JP2003045597A - Hinge connector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive connector with high reliability, with respect to electrical and mechanical connections. SOLUTION: A first connector 1 comprises a plurality of first connector pieces 10, and the first connector pieces 10 are equipped with a synthetic resin retaining plate 12, and a contact 11 that is arranged at the center of a semi-circular portion of the retaining plate 12 in a condition of free flexion at one end. A second connector 2 comprises a plurality of second connector pieces 20, the second connector pieces 20 are equipped with a synthetic resin retaining plate 22, and a contact 21 that is arranged at the center of a semi-circular portion of the retaining plate 22 at one end. The retaining plate 12 of the first connector 1 and the retaining plate 22 of the second connector 2 are arranged in first and second cases 51 and 52, under the conditions that the centers of the semi-circular portions of both retaining plates 12 and 22 be positioned in an axial direction of rotation of the first and second cases 51 and 52, and that one end of the contact 11 be brought into elastic contact with one end of the contact 21.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a hinge connector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A hinge connector of this type is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 52, a first case 51 and a second case 5 rotatably connected via a hinge portion 53.
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been provided one for making an electrical connection between circuit boards 54 and 55 housed in the inside of the unit 2.

This hinge connector is used for each circuit board 54,
Connectors 56 and 57 to be soldered to 55 are composed of flexible boards 58 provided at both ends, and are housed in the hinge section 53 in a state where the middle section of the flexible board 58 is wound once. First case 51 and second case 5
When opening and closing 2, the flexible substrate 5
Although a force to bend the flexible substrate 58 is applied, the flexible substrate 58 has an intermediate portion wound and has a dimensional margin, so that the flexible substrate 58 is not damaged.

[0004]

In the hinge connector having the above construction, the circuit board 54 and the circuit board 55 are connected via the connectors 56 and 57 and the flexible board 58, and both are connected via a plurality of parts. Since the circuit boards 54 and 55 are electrically connected, there is a problem that reliability of electrical and mechanical connection is lowered, and the number of parts is large, resulting in high cost. Further, since the circuit boards 54, 55 are electrically connected via the connectors 56, 57 and the flexible board 58, the circuit boards 54, 55 can be easily separated by connecting the circuit boards 54, 55 at one end. However, there is a problem that the operation test cannot be performed for each of the circuit boards 54 and 55.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hinge connector which is highly reliable in electrical and mechanical connection and is inexpensive.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, in the invention of claim 1, the first and second cases housed inside the first and second cases rotatably connected to each other, respectively. A hinge connector for electrically connecting between the circuit boards, the first connector on the contact side electrically connected to the first circuit board and the receiving side electrically connected to the second circuit board And a first body made of a synthetic resin having a first arc portion whose planar shape is formed in an arc shape, and the first connector is made of a conductive material having elasticity. And a first contact having one end flexibly arranged at a center position of the first arc portion and the other end electrically connected to the first circuit board. The connector has a second arc portion whose planar shape is an arc shape. A second body made of synthetic resin and a second contact whose one end is arranged at the center of the second arc portion and whose other end is electrically connected to the second circuit board; The center position of the first arc portion of the first connector and the center position of the second arc portion of the second connector are arranged side by side in the rotation axis direction of the first and second cases, The first and second connectors are arranged in the first and second cases, respectively, with one end of the contact elastically contacting one end of the second contact. Since the center position of the arc portion and the center position of the second arc portion of the second connector are arranged side by side in the rotation axis direction of the first and second cases, the first case is Even if it rotates relative to the case,
One end of the first contact may be kept in elastic contact with one end of the second contact, and the first and second circuit boards may be electrically connected via the first and second connectors. it can. Moreover, the space between the first and second circuit boards is the first
And the second contact is only electrically connected, the number of components interposed between the first and second circuit boards can be reduced, and the reliability of electrical and mechanical connection is improved. Also, the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. Furthermore, the first and second contacts are only in elastic contact with each other, so that the first and second circuit boards have a first contact.
The first and second connectors can be easily separated even when the first and second connectors are attached to each other, and the operation of the circuit can be performed with the first and second circuit boards separated from each other. You can check it.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the hinge portion for rotatably connecting the first and second cases is constituted by the first and second connectors. By using the hinge portion for the first and second connectors as well, the number of parts can be reduced and cost can be reduced.

According to the invention of claim 3, in the invention of claim 1, the other ends of the first and second contacts are respectively
It is characterized in that it is elastically contacted with the conductive portions provided on the first and second circuit boards, and has the same effect as the invention of claim 1.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, fixing fittings for fixing the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards, respectively, are provided. In addition to the effects of the inventions of items 1 to 3, the fixing metal fitting can increase the coupling force of the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge connector for electrically connecting the first and second circuit boards housed inside the first and second cases rotatably connected to each other. , A contact-side first connector electrically connected to the first circuit board and a receiving-side second connector electrically connected to the second circuit board. The connector is formed of a synthetic resin first body and a conductive material having elasticity, is electrically connected to the first circuit board, is held by the first body, and protrudes from the first body. The second connector has a columnar second body,
Formed on the circumferential surface of the second body along the circumferential direction,
Equipped with a conductive contact electrically connected to the circuit board of
A state in which the central axis of the second body is substantially aligned with the rotational axis centers of the first and second cases, and the tip ends of the contacts of the first connector are elastically contacted with the current-carrying contact parts of the second connector. Then, the first and second connectors are arranged in the first and second cases, respectively, and the central axis of the second body is substantially coincident with the rotational axis center of the first and second cases. Since the first case is rotated relative to the second case, the contact of the first connector and the one end of the current-carrying contact portion contact of the second connector are arranged in this state. The elastic contact state can be maintained, and the first and second circuit boards can be electrically connected via the first and second connectors. Moreover, since the first and second circuit boards are electrically connected to each other only through the contacts and the current-carrying contact portions, the number of parts interposed between the first and second circuit boards is reduced. In addition, the reliability of electrical and mechanical connection is improved, and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. Furthermore, since the contacts of the first connector and the current-carrying contact portions of the second connector only make elastic contact with each other, even when the first and second connectors are attached to the first and second circuit boards, respectively, First and second
The connector can be easily separated, and the operation check of the circuit and the like can be performed in a state where the first circuit board and the second circuit board are separately separated.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the fifth aspect of the invention, there are provided fixing fittings for fixing the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards, respectively.
In addition to the action of the invention of claim 5, the fixing member can increase the coupling force of the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
It will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the hinge connector A according to the present embodiment is applied to an electric device having first and second cases 51 and 52 rotatably connected via a hinge portion 53. A first connector 1 on a connection side (male side) that is used and is electrically and mechanically connected to a first circuit board (hereinafter, abbreviated as circuit board) 54 housed in a first case 51. , A receiver electrically and mechanically connected to a second circuit board (hereinafter abbreviated as circuit board) 55 housed in the second case 52 and detachably connected to the first connector 1. Side (female side) second connector 2.

