JP3881954B2

JP3881954B2 - Hinge connector and device hinge structure

Info

Publication number: JP3881954B2
Application number: JP2002340981A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 真佐央樋口; 和昭茨木
Original assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd
Current assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd
Priority date: 2002-11-25
Filing date: 2002-11-25
Publication date: 2007-02-14
Anticipated expiration: 2022-11-25
Also published as: JP2004178852A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、携帯電話器、ＰＤＡ（Personal Digital Assistants：個人用デジタルアシスタント)、ノート型パーソナルコンピュータなどの折り畳み機能をもつ電子機器のヒンジ部に取り付けるヒンジコネクタ及び機器のヒンジ構造に属する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の電子機器としては、例えば、図７に示す従来技術１における折り畳み式の携帯電話器や、図８に示す従来技術２における折り畳み式の携帯電話器がある。なお、図７及び図８に示した折り畳み式の携帯電話器では、いずれも外蓋を外した状態を示している。
【０００３】
以下、図７に示す従来技術１及び図８に示す従来技術２を同時に説明することにする。この種類の電子機器では、キーボードを実装したキーボード側筐体部２０１，２０１′に搭載されている基板２０３，２０３′と、ＬＣＤを実装したＬＣＤ側の筐体部２０５，２０５′の基板２０７，２０７′とを接続するために、フレキシブル基板としてのＦＰＣ（フレキシブル・プリンテッド・サーキット）２０９，２０９′を採用している。
【０００４】
従来技術１，２における電子機器では、ＦＰＣ２０９，２０９′の固定するためにＦＰＣ２０９，２０９′の両端部の接続をコネクタ２１０，２１０′のみで行っている。ＦＰＣ２０９，２０９′は、巻かれた状態で筐体部２０５，２０５′のヒンジ部２１１，２１１′に収めている。
【０００５】
ところで、ＦＰＣ２０９，２０９′は、屈曲性によるストレスを防ぐために、片面にのみ回路を形成し、厚み寸法が薄く、しかも屈曲性を有するものを使用しているが、電子機器の小形化、機能追加などにより、少ないスペースに多くの信号線を通す必要がある。このため、限られたスペースに多芯数の信号線を通すためには、両面に回路を形成したＦＰＣを採用する必要があるが、ＦＰＣそのものが厚い寸法になってしまうので屈曲性が劣ることから、この対策として以下に説明するＦＰＣを採用している。
【０００６】
図９は、２枚が重ね合わされているＦＰＣ３０９，３１０を示している。図９を参照して、ＦＰＣ３０９，３１０は、２枚が重ね合わされて所定部分が接着剤によって接着されて張り合わせることにより、ＦＰＣ３０９，３１０をスパイラル状に巻いたときの状態を示すものである。
【０００７】
即ち、２枚のＦＰＣ３０９，３１０には、ＦＰＣ３０９，３１０を同じ寸法としてスパイラル状に巻いたときに、内周側のＦＰＣ３１０と外周側のＦＰＣ３０９との差により，屈曲時に内周側のＦＰＣ３１０が大きく弛むことによって弛み部３１１が発生し、外周側のＦＰＣ３０９と内周側のＦＰＣ３１０との間がエアーギャップとなる。
【０００８】
従来、弛み部３１１を解消する方法としては、図１０に示すようにＦＰＣ３０９，３１０を製造する段階で内周側のＦＰＣ３１０と外周側のＦＰＣ３０９との長さ寸法を代えることが行われている。
【０００９】
図１０に示したＦＰＣ３０９，３１０では、電子機器の開閉による屈曲のストレスを防ぐために、一部部分にエアーギャップ部Ｇと呼ばれる空間を形成する構造が採用されている。ここで、エアーギャップ部Ｇとは、２枚以上のＦＰＣ３０９，３１０をヒンジ部に収納する必要がある場合に、ＦＰＣ３０９，３１０が互いに接着されていない部分をもつ構造のことである。
【００１０】
ＦＰＣ３０９，３１０は、外周側に位置するＦＰＣ３０９の長手方向における寸法よりも内周側に位置するＦＰＣ３１０の長手方向における寸法を短い寸法として、一部に内周と外周の差の分だけ初めから弛ませるエアーギャップ部Ｇを形成し、ＦＰＣ３０９，３１０の所定個所を接着しておくことによって、図１１に示すように、スパイラル状に巻かれたときに図９に示したような弛み部３１１が発生しないように工夫している（例えば、特許文献１参照）。
【００１１】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−２５２０６９号公報（図２３〜図２５）
【００１２】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、図１０及び図１１に示したＦＰＣ３０９ , ３１０では、ＦＰＣ３０９ , ３１０のスパイラル状に巻かれる部分の一部分であるエアーギャップ部Ｇを除くＦＰＣ３０９，３１０同士を接着して張り合わせているので、内側のＦＰＣ３１０に設けられている回路は縮む方向へ移動し、外側のＦＰＣ３０９は伸びる方向へ移動することになる。このようなＦＰＣ３０９ , ３１０を電子機器のヒンジ部に収納すると、機器の開閉が行われる屈曲の繰り返しによってエアーギャップ部Ｇも大きく変形するとともに回路が伸縮してしまうので、回路の断線が発生する恐れがあり、屈曲性及び耐久性が劣るというという問題がある。
【００１３】
また、ＦＰＣ３０９，３１０は、導体、接着剤、ポリイミド・フイルム樹脂などを積層してプレス金型で上部から外形を打ち抜いて製造すると、ギャップ部Ｇがある状態における製造が工程上で極めて困難となり、歩留まりの悪化を招くおそれがある。
【００１４】
それ故に本発明の課題は、折り畳み開放を繰り返してもストレスが加わらない構造となり、良好な屈曲性や屈曲に対する耐久性の向上とともに機器の開閉の寿命を向上させることができるヒンジコネクタ及び機器のヒンジ構造を提供することにある。
【００１５】
また、本発明の他の課題は、複数枚からなるフレキシブル基板の製造を容易に行うことができるヒンジコネクタ及び機器のヒンジ構造を提供することにある。
【００１６】
また、本発明の他の課題は、一枚のＦＰＣと同等の屈曲性を得ることができるヒンジコネクタ及び機器のヒンジ構造を提供することにある。
【００１７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明によれば、第１筐体部と、該第１筐体部と共通な一軸周りで回動可能に前記第１筐体部に組み付けた第２筐体部と、前記第１及び第２筐体部内で長手方向における中間部分を屈曲性をもってスパイラル状に巻回した屈曲変形部が配置されているとともに前記長手方向における両側が前記第１及び第２筐体部から外へ延びている少なくとも二枚のフレキシブル基板とを含み、折り畳み可能な機器筐体に搭載されている電子部品間を相互に回路接続するよう前記機器筐体をヒンジ結合したヒンジ部に組み込まれるヒンジコネクタにおいて、前記第１筐体部は、前記屈曲変形部を除く前記長手方向における両側のうちの一方側を保持する第１保持部を有し、前記第２筐体部は、前記屈曲変形部を除く前記長手方向における両側のうちの他方側を保持する第２保持部を有し、前記フレキシブル基板のそれぞれは、前記屈曲変形部を除く前記長手方向の一方側に形成した第１係合部と、該第１係合部の前記他方側でかつ前記第１係合部の近傍に形成した第２係合部と、前記屈曲変形部を除く前記フレキシブル基板の他方側に形成した第３係合部とを有し、前記フレキシブル基板は前記長手方向における前記中間部分を除く部分が一体に張り合わされており、少なくとも前記第１係合部の前記一方側の近傍から前記第３係合部の前記一方側までの前記フレキシブル基板間がエアーギャップ部をもって互いに離れており、前記第１の係合部と前記第２の係合部とは、前記フレキシブル基板をスパイラル状に巻いたときの前記フレキシブル基板の内周側と前記フレキシブル基板の外周側との前記長手方向における差が打ち消せる距離だけ離れた位置に形成されており、さらに、前記第１の係合部と前記第２の係合部とは、前記フレキシブル基板の前記中間部分を前記スパイラル状に巻いて前記第１及び第２筐体部内に配置されかつ前記第１保持部及び前記第２保持部に保持されたときに、前記内周側の前記フレキシブル基板の前記第２係合部と前記外周側の前記フレキシブル基板の前記第１係合部とが重ね合わされた状態で前記第１保持部に保持されており、前記第３係合部が前記第２保持部に保持されていることを特徴とするヒンジコネクタが得られる。
【００１８】
