portion27(refer toFIG. 3), the frame-shaped waterproof member28is disposed between the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25and the rear surface of the lid portion27so as to be in close contact with both thereof. Accordingly, the recess portion25is closed with the lid portion27, and the through hole26is closed with the lid portion27and the waterproof member28.

In addition, the hole portion31is provided outside the waterproof member28on the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25. The hole portion31is formed in a circle shape and covered with the water stopper32. In the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25, the hole portion31is on an outer side further than the waterproof member28(the second waterproof member) that is accommodated in the groove portion55surrounding the through hole26, and the hole portion31is on an inner side further than an outside periphery of the recess portion25that is covered with the lid portion27when the recess portion25is closed with the lid portion27(refer toFIG. 3).

The water stopper32has a function that disallows the liquid passing through from the external portion42into the internal portion41of the casing11and allows air to pass through between the internal portion41and the external portion42of the casing11. As the water stopper32, for example, Gore-Tex (product name, and registered trademark) is adopted. Gore-Tex is manufactured by compounding a stretched polytetrafluoroethylene film and polyurethane polymer.

In this manner, when the casing11is deformed due to an external pressure applied to the casing11such that a space of the internal portion41of the casing11is reduced, excessive air in the space of the internal portion41is discharged from the hole portion31by covering the hole portion31with the water stopper32that allows air to pass through. The casing11recovers an initial shape so as to cause the space of the internal portion41to be restored to its original state by releasing the external pressure against the casing11. The space of the internal portion41is restored so as to be under a negative pressure causing outside air to be sucked from the hole portion31into the space of the internal portion41, thereby restoring an internal pressure of the space of the internal portion41in its original state. That is because the hole portion31is on an outer side further than the waterproof member28(the second waterproof member) that is accommodated in the groove portion55surrounding the through hole26in the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25.

Meanwhile, since the hole portion31is on an outer side further than the waterproof member28(the second waterproof member) that is accommodated in the groove portion55surrounding the through hole26in the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25, the liquid can intrude in the periphery of the hole portion31. However, the water stopper32covering the hole portion31includes a function that disallows the liquid passing through from the external portion into the internal portion of the casing11. Accordingly, when a spray of water, rainwater or the like is applied to the casing11, it is possible to prevent the applied water from infiltrating the internal portion41of the casing11using the water stopper32such that the water resistance of the casing11can be maintained. In addition, the water stopper32covering the hole portion31serves to prevent the liquid or dust influenced by the negative pressure applied to the casing11from intruding from the pack opening portion38(accommodation portion of battery pack14) that accommodates the battery pack14.

Here, for example, as in Gore-Tex, the hole portion31is only covered with the water stopper32made of a thin resin. Since this part can be destroyed easily, there is a possibility that an unauthorized access to the circuit board13that is stored in the internal portion of the casing11may be allowed. However, as described above, in the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25, the hole portion31is on an outer side further than the waterproof member28(the second waterproof member) that is accommodated in the groove portion55surrounding the through hole26, and the hole portion31is on an inner side further than an outside periphery of the recess portion25that is covered with the lid portion27when the recess portion25is closed with the lid portion27(refer toFIG. 3). As illustrated inFIG. 3, the lid portion27is attached with the plurality of fastening screws57so as not to be detached easily by a user. Since the lid portion27is caused not to be detached easily, the mobile terminal apparatus10also has the tamper resistance to prevent a read-out of data by unauthorized tools while having the water resistance and the dust resistance.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, regarding the lid portion27(refer toFIG. 3), in accordance with a user's need, the lid portion27is detached and a desired module (gadget, additional function circuit)60corresponding to the through hole26is attached as an option. As the desired module60, for example, a card reader that reads out magnetism of a magnetic card and the like can be exemplified. Even in a case of attaching the module60, the module60is attached using the plurality of fastening screws57so as not to be detached easily by a user. Therefore, the mobile terminal apparatus10also includes the tamper resistance while having the water resistance and the dust resistance.

In this manner, according to the mobile terminal apparatus10, the desired module60is attachable thereto, and all of the water resistance, prevention of the negative pressure and the tamper resistance in casing11can be secured. That is, the liquid or dust is prevented from intruding not only into the pack opening portion38(accommodation portion of battery pack14) that accommodates the battery pack14but also from the through hole26. While securing the water resistance, the dust resistance and the tamper resistance and being free from the influence by the negative pressure, the desired module can be attached thereto or enabled.

In the first embodiment, an example is described regarding the waterproof member28(the second waterproof member) that is provided in the groove portion55of the bottom surface25A. However, without being limited thereto, it is possible to provide the waterproof member28on the rear surface of the lid portion27.

In addition, in the first embodiment, an example is described regarding the desired module60that is attached as the option corresponding to the through hole26which is provided on the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25. However, without being limited thereto, all of the water resistance, the prevention of the negative pressure and the tamper resistance in casing11can be secured in a case where the module60is not attached as an option. Even in this case, the liquid or dust influenced by the negative pressure applied to the casing11needs to be prevented from intruding from the pack opening portion38(accommodation portion of battery pack14) that accommodates the battery pack14, and the tamper resistance needs to be secured.

