JP2006128050A - Digital camera and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable to make connection of both easy and to confirm the connection status easily by visual inspection in a digital camera in which an FPC is connected to a connector of a circuit board. <P>SOLUTION: The width dimension of a first end part of the FPC 20 is formed larger than the width dimension of the central part and the width dimension of a second end part 32, and a projection part 39 projecting to the outside in width direction so that it may be same as or smaller than the width direction of the first end part is formed with a distance from the tip corresponding to the depth of the slot of the connector at the vicinity of the second end part 32 of the FPC. The edge 40 on the second end part 32 side of the projection part 39 is formed so as to be aligned on nearly same straight line as viewed from above by contacting the tip face of the connector 24 when the FPC 20 is inserted completely into the connector 24. Thereby, the insertion status of the FPC 20 into the connector 24 can be confirmed by only viewing the edge 40 on the second end part side of the projection part 39 and the tip of the connector 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a digital camera and an electronic apparatus provided with two or more circuit boards connected to each other and a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible flat cable connecting them.

  In a digital camera that converts a captured image into an electrical signal and stores it by using an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), the image sensor is usually a circuit board (first circuit) arranged on the back side of the casing of the image pickup lens. Circuit board). On the other hand, a control circuit that controls each part of the digital camera is often mounted on a main circuit board (second circuit board) different from the first circuit board. The first circuit board and the second circuit board are skillfully laid out in order to avoid interference with each component arranged in a complicated manner in a limited space, and both are inserted into the gap between the components. They are connected to each other by a flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as FPC).

  As a result of considering the productivity of the digital camera, thermocompression bonding using solder is often applied to the connection between the first circuit board and one end (first end) of the FPC. On the other hand, the connection between the second circuit board and the other end (second end) of the FPC is often via a connector formed on the second circuit board.

  However, in recent digital cameras, there is a strong demand for downsizing of the apparatus, and therefore, it is necessary to connect the FPC to the connector through a narrow gap where various parts are complicatedly complicated or in an extremely miniaturized casing. In many cases, skill is required to check the connection between the two and the connection state. However, in conventional digital cameras, it is generally difficult to confirm that the second end of the FPC is completely inserted into the connector, and the digital camera may not operate normally due to poor contact between the two. .

Patent Documents 1 to 3 show flat cables on which indicators such as reference lines and notches for determining the connection state are formed in order to easily determine the connection state of the flat cable to the connector. Has been. Patent Document 4 discloses a flexible wiring cable in which a grip projection is provided in the vicinity of the end of the cable. However, in order to manufacture the flat cable shown in Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 3, it is necessary to form an index such as a reference line in the vicinity of the end of the cable. Is necessary, and productivity deteriorates. Further, even when the flexible wiring cable disclosed in Patent Document 4 is used, the connection state of the flat cable to the connector cannot be easily determined.
JP 20002110292 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-17040 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-71915 Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-36262