The first connector 1 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of thin plate-shaped first connector pieces 10 are configured by being overlapped and connected in the thickness direction, and are mounted along a portion of the circuit board 54 facing the hinge portion 53 (FIG. 1). reference). Each connector piece 10 is a thin plate-like holding plate 12 made of an insulating synthetic resin.
A first contact (hereinafter abbreviated as contact) 1 formed of a conductive material having elasticity on the (first body) 1
1 is formed by insert molding.

The contact 11 is formed by punching out the metal hoop material 60 as shown in FIG.
1a and side pieces 11b and 11c projecting in opposite directions from both ends of the central piece 11a are formed in a substantially Z shape, and after resin-molding to insert-mold the holding plate 12, a connecting piece 61 is used. It is separated into each one by cutting. The one side piece 11b of the contact 11 is arranged so as to extend substantially parallel to the circuit board 54.
A soldering piece 11d, which is electrically connected to a terminal portion (not shown) provided on the circuit board 54, is continuously and integrally formed at the tip of the side 1b. A projecting piece 11e that projects to the outside is provided. A substantially circular elastic contact portion 11f is continuously and integrally formed at the tip of the other side piece 11c. The central part of the elastic contact part 11f is
As shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 4C, it is projected from one surface side in the thickness direction to the other surface side.

On the other hand, the holding plate 12, as shown in FIG.
The contact 12 includes a base portion 12a that covers the central piece 11a and the side piece 11b, and a guide portion 12b that covers the side piece 11c of the contact 11. The base portion 12a is formed in a substantially T shape, and a pair of fitting protrusions 12c, 12c protruding toward the adjacent holding plate 12 side is formed on one surface.
And a pair of fitting holes 12 into which the fitting projections 12c and 12c of the adjacent holding plates 12 are fitted, respectively.
d and 12d are formed. The guide portion 12b is formed in a shape such that a semicircular arc portion (first arc portion) is connected to one side of the rectangle. A substantially circular through hole 12e is provided at the center of the semicircular portion of the guide portion 12b, and the elastic contact portion 11f of the contact 11 is arranged in the through hole 12e. Further, the guide portion 12b is provided with a rectangular communication hole 12f which communicates with the through hole 12e, and the side piece 11c of the contact 11 is provided in the communication hole 12f.
Is arranged, and the guide portion 12b on the side piece 11c is arranged.
The elastic contact portion 11f has the guide portion 1 with the protruding portion from
It is flexible in the thickness direction of 2b.

The first connector piece 10 has the structure as described above, and the first connector 1 is constructed by connecting a plurality of first connector pieces 10 in the thickness direction so as to overlap each other (FIG. 2). (See (a) to (c)). Then, each connector piece 1 is inserted into a through hole (not shown) formed in the circuit board 54.
No. 1 protrusion piece 11e is inserted and soldered, and the soldering piece 11d is soldered to the terminal portion (not shown) formed on the circuit board 54.
Connector 1 is mounted. The thickness of the base 12a is approximately twice the thickness of the guide 12b, and the surface of the guide 12b where the elastic contact portion 11f of the contact 11 is exposed is lower than the surface of the base 12a. Has become. The surface opposite to the guide portion 12b is the base portion 12
It is substantially flush with the surface of a. Thus, when a plurality of holding plates 12 are connected, a gap is formed between the adjacent guide portions 12b.

On the other hand, the second connector 2 is constructed by stacking a plurality of thin plate-shaped second connector pieces 20 in the thickness direction and connecting them, as shown in FIG. (See FIGS. 1 and 8 to 11). Each connector piece 20 is insert-molded with a thin holding plate 22 (second body) made of an insulating synthetic resin, and a second contact (hereinafter abbreviated as contact) 21 made of a conductive material. Formed.

The contact 21 is formed by punching out a metal hoop material 62 as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b) to form a fixed piece 21a extending substantially parallel to the circuit board 55 and one end of the fixed piece 21a. An extending piece 21b extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the fixed piece 21a, and a substantially L-shaped conductive pattern portion 21c extending continuously and integrally from the tip of the extending piece 21b.
And are continuously formed integrally. From the other end of the fixed piece 21a, a terminal portion (not shown) provided on the circuit board 55
A soldering piece 21d which is to be soldered to is continuously and integrally extended, and a protruding piece 21 which is soldered to a through hole (not shown) provided in the circuit board 55 is provided at an intermediate portion of the fixing piece 21a.
e is projected. In addition, a substantially circular hit portion 21f is formed at the tip of the conductive pattern portion 21c. The contacts 21 are separated one by one by punching the metal hoop material 62, then resin-molding the holding plate 22 to insert-mold it, and cutting it with the connecting pieces 63.

On the other hand, the holding plate 22 covers the portions of the fixed piece 21a and the extended piece 21b of the contact 21 in the base portion 2.
2a and the conductive pattern portion 21c of the contact 21
22 for holding the portion of the sheet exposed on the surface
and b. The base 22a is provided with a pair of fitting protrusions 22c, 22c protruding from one surface facing each other in the thickness direction, and the fitting protrusion 22 of the holding plate 22 adjacent to the other surface.
Fitting recesses 22d and 22d for fitting with c and 22c, respectively
Are formed. In addition, the guide portion 22b is formed in a planar shape such that a semicircular arc portion (second arc portion) is connected to one side of the rectangle, and the contact portion 21 of the guide portion 22b is in contact with the contact point 21 at the center of the semicircular portion. The part 21f is arranged.

The second connector piece 20 has the structure as described above, and the second connector 2 is constructed by stacking and connecting a plurality of second connector pieces 20 in the thickness direction (FIG. 5). (See (a) and (b)). Then, each connector piece 20 is inserted into a through hole (not shown) formed in the circuit board 55.
The second connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 55 by inserting and soldering the projecting piece 21e of the above, and soldering the soldering piece 21d to the wiring pattern (not shown) formed on the circuit board 55. (FIGS. 1 and 8 to 11)
reference). The thickness of the base portion 22a is approximately twice as large as the thickness of the guide portion 22b, and the surface of the guide portion 22b from which the contacted portion 21f of the contact 21 is exposed is lower than the surface of the base portion 22a. Has become. The surface on the opposite side of the guide portion 22b is substantially flush with the surface of the base portion 22a. Thus, when a plurality of holding plates 22 are connected, a gap is formed between the adjacent guide portions 22b.