また、本発明によれば、機器筐体と、該機器筐体が該機器筐体と共通な一軸周りで回動可能な相手側機器筐体にヒンジ結合され前記機器筐体及び前記相手側機器筐体に搭載されている電子部品を相互に回路接続する少なくとも二枚のフレキシブル基板とを含む機器のヒンジ構造において、前記機器筐体は、第１機器筐体部と、該第１機器筐体部に一体に設けた第２機器筐体部とを有し、前記第１機器筐体部は第１ヒンジ部を有し、前記第２機器筐体部は第２ヒンジ部を有し、前記第１及び第２ヒンジ部は、互いに一軸周りで回動可能に合わされて前記相手側機器筐体にヒンジ結合されるヒンジ部であり、前記第１機器筐体部は、前記フレキシブル基板の中間部分をスパイラル状に巻回した屈曲変形部を除く長手方向における一方側を保持する第１保持部を有し、前記第２機器筐体部は、前記第１保持部に対向して前記フレキシブル基板の他方側を保持する第２保持部を有し、前記フレキシブル基板のそれぞれは、前記屈曲変形部を除く前記長手方向の前記一方側に形成した第１係合部と、該第１係合部の他方側でかつ前記第１係合部の近傍に形成した第２係合部と、前記屈曲変形部を除く前記フレキシブル基板の前記他方側に形成した第３係合部とを有し、前記フレキシブル基板は前記長手方向における前記中間部分を除く部分が一体に張り合わされており、少なくとも前記第１係合部の前記一方側の近傍から前記第３係合部の前記一方側までの前記フレキシブル基板間がエアーギャップ部をもって互いに離れており、前記第１の係合部と前記第２の係合部とは、前記フレキシブル基板をスパイラル状に巻いたときの前記フレキシブル基板の内周側と前記フレキシブル基板の外周側との前記長手方向における差が打ち消せる距離だけ離れた位置に形成されており、さらに、前記第１の係合部と前記第２の係合部とは、前記フレキシブル基板の前記中間部分を前記スパイラル状に巻いて前記第１及び第２機器筐体部内に配置されかつ前記第１保持部及び前記第２保持部に保持されたときに、前記内周側の前記フレキシブル基板の前記第２係合部と前記外周側の前記フレキシブル基板の前記第１係合部とが重ね合わされた状態で前記第１及び第２保持部によって保持されており、前記第３係合部は、前記第１及び第２機器筐体部と同様な前記第１及び第２保持部を前記相手側機器筐体に形成することによって保持されることを特徴とする機器のヒンジ構造が得られる。
【００１９】
【作用】
本発明に係るヒンジコネクタ及び筐体のヒンジ構造では、フレキシブル基板は、中間部分をスパイラル状に巻いて、内周側となるフレキシブル基板の第２係合部と外周側となるフレキシブル基板の第１係合部を重ね合わせるようにすると、フレキシブル基板の第１係合部の外側に弛み部が発生するが、弛み部は、フレキシブル基板の内周側のフレキシブル基板の第２係合部と外側のフレキシブル基板の第１係合部とが重ね合わされた部分よりも外側へ移動する。
【００２０】
本発明に係るヒンジコネクタでは、フレキシブル基板の中間部分をスパイラル状に巻いて第１筐体部内と第２筐体部内のそれぞれに配置する際に、内周側のフレキシブル基板の第２係合部と外周側のフレキシブル基板の第１係合部とを重ね合わせて第１保持部に保持する。第３係合部は重ね合わせて第２保持部に保持する。
【００２１】
本発明に係る機器のヒンジ構造では、機器筐体における第１及び第２機器筐体部の第１及び第２保持部に内周側のフレキシブル基板の第２係合部と外周側のフレキシブル基板の第１係合部とを重ね合わせて保持する。
【００２２】
フレキシブル基板の中間部分はエアーギャップ部となっており、第１及び第２係合部は、フレキシブル基板をスパイラル状に巻いての屈曲変形部としたときの内周側と外周側との長手方向における差が打ち消される適切な距離だけ離れた位置に形成する。
【００２３】
フレキシブル基板をスパイラル状に巻く前の段階では、フレキシブル基板に弛み部が発生していないため、通常のフレキシブル基板の製造工程と同様にプレス金型で外形を打ち抜くことができ、製造が容易となり歩留まりが悪化することはない。
【００２４】
したがって、筐体を開閉する時に、屈曲変形部のみが屈曲し、第１保持部の外側の弛み部に影響されることなく、屈曲変形部にストレスが加わらない。
【００２５】
なお、外周側となるフレキシブル基板の第２係合部と内周側となるフレキシブル基板の第１係合部は余る部分となるが、この余り部分は切断してもよい。
【００２６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に、本発明に係るヒンジコネクタの第１実施の形態例を説明する。図１及び図２は、折り畳み式電子機器の機器筐体に取り付けられるヒンジコネクタを示している。図３及び図４は、フレキシブル基板を示している。
【００２７】
図１乃至図４を参照して、ヒンジコネクタ１は、一対の第１筐体部２１，２２と、第１筐体部２１，２２と共通な一軸周りで回動可能に第１筐体部２１，２２に組み付けられている一対の第２筐体部３１，３２と、第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２の内部に中間部分を導入したフレキシブル基板として二枚のＦＰＣ（フレキシブル・プリンテッド・サーキット）４１，４２とを有している。
【００２８】
なお、この第１実施の形態例においては、ＦＰＣ４１の他に、フレキシブル基板としてＦＦＣ（フレキシブル・フラット・ケーブル）を採用することも可能である。したがって、ＦＰＣ４１，４２及びＦＦＣは、これらを総称してフレキシブル基板と呼ぶことにする。なお、以下の説明では、ＦＰＣ４１，４２を具体的な例として採用することにする。
【００２０】
第１筐体部２１，２２の一軸方向における寸法は、第２筐体部３１，３２の一軸方向における寸法よりも短い寸法に設定されている。第１筐体部２１，２２の軸周りにおける外周面の形状は略円面となっている。第１筐体部２１，２２の軸周りにおける外周面の形状は、略円面となっている主体部分と、主体部分の外周面から外向きに少し突き出している突出部分２１ｅ，２２ｅとを有している。第２筐体部３１，３２の軸周りにおける外周面の形状は、略円面となっている主体部分と、主体部分の外周面から外向きに少し突き出している突出部分３１ｅ，３２ｅとを有している。
【００３０】
第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２は、それぞれが一軸を含む一平面方向で二体に分割されており、樹脂成形によって作られているヒンジ組立体である。
【００３１】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、長手方向の中間部分を屈曲させて二回巻きにスパイラル状に巻回されている屈曲変形部４３が第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２の内部に導入されて配置されると共に、長手方向における両端側が第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２から外へ延びている。
【００３２】
さらに、具体的にヒンジ組立体を説明すると、第１筐体部２１，２２の突出部分２１ｅ，２２ｅには、平坦面をもつ第１保持部２１ａ，２２ａが形成されている。第１保持部２１ａは、第１筐体部２１，２２が組み合わされる合わせ面から突出しており、第１保持部２２ａは、第１筐体部２１，２２が組み合わされる合わせ面から窪んだ部分となっている。第１保持部２１ａ，２２ａは、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の屈曲変形部４３を除く長手方向における両側のうちの一方側を保持している。
【００３３】
二体を合わせた構造の組立体からなる第１筐体部２１，２２のそれぞれは、第２筐体部３１，３２に回動可能に係合する半円形状の第１回動ガイド部２１ｂ，２２ｂと、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の屈曲変形部４３を含む中間部分を収納する第２収納部２１ｃ，２２ｃとを有している。
【００３４】
また、第２筐体部３１，３２には、平坦面をもつ第２保持部３１ａ，３２ａが形成されている。第２保持部３１ａ，３２ａは、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の屈曲変形部４３を除く長手方向における両側のうちの他方側を保持している。二体の組立体からなる第２筐体部３１，３２のそれぞれは、第１回動ガイド部２１ｂ，２２ｂに回動可能に係合する半円形状の第２回動ガイド部３１ｂ，３２ｂと、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の二回に巻かれている屈曲変形部４３を含む中間部分を収納する第２収納部３１ｃ，３２ｃとを有している。第２保持部３２ａは、第１筐体部３１，３２が組み合わされる合わせ面から窪んだ部分となっている。
【００３５】
半円形状の第１回動ガイド部２１ｂ，２２ｂは、相互に組み合わされることによって円形の外周面を有するものとなる。半円形状の第２回動ガイド部３１ｂ，３２ｂは組み合わされることによって円形の外周面を有するものとなる。
【００３６】
第１回動ガイド部２１ｂ，２２ｂは、第２回動ガイド部３１ｂ，３２ｂの内周側へ嵌め込まれることによって、第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２が相互に回動可能になる。
【００３７】
なお、この実施の形態例においては、第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２の両方に第１及び第２保持部２２ａ，３２ａを形成しているが、ヒンジ組立体における一方側の第１筐体部２２のみに第１保持部２２ａを、一方の第２筐体部３２のみに第２保持部３２ａを形成するようにしてもよい。
【００３８】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、中間部分が少なくとも一回巻きでスパイラル状に巻かれて第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２における第１及び第２収納部２１ｃ，２２ｃ，３１ｃ，３２ｃに配置されると共に、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の長手方向における両側部分が第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２から外へ延びている。
【００３９】
この実施の形態例においては、二枚のＦＰＣ４１，４２を採用する必要があるが、単に二枚のＦＰＣ４１，４２を接着したものであると、厚い寸法になってしまうので屈曲性が劣ることから、この対策として以下に説明するＦＰＣ４１，４２の構成を採用している。
【００４０】
図１、図３、図４を参照して、ＦＰＣ４１は、屈曲変形部４３を除く長手方向の一方側で長手方向を直交する幅方向へ突出するように形成した第１係合部４１ａと、第１係合部４１ａの近傍でＦＰＣ４１の長手方向の他方側で長手方向を直交する幅方向へ突出するように形成した第２係合部４１ｂと、屈曲変形部４３を除くＦＰＣ４１の他方側で長手方向を直交する幅方向へ突出するように形成した第３係合部４１ｃとをそれぞれ有している。
