Abstract:
A portable terminal device having: a circuit board having electronic component mounted thereon; a frame for receiving said circuit board therein; a reinforcement member in contact with the frame and for reinforcing the frame; and a cover fitted to the frame. For the device, improvement in the rigidity of the frame can prevent its breakage and resulting kinks or bends of the circuit board, and thus improve reliability of the microconnection between the electronic component and circuit board.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to reinforcement of the structures of portable terminal devices, such as a PC (personal computer) card.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    [0002]FIG. 15 shows a perspective exploded view of a conventional PC card during assembly thereof, as an example of conventional portable terminal devices. Reference numeral  1  indicates a top cover with holes  7   a  to  7   d  formed therethrough. Reference numeral  3  indicates a connector for connection to external equipment, reference numeral  4  indicates a circuit board having connector  3  attached thereto, and reference numeral  5  indicates a frame for receiving circuit board  4  therein. Reference numerals  6   a  to  6   d  indicate bosses provided at the positions corresponding to respective holes  7   a  to  7   d , and reference numeral  8  indicates a fitting part for receiving connector  3  therein. Reference numeral  9  indicates a bottom cover fitting to frame  5  and reference numeral  10  indicates an adhesive tape for bonding bottom cover  9  and frame  5  together and provided on the bottom cover so as to substantially correspond to the shape of frame  5 . Reference numerals  11   a  to  11   d  indicate screws for securing top cover  1  and frame  5  together. The steps taken in assembling the PC card are described below. 1) Fit circuit board  4  having connector  3  attached thereto into frame  5  so that fitting part  8  receives connector  3  as shown in FIG. 16. 2) Fit top cover  1  to frame  5  so that holes  7   a  to  7   d  correspond to bosses  6   a  to  6   d , respectively. Then secure top cover  1  to frame  5  using screws  11   a  to  11   d.  3) Bond adhesive tape  10  to frame  5  so that bottom cover  9  is fitted and secured to frame  5  on the opposite side of top cover  1 . The PC card constructed as above is connected to electronic equipment such as a personal computer via connector  3  to impart user&#39;s intended value-added functions to the electronic equipment, or to be used as external memory means. Moreover, being portable, such a PC card can be used for the electronic equipment at anytime and any place, both indoors and outdoors, with the above-mentioned functions imparted. PC cards must have a mechanical strength sufficient to resist external force applied thereto when used or carried. Since recent higher packaging density of electronic component has necessitated extremely minuscule connection between electronic component and a circuit board, PC cards are desired to have higher mechanical strength. The present invention aims to provide a portable terminal device in which reinforcement of its frame prevents breakage of the frame as well as resulting kinks and bends of its circuit board and improves reliability in microconnection between its electronic component and circuit board.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The portable terminal device of the present invention has a circuit board having electronic component mounted thereon, a frame for receiving the circuit board therein, a reinforcement member in contact with and for reinforcing the frame, and a cover fitted to the frame. Since the reinforcement member supports the frame, shocks to the frame, kinks and bends of the circuit board, force applied to the connection between the electronic component and the circuit board are reduced when the portable terminal device undergoes external force. Therefore, such a structure can provide a portable terminal device with improved mechanical strength and reliability of connection between its electronic component and circuit board. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0004]    [0004]FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a portable terminal device in accordance with exemplary Embodiment  1  of the present invention during assembly thereof.  
         [0005]    [0005]FIG. 2 shows the portable terminal device of FIG. 1 with its top cover taken away.  
         [0006]    [0006]FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a portable terminal device in accordance with exemplary Embodiment  2  of the present invention during assembly thereof.  
         [0007]    [0007]FIG. 4 shows the portable terminal device of FIG. 3 with its top cover taken away.  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of a portable terminal device in accordance with exemplary Embodiment  3  of the present invention during assembly thereof.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 6 shows the portable terminal device of FIG. 5 with its top cover taken away.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of a portable terminal device in accordance with exemplary Embodiment  4  of the present invention during assembly thereof.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 8 shows the portable terminal device of FIG. 7 with its top cover taken away.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 9 is a perspective exploded view of a portable terminal device in accordance with exemplary Embodiment  5  of the present invention during assembly thereof.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of a portable terminal device in accordance with exemplary Embodiment  7  of the present invention during assembly thereof.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 11 shows the portable terminal device of FIG. 10 with its top cover taken away.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 12 shows another example of the portable terminal device of FIG. 11.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded view of a portable terminal device in accordance with exemplary Embodiment  8  of the present invention during assembly thereof.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 14 is a perspective exploded view of a portable terminal device in accordance with exemplary Embodiment  9  of the present invention during assembly thereof.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 15 is a perspective exploded view of a conventional portable terminal device during assembly thereof.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 16 shows the portable terminal device of FIG. 15 with its top cover taken away. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter demonstrated with reference to FIG. 1 to  14 . In these drawings, same members are denoted with the same reference numerals and same descriptions are omitted for simplicity.  