Here, the circuit board 54 on which the connector 1 is mounted is attached to the first case 51, and the circuit board 55 on which the connector 2 is mounted is attached to the second case 52. When the second case 52 is connected via the hinge portion 53, the first case 51 and the second case 52 are rotatably connected via the hinge portion 53. At this time, the center positions of the semicircular portions of the holding plates 12 and 22 of the first and second connectors 1 and 2 are arranged at the rotation center of the hinge portion 53, and the elastic members provided on the contacts 11 of the first connector 1 are arranged. The contact portion 11f and the elastic contact portion 21f provided on the contact 21 of the second connector 2 are arranged at the center of rotation of the hinge portion 53. Therefore, when the first case 51 rotates relative to the second case 52, the holding plate 12 of the first connector 1 is semicircular with the relative rotation of the first case 51. Although it rotates about the center position of the portion, the elastic contact portion 11f of the first connector 1 and the elastic contact portion 21f of the second connector 2 are arranged at the rotation center of the hinge portion 53, so Within the rotation range of the cases 51, 52, the electrical connection between the elastic contact portion 11f of the contact 11 and the elastic contact portion 21f of the contact 21 is maintained, and both circuit boards 54,
55 are electrically connected.

In the hinge connector A of this embodiment, the first connector 1 is mounted on the circuit board 54 and the second connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 55.
By fitting the plurality of second connector pieces 20 forming the second connector 2 into the gaps formed between the plurality of first connector pieces 10 forming the first connector 1, respectively, The elastic contact portion 11f of the connector 1 and the elastic contact portion 21f of the second connector 2 are electrically connected. Thus, even after the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are once connected, the second connector 2 can be removed from between the plurality of first connector pieces 10 forming the first connector 1. It is possible to easily separate the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 by pulling out the plurality of second connector pieces 20 constituting the first connector 1. Therefore, both circuit boards 54,
The operation test of each of the circuit boards 54 and 55 can be performed by itself in a state where 55 is separated separately. Further, between the two circuit boards 54, 55 is electrically connected via the contact 11 of the first connector 1 mounted on the circuit board 54 and the contact 21 of the second connector 2 mounted on the circuit board 55. Since the number of parts interposed between the two circuit boards 54 and 55 is smaller than that of the conventional hinge connector, the reliability of electrical connection and mechanical connection is improved, and the number of parts is further reduced. By doing so, cost reduction can be achieved.

In this embodiment, the first connector piece 10
Viewed from the circuit board 54 side, the elastic contact portion 11f is projected on the right side surface of the guide portion 20b, and the second connector piece 20 is hit on the left side surface of the guide portion 30b when viewed from the circuit board 55 side. Although the contact portion 21f is arranged, the elastic contact portion 11
The arrangement of the f and the contacted portion 21f is not intended to be limited to the above positions, and as shown in FIGS.
When the first connector piece 10 is viewed from the circuit board 54 side, the elastic contact portion 11f is projected on the left side surface of the guide portion 20b, and the second connector piece 20 is viewed from the circuit board 55 side, the right side of the guide portion 30b. It goes without saying that the hit-contacted portion 21f may be arranged on the surface.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

The hinge connector A of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a) to (c), it is used in an electric device having first and second cases 51 and 52 that are rotatably connected via a hinge portion 53. The connection side (male side) first connector 1 electrically and mechanically connected to the housed circuit board 54, and the second case 5
And a second connector 2 on the receiving side (female side) that is electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board 55 housed in the second connector 2 and is detachably connected to the first connector 1. .

As shown in FIGS. 21 to 24, the first connector 1 is constructed by stacking a plurality of thin plate-shaped first connector pieces 10 in the thickness direction and connecting them, and faces the hinge portion 53. It is mounted along the side edge of the circuit board 54. Each connector piece 10 is formed by insert-molding a contact 11 made of a conductive material having elasticity on a thin holding plate 12 made of synthetic resin having an insulating property.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the holding plate 12 has a base portion 12a formed in an elongated flat plate shape, and a base portion 1
It is configured by a disc-shaped guide portion 12b in which a part of the peripheral surface is connected to one end portion in the longitudinal direction of 2a. The contact 11 is insert-molded on the holding plate 12, and the base 12
The soldering piece 11d of the contact 11 projects from the other end of the a in the longitudinal direction, and the projecting piece 11e of the contact 11 projects from the surface of the base 12a facing the circuit board 54. An extension piece 11g of the contact 11 is exposed on one surface of the guide portion 12b from a connection portion with the base portion 12a to a central portion of the guide portion 12b, and a substantially circular elastic contact is made at a tip portion of the extension piece 11g. The part 11f is formed. Here, the thickness of the base portion 12a is formed to be approximately twice the thickness dimension of the guide portion 12b, and the surface of the guide portion 12b where the extending piece 11g of the contact 11 is exposed is the base portion 12a.
It is one step lower than the surface of. In addition, the guide portion 12
The surface opposite to b is substantially flush with the surface of the base 12a.

A substantially circular through hole 12e is formed in the central portion of the guide portion 12b so as to surround the elastic contact portion 11f of the contact 11, and an extension piece 11g of the contact 11 extends from the central portion of the guide portion 12b. A rectangular communication hole 12f continuous with the through hole 12e is provided so as to surround the extending piece 11g toward the intermediate portion of the above. Thus, the elastic contact portion 11f of the contact 11 is flexible in the thickness direction of the guide portion 12b with the protruding portion of the extending piece 11g from the guide portion 12b as a fulcrum.
Note that the center of the elastic contact portion 11f is projected from the one surface side in the thickness direction to the other surface side, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (b) and (c), it projects from the surface of the guide portion 12b.

The first connector piece 10 has the structure as described above, and the projecting piece 11e of each connector piece 10 is inserted into a through hole (not shown) formed in the circuit board 54 for soldering. By soldering the soldering pieces 11d of the respective connector pieces 10 to the terminal portions (not shown) formed on the circuit board 54, a circuit is formed with a plurality of first connector pieces 10 stacked in the thickness direction. It is mounted on the substrate 54. Since the thickness dimension of the guide portion 12b of the first connector piece 10 is smaller than the thickness dimension of the base portion 12a, when a plurality of the first connector pieces 10 are stacked in the thickness direction, they are arranged. A gap is formed between the adjacent guide portions 12b.

On the other hand, the second connector 2 comprises a plurality of thin plate-shaped second connector pieces 2 as shown in FIGS.
It is configured by overlapping and connecting 0 in the thickness direction, and is mounted along the side edge of the circuit board 54 facing the hinge portion 53. Each connector piece 20 is formed by insert-molding a contact 21 made of a conductive material on a thin holding plate 22 made of an insulating synthetic resin.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the holding plate 22 has a base portion 22a formed in an elongated flat plate shape, and a base portion 2
It is configured by a disc-shaped guide portion 22b in which a part of the peripheral surface is connected to one end portion in the longitudinal direction of 2a. The contact 21 is insert-molded on the holding plate 22, and the base 22
The soldering piece 21d of the contact 21 projects from the other end of the a in the longitudinal direction, and the projecting piece 21e of the contact 21 projects from the surface of the base 22a facing the circuit board 55. Further, the extending piece 21g of the contact 11 is exposed on one surface of the guide portion 22b from the connecting portion with the base portion 22a to the central portion of the guide portion 22b.
An approximately circular hit portion 21f is formed at the tip of the.
The thickness of the base portion 22a is approximately twice the thickness of the guide portion 22b, and the surface of the guide portion 22b from which the extending piece 21g of the contact 21 is exposed is the base portion 22.
It is one step lower than the surface of a, and the surface on the opposite side of the guide portion 22b is substantially flush with the surface of the base portion 12a.