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can easily connect an FPC to a connector even from a narrow gap where various parts are complicated and complicated, and visually check the connection state. It is an object to provide a digital camera and an electronic device that can be confirmed at low cost.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image pickup lens for picking up an image of a subject, an image pickup element for receiving light converged by the image pickup lens and converting it into an electrical signal, and a first image pickup element mounted thereon. One circuit board, a control means for controlling each part, a second circuit board on which the control means is mounted, a flexible printed circuit board for connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board, and the flexible circuit board In the digital camera comprising a connector for connecting a printed circuit board to the second circuit board, the flexible printed circuit board has a first end terminal thermally bonded to the first circuit board by solder, Terminals at two ends are connected to the second circuit board via the connector, and the distance between the terminals at the first end is equal to the distance between the circuits at the center and the second end. The width dimension of the first end portion is larger than the width dimension of the central portion and the second end portion so as to be larger than the distance between the terminals of the flexible printed circuit board, and from the second end portion of the flexible printed circuit board A protrusion that protrudes outward in the width direction so as to have a width dimension equal to or smaller than the width dimension of the first end portion across a length corresponding to the slot depth of the connector. The edge of the second end portion side of the portion is formed so as to be in contact with the tip of the connector when the flexible printed circuit board is completely inserted into the connector, and arranged on substantially the same straight line, The insertion state of the second end portion of the flexible printed circuit board into the connector can be visually confirmed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a circuit board on which various electronic components are mounted, a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible flat cable (hereinafter referred to as an FPC) connected to the circuit board, and the FPC or the like are used as the circuit. In an electronic device provided with a connector for connecting to a board, the FPC or the like is a protruding portion that protrudes outward in the width direction with a length corresponding to the slot depth of the connector from the tip of one end thereof And an edge of the projecting portion is formed so as to abut the tip of the connector when the FPC or the like is completely inserted into the connector, and is connected to the connector at one end of the FPC or the like. The insertion state of can be visually confirmed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the flexible printed circuit board is completely inserted into the connector, the edge on the second end side of the projecting portion comes into contact with the tip of the connector and is substantially collinear with the tip. Since the flexible printed circuit board is pushed in until the edge on the second end side of the protrusion comes into contact with the tip of the connector, the flexible printed circuit board is completely inserted into the connector. The connection work between the two can be easily performed. In addition, by visually confirming whether the edge on the second end side of the protruding portion is aligned with the tip of the connector at a glance, the terminal of the second end portion of the flexible printed circuit board is It becomes possible to easily check whether or not the connector is completely connected, and troubles due to poor contact between the terminal at the second end and the connector can be prevented. In addition, the width of the flexible printed circuit board in the vicinity of the protruding portion is the same as or smaller than the width of the first end, so it is unnecessary to dispose of the flexible printed circuit board from the flexible printed circuit board. Protruding portions can be formed in the portions, and the overall width of the flexible printed circuit board can be made equivalent to that of the conventional product. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the flexible printed circuit board, which is a component constituting the digital camera, can be suppressed to the same level as the conventional product, and there is no possibility that the manufacturing cost of the digital camera will rise. In addition, since the width dimension of the first end portion is formed larger than the width dimension of the central portion and the second end portion, the interval between the terminals of the first end portion is larger than the circuit interval in the central portion. Thus, while suppressing the width dimension of the flexible printed circuit board, it is possible to avoid troubles such as a short circuit when the terminals at the first end are thermocompression bonded to the first circuit board.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the FPC or the like is completely inserted into the connector, the edge of the protruding portion comes into contact with the tip of the connector, so that the FPC or the like until the edge of the protruding portion comes into contact with the tip of the connector. When the is pushed, the FPC or the like is completely inserted into the connector, and the connection work between them can be easily performed. Further, it is possible to easily confirm whether or not the terminal of the FPC or the like is completely connected to the connector by visually checking whether or not the edge of the protruding portion is in contact with the tip of the connector. As a result, troubles due to poor contact between the terminals and the connector can be prevented.

  A digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an external configuration of the digital camera 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a block configuration thereof.

  An image pickup lens 2 such as a zoom lens and an image pickup element 3 such as a CCD or a CMOS arranged so as to be orthogonal to the optical axis of the image pickup lens 2 are disposed at a substantially central portion of the main body 10 of the digital camera 1. ing. Further, in the vicinity of the imaging lens 2, a lens driving mechanism 4 that drives all or a part of the optical elements of the imaging lens 2 in the front-rear direction of the optical axis is provided. The lens drive mechanism 4 together with an AF sensor, which will be described later, constitutes an autofocus mechanism for forming an image by the imaging lens 2 on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 3 and a zoom mechanism for changing the focal length of the imaging lens 2. Also works. The imaging lens 2 includes an ND filter or diaphragm 5 for adjusting the amount of transmitted light, and a light amount adjusting mechanism 6 for driving the ND filter or diaphragm 5 is further provided in the vicinity of the imaging lens 2. It has been. The digital camera 1 is not provided with a mechanical shutter mechanism, and takes an image by controlling the image sensor 3.