In this case, there is no need to provide a through hole26for attaching the module60on the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25. Therefore, there is no need to provide the frame-shaped waterproof member28(the second waterproof member) that surrounds the through hole26, is disposed between the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25and the rear surface of the lid portion27, and is in close contact therewith. The casing11includes the recess portion25provided in the casing11, the lid portion27closing the recess portion25, and the hole portion31provided on the bottom surface25A of the recess portion25. The hole portion31is covered with the water stopper32that disallows the liquid passing through from the external portion into the internal portion of the casing11and allows air to pass through between the internal portion and the external portion of the casing11. The recess portion25may be provided outside the pack opening portion38(accommodation portion of battery pack14) of the battery pack14in the casing11. If the recess portion25is inside the pack opening portion38of the battery pack14, the battery pack14can be easily detached by a user such that the water stopper32is easily destroyed. In that case, read-out of data by unauthorized tools cannot be prevented. Therefore, the recess portion25is provided outside the pack opening portion38(accommodation portion of battery pack14) of the battery pack14in the casing11. In this manner, the liquid or dust influenced by the negative pressure applied to the casing11can be prevented from intruding from the pack opening portion38that accommodates the battery pack14. Furthermore, since the lid portion27is attached with the plurality of fastening screws57so as not to be detached easily by a user, the mobile terminal apparatus10also includes the tamper resistance to prevent the read-out of data by unauthorized means.

Next, a second embodiment and a third embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12. In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, members same as or similar to those in the flexible circuit board21of the first embodiment will be numbered with the same reference numeral and a description thereof will not be repeated.

Second Embodiment

As illustrated inFIG. 11, a flexible circuit board70according to the second embodiment has a bendable portion71that is a replacement of the bendable portion51of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as in the flexible circuit board21of the first embodiment.

The bendable portion71has a portion72of which a predetermined position of the flexible circuit board70is bent along a thickness direction (arrow C direction (arrow Z direction)). Since the flexible circuit board70has the bendable portion71, the bendable portion71can be bent along the arrangement direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception portion16and the connector portion23.

Third Embodiment

As illustrated inFIG. 12, a flexible circuit board80according to the third embodiment has a bendable portion81that is a replacement of the bendable portion51of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as the flexible circuit board21of the first embodiment.

The bendable portion81has a plurality of portions82of which a predetermined position of the flexible circuit board80waves in parallel to the component mounting surface of the circuit board13, thereby forming a bellows shape.

Since the flexible circuit board80has the bendable portion81, the bendable portion81can be bent along the arrangement direction (arrow A direction (arrow X direction)) of the power reception portion16and the connector portion23. In addition, as the bendable portion81is formed to wave along a surface direction of the circuit board13, it is possible to reduce an occupancy space of the internal portion41of the casing11(refer toFIG. 1).

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 13illustrates a perspective view of a communication antenna unit100according to a fourth embodiment, andFIG. 14illustrates a cross-sectional view of a side surface of the communication antenna unit100viewed from the arrow A direction ofFIG. 13. As illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the communication antenna unit100is an internal portion of the casing11and is particularly stored in a corner portion of the casing11. The corner portion is a side of the arrow E1illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4.

The communication antenna unit100illustrated inFIG. 13includes a support member110made of a resin and a flexible circuit board130. The support member110is attachable to the casing11(refer toFIGS. 3 and 4) by inserting a screw (not illustrated) through an attachment hole111thereof and an engagement claw112. The support member110is capable of supporting the flexible circuit board130in a state of being held in a bent state. The support member110can be molded by injection molding of a resin. However, a material or shape thereof is not particularly limited.

The flexible circuit board130includes an ordinary flexible circuit board having flexibility. As long as a conductor pattern can be formed thereon, it is not particularly limited in type. The flexible circuit board130illustrated inFIG. 15includes a main section131and a protrusion section132in a plan view. The main section131is disposed on a flat portion113(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110. The protrusion portion132is inserted through a support slot114(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110and held in a bent state. The protrusion section132configures a curved section133(also refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) held in a bent state. The curved section133exhibits a cross sectional U shape as illustrated inFIG. 14. Meanwhile, the main section131illustrated inFIG. 15is disposed in the flat portion113(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110and configures a flat plane section134(also refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) adjacent to the curved section133. For having the flexibility, the flexible circuit board130can be easily bent by hand or the like.

Moreover, in the flexible circuit board130, a reinforcement plate120made of the resin is attached. Although the reinforcement plate120covers a portion of the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130and serves to protect the flexible circuit board130, presence or absence of a ground connection, a material, a shape, disposition place and the like are arbitrary matters in design. However, if the flexible circuit board130is attached to the support member110, the curved section133of the flexible circuit board130is in a bent state such that stress is applied also to the flat portion113to cause the flat portion113to be in a bent state. The reinforcement plate120exhibits an effect to maintain flatness of the flat portion113against the stress that causes the flat portion113to be in a bent state.

FIG. 15is an expanded plan view of the flexible circuit board130. In a single flexible circuit board130, the communication antenna and the human body sensor are formed by the conductor pattern thereof, and space-saving for the devices are established. In the flexible circuit board130of the fourth embodiment, there are provided the human body sensor140, a first communication antenna150that transmits and receives the radio wave in a first frequency (for example, 1.9 GHz), and a second communication antenna160that transmits and receives the radio wave in a second frequency (for example, 700 MHz) lower than the first frequency. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the communication antenna includes the first communication antenna150and the second communication antenna160to configure a so-called dual antenna.

The human body sensor140is formed by two conductor patterns such as a first sensor pattern141and a second sensor pattern142that are formed on the flexible circuit board130. The first sensor pattern141and the second sensor pattern142configuring the human body sensor140are substantially formed, that is, a majority thereof is formed on the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130. In a plan view of the flexible circuit board130, the second sensor pattern142is formed to surround a periphery of the first sensor pattern141. In addition, a first human body sensor electrode143is formed on one end of the first sensor pattern141, and a second human body sensor electrode144is formed on one end of the second sensor pattern142.