Here, the first connector constituting the first connector 1
The base portion 12a of the connector piece 10 and the base portion 22a of the second connector piece 20 constituting the second connector 2 are formed to have substantially the same thickness dimension, and the base portion 12a and the guide portion 12b of the first connector piece 10 are Guide portion 22b of the second connector piece 20
Since the thickness dimensions are formed to be substantially the same, a plurality of pairs of connector pieces 10 and 20 are arranged at substantially the same intervals as the thickness dimensions of the base portions 12a and 22a.

Thus, the circuit board 54 on which the connector 1 is mounted is attached to the first case 51, and the circuit board 55 on which the connector 2 is mounted is attached to the second case 52. When the second case 52 is connected via the hinge portion 53, the first case 51 and the second case 52 are rotatably connected via the hinge portion 53. At this time, the center positions of the disk-shaped guide portions 12b and 22b (first and second arc portions) of the first and second connectors 1 and 2 are arranged at the rotation center of the hinge portion 53, and Elastic contact portion 11f provided on the contact 11 of the connector 1 of
The contacted portion 2 provided on the contact 21 of the second connector 2
1f is arranged at the center of rotation of the hinge portion 53. Therefore, when the first case 51 rotates relative to the second case 52, the first connector 1 mounted on the circuit board 54 is accompanied by the relative rotation of the first case 51. Although the holding plate 12 rotates about the center position of the disc portion (guide portion 12b), the elastic contact portion 11f of the first connector 1
And the contacted portion 21f of the second connector 2 between the hinge portion 53
Since it is arranged at the center of rotation of both cases 51, 52
The electrical connection between the elastic contact portion 11f of the contact 11 and the elastic contact portion 21f of the contact 21 is maintained within the rotation range of
The circuit boards 54 and 55 are electrically connected.

In the hinge connector A of this embodiment, the first connector 1 is mounted on the circuit board 54 and the second connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 55.
By fitting the plurality of second connector pieces 20 forming the second connector 2 into the gaps formed between the plurality of first connector pieces 10 forming the first connector 1, respectively, The elastic contact portion 11f of the connector 1 and the elastic contact portion 21f of the second connector 2 are electrically connected. Thus, even after the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are once connected, the second connector 2 can be removed from between the plurality of first connector pieces 10 forming the first connector 1. It is possible to easily separate the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 by pulling out the plurality of second connector pieces 20 constituting the first connector 1. Therefore, both circuit boards 54,
The operation test of each of the circuit boards 54 and 55 can be performed by itself in a state where 55 is separated separately. Further, between the two circuit boards 54, 55 is electrically connected via the contact 11 of the first connector 1 mounted on the circuit board 54 and the contact 21 of the second connector 2 mounted on the circuit board 55. Since the number of parts interposed between the two circuit boards 54 and 55 is smaller than that of the conventional hinge connector, the reliability of electrical connection and mechanical connection is improved, and the number of parts is further reduced. By doing so, cost reduction can be achieved.

(Third Embodiment) In the hinge connector A of the second embodiment, the projections 11e and 21e are provided on the contacts 11 and 21 of the first and second connector pieces 10 and 20, and the projections 11e and 21e are provided. By soldering to the through holes of the circuit boards 54 and 55, the coupling force of the first and second connector pieces 10 and 20 with respect to the circuit boards 54 and 55 is increased, but in the present embodiment, each contact 11 and 21. Instead of providing the projecting pieces 11e and 22e on the fixing metal fitting 32 as shown in FIGS. 34 (a) and 34 (b),
The circuit boards 54 of the first and second connector pieces 10 and 20,
The bond strength to 55 is improved. Since the basic structure of the hinge connector A is the same as that of the second embodiment, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The fixing metal fitting 32 is formed by bending a strip-shaped metal plate.
It is formed by subjecting the surface to solder plating, and is composed of a strip-shaped press-fitting piece 32a and a leg piece 32b having an L-shaped cross section that is continuously and integrally extended from one end of the press-fitting piece 32a.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, a hole 13a extending parallel to the circuit board 54 and a hole 13a are formed in the base 12a of the first connector piece 10.
30 has a continuous hole 13 extending from one end of the hole 13a to a hole 13b extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the hole 13a.
31. As shown in FIG. 31, the strip-shaped connecting fittings 31 are inserted into the holes 13b of the plurality of first connector pieces 10 arranged side by side in the thickness direction, and the connecting portions projecting from the first connector pieces 10 on both sides. By bending both ends of the metal fitting 31 at substantially right angles, the plurality of first connector pieces 10 are bundled into one. Then, with the tip surfaces of the leg pieces 32b of the fixing bracket 32 facing the circuit board 54, the press-fitting pieces 32a of the fixing bracket 32 are press-fitted into the holes 13a of the first connector pieces 10 located on both sides. Thus, the fixing metal fittings 32 are attached to the first connector pieces 10 (that is, the connectors 1) on both sides, and the soldering pieces 11d of the contacts 11 and the leg pieces 32b of the fixing metal fittings 32 are soldered to the circuit board 54. The connector 1 is mounted on the circuit board 54. In this way, the plurality of first connector pieces 10 are connected by the connecting metal fittings 31, and in addition to the soldering pieces 11d of each contact 11, the leg pieces 32b of the fixing metal fittings 32 are soldered to the pattern of the circuit board 54. By doing so, the first connector 1 can be more firmly attached to the circuit board 54.

The second connector piece 20 is also the first
28 and 29, the circuit board 5 is attached to the base portion 22a of the second connector piece 20 like the connector piece 10 of FIG.
5, a hole 23a extending parallel to the hole 5, and a hole 23 extending from one end of the hole 23a in a direction substantially orthogonal to the hole 23a.
b through the through hole 23 continuous,
As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of second sheets arranged side by side in the thickness direction are arranged.
The strip-shaped connecting fitting 31 is provided in the hole 23b of the connector piece 20 of FIG.
Is inserted, and both ends of the connecting fittings 31 projecting from the second connector pieces 20 on both sides are bent at a substantially right angle to bundle a plurality of second connector pieces 20 into one. Then, with the tip end surface of the leg piece 32 b of the fixing metal fitting 32 facing the circuit board 55, the press-fitting piece 3 of the fixing metal fitting 32.
Holes 13 of the second connector piece 20 located on both sides of 2a
By press-fitting into the a, the fixing metal fittings 32 are attached to the second
Attached to the connector piece 20 (that is, the connector 2) of
The connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 55 by soldering the soldering pieces 21 d of each contact 21 and the leg pieces 32 b of the fixing bracket 32 to the circuit board 55. In this way, the plurality of second connector pieces 20 are connected by the connecting fittings 31, and the soldering pieces 21d of each contact 21 are further connected.
In addition, by soldering the leg pieces 32b of the fixing bracket 32 to the pattern of the circuit board 54, the second connector piece 20 can be more firmly attached to the circuit board 54.