         [0021]    (Embodiment 1)  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 shows the structure of a PC card, as an example of a portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Reference numeral  21  indicates a top cover having holes  27   a  to  27   d  formed therethrough. Reference numeral  23  indicates a connector for connection to external equipment, reference numeral  24  indicates a circuit board having connector  23  attached thereto, and reference numeral  25  indicates a frame for receiving circuit board  24  therein. Reference numerals  26   a  to  26   d  indicate bosses provided at the positions corresponding to respective holes  27   a  to  27   d , and reference numeral  28  indicates a fitting part for receiving connector  23  therein. Reference numeral  29  indicates a bottom cover fitting to frame  25  and reference numeral  30  indicates an adhesive tape for bonding bottom cover  29  and frame  25  together and provided on bottom cover  29  so as to substantially correspond to the shape of frame  25 . Reference numerals  31   a  to  31   d  indicate screws for securing top cover  21  and frame  25  together. Reference numeral  32  indicates a reinforcement member and reference numeral  33   a  indicates a wall folded downwardly from reinforcement member  32 . At the position symmetrical to this wall  33   a , wall  33   b  of the same shape as wall  33   a  is provided. These walls  33   a  and  33   b  are structured so as to be in contact with the inner walls of frame  25  when reinforcement member  32  is fitted into frame  25 . FIG. 2 shows the PC card with its top cover taken away. The steps taken in assembling the PC card are described below. 1) Fit circuit board  24  having connector  23  attached thereto into frame  25  so that fitting part  28  receives connector  23 . Then fit reinforcement member  32  into frame  25  so that walls  33   a  and  33   b  of reinforcement member  32  are placed on outer edges of circuit board  24  and in contact with the inner walls of frame  25  as shown FIG. 2. 2) Fit top cover  21  to frame  25  so that holes  27   a  to  27   d  correspond to bosses  26   a  to  26   d , respectively. Then secure top cover  21  and frame  25  together using screws  31   a  to  31   d.  3) Bond adhesive tape  30  to frame  25  so that bottom cover  29  is fitted and secured to frame  25  on the opposite side of top cover  21 . The PC card constructed as above is connected to electronic equipment such as a personal computer via connector  23  to impart user&#39;s intended value-added functions to the electronic equipment, or to be used as external memory means. Moreover, being portable, this PC card can be used for the electronic equipment at anytime and any place, both indoors and outdoors, with the above-mentioned functions imparted. Since reinforcement member  32  supports frame  25 , the mechanical strength of frame  25  has improved more than the initial one. When external force applied to the PC card is within the mechanical strength of frame  25  supported by reinforcement member  32 , the influence of the external force can be suppressed by the frame  25  supported by reinforcement member  32 . Therefore, frame  25  will not be bent or kinked and circuit board  24  within frame  25  can be protected. As mentioned above, the structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment  1  can improve the rigidity of frame  25  and minimize the influence of external force on circuit board  24 . Thus breakage of the connection between electronic component and circuit board  24  is prevented and a portable terminal device with high reliability can be provided. The shapes of the reinforcement member are not limited to that described in this embodiment. The shapes including the sizes and positions of the portions in contact with the frame can arbitrarily be selected as long as the shapes are effective in implementation of the invention. It is apparent that the same effect can be obtained by this invention not only in a PC card but also in a portable terminal device with the similar structure. The method of securing top cover  21  and bottom cover  29  to frame  25  is not limited to that described in this embodiment. Fitting to frame  25  by heat welding or using lugs projecting from frame  25  can be used.  