A specific configuration for the human body sensor140is not particularly limited such that a projection-type electrostatic capacitance sensor may be adopted, or other types of contact (approach) sensors may be adopted as well. However, the human body sensor140of this embodiment is a so-called surface-type electrostatic capacitance sensor. That is, the human body sensor140of this embodiment detects a change in an electric field that is generated when a user approaches or comes into contact with the communication antenna unit100(refer toFIG. 13) of the casing11, thereby detecting the approach or contact of the human body. For further details, a detection circuit and a reference pattern (not illustrated) that are not mounted on the flexible circuit board130are provided, for example, on the circuit board13(refer toFIGS. 3 and 4) accommodated in the casing11or on a sub-circuit board (not illustrated). In addition, the first human body sensor electrode143and the second human body sensor electrode144are respectively connected to the afore-mentioned detection circuit (not illustrated). An electric field between the first sensor pattern141and the reference pattern is compared to an electric field between the second sensor pattern142and the reference pattern, thereby detecting the approach or contact of the human body by a difference in electric field intensity therebetween or a difference in velocity of which the electric fields change.

Detection is carried out using the three patterns as follows. The second sensor pattern142that is provided to surround a majority of a periphery of the first sensor pattern141is formed in a hollow ring shape, one end of which is connected to the second human body sensor electrode144, and the other end of which is disconnected. In contrast, the first sensor pattern141is formed in a closed plane. Areas of those two sensor patterns are designed to be the same as each other. However, due to the difference between shapes thereof, a detection velocity of change in the electrostatic capacitance by the second sensor pattern142is higher than that of the first sensor pattern141, and it is known that the detection intensity is also strong. The difference between the detection velocity and the detection intensity depends on types of materials of a substance that approaches the sensor patterns. That is because relative permittivity in the substance differs depending on the types of materials. In general, it is known that if the relative permittivity is high such as in the human body or a metal, the difference between the detection velocity and detection intensity is large, and if the relative permittivity is low such as in paper or plastic, the difference therebetween is small.

The first communication antenna150that transmits and receives the radio wave in the first frequency (high frequency) is configured by a first antenna conductor pattern151which is formed on the flexible circuit board130. Similar to the human body sensor140, the first antenna conductor pattern151is substantially formed, that is, a majority thereof is formed on the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130and connected to the human body sensor140via a first inductor coil170. Particularly, the first antenna conductor pattern151is connected to the second sensor pattern142of the human body sensor140via the first inductor coil170. The first inductor coil170may be stored in a recess portion (not illustrated) that is provided on the flat portion113(also refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110.

The human body sensor140is basically configured by the first sensor pattern141and the second sensor pattern142. The human body sensor140functions with these two conductor patterns. However, in the fourth embodiment, the first antenna conductor pattern151is connected to the second sensor pattern142via the first inductor coil170, thereby denoting that the first antenna conductor pattern151functions not only as the first communication antenna150which is described above but also as a part of the human body sensor140. Therefore, the human body sensor140is configured by a large conductor pattern including not only the first sensor pattern141and the second sensor pattern142but also the first antenna conductor pattern151, thereby being improved in detection performance thereof.

A self-inductance L1of the first inductor coil170is determined in accordance with a self-resonant frequency of the first inductor coil170. Generally, it is desirable that the self-resonant frequency be selected from sufficiently higher frequency than the frequency used in the first communication antenna150. However, in the actual design, since there are limits in chip size and the like, there is a case where an inductor coil that has a substantially same self-resonant frequency as the frequency used in the first communication antenna. According to the configuration, as described above, the first antenna conductor pattern151functions as a part of the human body sensor140. However, the second sensor pattern142does not function as a communication antenna. That is, the second sensor pattern142only functions as the human body sensor. Accordingly, reduction of a communication signal that is transmitted and received using the first antenna conductor pattern151being mixed into the human body sensor140to exert a negative influence thereon occurs. In place of the first inductor coil170, it is possible to assemble a substance that can be called a reactance element (first reactance element) or a resonant circuit portion. The reactance element can be in a conductor pattern such as a meandered shape.

The second communication antenna160that transmits and receives the radio wave in the second frequency (low frequency) lower than the first frequency is configured by the first antenna conductor pattern151and a second antenna conductor pattern161which are formed on the flexible circuit board130. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the second communication antenna160is configured by the second antenna conductor pattern161that serves to extend an electric circuit length of the first communication antenna150in addition to the first communication antenna150in its entirety. As a result, the second communication antenna160can transmit and receive the radio wave of the second frequency (low frequency) lower than the first frequency, in other words, the radio wave in the second frequency for which a wavelength is longer than the radio wave of the first frequency.

The second antenna conductor pattern161is substantially formed on the protrusion section132of the flexible circuit board130, that is, a majority thereof is formed on the protrusion section132of the flexible circuit board130. The protrusion section132is inserted through a support slot114(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110and held in a bent state to configure the curved section133(also refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) such that the second antenna conductor pattern161is substantially formed, that is, a majority thereof is formed on the curved section133of the flexible circuit board130. InFIG. 14, a width D1of the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130is longer than a width D2of a part that is bent at a position facing the flat plane section134among the curved section133. That is because the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130of the communication antenna unit100is disposed on the rear surface11B side (refer toFIGS. 1,13and14) of the casing11of the mobile terminal apparatus10, and the bent part of the curved section133is disposed on the front surface11A side (also refer toFIG. 1). On the front surface11A side, the display portion12(refer toFIG. 1, for example, LCD, organic EL or the like) with a touch panel is disposed. According to a configuration of the communication antenna unit100described above, it is reduced that a noise generated by the display portion12with a touch panel is mixed from the communication antenna unit100to exert a negative influence on a communication. The display portion12with a touch panel is attached to the opposite side of the circuit board13interposing a metal frame60inFIGS. 13 and 14. The metal frame60is effective in intercepting a noise from the display portion12. Therefore, an influence of a noise from the display portion12on the flat portion113of the flexible circuit board130of the communication antenna unit100that is disposed on the rear surface11B side of the casing11is reduced.