Although the fixing fitting 32 is applied to the hinge connector A described in the second embodiment in the present embodiment, the fixing fitting 32 may be applied to the hinge connector A described in the first embodiment and is the same as the above. The effect of is obtained.

(Fourth Embodiment) As shown in FIGS. 41 (a) and 41 (b), the hinge connector of the present embodiment is an electric device having first and second cases 51 and 52 rotatably connected to each other. And a contact side (male side) first connector 1 electrically connected to the circuit board 54 and a receiving side (female side) second connector 2 electrically connected to the circuit board 55. Composed of and. Here, the first and second cases 5
1, 52 are rotatably supported by the first and second connectors 1, 2. That is, the hinge portion 53 is configured by the first and second connectors 1 and 2.

The first connector 1 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in (c), it is configured by stacking a plurality of thin plate-shaped first connector pieces 10 in the thickness direction and connecting them.
The circuit board 54 is arranged along a portion facing the hinge portion 53. Each connector piece 10 is formed by insert-molding a contact 11 made of a conductive material having elasticity on a thin holding plate 12 made of synthetic resin having an insulating property.

As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the holding plate 12 has a base portion 12a formed in an elongated flat plate shape and a base portion 1a.
2a is composed of a disc-shaped guide portion 12b having a circumferential surface partially connected to one end portion in the longitudinal direction, and a contact 11 is insert-molded on the holding plate 12. Base 12a
A cut groove 12g is formed by recessing the surface facing the circuit board 54, and one end portion of the contact 11 projects into the cut groove 12g. The end portion of the contact 11 protruding into the cut groove 12g has elasticity and is biased toward the circuit board 54 side, and serves as an elastic contact piece 11h that elastically contacts the pattern provided on the circuit board 54. A substantially circular through hole 12e is provided at the center of the guide portion 12b, and the elastic contact portion 11f of the contact 11 is arranged in the through hole 12e. In addition, a communication hole 12f that communicates with the through hole 12e extends from the center of the guide portion 12b toward the outer peripheral portion, and the extension piece 11g of the contact 11 is arranged in the communication hole 12f. Thus, the elastic contact portion 11f of the contact 11 is flexible in the thickness direction of the guide portion 12b with the protruding portion of the extending piece 11g from the guide portion 12b as a fulcrum. The center of the elastic contact portion 11f is projected from the one surface side in the thickness direction to the other surface side, and is projected from the surface of the guide portion 12b as shown in FIGS. 35 (b) and (c).

The first connector piece 10 has the structure as described above, and the bases 12a of the plurality of first connector pieces 10 arranged along the side edge of the circuit board 54 are connected to the case 5 by the case 5.
By sandwiching between the pressing member 33 and the circuit board 54 which are arranged in the first connector 10, a plurality of first connector pieces 10 are provided.
(That is, the connector 1) is attached to the circuit board 54. At this time, the elastic contact piece 11h of each contact 11 makes elastic contact with the terminal portion (not shown) of the circuit board 54, and the circuit board 54 and each connector piece 10 are electrically connected. Here, the thickness dimension of the base portion 12a is formed to be approximately twice the thickness dimension of the guide portion 12b, and the extension piece 11 of the contact 11 is formed.
The surface of the guide portion 12b where g is exposed is one step lower than the surface of the base portion 12a. The surface on the opposite side of the guide portion 12b is substantially flush with the surface of the base portion 12a.

On the other hand, the second connector 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), it is configured by stacking and connecting a plurality of thin plate-shaped second connector pieces 20 in the thickness direction, and is arranged along a portion of the circuit board 55 facing the hinge portion 53. There is. Each connector piece 20 has a thin holding plate 22 made of an insulating synthetic resin.
Then, a contact 21 made of a conductive material having elasticity is insert-molded.

As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the holding plate 22 has a base portion 22a formed in an elongated flat plate shape and a base portion 2a.
2a is composed of a disc-shaped guide portion 22b whose peripheral surface is partially connected to one end portion in the longitudinal direction of 2a, and a contact 21 is insert-molded to this holding plate 22. Base 22a
A groove 22g is formed by recessing the surface facing the circuit board 55, and one end of the contact 21 projects into the groove 22g. The end portion of the contact 21 protruding into the cut groove 22g is biased toward the circuit board 55 side, and serves as an elastic contact piece 21h that elastically contacts the pattern provided on the circuit board 55. In addition, in the central portion of one surface of the guide portion 22b, the contacted portion 21f of the contact 21 is exposed in the central portion, and the extending piece 21g of the contact 21 is exposed from the central portion of the guide portion 22b to the outer peripheral portion. is doing. The thickness of the base portion 22a is approximately twice as large as the thickness of the guide portion 22b, and the surface of the guide portion 22b on which the extending piece 21g of the contact 21 is exposed is the base portion 22a.
Is lower than the surface of the base portion 12a, and the surface on the opposite side of the guide portion 22b is substantially flush with the surface of the base portion 12a.

The second connector piece 20 has the structure as described above, and the base portions 22a of the plurality of second connector pieces 20 arranged along the side edge of the circuit board 55 are connected to the case 5 by the case 5.
By sandwiching between the pressing member 34 and the circuit board 55 arranged inside the second connector 20, the plurality of second connector pieces 20
(That is, the connector 2) is attached to the circuit board 55. At this time, the elastic contact piece 21h of each contact 21 makes elastic contact with the terminal portion (not shown) of the circuit board 55, and the circuit board 55 and each connector piece 20 are electrically connected.

Thus, with the first connector 1 attached to the first case 51 accommodating the circuit board 54 and the second connector 2 attached to the second case 52 accommodating the circuit board 55. , Adjacent first connector piece 10
When the second connector pieces 20 are respectively inserted into the gaps between them, the elastic contact portion 11f provided on the contact 11 of the first connector 1 elastically contacts the elastic contact portion 21f provided on the contact 21 of the second connector 2. The first and second contacts 1
The circuit boards 54 and 55 are electrically connected via the terminals 1 and 21. Further, at this time, the elastic contact portions 11f of the plurality of first connector pieces 10 are replaced by the elastic contact portions 2 of the plurality of second connector pieces 20.
The cases 51 and 52 are coupled to each other by a force elastically contacting the 1f, and the cases 51 and 52 are rotatably connected to each other via the first and second connectors 1 and 2. here,
When the first case 51 relatively rotates with respect to the second case 52, the holding plate 12 of the first connector 1 causes the second connector to move with the relative rotation of the first case 51. Two
Of the first connector 1 while rotating relative to the holding plate 22 of FIG.
The elastic contact portion 11f of the second connector 2 and the elastic contact portion 21f of the second connector 2 are disposed at the center positions of the guide portions 12b and 22b, so that the contact 1 is within the rotation range of both cases 51 and 52.
The electrical connection between the elastic contact portion 11f of No. 1 and the elastic contact portion 21f of the contact 21 is maintained, and the two circuit boards 54 and 55 are electrically connected.