         [0023]    (Embodiment 2)  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3 shows the structure of a PC card, as an example of a portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Reference numerals  34   a  to  34   d  indicate arms to be sandwiched between top cover  21  and frame  25  when top cover  21  and frame  25  are secured together using screws  31   a  to  31   d . FIG. 4 shows the PC card with its top cover taken away. The steps taken in assembling the PC card are described below. 1) Fit circuit board  24  having connector  23  attached thereto into frame  25  so that fitting part  28  receives connector  23  therein. Then fit reinforcement member  32  into frame  25  so that walls  33   a  and  33   b  of reinforcement member  32  are placed on outer edges of circuit board  24  and in contact with the inner walls of frame  25 . In this condition, arms  34   a  to  34   d  are at the positions to be sandwiched between frame  25  and top cover  21  as shown in FIG. 4. 2) Fit top cover  21  to frame  25  so that holes  27   a  to  27   d  correspond to bosses  26   a  to  26   d , respectively. Then secure top cover  21  and frame  25  together using screws  31   a  to  31   d . At this time, arms  34   a  to  34   d  are sandwiched between top cover  21  and frame  25 . 3) Fix bottom cover  29  in a manner similar to that of Embodiment 1. Since reinforcement member  32  supports the frame by being sandwiched between frame  25  and top cover  21  as well as using walls  33   a  and  33   b  thereof, the mechanical strength of frame  25  has improved more than the initial one. When external force is applied to the PC card, circuit board  24  within frame  25  is protected in a manner similar to that of Embodiment 1. As mentioned above, the structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 2 allows further improvement in the rigidity of frame  25 ; thus a portable terminal device with higher reliability can be provided. In addition to this embodiment, any portion of reinforcement member  32  can support circuit board  24 . As mentioned in Embodiment 1, the shapes of the reinforcement member are not limited to that described in this embodiment.  
         [0025]    (Embodiment 3)  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5 shows the structure of a PC card, as an example of a portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment  3  of the present invention. Reference numeral  22  indicates an area-coupling-component, such as CSP (chip size package) and BGA (ball grid array), mounted on circuit board  24 . FIG. 6 shows the PC card with its top cover taken away. The steps taken in assembling the PC card are described below. 1) Fit circuit board  24  having area-coupling-component  22  and connector  23  attached thereto into frame  25  so that fitting part  28  receives connector  23 . 2) Fit reinforcement member  32  to frame  25  so that reinforcement member  32  covers area-coupling-component  22  and walls  33   a  and  33   b  are placed on the outer edges of circuit board  24  and in contact with the inner walls of frame  25 . In this condition, arms  34   a  to  34   d  are placed on frame  25  as shown in FIG. 6. 3) Thereafter, follow the same steps taken in Embodiment 2. When external force is applied to the PC card, circuit board  24  within frame  25 , especially the portion around area-coupling-component  22  is securely protected in a manner similar to that of Embodiment 2. As mentioned above, the structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment  3  improves the rigidity of frame  25  and also minimizes the influence of external force on area-coupling-component  22 ; thus breakage of the microconnection is prevented and a portable terminal device with higher reliability can be provided. Shown in this embodiment is an example of placing reinforcement member  32  over area-coupling-component  22 . However, the reinforcement member can be placed over the surroundings of area-coupling-component  22  including a portion just under the component on the opposite face of circuit board  24 . In addition to this embodiment, any portion of reinforcement member  32  can support circuit board  24 . As mentioned in Embodiment 1, the shapes of the reinforcement member are not limited to that described in this embodiment.  