Returning toFIG. 15, in the fourth embodiment, the first antenna conductor pattern151and the second antenna conductor pattern161are connected to each other by the second inductor coil180, thereby configuring the second communication antenna160. According to the configuration, only the first antenna conductor pattern is adopted when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the first frequency (high frequency). Both the first antenna conductor pattern151and the second antenna conductor pattern161are adopted when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the second frequency (low frequency). The second inductor coil180may be stored in the recess portion (not illustrated) that is provided on the flat portion113(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110.

As described above, the width D1of the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130is longer than the width D2of the part that is bent at the position facing the flat plane section134among the curved section133(refer toFIG. 14). Since only the first antenna conductor pattern151is adopted when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the first frequency (high frequency), a transmission radio wave in the first frequency (high frequency) is radiated only from the flat plane section134(also refer toFIGS. 13 to 15) of the flexible circuit board130. In contrast, since both the first antenna conductor pattern151and the second antenna conductor pattern161are adopted when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the second frequency (low frequency), a transmission radio wave in the second frequency (low frequency) is radiated from both the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130and the curved section133(also refer toFIGS. 13 to 15).

Accordingly, a transmission radio wave of the first frequency (high frequency) is not radiated, but is radiated only when transmitting the radio wave of the second frequency (low frequency) from the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130. Then, when transmitting the radio wave of the second frequency (low frequency), the radio wave is radiated not only from the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130but also from the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13 to 15), that is, the flat portion113. Therefore, radiant energy density per unit area of the transmission radio wave is suppressed at a low level. In addition, since there is little plane part in the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130, intensity of the transmission radio wave from this part is low. That is, even though a human body approaches to or comes into contact with the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130, there is no need to lower the intensity of the transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body sensor140to detect a approach of contact of a human body with respect to the second antenna conductor pattern161is not provided on the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14), that is, the protruding section132of the flexible circuit board130.

In contrast, when transmitting the radio wave of the first frequency (high frequency), the radio wave is radiated only from the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130, that is, the flat portion113(refer toFIGS. 13 to 15). Therefore, the radiant energy density per unit area of the transmission radio wave cannot be suppressed at a low level. In addition, since there is more of a plane part in the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13 to 15) of the flexible circuit board130than the curved section133, the intensity of the transmission radio wave therefrom is high. That is, if a human body approaches or comes into contact with the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130, there is a need to lower the intensity of the transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body sensor140to detect an approach or contact of a human body with respect to the first antenna conductor pattern151is provided on the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13 to 15) of the flexible circuit board130. However, the above-described relationship between a shape of the antenna and intensity of the transmission radio wave is the same in a case where one communication antenna pattern is formed over the flat plane section134and the curved section133. Even in that case, the human body sensor140can be provided only in the flat plane section134.

As described above, according to the configuration of the fourth embodiment, there is provided the human body sensor adjacent to the flat plane section of the communication antenna, of which the intensity of the transmission radio wave needs to be lowered when a human body approaches thereto or comes into contact therewith such that it is possible to suppress an influence of a communication electromagnetic wave on a human body while suppressing deterioration in communication quality to a minimum.

A self-inductance L2of the second inductor coil180is not particularly limited. In addition, in order to improve antenna characteristics of the first communication antenna150that is adopted when transmitting and receiving a radio wave of the first frequency (high frequency), there is a need to devise a way so as to cause an antenna electric current (electric current contributed for radiation of radio wave) of the first communication antenna150not to flow to the second antenna conductor pattern161side. In this case, in place of the second inductor coil180, an LC parallel resonant circuit consisting of a parallel circuit having a coil and a capacitor is adopted, such that it is possible to prevent the electric current of the frequency corresponding to the self-resonant frequency of both of the coil and capacitor from flowing to the second antenna conductor pattern161side. That is, a connection between the first antenna conductor pattern151and the second antenna conductor pattern161may be either the single inductor coil or the LC parallel resonant circuit. That is, in this location, in place of the second inductor coil180, it is possible to assemble a component that can be called the reactance element or the resonant circuit portion.

The reactance element can be in a conductor pattern such as the meandered shape. In this case, at least either of the first antenna conductor pattern151and the second antenna conductor pattern161is configured in the meander-shaped conductor pattern, thereby being directly connected to the other. In addition, as in the fourth embodiment, the first antenna conductor pattern151and the second antenna conductor pattern161may be connected not only in series but also in parallel when viewed from the antenna electrode152. In this manner, it is not necessary to dispose the first communication antenna150adopted when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the first frequency (high frequency), that is, the first antenna conductor pattern151on the flat plane section134as in the fourth embodiment, and thus, it is possible to be disposed on the protrusion section132. In other words, the first antenna conductor pattern151can be disposed on the curved section133of the fourth embodiment. In this case, the second antenna conductor pattern161is disposed on the flat plane section134of the fourth embodiment.

Moreover, as described above, the first antenna conductor pattern151that functions as the first communication antenna150is connected to the second sensor pattern142via the first inductor coil170. As described above, the first antenna conductor pattern151that is connected to the sensor pattern142is connected to the second antenna conductor pattern161via the second inductor coil180(the second reactance element). This indicates that not only the first antenna conductor pattern151but also the second antenna conductor pattern161certainly functions as the above-described second communication antenna160and also functions as a part of the human body sensor140. Therefore, the human body sensor140is configured to have a large conductor pattern including not only the first sensor pattern141and the second sensor pattern142but also the first antenna conductor pattern151and the second antenna conductor pattern161, thereby further improving the detection performance thereof.