By the way, in the hinge connector A of the present embodiment, the plurality of second connectors 2 forming the second connector 2 are provided in the gaps formed between the plurality of first connector pieces 10 forming the first connector 1. By inserting the connector pieces 20 of each of the first connector 1 and the second contact piece 11f of the first connector 1,
The contacted portion 21f of the connector 2 is electrically connected, and the first and second cases 51 and 52 are rotatably connected. Thus, even after the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are once connected, the second connector 2 can be removed from between the plurality of first connector pieces 10 forming the first connector 1. It is possible to easily separate the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 by pulling out the plurality of second connector pieces 20 constituting the first connector 1. Therefore,
The operation test of each circuit board 54, 55 can be performed by itself with both circuit boards 54, 55 separated.
Further, between the two circuit boards 54, 55, the contact 11 of the first connector 1 mounted on the circuit board 54 and the contact 21 of the second connector 2 mounted on the circuit board 55.
Since the electrical connection is made via the connector and the number of parts interposed between the circuit boards 54 and 55 is smaller than that of the conventional hinge connector, the reliability of electrical connection and mechanical connection is improved. Further, the cost can be reduced by further reducing the number of parts. Moreover, since the first and second connectors 1 and 2 also serve as the hinge portion 53, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

(Embodiment 5) The hinge connector of the present embodiment has a hinge portion 53 as shown in FIGS.
First and second cases 5 rotatably connected via
First case 5 used for electric equipment having 1, 52
A first connector 1 on a contact side (male side) electrically and mechanically connected to a circuit board 54 housed in the first connector;
The second connector 2 on the receiving side (female side) that is electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board 55 housed in the case 52 and is electrically connected to the first connector 1. To be done.

As shown in FIG. 43, the first connector 1 is formed by insert-molding a plurality of contacts 15 made of a conductive material having elasticity into a body 14 made of a synthetic resin molding. . As shown in FIGS. 44 (a) and 44 (b), the contact 15 is made of the hoop material 6
4 is punched out and formed by bending
The central piece 15a and side pieces 15b and 15c projecting in opposite directions from both ends of the central piece 15a are formed in a substantially Z shape. The tip of one side piece 15b is obliquely inclined, and the elastic contact portion 15d having an arcuate cross section is continuously and integrally formed at the tip. A soldering piece 15e is continuously and integrally formed at the tip of the other side piece 15c. The contact 15 formed in such a shape is resin-molded, and the body 14 is insert-molded.
The first connector 1 is completed by cutting with.

The first connector 1 has the structure as described above, and the soldering pieces 1 of each contact 15 are attached to a plurality of terminal portions (not shown) arranged along the side edge of the circuit board 54.
The first connector 1 is electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board 54 by soldering 5e.

On the other hand, the second connector 2, as shown in FIG. 45, is composed of a cylindrical drum portion 24a and leg pieces 24b, 24b continuously and integrally extended from both end portions of the drum portion 24a. The body 24 and a plurality of strip-shaped current-carrying contact portions 25 formed along the circumferential direction on the circumferential surface of the drum portion 24a.
And a plurality of soldering portions 27 provided at the corners of the two leg pieces 24b, 24b, and a wiring pattern 26 for electrically connecting the plurality of energizing contact portions 25 and the plurality of soldering portions 27. To be done. Here, the second connector 2 is MID (Mo
lded Interconnection Device).

The second connector 2 has the structure as described above, and solders the leg pieces 24b, 24b to a plurality of terminal portions (not shown) arranged along the side edges of the circuit board 55. By soldering the portion 27, the second connector 2 is electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board 55.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 48A and 48B, the axis center of the drum portion 24a of the second connector 2 mounted on the circuit board 55 is made to substantially coincide with the rotation axis center of the hinge portion 53, The circuit boards 54 and 55 are mounted in a state where the elastic contact portion 15d of the contact 15 of the first connector 1 mounted on the circuit board 54 is elastically contacted with the energizing contact portion 25 provided on the peripheral surface of the drum portion 24a. It accommodates in the 1st and 2nd cases 51 and 52, respectively. Here, as shown in FIG. 47, when the first case 51 rotates relative to the second case 52, the first connector 1 moves in association with the relative rotation of the first case 51. Although the elastic contact portion 15d provided on the contact 15 slides on the energization contact portion 25 of the second connector 2, the center axis of the drum portion 24a is substantially coincident with the center of the rotation axis of the hinge portion 53. The electrical connection between the elastic contact portion 15d of the contact 15 and the energization contact portion 25 is maintained within the rotation range of the cases 51 and 52, and the circuit boards 54 and 55 are electrically connected.

By the way, in this embodiment, the soldering piece 15e provided on the contact 15 of the first connector 1 is soldered to the circuit board 54, and the soldering portion 27 of the second connector 2 is soldered to the circuit board 55. Both connectors 1 and 2 are fixed to the circuit boards 54 and 55 by attaching them, but in order to increase the coupling force of both connectors 1 and 2 to the circuit boards 54 and 55, the fixing metal fitting described in the third embodiment. 32 may be used. That is, FIG. 49 (a) (b)
As shown in FIG. 3, the press-fitting piece 3 of the fixing metal fitting 32 is inserted into the grooves 14 a formed on the left and right side surfaces of the body 14 of the first connector 1.
The coupling force of the first connector 1 to the circuit board 54 can be increased by press-fitting 2a and soldering the tip surfaces of the leg pieces 32b of the fixing bracket 32 to the circuit board 54. Further, as shown in FIGS. 50A to 50E, the groove 24c formed on the side surface of each leg piece 24b of the second connector 2 is formed.
By press-fitting the press-fitting pieces 32a of the fixing metal fitting 32 into the inside and soldering the tip end surfaces of the leg pieces 32b of the fixing metal fitting 32 to the circuit board 55, the circuit board 55 of the second connector 2 can be obtained.
It is possible to increase the binding force to.

By the way, in the hinge connector A of this embodiment, the first connector 1 is mounted on the circuit board 54 and the second connector 2 is mounted on the circuit board 55.
The contact 15 of the first connector 1 to the second connector 2
It is elastically contacted with the energizing contact portion 25 of. Thus, even after the first connector 1 and the second connector 2 are once connected,
The first connector 1 and the second connector 2 can be easily separated, and the operation test of each circuit board 54, 55 can be performed by itself in a state where both the circuit boards 54, 55 are separately separated. it can. Further, a space between the two circuit boards 54 and 55 is provided via a contact 15 of the first connector 1 mounted on the circuit board 54 and an energization contact portion 25 of the second connector 2 mounted on the circuit board 55. Since they are electrically connected and the number of parts interposed between the two circuit boards 54 and 55 is smaller than that of the conventional hinge connector, the reliability of electrical connection and mechanical connection is improved, and the number of parts is further increased. By reducing the amount, it is possible to reduce the cost.