  On the rear surface of the camera body 10, a display element 8 such as a liquid crystal display element that functions as an electronic viewfinder and a zoom switch 9 for changing the focal length of the imaging lens 2 are provided. Further, a shutter switch 11 and a mode change switch 12 that rotates about the shutter switch 11 are provided on the upper surface of the camera body 10. Inside the camera body 10 are a battery 13 that functions as a power source, a memory card connector 14 for storing image data captured by the image sensor 3 in the memory card 16, and a control for controlling the entire digital camera 1. A circuit 15 and the like are provided. For example, the memory card 16 is inserted into the memory card connector 14 from the bottom of the camera body 10.

  The control circuit 15 includes a ROM that stores a control program and the like, a CPU that executes the control program and the like, and a RAM that temporarily stores image data captured by the imaging device 3 and the like. Regarding the electronic viewfinder function, the control circuit 15 performs a thinning process on the image data captured by the image sensor 3 and outputs the thinned image data to the display element 8. Regarding exposure adjustment and flash emission, the image sensor 3 itself functions as a sensor for measuring the luminance of the subject. Then, the control circuit 15 controls the flash unit 7 as necessary to emit flash light, and controls the ND filter or diaphragm 5 and the imaging time of the image sensor 3 to adjust the exposure.

  Regarding the autofocus function, the image sensor 3 itself functions as an AF sensor. That is, the digital camera 1 employs a so-called hill-climbing method, and the control circuit 15 drives the lens driving mechanism 4 to reciprocally drive the whole or a part of the optical elements of the imaging lens 2 in the optical axis direction. Let Then, the image data obtained by the image sensor 3 is processed, and the state where the contrast is maximized is determined to be in focus, that is, the state where the subject image is stored on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 3. Note that the AF sensor is not limited to this specific example, and there are various types such as an active method in which infrared rays are irradiated toward a subject and reflected light from the subject is detected, and a passive method in which a so-called triangulation principle is applied. It is possible to use the method.

  The mode changeover switch 12 has an image pickup mode for picking up an image with the digital camera 1, a playback mode for displaying an image on the display element 8 using image data already stored in the memory card 16 or the like, a PictBridg function, and the like. By using this, it is possible to switch to a data editing mode or the like in which predetermined data or the like is written in the captured image. Furthermore, in the imaging mode, it is possible to switch between a still image imaging mode for capturing a still image and a moving image imaging mode for capturing a moving image.

  FIG. 2 shows main parts constituting the electric circuit of the digital camera 1. The electric circuit of the digital camera 1 connects the first circuit board 21 on which the imaging device 3 is mounted, the second circuit board 22 on which the control circuit 15 is mounted, and the first circuit board 21 and the second circuit board 22. A flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as FPC) 20 or the like. The FPC 20 is connected to the first circuit board 21 at the first end 31 and is connected to the second circuit board 22 at the second end 32. The first end 31 of the FPC 20 is directly connected to the first circuit board 21 by thermocompression bonding with the solder 23. On the other hand, the second end 32 of the FPC 20 is connected to the second circuit board 22 via the connector 24.

  FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the FPC 20. The FPC 20 is a flexible circuit board in which a polyester film excellent in bending is used as a base substrate 33, a copper wiring pattern 34 is formed on the surface thereof by printing, and the outside is covered with an insulating film 35. A terminal 36 for connecting to the first circuit board 21 is provided at the first end 31 of the FPC 20, and a terminal 37 inserted into the connector 24 is provided at the second end 32. The width dimension W1 of the first end portion 31 is formed larger than the width dimension W2 of the central portion 38 and the second end portion 32. As a result, the distance between the terminals 36 is larger than the distance between the wiring patterns 34 at the central portion 38 of the FPC 20 and the distance between the terminals 37 at the second end portion 32, and the terminals 36 are connected to the first circuit board 21. Troubles such as a short circuit at the time of thermocompression bonding can be avoided. Further, a protruding portion 39 that protrudes outward in the width direction of the FPC 20 is provided at a position that is separated from the tip of the second end portion 32 by a length L corresponding to the slot depth D of the connector 24 (see FIG. 4). ing. The width dimension W3 of the FPC 20 where the protrusion 39 is provided is set to be equal to or smaller than the width dimension W1 of the first end portion 31.