         [0027]    (Embodiment 4)  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 7 shows the structure of a PC card, as an example of a portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Reference numerals  50   a  to  50   d  indicate holes provided through reinforcement member  32  and at positions corresponding to holes  27   a  to  27   d  through top cover  21  and bosses  26   a  to  26   d  in frame  25 , respectively. FIG. 8 shows the PC card with its top cover taken away. The steps taken in assembling the PC card are described below. 1) Fit circuit board  24  having connector  23  attached thereto into frame  25  so that fitting part  28  receives connector  23  therein. 2) Fit reinforcement member  32  to frame  25  so that walls  33  a and  33   b  of reinforcement member  32  are placed on the outer edges of circuit board  24  and in contact with the inner walls of frame  25 , and at the same time, bosses  26   a  to  26   d  in frame  25  correspond to holes  50   a  to  50   d , respectively. FIG. 8 shows the PC card in this condition. 3) Fit top cover  21  to frame  25  so that holes  27   a  to  27   d  correspond to holes  50   a  to  50   d , respectively. Then secure top cover  21  and frame  25  together using screws  31   a  to  31   d.  4) As for bottom cover  29 , follow the same steps taken in Embodiment 1. Since frame  25  and reinforcement member  32  are mechanically secured each other, the strength of frame  25  has improved more than the initial one. When external force applied to the PC card is within the mechanical strength of frame  25  integral with reinforcement member  32 , the influence of the external force can be suppressed by the frame  25  integral with reinforcement member  32 . Therefore, frame  25  will not be bent or kinked by greater external force and circuit board  24  within frame  25  can be protected. As mentioned above, the structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 4 drastically improves the rigidity of frame  25  and further reduces the influence of external force on circuit board  24 ; thus a portable terminal device with high reliability can be provided in a manner similar to that of Embodiment 1. Shown in this embodiment is an example of reinforcement member  32  secured by the screws. However, any securing method other than screws, such as fitting frame  25  by heat welding or with lugs projecting from frame  25 , can be used instead. In addition to this embodiment, any portion of reinforcement member  32  can support circuit board  24 . As mentioned in Embodiment 1, the shapes of the reinforcement member are not limited to that described in this embodiment.  
         [0029]    (Embodiment 5)  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 9 shows the structure of a PC card, as an example of a portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Reference numerals  60   a  to  60   d  indicate holes provided through circuit board  24  and at positions corresponding to respective bosses  26   a  to  26   d  in frame  25 . The steps taken in assembling the PC card are described below. 1) Fit circuit board  24  having connector  23  attached thereto into frame  25  so that fitting part  28  receives connector  23  therein and holes  60   a  to  60   d  correspond to bosses  26   a  to  26   d  in frame  25 , respectively. 2) Fit reinforcement member  32  to frame  25  so that walls  33   a  and  33   b  of reinforcement member  32  are placed on the outer edges of circuit board  24  and in contact with the inner walls of frame  25 , and at the same time, holes  60   a  to  60   d  in circuit board  24  correspond to holes  60   a  to  50   d , respectively. 3) Fit top cover  21  to frame  25  so that holes  27   a  to  27   d  correspond to holes  50   a  to Sod, respectively. Then secure top cover  21  and frame  25  together using screws  31   a  to  31   d.  4) As for bottom cover  29 , follow the same steps taken in Embodiment 1. Since frame  25 , reinforcement member  32 , and circuit board  24  are mechanically secured in this embodiment, the strength of frame  25  has improved than the initial one. When external force applied to the PC card is within the mechanical strength of frame  25  integral with reinforcement member  32  and circuit board  24 , the influence of the external force can be suppressed by frame  25 . Therefore, frame  25  and circuit board  24  will not be bent or kinked by much greater external force and circuit board  24  within frame  25  can be protected. As mentioned above, the structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 5 can drastically reduce the influence of external force on circuit board  24 ; thus a portable terminal device with high reliability can be provided in a manner similar to that of Embodiment 1. Shown in this embodiment is an example of circuit board  24  and reinforcement member  32  secured by screws. However, any securing method other than screws, such as fitting frame  25  by heat welding or with lugs projecting from frame  25 , can be used instead. As mentioned in Embodiment 1, the shapes of the reinforcement member are not limited to that described in this embodiment.  
         [0031]    (Embodiment 6)  
         [0032]    Examples of the structure of a terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 6 are not illustrated. Providing a metallic reinforcement member in the devices in accordance with Embodiments 1 to 5 drastically improves the mechanical strength of reinforcement member  32  itself; therefore the mechanical strength of frame  25  supported by metallic reinforcement member  32  has improved more than the initial one thereof. The structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 6 can provide a portable terminal device with much higher reliability.  