【００４１】
ＦＰＣ４２は、屈曲変形部４３を除く長手方向の一方側で長手方向を直交する幅方向へ突出するように形成した第１係合部４２ａと、第１係合部４２ａの近傍でＦＰＣ４２の長手方向の他方側で長手方向を直交する幅方向へ突出するように形成した第２係合部４２ｂと、屈曲変形部４３を除くＦＰＣ４２の他方側で長手方向を直交する幅方向へ突出するように形成した第３係合部４２ｃとをそれぞれ有している。
【００４２】
ＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂとＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａとは、第１保持部２１ａ，２２ａに挟み込まれて係止されるものである。第３係合部４１ｃ，４２ｃは、第２保持部３１ａ，３２ａに挟み込まれて係止されるものである。
【００４３】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２の中間部分をスパイラル状に巻いて第１筐体部２１，２２と第２筐体部３１，３２内のそれぞれに配置する際には、内周側のＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂと外周側のＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａとを重ね合わせて第１保持部２１ａ，２２ａに保持する。第３係合部４１ｃ，４２ｃは、重ね合わせて第２保持部３１ａ，３２ａに保持する。
【００４４】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２の中間部分は、エアーギャップ部Ｇとなっている。即ち、第１係合部４１ａ，４２ａの一方側の近傍と第３係合部４１ｃ，４２ｃの一方側までのＦＰＣ４１，４２間がエアーギャップ部Ｇをもって互いに離れている。エアーギャップ部Ｇは、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の長手方向における中間部分で、図３に図示した矢印Ａの範囲で形成されている。ＦＰＣ４１，４２のエアーギャップ部Ｇを除く部分は、少なくとも第１係合部４１ａ，４２ａの一方側の近傍よりも外側の一部及び第３係合部４１ｃ，４２ｃの二個所が接着剤によって接着されている。第１及び第２係合部４１ａ，４１ｂ，４２ａ，４２ｂは、ＦＰＣ４１，４２をスパイラル状に巻いたときの内周側と外周側との長手方向における差が打ち消される適切な距離だけ離れた位置に形成されている。
【００４５】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、屈曲変形部４３を形成する前の図３における状態では、図１に示した弛み部４５が発生していないため、通常のＦＰＣ４１，４２の製造工程と同様にプレス金型で外形を打ち抜くことができる。
【００４６】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２をスパイラル状に巻いて第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２内に配置する際に、内周側のＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂと外周側のＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａとが重ね合わされた状態で第１保持部２１ａ，２２ａの一対の縦壁面に形成されている一対の溝部２２ｍに挿入される。また、ＦＰＣ４１の第３係合部４１ｃ及びＦＰＣ４２の第３係合部４２ｃは、重ね合わされた状態で第２保持部３１ａ，３２ａのうちの第２保持部３２ａの一対の縦壁面に形成されている一対の溝部３２ｍに挿入される。
【００４７】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、図１に示したように、中間部分をスパイラル状に巻いたときに、ＦＰＣ４１の内周側の第２係合部４１ｂとＦＰＣ４２の外周側の第１係合部４２ａを重ね合わせるようにすると、図１に示すように弛み部４５は、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の内周側のＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂと外周側のＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａとが重ね合わされた部分よりも外側へ移動する。
【００４８】
したがって、ＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂと外周側になるＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａの長手方向における一側の近傍は、ＦＰＣ４１，４２が接着されている部分であるので、弛み部４５がＦＰＣ４１，４２の内周側のＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂと外側のＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａとが重ね合わされた部分よりも外側へ移動して第１保持部２１ａ，２２ａの外面から外側に位置する。なお、外周側となるＦＰＣ４２の第２係合部４２ｂと内周側となるＦＰＣ４１の第１係合部４１ａは余る部分となるが、この余り部分は切断してもよい。
【００４９】
ＦＰＣ４１の一側端部に位置しているコネクタ搭載部４１ｅの面上には、第１コネクタ（図示せず）が搭載される。ＦＰＣ４１の他側端部のコネクタ搭載部４１ｆの一面上には、第２コネクタ（図示せず）が搭載される。ＦＰＣ４１の一側端部に符号４１ｇによって示した部分は、第１コネクタの端子部（図示せず）が半田によって接続される導電部である。また、ＦＰＣ４１の他側端部に符号４１ｈによって示した部分は、第２コネクタの端子部（図示せず）が半田によって接続される導電部である。第１コネクタは、図示しない基板に実装した相手コネクタに嵌合・離脱可能に接続する。第２コネクタは、図示しない基板に実装した相手コネクタに嵌合・離脱可能に接続する。なお、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の両端部は、相手コネクタの種類によって基板間接続用コネクタに実装する場合もある。また、ＦＰＣ４２の一側端部及び他側端部もＦＰＣ４１と同じ構成とすることができる。
【００５０】
第１保持部２１ａ，２２ａは、ＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂ及びＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａを含む部分の形状に対応した形状に形成されている。第２保持部３１ａ，３２ａは、ＦＰＣ４１の第３係合部４１ｃ及びＦＰＣ４２の第３係合部４２ｃを含む部分の形状に対応した形状に形成されている。
【００５１】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２の一方側は、第１保持部２１ａ，２２ａから第１保持部２２ａの第１閉塞端壁２２ｇに形成されている切り欠き部２２ｈを貫通して外部に導出されている。ＦＰＣ４１，４２の貫通部分は第１閉塞端壁２２ｇにおいて、例えば、切り欠き部２２ｈを封止する樹脂若しくは接着剤などの封止材によって封止されている。
【００５２】
さらに、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の他方側は、第２保持部３１ａ，３２ａから第２保持部３２ａの第２閉塞外壁３２ｇに形成した切り欠き部３２ｈを径方向外向に貫通して外部に導出されるとともに、第２閉塞外壁３２ｇの切り欠き部３２ｈで封止されている。即ち、ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、互いに平行な向きでヒンジコネクタ１から外へ延びている。
【００５３】
この実施の形態例におけるヒンジコネクタの組み立ては、図１に示したように、ヒンジコネクタ１を構成する第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２にＦＰＣ４１，４２の屈曲変形部４３を含む中間部分を組み込み、第１筐体部２１，２２における第１回動ガイド部２１ｂ，２２ｂと、第２筐体部３１，３２における第２回動ガイド部３１ｂ，３２ｂとを嵌め合わせる。そして、第２保持部３１ａ，３２ａにＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂとＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａとを重ね合わせる。次に、第１筐体部２１，２２を嵌め合わせ、さらに、第２筐体部３１，３２を嵌め合わせることによってヒンジコネクタ１が完成する。
【００５４】
このヒンジコネクタ１では、第１保持部２２ａ及び第２保持部３２ａを、ヒンジコネクタ１の内周の接線付近にすることでＦＰＣ４１，４２の回転径が大きくなり、ＦＰＣ４１，４２にストレスをかけない状態で、大きな内部の空間部分に収納することが可能である。
【００５５】
ヒンジコネクタ１は、具体的に示すと、図５に示す携帯電話などの折り畳み式電子機器のヒンジ部５５に組み込まれる。ヒンジ部５５は、電子機器の機器筐体５６と相手側機器筐体５７とを開閉自在にヒンジ結合している。機器筐体５６及び相手側機器筐体５７には、各種の電子部品が搭載されており、ＦＰＣ４１，４２によって機器筐体５６及び相手側機器筐体５７に搭載されている電子部品間の回路接続が行われる。
【００５６】
ヒンジコネクタ１は、機器筐体５６及び相手側機器筐体５７を開閉する時に、第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２内のＦＰＣ４１，４２のみが屈曲し、外部のＦＰＣ４２は全く屈曲しないことからストレスが加わらない。