  In the FPC 20, normally, a large number of wiring patterns 34 shown in FIG. 3 are arranged on the top and bottom of a single large base substrate, and the whole is covered with an insulating film 35, and then cut into a predetermined shape. As a result, a large number of them are manufactured simultaneously. At this time, since the width dimension of the first end portion 31 is formed larger than the width dimension of the central portion 38 and the second end portion 32, regions excluding the first end portion 31 (in the drawing) are provided on both sides of the FPC 20. Unnecessary portions 50 are formed in the areas indicated by hatching. The unnecessary portion 50 is separated from the main body portion of the FPC 20 and discarded. In the present embodiment, the width dimension W3 of the portion where the protruding portion 39 is formed is set to be equal to or smaller than the width dimension W1 of the first end portion 31, and therefore, per FPC 20 The total width dimension is equal to the width dimension W1 of the first end portion 31 regardless of the presence or absence of the protrusion 39, and the same number of FPCs 20 can be obtained from the original fabric of one base substrate. The FPC 20 can be manufactured at an equivalent manufacturing cost.

  4 shows a state when the second end portion 32 of the FPC 20 is inserted into the connector 24, and FIG. 5 shows a state where the second end portion 32 is completely inserted into the connector 24. The FPC 20 is pushed in the direction of the arrow X after the second end portion 32 is aligned with the slot 25 of the connector 24 and is inserted into the connector 24. At this time, the operator can hold the protruding portion 39 formed on the FPC 20 and insert the second end portion 32 into the connector 24. The FPC 20 is inserted into the connector 24 from a narrow gap where various parts are complicatedly inserted. Even if it has to be inserted in, it can be easily inserted. Further, as already described, the protrusion 39 is formed with a length L corresponding to the slot depth D of the slot 25 of the connector 24 from the tip of the second end 32, as shown in FIG. In addition, when the second end portion 32 is completely inserted into the connector 24, the edge 40 on the second end portion 32 side of the projecting portion 39 comes into contact with the distal end surface of the connector 24, and the edge 40 and the distal end of the connector 24 are The surfaces are arranged on substantially the same straight line in plan view. Therefore, the operator can instantly confirm the connection state between the FPC 20 and the second circuit board 22 only by visually confirming the positional relationship between the edge 40 of the protrusion 39 and the distal end surface of the connector 24. When the insertion of the second end portion 32 is insufficient, the second end portion 32 is pushed in the direction of the arrow X until the protruding portion 39 is gripped and the edge 40 comes into contact with the front end surface of the connector 24. Good. Note that the fact that the edge 40 of the protrusion 39 is arranged on the substantially same straight line as the distal end surface of the connector 24 means a positional relationship that allows an operator to visually determine that both are arranged on the same straight line. .

  As described above, according to the digital camera 1 of the present embodiment, when the FPC 20 is completely inserted into the connector 24, the edge 40 of the protruding portion 39 abuts on the front end surface of the connector 24, and the front end surface is substantially the same. Since they are formed so as to be aligned on the same straight line, if the FPC 20 is pushed in until the edge 40 of the projecting portion 39 comes into contact with the tip of the connector 24, the FPC 20 is completely inserted into the connector 24, and the connection between the two Work can be done easily. Further, the terminal 37 of the second end portion 32 of the FPC 20 is connected to the connector 24 only by visually confirming whether the edge 40 of the protruding portion 39 and the tip end surface of the connector 24 are aligned on the same straight line. It becomes possible to easily confirm whether or not the connection is complete, and troubles due to poor contact between the terminal 37 and the connector 24 can be prevented. Further, since the width dimension W3 of the FPC 20 in the protruding portion 39 is equal to or smaller than the width dimension W1 of the first end portion 31, the unnecessary dimension 50 that has been originally separated from the FPC 20 and disposed of by disposal is disposed. The protrusion 39 can be formed, and the full width dimension of the FPC 20 is not expanded by forming the protrusion. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the FPC 20 which is a component constituting the digital camera 1 can be suppressed to the same level as the conventional product, and there is no possibility that the manufacturing cost of the digital camera 1 will rise. Further, since the width dimension W1 of the first end portion 31 is formed larger than the width dimension W2 of the central portion 38 and the second end portion 32, the interval between the terminals 36 of the first end portion 31 is set to the central portion 38. Circuit, that is, the interval of the wiring pattern 34 can be made large, and troubles such as a short circuit when the terminal 36 is thermocompression bonded to the first circuit board 21 can be avoided while suppressing the width dimension of the FPC 20. can do.