[0059]

As described above, the invention of claim 1 electrically connects between the first and second circuit boards housed inside the first and second cases rotatably connected to each other. In the hinge connector to be electrically connected, a contact-side first connector electrically connected to the first circuit board and a receiving-side second connector electrically connected to the second circuit board. The first connector is formed of a synthetic resin first body having a first arc portion whose planar shape is formed into an arc shape, and a conductive material having elasticity. The second connector has a first contact, one end of which is flexibly arranged at a central position of the second end, and the other end of which is electrically connected to the first circuit board. The second connector has a circular planar shape. A second synthetic resin second button having a second arc portion formed in an arc shape. And a second contact whose one end is disposed at the center position of the second arc portion and whose other end is electrically connected to the second circuit board, the first connector of the first connector. The center position of the circular arc portion and the center position of the second circular arc portion of the second connector are arranged side by side in the rotation axis direction of the first and second cases, and one end of the first contact is located at the second position.
Characterized in that the first and second connectors are respectively placed in the first and second cases in a state of being elastically contacted with one end of the contact, and the center position of the first arc portion of the first connector is , The center position of the second arc portion of the second connector is arranged side by side in the rotational axis direction of the first and second cases, so that the first case is relative to the second case. Even when the first contact is turned to the first position, one end of the first contact is kept in elastic contact with one end of the second contact.
There is an effect that the circuit boards can be electrically connected via the first and second connectors. Moreover, since the first and second circuit boards are electrically connected only via the first and second contacts, the number of components interposed between the first and second circuit boards is large. And the reliability of electrical and mechanical connection is improved, and the number of parts is reduced, which leads to cost reduction. Furthermore, since the first and second contacts are only in elastic contact with each other, even when the first and second connectors are attached to the first and second circuit boards, respectively, the first and second contacts are attached.
The connector can be easily separated, and the operation check of the circuit can be performed in the state where the first circuit board and the second circuit board are separately separated.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the hinge portion for rotatably connecting the first and second cases is constituted by the first and second connectors. Since the first and second connectors also serve as the hinge portion, the number of parts can be reduced and the cost can be reduced.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the other ends of the first and second contacts are elastically contacted with the conductive portions provided on the first and second circuit boards, respectively. And the same effect as the invention of claim 1 is obtained.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first to third aspects of the present invention, fixing fittings for fixing the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards, respectively, are provided. In addition to the effects of the inventions of items 1 to 3, there is an effect that the fixing force can increase the coupling force of the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first and second cases, which are rotatably connected to each other, housed inside the first and second cases, respectively.
And a hinge connector for electrically connecting between the second circuit board and the first connector on the contact side electrically connected to the first circuit board, and electrically connected to the second circuit board. And a second connector on the receiving side, wherein the first connector is formed of a synthetic resin first body and a conductive material having elasticity, and is electrically connected to the first circuit board. , A contact held by the first body and having a free end at a tip portion protruding from the first body, wherein the second connector is a cylindrical second body,
Formed on the circumferential surface of the second body along the circumferential direction,
Equipped with a conductive contact electrically connected to the circuit board of
A state in which the central axis of the second body is substantially aligned with the rotational axis centers of the first and second cases, and the tip ends of the contacts of the first connector are elastically contacted with the current-carrying contact parts of the second connector Then, the first and second connectors are arranged in the first and second cases, respectively, and the central axis of the second body is substantially coincident with the rotational axis center of the first and second cases. Since the first case is rotated relative to the second case, the contact of the first connector and the one end of the current-carrying contact portion contact of the second connector are arranged in this state. There is an effect that the elastically contacted state can be maintained and the first and second circuit boards can be electrically connected to each other through the first and second connectors. Moreover, since the first and second circuit boards are electrically connected to each other only through the contacts and the current-carrying contact portions, the number of parts interposed between the first and second circuit boards is reduced. Therefore, there is an effect that the reliability of electrical and mechanical connection is improved, and the cost can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. Furthermore, the first
Since the contact of the connector and the energizing contact portion of the second connector only elastically contact each other, even when the first and second connectors are attached to the first and second circuit boards, respectively, the first and second connectors are attached. There is an effect that the two connectors can be easily separated, and the circuit operation check can be performed in a state where the first circuit board and the second circuit board are separately separated.

The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 5, fixing fittings for fixing the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards are provided, respectively. In addition to the effect of the invention described above, there is an effect that the binding force of the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards can be increased by the fixing metal fitting.

[Brief description of drawings]

1A and 1B show a usage state of a hinge connector according to a first embodiment, FIG. 1A is a sectional view seen from the front, and FIG. 1B is a sectional view seen from a side.

2A and 2B show the first connector of the above, wherein FIG. 2A is a top view, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 2C is a side view.

FIG. 3 shows the first connector piece in the above, (a)
Is a front view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a rear view, and (d) is an AA cross-sectional view.

4A and 4B show the contacts of the first connector piece in the above, wherein FIG. 4A is a front view of the hoop material, FIG. 4B is a side view of the hoop material, and FIG.

5A and 5B show a second connector of the above, wherein FIG. 5A is a top view and FIG. 5B is a side view.

FIG. 6 shows a second connector piece in the above, (a)
Is a front view, (b) is a top view, and () is a rear view.

FIG. 7 shows a contact of the second connector piece in the same as above, (a) is a front view of the hoop material, and (b) is a side view of the hoop material.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which two circuit boards are connected using the same as above, (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a view seen from the right side.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which two circuit boards are connected by using the same as above and a state in which the two circuit boards are opened.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which two circuit boards are connected by using the same as above and a state in which the two circuit boards are bent at a right angle.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which two circuit boards are connected by using the same as above and a state in which the two circuit boards are folded.

12A and 12B show an electric device using the same as above, FIG. 12A is an external perspective view with two cases opened, FIG. 12B is an external perspective view with the two cases folded 90 degrees, and FIG. Two
It is an appearance perspective view of the state where two cases were folded.

FIG. 13 shows a first connector piece in another hinge connector of the above, (a) is a front view, (b) is a right side view,
(C) is a bottom view.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a first connector piece in the above.

FIG. 15 shows the second connector piece in the above,
(A) is a front view, (b) is a right side view, and (c) is a bottom view.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the first connector piece in the above.

FIG. 17 shows a first contact piece in the hinge connector of Embodiment 2, (a) is a front view, (b) is a bottom view, and (c) is a right side view.

FIG. 18 shows the first contact piece in the above,
(A) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is a perspective view seen from the back side.

FIG. 19 shows the second contact piece in the above,
(A) is a front view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a top view.

FIG. 20 shows the second contact piece in the above,
(A) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is a perspective view seen from the back side.