【００５７】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２を組み込んだヒンジコネクタは、屈曲に対する耐久性を低下させる要因であった弛み部４５を第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２の外側へ移動しているので、第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２の内部にあるＦＰＣ４１，４２は、図１に示したように弛み部４５のない状態となっており、屈曲に対する耐久性を向上させることができる。また、第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２の外部にあるＦＰＣ４１，４２は、電子機器の開閉時に屈曲しないので、弛み部４５による耐久性の低下は発生しない。
【００５８】
図６は、第２実施の形態例を示しており、ヒンジコネクタ１としての第１及び第２筐体部２１，２２，３１，３２を用いずに折り畳み式電子機器のような機器のヒンジ部にＦＰＣ４１，４２を設けた機器のヒンジ構造を示している。
【００５９】
機器のヒンジ構造は、機器筐体７６と、ＦＰＣ４１，４２とを備えている。この機器のヒンジ構造は、機器筐体７６が機器筐体７６と共通な一軸周りで回動可能な相手側機器筐体（図示せず）にヒンジ結合される。ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、機器筐体７６及び相手側機器筐体に搭載されている電子部品を相互に回路接続するものである。なお、図６では、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の両側部分を省略して示しているが、ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、図１乃至図４に示したＦＰＣ４１，４２と同じものである。
【００６０】
機器筐体７６は、第１機器筐体部７７と、この第１機器筐体部７７の上面に一体に設けられる第２機器筐体部７８とを有している。第１機器筐体部７７は、一側の枠部７７ａから外向きに突出するように設けた略半筒形状の第１ヒンジ部７７ｂを有している。第２機器筐体７８は、一側の枠部７８ａから外向きに突出するように設けた略半筒形状の第２ヒンジ部７８ｂを有している。第１及び第２ヒンジ部７７ｂ，７８ｂは、互いに一軸周りで回動可能に合わされて相手側機器筐体にヒンジ結合されるヒンジ部である。
【００６１】
さらに、第１機器筐体部７７は、一側の枠部７７ａにＦＰＣ４１，４２の屈曲変形部４３を除く長手方向における一方側を保持する第１保持部７７ｃを有している。第２機器筐体部７８は、一側の枠部７８ａにＦＰＣ４１，４２の屈曲変形部４３を除く長手方向における一方側を保持する第２保持部７８ｃを有している。
【００６２】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、屈曲変形部４３を除く長手方向の一方側に形成した第１係合部４１ａ，４２ａと、第１係合部４１ａ，４２ａの他方側の近傍でＦＰＣ４１，４２に形成した第２係合部４１ｂ，４２ｂと、屈曲変形部４３を除くＦＰＣ４１，４２の他方側に形成した第３係合部４１ｃ，４２ｃ（図１、図３及び図４を参照）とを有している。
【００６３】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、図１、図３及び図４に示したように、スパイラル状に巻いた後に、内周側のＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂと外側のＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａとが重ね合わされた状態で第１及び第２保持部７７ｃ，７８ｃに保持される。ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、第１係合部４１ａ，４２ａの一方側の近傍から第３係合部４１ｃ，４２ｃの一方側までのＦＰＣ４１，４２間がエアーギャップ部Ｇをもって互いに離れている。
【００６４】
ＦＰＣ４１，４２は、中間部分をスパイラル状に巻いた状態で内周側になるＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂと外周側になるＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａを重ね合わせている。図６に示したＦＰＣ４１，４２では、図３及び図４に示した外周側となるＦＰＣ４２の第２係合部４２ｂと内周側となるＦＰＣ４１の第１係合部４１ａとが切断されている。
【００６５】
ＦＰＣ４１の第２係合部４１ｂとＦＰＣ４２の第１係合部４２ａとは、これらが重ね合わされて第１機器筐体部７７の第１保持部７７ｃに形成されている溝部７７ｇへ挿入される。その後、第２機器筐体部７８の第２保持部７８ｃに形成されている突部７８ｇを溝部７７ｇへ挿入して嵌め込むことによって筐体のヒンジ構造の組み立てが完了する。
【００６６】
なお、上述した実施の形態例では、２枚のＦＰＣ４１，４２によって説明したが、２枚以上のＦＰＣを採用することも可能であることはいうまでもない。また、ＦＰＣ４１，４２の第３係合部４１ｃ，４２ｃは、図示していないが、第１及び第２機器筐体部７７，７８と同様な第１及び第２保持部７７ｃ , ７８ｃを相手側機器筐体５７に形成することによって、第１及び第２保持部７７ｃ , ７８ｃに第３係合部４１ｃ，４２ｃを保持すればよい。
【００６７】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、フレキシブル基板を組み込んだヒンジコネクタ又は筐体のヒンジ構造では、フレキシブル基板の中間部分をスパイラル状に巻いて、内周側となるフレキシブル基板の第２係合部と外周側となるフレキシブル基板の第１係合部を重ね合わせ第１保持部に保持させることによって、屈曲に対する耐久性を低下させる要因であった弛み部を第１保持部の外側へ移動させることができるので、折り畳み開放を繰り返してもストレスが加わらない構造となり、しかも良好な屈曲性を得ることができ、屈曲に対する耐久性を向上させることができる。
【００６８】
また、フレキシブル基板は、スパイラル状に巻き付ける前の段階では、弛み部が発生していないため、通常のフレキシブル基板の製造工程と同様にプレス金型で外形を打ち抜くことができ、製造が容易となり、フレキシブル基板の歩留まりが悪化することがない。
【００６９】
さらに、フレキシブル基板は、エアーギャップ部において一枚ずつが離れており、接着剤によって張り付けられていないので一枚のＦＰＣと同等の屈曲性を得ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係るヒンジコネクタの第１実施の形態例を分解して示した斜視図である。
【図２】図１に示したヒンジコネクタの斜視図である。
【図３】図１に示した二枚のＦＰＣを示した斜視図である。
【図４】図３に示した二枚のＦＰＣのうち、外側のＦＰＣの要部を示した斜視図である。
【図５】図１に示したヒンジコネクタを組み込んだ電子機器を示す斜視図である。
【図６】本発明に係る機器のヒンジ機構として第２実施の形態例を示しており、一部を断面して分解して状態で示した斜視図である。
【図７】従来の電子機器の斜視図である。
【図８】従来の電子機器の他の例を示した斜視図である。
【図９】従来のＦＰＣをスパイラル状に巻き付けた状態を示す側面図である。
【図１０】従来のＦＰＣを示す側面図である。
【図１１】図１０に示したＦＰＣをスパイラル状に巻き付けた状態を示す側面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ヒンジコネクタ
２１，２２第１筐体部
２１ａ，２２ａ第１保持部
３１，３２第２筐体部
３１ａ，３２ａ第２保持部
４１，４２，２０９，２０９′，３０９，３１０ＦＰＣ
４１ａ，４２ａ第１係合部
４１b，４２ｂ第２係合部
４１ｃ，４２ｃ第３係合部
４３屈曲変形部
４５，３１１弛み部
５５，２１１，２１１′ ヒンジ部
５６，７６機器筐体
５７相手側機器筐体
７７第１機器筐体部
７７ｂ第１ヒンジ部
７８ｂ第２ヒンジ部
７７ｃ第１保持部
７８第２機器筐体部
７８ｃ第２保持部
Ｇエアーギャップ部
２０１，２０１′ キーボード側筐体部
２０３，２０３′，２０７，２０７′ 基板
２０５，２０５′ 筐体部
２１０，２１０′ コネクタ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a hinge connector attached to a hinge part of an electronic device having a folding function, such as a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a notebook personal computer, and the like.machineBelongs to the hinge structure.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  As a conventional electronic device, for example, there is a foldable mobile phone in the prior art 1 shown in FIG. 7 and a foldable mobile phone in the prior art 2 shown in FIG. Note that the foldable mobile phone shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 shows a state in which the outer lid is removed.