For more detail, as similar to the human body sensor140, the first antenna conductor pattern151is substantially formed, that is, a majority part thereof is formed on the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130and is connected to second sensor pattern142of the human body sensor140via the first inductor coil170. As described above, it is known that the detection velocity of change in the electrostatic capacitance by the second sensor pattern142is higher than that of the first sensor pattern141and the detection intensity is also large. The conductor pattern of the communication antenna is connected to the second sensor pattern142and is not connected to the first sensor pattern141via the first inductor coil170(the first reactance element), and thus, it is possible to detect the approach or contact of a human body with respect to the communication antenna fast. In a case where the second antenna conductor pattern and the second sensor pattern are adjacent to each other by changing the patterns of the above-described communication antennas, the patterns may be connected to each other via the first inductor coil (the first reactance element).

According to the fourth embodiment, the second antenna conductor pattern161is substantially formed on the curved section133of the flexible circuit board130. The first antenna conductor pattern151and the human body sensor140are substantially formed on the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130which is adjacent to the curved section133. The curved section133is extended from a surface where the flat plane section134exists at different heights (height in a vertical direction ofFIG. 14) exhibiting a cross-sectional U shape. In this configuration, without degrading each performance of the dual antenna and the human body sensor, it is possible that the communication antenna unit100is designed particularly in a small space in a plane direction, thereby being disposed inside the casing11.

The communication antenna unit100according to the fourth embodiment is disposed inside the casing11so as to cause the first communication antenna150and the second communication antenna160to be disposed at a position closer to the corner portion of the casing11than the human body sensor140is disposed. That is, an E1side inFIGS. 3 and 4to13becomes a side adjacent to the corner portion of the casing11, and an E2side becomes a side close to the center of one edge of the casing11away from the corner portion of the casing11. According to the disposition, the human body sensor140can be disposed being closer to the center side being in a frequent contact with a human body than the corner portion of the casing11, and thus, it is possible to improve the detection sensitivity of the human body sensor140with respect to a human body.

In addition, as described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the first antenna conductor pattern151that is disposed at the corner portion of the casing11functions not only as the first communication antenna150but also as a part of the human body sensor140. Therefore, for example, even if the human body sensor140is away from the corner portion of the casing11, the approach or contact of a human body with respect to the corner portion can be precisely detected.

FIG. 16illustrates a schematic view of an electric circuit of the communication antenna unit100according to the fourth embodiment. According to the fourth embodiment, the communication antenna, particularly the first communication antenna150, is connected to a capacitor190via the antenna electrode152and further connected to a transmission and reception module192that is stored inside the casing11. Although it is not illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, the transmission and reception module192is, for example, an LTE module and can be disposed on the circuit board13ofFIGS. 3 and 4. In addition, the capacitor190can be disposed anywhere between the flexible circuit board21and the transmission and reception module192, for example. The transmission and reception module192according to the fourth embodiment may be replaced with a transmission and reception circuit, for example, which is disposed on the circuit board13or on different circuit board (not illustrated). Moreover, among the transmission and reception circuits, a part of a matching circuit that is the closest to the capacitor190may be disposed at a different place with respect to different transmission and reception circuit. That is, the capacitor190and the matching circuit may be disposed on a sub-circuit board (not illustrated) and a different transmission and reception circuit may be disposed on the circuit board13.

An electrostatic capacity C of the capacitor190illustrated inFIG. 16is not particularly limited from a viewpoint of an antenna matching circuit. The electrostatic capacity C is determined from a viewpoint of securing the performance of the human body sensor140. A capacitor190exclusively allowing the electric current of the frequency that is used in the first communication antenna150and the second communication antenna160to pass through and exclusively blocking the electric current of the frequency that is used in the human body sensor140is selected. A voltage applied to the human body sensor fluctuates in accordance with the change of the electrostatic capacity. The frequency of the electric current generated at the fluctuation of the voltage is extremely low compared to the frequency used in the first communication antenna150and the second communication antenna160. Having such a configuration, since the electric current of the direct-current component is necessary for the human body sensor140is secured, the human body sensor140functions effectively.

In addition, according to the fourth embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 17A, the first antenna conductor pattern151(the first communication antenna150) and the human body sensor140are disposed at a position closer to the opposite surface of a surface where the display portion12of the casing11is disposed than the second antenna conductor pattern161is disposed. That is, the surface where the display portion12is disposed is the front surface11A, and the first antenna conductor pattern151(first communication antenna150) and the human body sensor140are disposed on the rear surface11B side which is the opposite side thereof.

That is, since the rear surface11B is frequently exposed to the approach and contact of a user when in use, it is possible to enhance the detection sensitivity by disposing the human body sensor140close to the rear surface. Even in a disposition as inFIG. 17Bthat is a reversed disposition ofFIG. 17A, the communication antenna unit100of the fourth embodiment performs its function. However, the disposition ofFIG. 17Ais more preferable than the disposition ofFIG. 17Bfrom a viewpoint of improvement of detecting the approach and contact of a human body.

According to the fourth embodiment described above, the dual antenna including two communication antennas is provided on the communication antenna unit100. However, even if there is provided with a single communication antenna, a configuration may be adopted in which the communication antenna and the human body sensor140are formed by the conductor pattern of the single circuit board and the both are connected to each other by the inductor coil. Moreover, the communication antenna may be disposed at a position closer to the corner portion of the casing11than the human body sensor140. Even in this configuration, it is possible to dispose the human body sensor140and the communication antenna inside the limited narrow space by the single circuit board without degrading the communication performance or the performance to detect the approach or contact of a human body with respect to the communication antenna, thereby achieving both miniaturization and functional maintenance in the apparatus.