  The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible. For example, the components for connecting the first circuit board 21 and the second circuit board 22 are arranged in a planar shape. However, it is not limited to the FPC 20 as long as it is a component having a plurality of wirings and appropriate flexibility, and may be another component such as a flexible flat cable. Further, the first end portion 31 and the first circuit board 21 may be connected via the connector 24. In this case, the width dimension W1 of the first end portion 31 is set to the width of the central portion 38. A protrusion equivalent to the dimension W2 and a protrusion equivalent to the protrusion 39 may be separately provided in the vicinity thereof. Further, the present invention is not limited to the digital camera 1 and can be widely applied to other electronic devices having two circuit boards. For example, the present invention can also be applied to the connection between the circuit board on the main body side of the ink jet printer and the circuit board on the carriage side.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the main components which comprise the electric circuit of the digital camera. The top view which shows the flexible printed circuit board applied to the digital camera. The perspective view which shows the state by which the 2nd end part of a flexible printed circuit board is inserted in the connector of the 2nd circuit board of the digital camera. The perspective view which shows the state in which the 2nd end part was completely inserted in the connector.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 2 Imaging lens 3 Imaging element 15 Control circuit (control means)
20 Flexible Printed Circuit Board 21 First Circuit Board 22 Second Circuit Board 24 Connector 39 Projection

Claims (2)

An imaging lens for imaging a subject, an imaging device that receives light converged by the imaging lens and converts it into an electrical signal, a first circuit board on which the imaging device is mounted, a control unit that controls each part, A second circuit board on which the control means is mounted; a flexible printed circuit board for connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board; and for connecting the flexible printed circuit board to the second circuit board. In digital cameras with connectors,
The flexible printed circuit board is:
A terminal at the first end is thermocompression-bonded to the first circuit board with solder, a terminal at the second end is connected to the second circuit board through the connector, and a distance between the terminals at the first end The width dimension of the first end portion is formed larger than the width dimension of the center portion and the second end portion so that the width of the first end portion is larger than the interval of the circuit in the center portion and the interval of the terminals in the second end portion. And
The width of the flexible printed circuit board is such that the width is equal to or smaller than the width of the first end, with a length corresponding to the slot depth of the connector being separated from the tip of the second end of the flexible printed circuit board. A protrusion protruding outward in the direction, and the edge of the protrusion on the second end side is in contact with the tip of the connector when the flexible printed circuit board is completely inserted into the connector. , Formed so as to be aligned on substantially the same straight line,
A digital camera characterized in that an insertion state of the second end portion of the flexible printed circuit board into the connector can be visually confirmed. A circuit board on which various electronic components are mounted, a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible flat cable (hereinafter referred to as an FPC) connected to the circuit board, and a connector for connecting the FPC or the like to the circuit board In an electronic device with
The FPC etc.
There is a protruding portion that protrudes outward in the width direction with a length corresponding to the slot depth of the connector from the tip of the one end portion, and the edge of the protruding portion is completely connected to the connector by the FPC or the like. Is formed so as to come into contact with the tip of the connector when inserted into
An electronic apparatus characterized in that an insertion state of the one end of the FPC or the like into the connector can be visually confirmed.

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