[0003]
  Hereinafter, the prior art 1 shown in FIG. 7 and the prior art 2 shown in FIG. 8 will be described simultaneously. In this type of electronic device, the boards 203 and 203 'mounted on the keyboard-side casings 201 and 201' on which the keyboard is mounted, and the substrates 207 on the LCD-side casings 205 and 205 'on which the LCD is mounted. In order to connect 207 ', FPC (flexible printed circuit) 209, 209' as a flexible substrate is adopted.
[0004]
  In the electronic devices according to the prior arts 1 and 2, in order to fix the FPCs 209 and 209 ′, both ends of the FPCs 209 and 209 ′ are connected only by the connectors 210 and 210 ′. The FPCs 209 and 209 ′ are housed in the hinge portions 211 and 211 ′ of the housing portions 205 and 205 ′ in a wound state.
[0005]
  By the way, the FPCs 209 and 209 ′ form a circuit only on one side to prevent stress due to flexibility.And thickAlthough the size is thin and flexible, it is necessary to pass many signal lines in a small space due to downsizing of electronic equipment and addition of functions. For this reason, it is necessary to adopt an FPC in which circuits are formed on both sides in order to pass a multi-core signal line in a limited space, but the FPC itself becomes a thick dimension, so the flexibility is inferior. Therefore, the FPC described below is adopted as a countermeasure.
[0006]
  FIG. 9 shows the FPCs 309 and 310 in which two sheets are superimposed. Referring to FIG. 9, two FPCs 309 and 310 are overlapped and a predetermined portion is bonded with an adhesive.ShowByFPC309, 310 is shown in a spiral state.
[0007]
  That is, the two FPCs 309 and 310 includeWhen the FPCs 309 and 310 are wound in a spiral shape with the same dimensions, a slack portion 311 is generated due to a large slack of the FPC 310 on the inner peripheral side during bending due to the difference between the FPC 309 on the inner peripheral side and the FPC 309 on the outer peripheral side. An air gap is formed between the FPC 309 on the side and the FPC 310 on the inner peripheral side.
[0008]
  Conventionally, as a method of eliminating the slack portion 311, as shown in FIG. 10, the length dimensions of the inner peripheral side FPC 310 and the outer peripheral side FPC 309 are changed at the stage of manufacturing the FPCs 309 and 310.
[0009]
  The FPCs 309 and 310 shown in FIG. 10 employ a structure in which a space called an air gap portion G is formed in a part of the FPCs 309 and 310 shown in FIG. Here, the air gap part G means that two or more FPCs 309 and 310 are accommodated in the hinge part. This is a structure having portions where the FPCs 309 and 310 are not bonded to each other when it is necessary to pay.
[0010]
  The FPCs 309 and 310 have a length in the longitudinal direction of the FPC 310 positioned on the inner peripheral side shorter than a size in the longitudinal direction of the FPC 309 positioned on the outer peripheral side, and are partially relaxed from the beginning by a difference between the inner periphery and the outer periphery. DoAirGap part G is formed,By adhering predetermined portions of the FPCs 309 and 310, as shown in FIG. 11, it is devised so that the slack portion 311 as shown in FIG. 9 does not occur when wound in a spiral shape (for example, , See Patent Document 1).
[0011]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-252069 A (FIGS. 23 to 25)
[0012]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However,FPC 309 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , In 310, the FPC 309 , Since the FPCs 309 and 310 excluding the air gap portion G, which is a part of the portion 310 wound in a spiral shape, are bonded and bonded together, the circuit provided in the inner FPC 310 moves in the shrinking direction, and the outer FPC 309 moves. Will move in the direction of elongation. Such FPC309 , When 310 is housed in the hinge portion of the electronic device, the air gap portion G is also greatly deformed and the circuit is expanded and contracted by repeated bending to open and close the device. And the durability is inferiorThere is a problem.
[0013]
  In addition, when FPCs 309 and 310 are manufactured by laminating conductors, adhesives, polyimide film resins, etc. and punching out the outer shape from the top with a press die, manufacturing in a state where there is a gap G becomes extremely difficult in the process, There is a risk of yield deterioration.
[0014]
  Therefore, the problem of the present invention isWith a structure that does not apply stress even after repeated folding and opening, along with improved flexibility and durability against bendingIt is an object of the present invention to provide a hinge connector and a hinge structure of a device that can improve the opening / closing life of the device.
[0015]
  Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge connector and a device hinge structure that can easily manufacture a flexible substrate comprising a plurality of sheets.
[0016]
  Another subject of the present invention isFlexibility equivalent to one FPC can be obtainedIt is to provide a hinge structure of a hinge connector and an apparatus.
[0017]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  According to the present invention, the first housing portion, the second housing portion assembled to the first housing portion so as to be rotatable around one axis common to the first housing portion, the first and first 2 A bending deformation part is arranged in which a middle part in the longitudinal direction is wound in a spiral shape in a longitudinal direction in the housing part, and both sides in the longitudinal direction extend outward from the first and second housing parts. A hinge connector that includes at least two flexible boards and is incorporated in a hinge portion that is hinge-coupled to the electronic device mounted on the foldable device case so that the electronic components are connected to each other. 1 housing part has a 1st holding part holding one side of the both sides in the longitudinal direction except the bending deformation part, and the 2nd housing part is the longitudinal direction except the bending deformation part The other side of both sides Each of the flexible substrates includes a first engagement portion formed on one side of the longitudinal direction excluding the bending deformation portion, and the other side of the first engagement portion. And a second engagement portion formed in the vicinity of the first engagement portion, and a third engagement portion formed on the other side of the flexible substrate excluding the bending deformation portion, and the flexible substrate has the longitudinal direction In directionAboveThe portions excluding the intermediate portion are integrally bonded, and at least the flexible substrate from the vicinity of the one side of the first engagement portion to the one side of the third engagement portion is separated from each other with an air gap portion. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are the longitudinal lengths of the inner periphery side of the flexible substrate and the outer periphery side of the flexible substrate when the flexible substrate is wound in a spiral shape. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are wound around the intermediate portion of the flexible substrate in the spiral shape. Arranged in the first and second housingsIsAnd when held by the first holding part and the second holding part, the second engaging part of the flexible board on the inner peripheral side and the first engaging part of the flexible board on the outer peripheral side, Are held by the first holding portion in a state of being overlapped, and the third engaging portion isAboveA hinge connector that is held by the second holding portion is obtained.
[0018]
  In addition, according to the present invention, the device housing and the device housing are hinge-coupled to a counterpart device housing that can be rotated about a common axis with the device housing, and the device housing and the counterpart device. In a hinge structure of a device including at least two flexible boards that mutually connect circuits of electronic components mounted on the housing, the device housing includes a first device housing portion and the first device housing. A second device housing part integrally provided on the part, wherein the first device housing part has a first hinge part, and the second device housing part has a second hinge part, The first and second hinge portions are hinge portions that are pivotally coupled to each other and hinged to the counterpart device housing, and the first device housing portion is an intermediate portion of the flexible substrate Holds one side in the longitudinal direction excluding the bent deformation part wound in a spiral shape It has a first holding unit, the second device housing section, the flexible substrate to face the first holding portionOtherEach of the flexible boards excludes the bent deformation part.AboveLongitudinalAboveThe flexible substrate excluding the first engaging portion formed on one side, the second engaging portion formed on the other side of the first engaging portion and in the vicinity of the first engaging portion, and the bending deformation portion ofAboveOn the other sideFormed thirdAnd the flexible substrate is in the longitudinal direction.AboveThe portions excluding the intermediate portion are integrally bonded, and at least the flexible substrate from the vicinity of the one side of the first engagement portion to the one side of the third engagement portion is separated from each other with an air gap portion. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are the longitudinal lengths of the inner periphery side of the flexible substrate and the outer periphery side of the flexible substrate when the flexible substrate is wound in a spiral shape. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are wound around the intermediate portion of the flexible substrate in the spiral shape. The first and secondmachinePlaced inside the housingIsAnd when held by the first holding part and the second holding part, the second engaging part of the flexible board on the inner peripheral side and the first engaging part of the flexible board on the outer peripheral side, In the state of being overlaidAnd secondHolding partByThe third engaging portion is heldIs formed by forming the first and second holding portions in the counterpart device housing similar to the first and second device housing portions.RetentionBe doneThe hinge structure of the apparatus characterized by this can be obtained.