         [0033]    (Embodiment 7)  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 10 shows the structure of a PC card, as an example of a portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Reference numeral  40  indicates a drawn part formed on metallic reinforcement member  32  by drawing. FIG. 11 shows the PC card with its top cover taken away. FIG. 12 shows another example of a PC card with its top cover taken away. Reference numeral  41  indicates a space provided in reinforcement member  32 . In assembling the PC card, follow the same steps taken in Embodiment 2. Drawn part  40  has imparted to metallic reinforcement member  32  a strength improved more than that metallic reinforcement member  32  originally has; therefore the mechanical strength of frame  25  supported by reinforcement member  32  has improved more than the initial one thereof. When external force is applied to the PC card, circuit board  24  within frame  25  is protected in a similar manner to that of Embodiment 2. In addition, the structure shown in FIG. 12 is effective in reducing the weight of the portable terminal device itself by space  41 . As mentioned above, the structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 7 can improve the rigidity of frame  25  and further reduce the influence of external force on circuit board  24 ; thus a portable terminal device with much higher reliability can be provided. Moreover, placing space  41  in the reinforcement member can provide a light and easy-to-use portable terminal device. In addition to this embodiment, any portion of reinforcement member  32  can support circuit board  24 . As mentioned in Embodiment 1, the shapes of the reinforcement member are not limited to that described in this embodiment.  
         [0035]    (Embodiment 8)  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 13 shows the structure of a PC card, as an example of a portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 8 of the present invention. Reference numerals  70   a  and  70   b  indicate fixing slots provided in circuit board  24  at positions in proximity of area-coupling-component  22  and having a configuration so as to receive respective walls  33   a  and  33   b  of reinforcement member  32  into the corresponding fixing slots at the same time. Provided around the fixing slots is copper foil for soldering. The steps taken in assembling the PC card are described below. 1) Insert walls  33   a  and  33   b  of metallic reinforcement member  32  into fixing slots  70   a  and  70   b  in circuit board  24 , respectively. The PC card is structured so that area-coupling-component  22  is covered by reinforcement member  32  at that time. In this condition, fix walls  33   a  and  33   b  and the portion on circuit board  24  around fixing slots  70   a  and  70   b  together by soldering. At this time, walls  33   a  and  33   b  may be soldered to the ground patterns on circuit board  24 . 2) Fit circuit board  24  integral with metallic reinforcement member  32  into frame  25  so that connector  23  is fitted in fitting part  28 . In this condition, arms  34   a  to  34   d  are at the positions to be sandwiched between frame  25  and top cover  21 . 3) Thereafter, follow the steps completely same as those taken in Embodiment 2. Since circuit board  24  and metallic reinforcement member  32  are mechanically secured together, the strength of circuit board  24  has improved more than the initial one. Moreover, since circuit board  24  and metallic reinforcement member  32  integral with each other support frame  25 , the mechanical strength of frame  25  has improved more than the initial one. When external force applied to the PC card is within the mechanical strength of frame  25  supported by integrated circuit board  24  and metallic reinforcement member  32 , the influence of the external force can be suppressed by the frame  25 . Therefore, frame  25  will not be bent or kinked by much greater external force and circuit board  24  within frame  25  can be protected. As mentioned above, the structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 8 can drastically improve the rigidity of frame  25  and further reduce the influence of external shocks on circuit board  24 . Especially, the structure allows secure protection of the surroundings of area-coupling-component  22 ; thus a portable terminal device with higher reliability can be provided. In this embodiment, the device is structured to have arms  34   a  to  34   d  sandwiched between top cover  21  and frame  25 . However, the device can be structured so that walls  33   a  and  33   b  are simply soldered to fixing slots  70   a  and  70   b  in circuit board  24 , respectively, without arms  34   a  to  34   d . Thus the mechanical strength of circuit board  24  integral with metallic reinforcement member  32  improves more than that of circuit board  24  itself. Consequently, when external force applied to the PC card is within the mechanical strength of circuit board  24  integral with metallic reinforcement member  32 , the influence of the external force can be suppressed. Shown in this embodiment is an example of placement of reinforcement member  32  covering area-coupling-component  22 . The reinforcement member can be placed over the surroundings of area-coupling-component  22  including a portion just under the component on the opposite face of circuit board  24 . As mentioned in Embodiment 1, the shapes of the reinforcement member are not limited to that described in this embodiment.  
