Chassis structure for portable electronic devices

Abstract

A chassis structure is disclosed. A chassis includes a plate-like body in which a foam layer is located between a pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates, and a frame body formed of a thermoplastic resin and joined to a peripheral portion of the plate-like body. The plate-like body is configured such that its peripheral portion is formed by an ear-like joint portion where the pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates are joined together without the foam layer located therebetween, thereby sealing the foam layer inside the pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates. The frame body is joined to the plate-like body in a state where the frame body is in contact with the joint portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A chassis comprising:
 a plate-like body having a foam layer located between a pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates; and   a frame body formed of a thermoplastic resin and joined to a peripheral portion of said plate-like body, wherein said plate-like body is configured such that said peripheral portion of said plate-like body is formed by an ear-like joint portion where said pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates are joined together without said foam layer located therebetween, thereby sealing said foam layer inside said pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates, wherein said frame body is joined to said plate-like body in a state where said frame body is in contact with said joint portion.   
     
     
         2 . The chassis of  claim 1 , wherein
 said joint portion has a flat plate portion along an outer surface of said chassis; and   said frame body is joined to an inner surface of said flat plate portion.   
     
     
         3 . The chassis of  claim 2 , wherein said flat plate portion extends to an edge of at least a part of said chassis. 
     
     
         4 . The chassis of  claim 3 , wherein said joint portion has a bent portion formed by bending said flat plate portion at said edge of said chassis, wherein said frame body is joined to an inner surface of said bent portion. 
     
     
         5 . The chassis of claim L, wherein each fiber-reinforced resin plate contains a carbon fiber. 
     
     
         6 . The chassis of  claim 1 , wherein said foam layer has a planar shape whose external shape is smaller than each fiber-reinforced resin plate, and is disposed inward of peripheral portions of said pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates. 
     
     
         7 . The chassis of  claim 1 , wherein said frame body is joined to said plate-like body by injection-molding said thermoplastic resin. 
     
     
         8 . A portable electronic device comprising:
 a body having a keyboard; and   a lid containing a display, wherein said lid includes
 a plate-like body having a foam layer located between a pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates; and 
 a frame body formed of a thermoplastic resin and joined to a peripheral portion of said plate-like body, wherein said plate-like body is configured such that said peripheral portion of said plate-like body is formed by an ear-like joint portion where said pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates are joined together without said foam layer located therebetween, thereby sealing said foam layer inside said pair of fiber-reinforced resin plates, wherein said frame body is joined to said plate-like body m a state where said frame body is in contact with said joint portion.