[0019]
[Action]
  In the hinge connector and the hinge structure of the housing according to the present invention, the flexible board is formed by winding the intermediate portion in a spiral shape,Become2nd engaging part and outer peripheral side of flexible substrateBecomeWhen the first engagement portions of the flexible substrate are overlapped, a slack portion is generated outside the first engagement portion of the flexible substrate.But looseThe only portion moves outward from a portion where the second engaging portion of the flexible substrate on the inner peripheral side of the flexible substrate and the first engaging portion of the outer flexible substrate are overlapped.
[0020]
  In the hinge connector according to the present invention, when the intermediate portion of the flexible substrate is spirally wound and disposed in each of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the second engaging portion of the inner peripheral side flexible substrate is provided. And the first engagement portion of the flexible substrate on the outer peripheral side are overlaid on the first holding portionRetentionTo do. The third engagement part is superimposed on the second holding partRetentionTo do.
[0021]
  In the device hinge structure according to the present invention, the first and second holding portions of the first and second device casings in the device casing are connected to the second engagement portion of the inner peripheral flexible substrate and the outer peripheral flexible substrate. The first engagement part ofRetentionTo do.
[0022]
  The intermediate portion of the flexible substrate is an air gap portion, and the first and second engaging portions are longitudinal directions between the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side when the flexible substrate is formed into a bent deformed portion by spirally winding the flexible substrate. At a suitable distance to cancel the difference in.
[0023]
  Before the flexible substrate is spirally wound, there is no slack in the flexible substrate, so the outer shape can be punched out with a press die in the same way as the normal flexible substrate manufacturing process, making manufacturing easier and yielding. Will not get worse.
[0024]
  Therefore, when opening and closing the housing, only the bending deformation part is bent,Outside the first holding partWithout being affected by the slack,For bending deformationNo stress is applied.
[0025]
  In addition, although the 2nd engaging part of the flexible substrate used as an outer peripheral side and the 1st engaging part of the flexible substrate used as an inner peripheral side become an excess part, you may cut | disconnect this excess part.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a hinge connector according to the present invention will be described. FIG.1 and FIG.2 has shown the hinge connector attached to the apparatus housing | casing of a foldable electronic device. 3 and 4 show a flexible substrate.
[0027]
  Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, hinge connector 1 includes a pair of first housing portions 21 and 22, and a first housing portion that is rotatable about a common axis with first housing portions 21 and 22. Two FPCs as a flexible substrate having a pair of second housing portions 31 and 32 assembled to 21 and 22 and an intermediate portion introduced into the first and second housing portions 21, 22, 31 and 32 (Flexible printed circuit) 41 and 42.
[0028]
  In the first embodiment, in addition to the FPC 41, an FFC (flexible flat cable) can be adopted as a flexible substrate. Accordingly, the FPCs 41 and 42 and the FFC are collectively referred to as a flexible substrate. In the following description, the FPCs 41 and 42 are adopted as specific examples.
[0020]
  The dimension in the uniaxial direction of the first casing parts 21 and 22 is set to be shorter than the dimension in the uniaxial direction of the second casing parts 31 and 32. The shape of the outer peripheral surface around the axis of the first housing parts 21 and 22 is a substantially circular surface. The shape of the outer peripheral surface around the axis of the first housing parts 21 and 22 includes a main part that is substantially circular and projecting parts 21e and 22e that protrude slightly outward from the outer peripheral surface of the main part. is doing. The shape of the outer peripheral surface around the axis of the second housing portions 31 and 32 has a main portion that is a substantially circular surface and projecting portions 31e and 32e that protrude slightly outward from the outer peripheral surface of the main portion. is doing.
[0030]
  Each of the first and second housing parts 21, 22, 31, and 32 is a hinge assembly that is divided into two bodies in one plane direction including one axis and is made by resin molding.
[0031]
  In the FPCs 41 and 42, a bending deformation portion 43 that is wound in a spiral shape by bending a middle portion in the longitudinal direction is introduced into the first and second housing portions 21, 22, 31, and 32. The both end sides in the longitudinal direction extend outward from the first and second housing parts 21, 22, 31, 32.
[0032]
  More specifically, the hinge assembly will be described. The first holding portions 21 a and 22 a having flat surfaces are formed on the protruding portions 21 e and 22 e of the first housing portions 21 and 22. The first holding portion 21a protrudes from the mating surface where the first housing portions 21, 22 are combined, and the first holding portion 22a is a portion recessed from the mating surface where the first housing portions 21, 22 are combined. It has become. The first holding portions 21 a and 22 a hold one side of both sides in the longitudinal direction excluding the bent deformation portion 43 of the FPCs 41 and 42.
[0033]
  Each of the first housing parts 21 and 22 formed of an assembly having a structure of two bodies is a semicircular first rotation guide part 21b that is rotatably engaged with the second housing parts 31 and 32. , 22b and second storage portions 21c, 22c for storing intermediate portions including the bent deformation portions 43 of the FPCs 41, 42.
[0034]
  The second housing parts 31 and 32 are formed with second holding parts 31a and 32a having flat surfaces. The second holding portions 31 a and 32 a hold the other side of both sides in the longitudinal direction excluding the bending deformation portion 43 of the FPCs 41 and 42. Each of the second casing portions 31 and 32 formed of the two assemblies includes semicircular second rotation guide portions 31b and 32b that are rotatably engaged with the first rotation guide portions 21b and 22b. , And FPCs 41 and 42, and second storage portions 31 c and 32 c for storing an intermediate portion including the bending deformation portion 43 wound twice. The 2nd holding | maintenance part 32a becomes a part depressed from the mating surface where the 1st housing | casing parts 31 and 32 are combined.
[0035]
  The semicircular first rotation guide portions 21b and 22b have a circular outer peripheral surface by being combined with each other. The semicircular second rotation guide portions 31b and 32b are combined to have a circular outer peripheral surface.
[0036]
  The first rotation guide portions 21b and 22b are fitted to the inner peripheral side of the second rotation guide portions 31b and 32b, so that the first and second housing portions 21, 22, 31, and 32 rotate relative to each other. It becomes possible.
[0037]
  In this embodiment, the first and second holding portions 22a and 32a are formed in both the first and second housing portions 21, 22, 31, and 32. The first holding portion 22a may be formed only on the first housing portion 22 on the side, and the second holding portion 32a may be formed only on the one second housing portion 32.
[0038]
  The FPCs 41 and 42 are wound in a spiral shape with an intermediate portion at least once and wound on the first and second storage portions 21c, 22c, 31c, and 32c in the first and second housing portions 21, 22, 31, and 32. In addition to being disposed, both side portions of the FPCs 41 and 42 in the longitudinal direction extend outward from the first and second casing portions 21, 22, 31, and 32.
[0039]
  In this embodiment, it is necessary to employ two FPCs 41 and 42. However, if the two FPCs 41 and 42 are simply bonded, the thickness becomes thick and the flexibility is inferior. As a countermeasure, the configuration of FPCs 41 and 42 described below is employed.
[0040]
  Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the FPC 41 includes a first engagement portion 41 a formed so as to protrude in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction on one side of the longitudinal direction excluding the bending deformation portion 43, and Projecting in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the FPC 41 in the vicinity of the first engaging portion 41a.ShapeThe second engaging portion 41b formed and the third engaging portion 41c formed so as to protrude in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on the other side of the FPC 41 excluding the bending deformation portion 43 are provided.
[0041]
  The FPC 42 includes a first engagement portion 42a formed so as to protrude in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction on one side of the longitudinal direction excluding the bending deformation portion 43, and the longitudinal direction of the FPC 42 in the vicinity of the first engagement portion 42a. The second engaging portion 42b formed to protrude in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction on the other side of the FPC, and the FPC 42 excluding the bending deformation portion 43 formed to protrude in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. And the third engaging portion 42c.
[0042]
  The second engaging portion 41b of the FPC 41 and the first engaging portion 42a of the FPC 42 are sandwiched and locked between the first holding portions 21a and 22a. The third engaging portions 41c and 42c are sandwiched and locked between the second holding portions 31a and 32a.
[0043]
  When the intermediate portions of the FPCs 41 and 42 are spirally wound and arranged in the first housing portions 21 and 22 and the second housing portions 31 and 32, the second engaging portions of the FPC 41 on the inner peripheral side 41b and the first engaging portion 42a of the FPC 42 on the outer peripheral side are overlapped and held by the first holding portions 21a and 22a.Do. The third engaging portions 41c and 42c are superimposed on the second holding portions 31a and 32a.RetentionTo do.