In addition, the flexible circuit board130of the communication antenna unit100according to the fourth embodiment includes the cross-sectional U-shaped curved section133, and each of the electric current flowing in the first antenna conductor pattern151and the second antenna conductor pattern161is in a reverse phase to be counter-balanced with each other in a state of being attached to the casing11. Therefore, there is a concern that the advantage of the antenna may be degraded. However, according to the fourth embodiment, the curved section is caused to be in a U shape so that a certain interval (for example, approximately 10 mm) between the first antenna conductor pattern151and the second antenna conductor pattern161can be maintained. Accordingly, the concern of performance degradation in such a dual antenna can be dispelled. Naturally, since there is no need for concern, the range of interval is not particularly limited.

Moreover, in the communication antenna unit100according to the fourth embodiment, the so-called matching circuit (the capacitor190and the inductor coil that are provided in accordance with necessity) is disposed in the internal portion of the casing11to be provided on the circuit board13to which the communication antenna unit100is connected or on a different circuit board (not illustrated). However, naturally, such a matching circuit is allowed to be mounted on the flexible circuit board130.

In the fourth embodiment, the second antenna conductor pattern161is substantially formed in the curved section133of the flexible circuit board130that is held in the bent state by the support member110, and the first antenna conductor pattern151and the human body sensor140are formed on the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130adjacent to the curved section133. Meanwhile, the first antenna conductor pattern of the high frequency side can be substantially formed on the curved section133of the flexible circuit board130, and the second antenna conductor pattern of the low frequency side and the human body sensor140are formed on the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130. Even in this configuration, it is possible to dispose the components by the space-saving design without degrading each performance of the so-called dual antenna and the human body sensor.

In addition, the fourth embodiment is an example in which the communication antenna unit100is provided with the first communication antenna150, the second communication antenna160and the human body sensor140. However, another example can be considered in which the human body sensor140is not provided, the second antenna conductor pattern161is substantially formed in the curved section133of the flexible circuit board130, and the first antenna conductor pattern151is formed in the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130. From a viewpoint of increasing communication standards and carrier frequencies, it is possible to achieve a further space-saving design even in this configuration.

Moreover, in the fourth embodiment, the description is given regarding a configuration in which the communication antenna unit100includes the flexible circuit board130having flexibility and the support member110supporting the flexible circuit board130in the state of being held in the bent state. However, it is possible to adopt different configurations. That is, according to a technology of forming a metal thin film on a surface of the support member110, the communication antennas150and160and the human body sensor140are directly formed in the support member110without passing through the flexible circuit board130. In this case, the support member110itself becomes the single circuit board having the communication antennas150and160and the human body sensor140.

Fifth Embodiment

Here, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 13,14,16and17as used in the fourth embodiment and with reference toFIG. 18in place ofFIG. 15used in the fourth embodiment. In a flexible circuit board130A inFIG. 18according to the fifth embodiment, contrary to the fourth embodiment, there are provided the human body sensor140, a first communication antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a first frequency (for example, 700 MHz), and a second communication antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a second frequency (for example, 1.9 GHz) higher than the first frequency. A first antenna conductor pattern151A, a second antenna conductor pattern161A and a second inductor coil180A configure a so-called dual antenna by which the radio waves in the first frequency and the second frequency can be transmitted and received. The operation of the human body sensor140is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, and its description is omitted in description of this embodiment.

In the fifth embodiment, the first antenna conductor pattern151A and the second antenna conductor pattern161B are connected via the second inductor coil180. A second communication antenna that transmits and receives the radio waves in the first frequency (low frequency) or the second frequency (high frequency) is configured by the first antenna conductor pattern151A, the second antenna conductor pattern161A and the second inductor coil180A which are formed on the flexible circuit board130A. The second antenna conductor pattern161A is designed to have a resonant frequency being equal to the second frequency (high frequency), and is designed to have a value which is obtained by multiplying (for example, two times) a resonant frequency of a part in which the first antenna conductor pattern151A and the second inductor coil180A are combined, being equal to the second frequency (high frequency). In addition, it is designed that the resonant frequency of a part in which the first antenna conductor pattern151A and the second inductor coil180A are combined becomes the first frequency (low frequency). Accordingly, a part which contributes the transmission and reception of the radio waves in the first frequency (low frequency) is the first antenna conductor pattern151A, the second inductor coil180A and a part of the second conductor pattern161A which serves as a feeding path. The part of the second conductor pattern161A indicates an area of a line connecting the antenna electrode152and a connection point of the second inductor coil180A by which the second conductor pattern161A and the first conductor pattern151A are connected, and a vicinity area on the second conductor pattern161A on the both sides. Moreover, a part which contributes the transmission and reception of the radio waves in the second frequency (high frequency) is a whole of the first antenna conductor pattern151A, the second antenna conductor pattern161A and the second inductor coil180A.

Similar to the human body sensor140, the second antenna conductor pattern161A is substantially formed, that is, a majority thereof is formed on the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130A and connected to the human body sensor140via the first inductor coil170. Particularly, the second antenna conductor pattern161A is connected to the second sensor pattern142of the human body sensor140via the first inductor coil170. The first inductor coil170may be stored in a recess portion (not illustrated) that is provided on the flat portion113(also refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110.

The human body sensor140is basically configured by the first sensor pattern141and the second sensor pattern142. The human body sensor140functions with these two conductor patterns. However, in the fifth embodiment, the second antenna conductor pattern161A is connected to the second sensor pattern142via the first inductor coil170, thereby denoting that the second antenna conductor pattern161A functions not only as the second communication antenna which is described above but also as a part of the human body sensor140. Therefore, the human body sensor140is configured by a large conductor pattern including not only the first sensor pattern141and the second sensor pattern142but also the second antenna conductor pattern161A, thereby being improved in detection performance thereof.