FIG. 21 shows a state in which two circuit boards are connected using the same as above, (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view, and (c).
Is a view seen from the right side.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a state in which the two circuit boards are connected using the same as above and the two circuit boards are opened.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a state in which two circuit boards are connected using the same as above and a state in which the two circuit boards are bent at a right angle.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a state in which two circuit boards are connected by using the same as above and a state in which the two circuit boards are folded.

FIG. 25 shows an electric device using the same as above, (a) is an external perspective view with two cases opened, (b) is an external perspective view with the two cases bent 90 degrees, and (c) is Two
It is an appearance perspective view of the state where two cases were folded.

26A and 26B show a first contact piece in the hinge connector according to the third embodiment, wherein FIG. 26A is a front view, FIG. 26B is a top view, and FIG.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the first contact piece in the above.

FIG. 28 shows the second contact piece in the above,
(A) is a front view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a side view.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a second contact piece in the above.

FIG. 30 shows the first connector of the above, (a)
Is a side view, (b) is a top view, and (c) is a rear view.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the first connector of the above.

FIG. 32 shows the same as above, (a) is a side view, (b) is a view seen from the right side, and (c) is a top view.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the above.

FIG. 34 shows a reinforcing metal member used in the same as above, (a) is a front view and (b) is a side view.

FIG. 35 shows a first contact piece in the hinge connector of Embodiment 4, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a bottom view.

FIG. 36 shows the first contact piece in the above,
(A) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is a perspective view seen from the back side.

FIG. 37 shows the second contact piece in the above,
(A) is a front view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a bottom view.

FIG. 38 shows the second contact piece in the above,
(A) is a perspective view seen from the front side, (b) is a perspective view seen from the back side.

FIG. 39 shows a state where two circuit boards are connected using the same as above, (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, and (c).
Is a side view.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a state in which two circuit boards are connected by using the above.

41A and 41B show the same usage state as above, where FIG. 41A is a sectional view seen from the side, and FIG. 41B is a sectional view seen from the front.

42A and 42B show a usage state of the hinge connector according to the fifth embodiment, where FIG. 42A is a sectional view seen from the front, and FIG. 42B is a sectional view seen from the side.

FIG. 43 shows the first connector of the above, (a)
Is a top view, and (b) is a side view.

FIG. 44 shows a contact of the first connector in the above, (a) is a front view of the hoop material, and (b) is a side view of the hoop material.

FIG. 45 shows a second connector of the above, (a)
Is a top view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) is a side view, and (e) is a right side view.

FIG. 46 shows a state in which two circuit boards are connected by using the same as above, (a) is an external perspective view showing a state in which the two circuit boards are opened, and (b) shows the two circuit boards. FIG. 1C is an external perspective view of a state in which it is bent by 90 degrees, and FIG. 3C is an external perspective view of a state in which two circuit boards are folded.

FIG. 47 shows an electric device using the same as above, (a) is an external perspective view with two cases opened, (b) is an external perspective view with the two cases bent 90 degrees, and (c) is Two
It is an appearance perspective view of the state where two cases were folded.

48 is a perspective view, partly broken, of which FIG. 48 shows a usage state of the same, and FIG. 48 (b) is a side view, partly broken.

FIG. 49 shows a state in which a reinforcing metal member is attached to the first connector of the above, (a) is a top view and (b) is a side view.

FIG. 50 shows a state in which a reinforcing metal fitting is attached to the second connector of the above, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view, (c) is a bottom view, (d) is a side view, (e). ) Is a right side view.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view showing a state in which two circuit boards are connected using a conventional hinge connector.

52A and 52B show an electric device using the same as above, FIG. 52A is an external perspective view with two cases opened, and FIG. 52B is an external perspective view with two cases folded.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 first connector 2 Second connector 10 First connector piece 20 Second connector piece 11,21 contacts 12,22 holding plate 51,52 cases

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Kaji Kaiko             1048, Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.             Inside the company (72) Inventor Hirohisa Tanaka             1048, Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.             Inside the company (72) Inventor Kazuhiko Senjiwa             1048, Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.             Inside the company (72) Inventor Hidetaka Mori             1048, Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.             Inside the company (72) Inventor Hisahiro Ono             1048, Kadoma, Kadoma-shi, Osaka Matsushita Electric Works Co., Ltd.             Inside the company F-term (reference) 5E023 AA04 AA16 BB02 BB22 BB29                       CC02 CC13 CC18 CC23 CC26                       DD25 DD28 EE10 EE19 EE27                       GG02 GG03 GG08 GG14 GG15                       HH16 HH17 HH18 HH20 HH22                       HH26 HH30                 5E087 EE03 EE11 FF06 GG02 HH01                       JJ01 LL27 LL33 MM02 MM18                       RR04 RR05 RR06 RR22 RR25                       RR29

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A hinge connector for electrically connecting between first and second circuit boards housed inside first and second cases that are rotatably connected to each other. The contact-side first connector electrically connected to the board, and the receiving-side second connector electrically connected to the second circuit board, wherein the first connector has a planar shape. Is formed of a synthetic resin first body having a first arc portion formed in an arc shape and a conductive material having elasticity, and one end thereof is arranged at the center position of the first arc portion in a flexible state As well as
The other end is provided with a first contact electrically connected to the first circuit board, and the second connector is made of synthetic resin having a second arc portion whose planar shape is an arc shape. The second connector includes a second body and a second contact, one end of which is arranged at a center position of the second arc portion and the other end of which is electrically connected to the second circuit board. The center position of the first arc portion and the center position of the second arc portion of the second connector are arranged side by side in the rotation axis direction of the first and second cases, and one end of the first contact is The first contact with one end of the second contact elastically contacted
A hinge connector in which the first connector and the second connector are arranged in the first and second cases, respectively. 2. The hinge connector according to claim 1, wherein the hinge portion that rotatably connects the first and second cases is constituted by the first and second connectors. 3. The hinge connector according to claim 1, wherein the other ends of the first and second contacts are elastically contacted with the conductive portions provided on the first and second circuit boards, respectively. 4. The hinge connector according to claim 1, further comprising fixing fittings for fixing the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards, respectively. 5. A hinge connector for electrically connecting between first and second circuit boards housed inside rotatably connected first and second cases, respectively. The contact-side first connector electrically connected to the board, and the receiving-side second connector electrically connected to the second circuit board, wherein the first connector is a synthetic resin. First body made of
A contact formed of an elastic conductive material, electrically connected to the first circuit board, and held by the first body and protruding from the first body is a free end; The second connector includes a cylindrical second body and a second body.
A circumferential surface of the body of the second body along the circumferential direction and electrically connected to a second circuit board, the central axis of the second body is a first and a second case. The first and second connectors in a state where the tip ends of the contacts of the first connector are elastically contacted with the energizing contact parts of the second connector while being substantially aligned with the center of the rotation axis of the first connector. A hinge connector characterized by being placed in each case. 6. The hinge connector according to claim 5, further comprising fixing fittings for fixing the first and second bodies to the first and second circuit boards, respectively.