[0044]
  An intermediate part of the FPCs 41 and 42 is an air gap part G. That is, between the vicinity of one side of the first engaging portions 41a and 42a and the one side of the third engaging portions 41c and 42c is between the FPCs 41 and 42.AirThe gap portions G are separated from each other. The air gap portion G is an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the FPCs 41 and 42, and is formed in the range of the arrow A illustrated in FIG. At least two parts of the FPCs 41 and 42 excluding the air gap part G, which are outside the vicinity of one side of the first engaging parts 41a and 42a, and the third engaging parts 41c and 42c are bonded by an adhesive. Has been. The first and second engaging portions 41a, 41b, 42a, 42b are separated by an appropriate distance that cancels out the difference in the longitudinal direction between the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side when the FPCs 41, 42 are wound in a spiral shape. Is formed.
[0045]
  In the state shown in FIG. 3 before forming the bending deformation portion 43, the FPCs 41 and 42 are not formed by the slack portion 45 shown in FIG. The outer shape can be punched out.
[0046]
  When the FPCs 41 and 42 are spirally wound and disposed in the first and second housing parts 21, 22, 31, and 32, the second engaging part 41b of the inner peripheral side FPC 41 and the second FPC 42 of the outer peripheral side are arranged. It is inserted into a pair of groove portions 22m formed on a pair of vertical wall surfaces of the first holding portions 21a and 22a in a state where the one engaging portion 42a is overlapped. Further, the third engaging portion 41c of the FPC 41 and the third engaging portion 42c of the FPC 42 are formed on a pair of vertical wall surfaces of the second holding portion 32a of the second holding portions 31a and 32a in a state of being overlapped. Is inserted into the pair of grooves 32m.
[0047]
  As shown in FIG. 1, the FPCs 41 and 42, when the intermediate part is spirally wound,The second engaging portion 41b on the inner peripheral side of the FPC 41 and the second engaging portion 41b on the outer peripheral side of the FPC 42.When the one engaging portion 42a is overlapped, FIG.Shown inAs described above, the slack portion 45 moves outward from a portion where the second engaging portion 41b of the FPC 41 on the inner peripheral side of the FPCs 41 and 42 and the first engaging portion 42a of the FPC 42 on the outer peripheral side are overlapped.
[0048]
  Therefore, the vicinity of one side in the longitudinal direction of the first engagement portion 42a of the FPC 42 that is on the outer peripheral side with the second engagement portion 41b of the FPC 41 is a portion where the FPCs 41 and 42 are bonded, so the slack portion 45 is From the outer surface of the first holding portions 21a and 22a, the second engaging portion 41b of the FPC 41 on the inner peripheral side of the FPC 41 and 42 moves outward from the portion where the first engaging portion 42a of the FPC 42 on the outer side is overlapped. Located outside. In addition, although the 2nd engaging part 42b of FPC42 used as the outer peripheral side and the 1st engaging part 41a of FPC41 used as an inner peripheral side become an excess part, you may cut | disconnect this excess part.
[0049]
  A first connector (not shown) is mounted on the surface of the connector mounting portion 41e located at one end of the FPC 41. A second connector (not shown) is mounted on one surface of the connector mounting portion 41f at the other end of the FPC 41. A portion indicated by reference numeral 41g at one end portion of the FPC 41 is a conductive portion to which a terminal portion (not shown) of the first connector is connected by solder. Further, a portion indicated by reference numeral 41h at the other end portion of the FPC 41 is a conductive portion to which a terminal portion (not shown) of the second connector is connected by solder. The first connector is connected to a mating connector mounted on a board (not shown) so as to be fitted and detached. The second connector is connected to a mating connector mounted on a board (not shown) so as to be able to be fitted and detached. Note that both ends of the FPCs 41 and 42 may be mounted on the board-to-board connector depending on the type of the mating connector. Further, the one end and the other end of the FPC 42 can have the same configuration as the FPC 41.
[0050]
  The first holding portions 21 a and 22 a are formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the portion including the second engaging portion 41 b of the FPC 41 and the first engaging portion 42 a of the FPC 42. The second holding portions 31 a and 32 a are formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the portion including the third engaging portion 41 c of the FPC 41 and the third engaging portion 42 c of the FPC 42.
[0051]
  One side of the FPCs 41 and 42 is led out from the first holding portions 21a and 22a through the notches 22h formed in the first closed end wall 22g of the first holding portion 22a. The penetrating portions of the FPCs 41 and 42 are sealed at the first closed end wall 22g by, for example, a sealing material such as a resin or an adhesive that seals the notch 22h.
[0052]
  Further, the other sides of the FPCs 41 and 42 are led out from the second holding portions 31a and 32a to the outside through the notches 32h formed in the second closed outer wall 32g of the second holding portion 32a in the radial direction. The second closed outer wall 32g is sealed with a notch 32h. That is, the FPCs 41 and 42 extend outward from the hinge connector 1 in directions parallel to each other.
[0053]
  As shown in FIG. 1, the hinge connector in this embodiment is assembled to the first and second housing parts 21, 22, 31, and 32 constituting the hinge connector 1, and the bent deformation parts 43 of the FPCs 41 and 42. The first rotation guide portions 21b and 22b in the first housing portions 21 and 22 and the second rotation guide portions 31b and 32b in the second housing portions 31 and 32 are fitted together. And the 2nd engaging part 41b of FPC41 and the 1st engaging part 42a of FPC42 are piled up on the 2nd holding parts 31a and 32a. Next, the first housing parts 21 and 22 are fitted together, and the second housing parts 31 and 32 are fitted together, whereby the hinge connector 1 is completed.
[0054]
  In this hinge connector 1, the first holding part 22 a and the second holding part 32 a are located in the vicinity of the tangent line on the inner periphery of the hinge connector 1, thereby increasing the rotation diameter of the FPCs 41 and 42 and applying no stress to the FPCs 41 and 42. In a state, it can be stored in a large internal space.
[0055]
  Specifically, the hinge connector 1 is incorporated in a hinge portion 55 of a folding electronic device such as a mobile phone shown in FIG. The hinge portion 55 hinges the device casing 56 of the electronic device and the counterpart device casing 57 so as to be freely opened and closed. Various electronic components are mounted on the device casing 56 and the counterpart device casing 57, and circuit connection between the electronic components mounted on the device casing 56 and the counterpart device casing 57 by the FPCs 41 and 42. Is done.
[0056]
  In the hinge connector 1, when opening and closing the device housing 56 and the counterpart device housing 57, only the FPCs 41 and 42 in the first and second housing parts 21, 22, 31, and 32 are bent, and the external FPC 42 is No stress is applied because it does not bend at all.
[0057]
  The hinge connector incorporating the FPCs 41 and 42 moves the slack portion 45, which is a factor that reduces the durability against bending, to the outside of the first and second housing portions 21, 22, 31, and 32. As shown in FIG. 1, the FPCs 41 and 42 inside the first and second housing parts 21, 22, 31, and 32 are in a state without the slack part 45, and can improve durability against bending. it can. Further, since the FPCs 41 and 42 outside the first and second housing parts 21, 22, 31, and 32 do not bend when the electronic device is opened and closed, the durability is not lowered by the slack part 45.
[0058]
  FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment, and the hinge portion of a device such as a folding electronic device without using the first and second housing portions 21, 22, 31, and 32 as the hinge connector 1. 1 shows a hinge structure of a device provided with FPCs 41 and 42.
[0059]
  The hinge structure of the device includes a device housing 76 and FPCs 41 and 42. The hinge structure of this device is hinge-coupled to a counterpart device housing (not shown) in which the device housing 76 can rotate about a common axis with the device housing 76. The FPCs 41 and 42 connect the electronic components mounted in the device casing 76 and the counterpart device casing to each other in a circuit connection.The NaIn FIG. 6, both sides of the FPCs 41 and 42 are omitted, but the FPCs 41 and 42 are the same as the FPCs 41 and 42 shown in FIGS.
[0060]
  The device housing 76 includes a first device housing portion 77 and a second device housing portion 78 provided integrally on the upper surface of the first device housing portion 77. The first device housing part 77 has a first hinge part 77b having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape provided so as to protrude outward from the frame part 77a on one side. The second device casing 78 has a second hinge part 78b having a substantially semi-cylindrical shape provided so as to protrude outward from the frame part 78a on one side. The first and second hinge portions 77b and 78b are hinge portions that are pivotably fitted around one axis and are hinged to the counterpart device casing.