A self-inductance L1of the first inductor coil170is determined in accordance with a self-resonant frequency of the first inductor coil170. Generally, it is desirable that the self-resonant frequency be selected from sufficiently higher frequency than the frequency used in the first communication antenna. However, in the actual design, since there are limits in chip size and the like, there is a case where an inductor coil that has a substantially same self-resonant frequency as the frequency used in the first communication antenna. According to the configuration, as described above, the second antenna conductor pattern161A functions as a part of the human body sensor140. However, the second sensor pattern142does not function as a communication antenna. That is, the second sensor pattern142only functions as the human body sensor. Accordingly, reduction of a communication signal that is transmitted and received using the second antenna conductor pattern161A being mixed into the human body sensor140to exert a negative influence thereon occurs. In place of the first inductor coil170, it is possible to assemble a substance that can be called a reactance element (first reactance element) or a resonant circuit portion. The reactance element can be in a conductor pattern such as a meandered shape.

The first antenna conductor pattern151A is substantially formed on the protrusion section132of the flexible circuit board130A, that is, a majority thereof is formed on the protrusion section132of the flexible circuit board130A. The protrusion section132is inserted through a support slot114(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110and held in a bent state to configure the curved section133(also refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) such that the first antenna conductor pattern151A is substantially formed, that is, a majority thereof is formed on the curved section133of the flexible circuit board130A. InFIG. 14, a width D1of the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130A is longer than a width D2of a part that is bent at a position facing the flat plane section134among the curved section133. That is because the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130A of the communication antenna unit100is disposed on the rear surface11B side (refer toFIGS. 1,13and14) of the casing11of the mobile terminal apparatus10, and the bent part of the curved section133is disposed on the front surface11A side (also refer toFIG. 1). On the front surface11A side, the display portion12(refer toFIG. 1, for example, LCD, organic EL or the like) with a touch panel is disposed. According to a configuration of the communication antenna unit100described above, it is reduced that a noise generated by the display portion12with a touch panel is mixed from the communication antenna unit100to exert a negative influence on a communication. The display portion12with a touch panel is attached to the opposite side of the circuit board13interposing a metal frame60inFIGS. 13 and 14. The metal frame60is effective in intercepting a noise from the display portion12. Therefore, an influence of a noise from the display portion12on the flat portion113of the flexible circuit board130A of the communication antenna unit100that is disposed on the rear surface11B side of the casing11is reduced. The second inductor coil180A may be stored in the recess portion (not illustrated) that is provided on the flat portion113(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110.

As described above, the width D1of the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130is longer than the width D2of the part that is bent at the position facing the flat plane section134among the curved section133(refer toFIG. 14). The first antenna conductor pattern151A and the second inductor coil180A are mainly adopted and the second antenna conductor pattern161A functions as feeding line mainly when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the first frequency (low frequency). Namely, most of the transmission radio waves in the first frequency (low frequency) is radiated from the curved section133(also refer toFIGS. 13,14and18) of the flexible circuit board130A. In contrast, both the first antenna conductor pattern151A and the second antenna conductor pattern161A are adopted together with the second inductor coil180A when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the second frequency (high frequency). Namely, transmission radio waves in the second frequency (high frequency) is radiated from both the flat plane section134and the curved section133of the flexible circuit board130A (also refer toFIGS. 13,14and18).

Accordingly, a transmission radio wave of the first frequency (low frequency) is radiated with little energy, but is radiated when transmitting the radio wave of the second frequency (high frequency) from the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130A. Then, when transmitting the radio wave of the second frequency (high frequency), the radio wave is radiated not only from the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130A but also from the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13,14and18), that is, the flat portion113. Therefore, radiant energy density per unit area of the transmission radio wave is suppressed at a low level. In addition, since there is little plane part in the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130A, intensity of the transmission radio wave from this part is low. That is, even though a human body approaches to or comes into contact with the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130A, there is no need to lower the intensity of the transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body sensor140to detect a approach of contact of a human body with respect to the second antenna conductor pattern161A is not provided on the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14), that is, the protruding section132of the flexible circuit board130A.

In contrast, since there is more of a plane part in the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13,14and18) of the flexible circuit board130A than the curved section133, the intensity of the transmission radio wave therefrom is high. That is, if a human body approaches or comes into contact with the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130A, there is a need to lower the intensity of the transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body sensor140to detect an approach or contact of a human body with respect to the first antenna conductor pattern151A is provided on the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13,14and18) of the flexible circuit board130A. However, the above-described relationship between a shape of the antenna and intensity of the transmission radio wave is the same in a case where one communication antenna pattern is formed over the flat plane section134and the curved section133. Even in that case, the human body sensor140can be provided only in the flat plane section134.

Sixth Embodiment

Here, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 13,14,16and17as used in the fourth and fifth embodiments and with reference toFIG. 19in place ofFIG. 18used in the fifth embodiment. In a flexible circuit board130B inFIG. 19according to the sixth embodiment, as in the fifth embodiment, there are provided the human body sensor140, a first communication antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a first frequency (for example, 700 MHz), and a second communication antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a second frequency (for example, 1.9 GHz) higher than the first frequency. A first antenna conductor pattern151B, a second antenna conductor pattern161B and a second inductor coil180B configure a so-called dual antenna by which the radio waves in the first frequency and the second frequency can be transmitted and received. The operation of the human body sensor140is the same as that of the fourth embodiment, and its description is omitted in description of this embodiment.