         [0037]    (Embodiment 9)  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 14 shows the structure of a PC card, as an example of a portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 9 of the present invention. Reference numerals  33   a  to  33   d  indicate walls folded downwardly from the portions other than arms  34   a  to  34   d  of metallic reinforcement member  32 . Reference numerals  80   a  to  80   d  indicate fixing slots provided in circuit board  24  at positions surrounding area-coupling-component  22  and having a configuration so as to receive walls  33   a  to  33   d  of reinforcement member  32  into the corresponding fixing slots at the same time. Reference numerals  81   a  to  81   d  indicate ground patterns exposed on circuit board  24  around respective fixing slots  80   a  to  80   d . The steps taken in assembling the PC card are described below. 1) Insert walls  33   a  to  33   d  of metallic reinforcement member  32  into fixing slots  80   a  to  80   d  in circuit board  24 , respectively. The PC card is structured so that reinforcement member  32  covers area-coupling-component  22  at this time. In this condition, fix walls  33   a  to  33   d  and the ground patterns  81   a  to  81   d  on circuit board  24  together by soldering. 2) Fit circuit board  24  integral with metallic reinforcement member  32  into frame  25  so that connector  23  is fitted in fitting part  28 . In this condition, arms  34   a  to  34   d  are at the positions to be sandwiched between frame  25  and top cover  21 . 3) Thereafter, follow the steps completely same as those taken in Embodiment 2. When external force is applied to the PC card, frame  25  will not be bent or kinked even by greater force and circuit board  24  within frame  25  can be protected. Metallic reinforcement member  32  connected to ground patterns  81   a  to  81   d  also serve as a shield. In other words, high-frequency waves and the like emitting from the outside of the portable terminal device or on circuit board  24  are transferred to ground patterns  81   a  to  81   d  through metallic reinforcement member  32 . Similarly, high-frequency emissions from area-coupling-component  22  are transferred to ground patterns  81   a  to  81   d . Thus the reinforcement member prevents malfunctions and deterioration of the functions caused by parasitic emission. As mentioned above, the structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 9 can further reduce the influence of external force on circuit board  24 , securely protect the portion especially around area-coupling-component  22 , and moreover provide an effective countermeasure against parasitic emission. Therefore, a portable terminal device having high mechanical strength and functional reliability can be provided. A plurality of walls can be provided in metallic reinforcement member  32  and a plurality of fixing slots and ground patterns corresponding to the respective walls can be provided on circuit board  24  to divide metallic reinforcement member  32  into a plurality of compartments. In this embodiment, the device is structured to have arms  34   a  to  34   d  sandwiched between top cover  21  and frame  25 . However, the device can be structured so that walls  33   a  to  33   d  are simply soldered to fixing slots  80   a  to  80   b  in circuit board  24 , respectively, without arms  34   a  to  34   d . In addition, metallic reinforcement member  32  can be placed over the surroundings of area-coupling-component  22  including a portion just under the component on the opposite face of circuit board  24 . As mentioned in Embodiment 1, the shapes of the reinforcement member are not limited to that described in this embodiment.  
         [0039]    (Embodiment 10)  
         [0040]    Examples of the structure of a terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 10 are not illustrated. In this embodiment, the structure is similar to that of Embodiment 9 except that top cover  21  is made of metal. In assembling and using the PC card of such a structure, follow the steps taken in Embodiment 9. When external force is applied to the PC card, circuit board  24  within frame  25  is protected in a manner completely similar to that of Embodiment 8. Moreover, metallic reinforcement member  32  connected to ground patterns  81   a  to  81   d  also serve as a shield. In other words, high frequency waves and the like emitting from the outside of the portable terminal device or on circuit board  24  is transferred to ground patterns  81   a  to  81   d  through metallic reinforcement member  32 , and to metallic top cover  21  via arms  34   a  to  34   d . Similarly, high-frequency emission from area-coupling-component  22  is transferred to ground patterns  81   a  to  81   d , and to metallic top cover  21  via and arms  34   a  to  34   d . Thus this structure further prevents malfunctions and deterioration of the functions caused by parasitic emission. As mentioned above, the structure of the portable terminal device in accordance with Embodiment 10 can further reduce the influence of external shocks on circuit board  24 , especially protect the surroundings of area-coupling-component  22  securely, and moreover provide an effective countermeasure against parasitic emission. Therefore, a portable terminal device having high mechanical strength and functional reliability can be provided. Like Embodiment 9, a plurality of walls can be provided in metallic reinforcement member  32  and a plurality of fixing slots and ground patterns corresponding to the respective walls can be provided on circuit board  24  to divide metallic reinforcement member  32  into a plurality of compartments. Metallic reinforcement member  32  can be placed over the surroundings of area-coupling-component  22  including a portion just under the component on opposite face of circuit board  24 . As means for making contact between metallic top cover  21  and reinforcement member  32 , another metallic member can be used. As mentioned in Embodiment 1, the shapes of the reinforcement member are not limited to that described in this embodiment.