[0061]
  Further, the first device housing part 77 has a first holding part 77c that holds one side in the longitudinal direction excluding the bending deformation part 43 of the FPCs 41 and 42 in the frame part 77a on one side. The second device housing part 78 has a second holding part 78c that holds one side in the longitudinal direction excluding the bending deformation part 43 of the FPCs 41 and 42 in a frame part 78a on one side.
[0062]
  The FPCs 41 and 42 are formed on the FPCs 41 and 42 in the vicinity of the first engagement parts 41a and 42a formed on one side of the longitudinal direction excluding the bending deformation part 43 and on the other side of the first engagement parts 41a and 42a. 2 engaging portions 41b and 42b, and third engaging portions 41c and 42c (see FIGS. 1, 3 and 4) formed on the other side of the FPCs 41 and 42 excluding the bending deformation portion 43. .
[0063]
  As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the FPCs 41 and 42 are wound in a spiral shape, and then the second engaging portion 41 b of the inner peripheral FPC 41 and the first engaging portion 42 a of the outer FPC 42 Are held by the first and second holding portions 77c and 78c in a state of being overlapped. The FPCs 41 and 42 are located between the FPCs 41 and 42 from the vicinity of one side of the first engaging portions 41a and 42a to the one side of the third engaging portions 41c and 42c.AirThe gap portions G are separated from each other.
[0064]
  In the FPCs 41 and 42, the second engaging portion 41 b of the FPC 41 that becomes the inner peripheral side and the first engaging portion 42 a of the FPC 42 that becomes the outer peripheral side overlap each other with the intermediate portion wound in a spiral shape. In the FPCs 41 and 42 shown in FIG. 6, the second engaging part 42b of the FPC 42 on the outer peripheral side and the first engaging part 41a of the FPC 41 on the inner peripheral side shown in FIGS. .
[0065]
  The second engaging portion 41 b of the FPC 41 and the first engaging portion 42 a of the FPC 42 are overlapped and inserted into the groove portion 77 g formed in the first holding portion 77 c of the first device housing portion 77. Thereafter, the projection 78g formed on the second holding part 78c of the second device casing part 78 is inserted into the groove part 77g, and the assembly of the hinge structure of the casing is completed.
[0066]
  In the above-described embodiment, the two FPCs 41 and 42 have been described. Needless to say, two or more FPCs may be employed. Further, the third engagement portions 41c and 42c of the FPCs 41 and 42 are not shown, but are the same as the first and second device housing portions 77 and 78.1st and 2ndHolding part77c , 78cThe other equipment casing57By forming into1st and 2ndHolding part77c , 78cThe third engaging portions 41c, 42cTheJust hold it.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained aboveAndIn the hinge connector or the hinge structure of the housing that incorporates the flexible board,By winding the intermediate portion of the flexible substrate in a spiral shape, the second engagement portion of the flexible substrate on the inner peripheral side and the first engagement portion of the flexible substrate on the outer peripheral side are overlapped and held by the first holding portion Since the slack portion, which was a factor that reduces the durability against bending, can be moved to the outside of the first holding portion,The structure does not add stress even after repeated foldingAnd goodGood flexibility can be obtained, and durability against bending can be improved.
[0068]
  In addition, since the slack portion does not occur in the flexible substrate before it is wound in a spiral shape, the outer shape can be punched out with a press die in the same manner as the normal flexible substrate manufacturing process, and the manufacturing becomes easy. The yield of the flexible substrate does not deteriorate.
[0069]
  In addition, one flexible substrate is used at the air gap.One by oneIs away from the adhesiveTherefore, because it is not pastedFlexibility equivalent to that of one FPC can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a first embodiment of a hinge connector according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hinge connector shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing two FPCs shown in FIG. 1;
4 is a perspective view showing a main part of an outer FPC among the two FPCs shown in FIG. 3. FIG.
5 is a perspective view showing an electronic apparatus incorporating the hinge connector shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the hinge mechanism of the device according to the present invention, partly in section and disassembled.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a conventional electronic device.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of a conventional electronic device.
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state in which a conventional FPC is wound in a spiral shape.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing a conventional FPC.
11 is a side view showing a state in which the FPC shown in FIG. 10 is spirally wound.
[Explanation of symbols]
      1 Hinge connector
      21, 22 First housing part
      21a, 22a 1st holding part
      31, 32 Second housing part
      31a, 32a 2nd holding part
      41, 42, 209, 209 ', 309, 310 FPC
      41a, 42a 1st engaging part
      41b, 42b second engaging portion
      41c, 42c 3rd engaging part
      43 Bending deformation
      45,311 Loose section
      55, 211, 211 'hinge part
      56,76 Equipment housing
      57 Counterpart equipment housing
      77 First equipment casing
      77b 1st hinge part
      78b Second hinge part
      77c 1st holding part
      78 Second device casing
      78c 2nd holding | maintenance part
      G Air gap
      201, 201 ′ Keyboard side casing
      203, 203 ', 207, 207' substrate
      205, 205 ′ casing
      210, 210 'connector

Claims

A first housing portion, a second housing portion assembled to the first housing portion so as to be rotatable about one axis common to the first housing portion, and a longitudinal direction within the first and second housing portions. And at least two flexible substrates in which a bending deformation portion is arranged in which a middle portion in the direction is wound in a spiral shape with flexibility and both sides in the longitudinal direction extend outward from the first and second housing portions. In a hinge connector incorporated in a hinge portion in which the device housing is hinge-coupled so as to mutually connect circuits between electronic components mounted on the foldable device housing,
The first housing part includes a first holding part that holds one side of both sides in the longitudinal direction excluding the bending deformation part, and the second housing part excludes the bending deformation part. A second holding portion for holding the other side of both sides in the longitudinal direction, and each of the flexible substrates includes a first engagement portion formed on one side of the longitudinal direction excluding the bending deformation portion, A second engagement portion formed on the other side of the first engagement portion and in the vicinity of the first engagement portion; a third engagement portion formed on the other side of the flexible substrate excluding the bending deformation portion; have, the one side of the flexible substrate is the portion excluding the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction have been glued together, at least the third engagement portion from the vicinity of the one side of the first engagement portion Air gap between the flexible substrates up to And the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are an inner peripheral side of the flexible substrate and an outer peripheral side of the flexible substrate when the flexible substrate is wound in a spiral shape. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are formed at positions where the intermediate portion of the flexible substrate is spiraled. when held in the wound to Jo disposed in said first and second housing portion and the first holding portion and the second holding portion, the second engaging portion of the flexible substrate of the inner peripheral side the outer periphery of the being held in the first holding portion in a state where the the first engagement portion is superposed flexible substrate, said third engaging portion is held in the second holding portion and Hin characterized by Connector.

An electronic device mounted on the device housing and the counterpart device housing that is hinged to a device housing and a counterpart device housing that can be rotated about a common axis with the device housing. In the hinge structure of a device including at least two flexible boards that interconnect components to each other,
The device housing includes a first device housing portion and a second device housing portion provided integrally with the first device housing portion, and the first device housing portion includes a first hinge portion. And the second device housing portion has a second hinge portion, and the first and second hinge portions are pivotally fitted to each other so as to be rotatable around one axis and are hinged to the counterpart device housing. A first holding unit that holds one side in a longitudinal direction excluding a bent deformed part obtained by winding an intermediate part of the flexible board in a spiral shape. 2 device housing, the first to face the holding portion has a second holding portion for holding the other side in the flexible substrate, each of said flexible substrate, said longitudinal excluding the bent and deformed portion and wherein while the first engagement portion formed on a side, and the first engaging the other side of the first engagement portion And a second engagement portion formed in the vicinity of the part, and a third engaging portion formed on the other side of the flexible substrate with the exception of the bending deformation portion, the flexible substrate is the middle portion in the longitudinal direction The flexible substrates from at least the vicinity of the one side of the first engaging portion to the one side of the third engaging portion are separated from each other with an air gap portion. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are in the longitudinal direction between the inner peripheral side of the flexible substrate and the outer peripheral side of the flexible substrate when the flexible substrate is wound in a spiral shape. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are formed at positions away from each other by a distance that can cancel the difference, and the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are configured to connect the intermediate portion of the flexible substrate to the spy. When held in disposed in said first and second device housing portion wound in Le shape and the first holding portion and the second holding portion, the second engagement of the flexible substrate of the inner peripheral side The joint portion and the first engaging portion of the flexible substrate on the outer peripheral side are held by the first and second holding portions in a state of being overlapped, and the third engaging portion is hinge structure of the equipment, characterized in that it is held by forming a second equipment cabinet section similar to the first and second hold portions on the counterpart equipment cabinet.