The sixth embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment that the first antenna conductor pattern151B is connected to the second sensor pattern142via the first inductor coil170B, thereby denoting that the first antenna conductor pattern151B functions not only as the first and second communication antennas which are described above but also as a part of the human body sensor140. Therefore, the human body sensor140is configured by a large conductor pattern including not only the first sensor pattern141and the second sensor pattern142but also the first antenna conductor pattern151B, thereby being improved in detection performance thereof. The first inductor coil170B may be stored in the recess portion (not illustrated) that is provided on the flat portion113(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the support member110. The other elements are common to those in the fourth and fifth embodiments, and the detailed description is omitted.

Seventh Embodiment

Here, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 13,14,16and17as used in the fourth embodiment and with reference toFIG. 20in place ofFIG. 15used in the fourth embodiment. In a flexible circuit board130C inFIG. 20according to the seventh embodiment, contrary to the fourth embodiment, there are provided the human body sensor140, a first communication antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a first frequency (for example, 700 MHz), and a second communication antenna that transmits and receives the radio wave in a second frequency (for example, 1.9 GHz) higher than the first frequency. A first antenna conductor pattern151C, a second antenna conductor pattern161C and a second inductor coil180C configure a so-called dual antenna by which the radio waves in the first frequency and the second frequency can be transmitted and received. The seventh embodiment is different from the fourth and fifth embodiments in that the first antenna conductor pattern151C is disposed only in the flat plane section134of a flexible circuit board130C, and the second antenna conductor pattern161C is disposed along the protrusion section132and the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130C. In addition, the seventh embodiment is different from the fourth embodiment, but similar to the fifth embodiment in that the first antenna conductor pattern151C is connected to the second sensor pattern142via a first inductor coil170C, thereby denoting that the second antenna conductor pattern161C functions not only as the first and second communication antennas which are described above but also as a part of the human body sensor140. Therefore, the human body sensor140is configured by a large conductor pattern including not only the first sensor pattern141and the second sensor pattern142but also the first antenna conductor pattern151C, thereby being improved in detection performance thereof.

As described above, the width D1of the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130C is longer than the width D2of the part that is bent at the position facing the flat plane section134among the curved section133(refer toFIG. 14). The first antenna conductor pattern151C and the second inductor coil180C are mainly adopted and the second antenna conductor pattern161C functions as feeding line mainly when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the first frequency (low frequency). Namely, most of the transmission radio waves in the first frequency (low frequency) is radiated from the flat plane section134(also refer toFIGS. 13,14and20) of the flexible circuit board130C. In contrast, both the first antenna conductor pattern151C and the second antenna conductor pattern161C are adopted together with the second inductor coil180C when transmitting and receiving the radio wave of the second frequency (high frequency). Namely, transmission radio waves in the second frequency (high frequency) is radiated from both the flat plane section134and the curved section133of the flexible circuit board130C (also refer toFIGS. 13,14and20).

Accordingly, a transmission radio wave of the first frequency (low frequency) is radiated with little energy, but is radiated when transmitting the radio wave of the second frequency (high frequency) from the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130C. Then, when transmitting the radio wave of the second frequency (high frequency), the radio wave is radiated not only from the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130C but also from the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13,14and20), that is, the flat portion113. Therefore, radiant energy density per unit area of the transmission radio wave is suppressed at a low level. In addition, since there is little plane part in the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130C, intensity of the transmission radio wave from this part is low. That is, even though a human body approaches to or comes into contact with the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14) of the flexible circuit board130C, there is no need to lower the intensity of the transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body sensor140to detect a approach of contact of a human body with respect to the second antenna conductor pattern161C is not provided on the curved section133(refer toFIGS. 13 and 14), that is, the protruding section132of the flexible circuit board130C.

In contrast, since there is more of a plane part in the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13,14and20) of the flexible circuit board130C than the curved section133, the intensity of the transmission radio wave therefrom is high. That is, if a human body approaches or comes into contact with the flat plane section134of the flexible circuit board130C, there is a need to lower the intensity of the transmission radio wave. Therefore, the human body sensor140to detect an approach or contact of a human body with respect to the first antenna conductor pattern151C is provided on the flat plane section134(refer toFIGS. 13,14and20) of the flexible circuit board130C. However, the above-described relationship between a shape of the antenna and intensity of the transmission radio wave is the same in a case where one communication antenna pattern is formed over the flat plane section134and the curved section133. Even in that case, the human body sensor140can be provided only in the flat plane section134. The other elements are common to those in the fourth to sixth embodiments, and the detailed description is omitted.

Alternatively, the shape of the first antenna patter151C may be a wide pattern as illustrated inFIG. 21instead of a narrow pattern as illustrated inFIG. 20.

The mobile terminal apparatus according to the aspects of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments such that it is possible for the mobile terminal apparatus to be appropriately changed or improved. For example, the shape or configuration of the mobile terminal apparatus, the casing, the display portion, the circuit board, the battery pack, the power reception portion, the power feeding portion, the flexible circuit board, the connector portion, the recess portion, the through hole, the waterproof member, the hole portion, the water stopper, the power reception terminal, the bendable portion and the like which are used in the First Embodiment to the Third Embodiment is not limited to the examples such that it is possible to be appropriately changed. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the Fourth Embodiment such that it is possible to be appropriately changed or improved. In addition, material, shape, size, value, form, numbers, arrangement location and the like of each of configuration elements in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be acquired, thereby not being limited.

According to the present invention, since there is provided a technology for disposing a communication antenna and the human body sensor inside a limited space without degrading a communication performance or a performance of detecting an approach or contact of the human body, it is possible to provide a compact and high-performance mobile terminal apparatus. In addition, the present invention is suitable to be applied to a mobile terminal apparatus in which a circuit board is provided in a casing, a battery pack is accommodated adjacent to the circuit board, and a power feeding portion of the battery pack is connected to a power reception portion inside the casing.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priorities of Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2012-276226 and 2012-276227, both filed on Dec. 18, 2012, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.