KR100782435B1 - Flexible connector with printed circuit lines encircling two axes - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flexible connector formed from a single layer flexible film with printed circuit lines. The flexible connector is provided from the first connecting means, the second connecting means, the first connecting means, out of the first portion, the second connecting means, to form a coiled portion surrounding the first axis, A second portion adapted to form a surrounding coil portion, and a third portion connecting the first and second portions to each other. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing such a flexible connector and includes a first member and a second member having such a flexible connector, the first and second members of which are two-axis hinges. And a circuit of the first and second members connected by a flexible connector.

Description

Flexible connector with printed circuit lines encircling two axes

The present invention relates to a flexible connector, a method of manufacturing a flexible connector, and a communication device including the flexible connector.

British Patent Application No. GB 2322504 A discloses a three-stage tri-fold cellular telephone comprising an upper housing portion, a central housing portion, and a lower housing portion, wherein the portions are connected to each other via hinges. Rotatably coupled. One part contains a display, the other part includes a keypad, and the other part includes a speaker and a battery. 8 of GB 2322504 A illustrates the wires laid through one of the hinges between the parts for the electrical connection of the foldable members of a cellular telephone. GB 2322504 is an example of the need for flexible connection lines between cellular telephone members. Examples of other electronic devices that require this kind of flexible connection include video and digital cameras, laptop computers, PDAs, and calculators.

Japanese Patent Application No. JP 2002-111138 A discloses a flexible printed circuit board having a pair of terminals provided at both ends of a board, and being wired between the terminals. Wiring is done in two parts, and the two parts contain an empty space between them. The wiring has bending pleats so that the flexible printed board can be folded along the bending pleats.

The present invention provides that in both cases the lead-through of an electrical connector via a two-axis hinge causes the members of the communication device to turn along the first axis and the members of the communication device to turn along the second axis. It is based on the recognition that it needs to be able to digest the movements that are caused. In this regard, the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular to each other. The invention is further based on the recognition that a plurality of electrical connection lines need to be provided between the circuits of the members of the communication device.

The above objects, advantages and features as well as numerous other objects, advantages and features will all become apparent from the description, and are provided in a single layer flexure having first and second connection means and having printed circuit lines. Flexible connectors formed from flexible films can be identified according to the first aspect of the present invention. The flexible connector,

A first portion extending from the first connecting means to form a coil portion surrounding the first axis;

A second portion extending from the second connecting means to form a coil portion surrounding the second axis; And

And a third portion connecting the first and second portions to each other.

The terms "first", "second", and "third" should be interpreted as terms for distinguishing components and should not be interpreted as timing matters.

The first coil portion surrounding the first axis will digest the movements caused by turning around the first axis and the second coil portion will digest the movements caused by turning along the second axis. As a result, the physical burden on the flexible connector is reduced. Flexible connectors will enable lead-through through a two-axis hinge.

The first, second, and third portions of the flexible connector according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise two or more strips and substantially intermediate portions having substantially the same shape, each intermediate portion being A first border and a second border, wherein the first and second borders are side by side, and the intermediate portions are folded between each end of the strips such that the two or more strips are foldable along the borders to form overlapping layers. Aligned. This feature may provide additional connection lines when more connecting lines are needed, so that an increase in the total width of the strip is not feasible and a reduction in the width of each connecting line is inappropriate. The intermediate portions will have an adhesive. The adhesive will prevent the monolayer flexible film from unfolding while using, processing, storing and transferring the flexible connector. The adhesive can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. This is advantageous while the folded portions are somehow exposed to pressure during manufacture.

The second portion of the flexible connector according to the first aspect of the present invention may include a first elongated sub part, a second curved sub part, and a third length sub part, and may include a third length type. The sub part is adapted to form the coil part.

The third portion of the flexible connector according to the first aspect of the present invention may include a first curved sub part, a second length server part, and a third curved sub part.

The above objects, advantages and features and numerous other objects, advantages and features will all become apparent from the detailed description, and a method for manufacturing a flexible connector having a first connection means and a second connection means. It can be identified according to the second aspect of the present invention. A first portion extending from the first connecting means to form a coil portion surrounding the first axis; A second portion extending from the second connecting means to form a coil portion surrounding the second axis; And a third portion connecting the first and second portions to each other, wherein the flexible connector further comprises:

Printing at least one strip over the monolayered flexible film, with connecting lines between the first and second connecting means and between the first and second connecting means and lying between the first and second connecting means ( printing) step; And

Cutting out the printed flexible film.

The terms "first", "second", and "third" should be interpreted as terms for distinguishing components and should not be interpreted as timing matters.

The first, second, and third portions of the flexible connector according to the second aspect of the invention may comprise two or more strips and substantially intermediate portions having substantially the same shape, each intermediate portion being A first boundary line and a second boundary line, the first and second boundary lines are side by side, and the intermediate portions are aligned between each end of the strips, and the method comprises folding and overlapping the layers of the two or more strips. The method may further include folding the boundary lines to form. The method may further comprise the step of adhering said intermediate parts. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive, wherein the folding may further include applying pressure to the folded portions to actuate the pressure sensitive adhesive.

The above objects, advantages and features and numerous other objects, advantages and features will all become apparent from the detailed description and refer to the third aspect of the invention as a communication device having a first member and a second member. The first and second members are mechanically connected via a two-axis hinge. The communication device further comprises a flexible connector formed from a single layer flexible film with printed circuit lines, the flexible connector being configured to be connected to a circuit in a first member of the communication device, and Second connecting means configured to be connected to a circuit in a second member of the communication device.

The flexible connector,

A first portion extending from a first connecting means to form a coil portion surrounding a first axis of the two-axis hinge;

A second portion extending from a second connecting means to form a coil portion surrounding a second axis of the two-axis hinge; And

And a third portion connecting the first and second portions to each other.

The terms "first", "second", and "third" should be interpreted as terms for distinguishing components and should not be interpreted as timing matters.

The first, second, and third portions of the flexible connector according to the third aspect of the invention may comprise two or more strips and substantially intermediate portions having substantially the same shape, each intermediate portion being A first border and a second border, wherein the first and second borders are side by side, and the intermediate portions are folded between each end of the strips such that the two or more strips are foldable along the borders to form overlapping layers. Aligned. The intermediate parts will be equipped with an adhesive. The adhesive can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

The second portion of the flexible connector according to the third aspect of the present invention may include a first elongated sub part, a second curved sub part, and a third length sub part, and may include a third length type. A sub part is configured to form the coil portion.

The third portion of the flexible connector according to the third aspect of the present invention may include a first curved sub part, a second length server part, and a third curved sub part.

1, 2, and 3 illustrate a communication device having two members engaged with each other.

4 shows a flexible connector.

5 shows a flexible connector with several strips.

6 is a perspective view of the flexible connector of FIG. 5.

7 and 8 show the flexible connector folding of FIGS. 5 and 6.

9 illustrates the flexible connector of FIGS. 5-8 folded into a multilayer structure in a single layer flexible film.

FIG. 10 shows the flexible connector of FIG. 9 applied to a two-axis hinge. FIG.

In the following description of the preferred embodiment, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description. The drawings show, by way of example, preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is also to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1, 2, and 3 show a communication device 10 having two members 3, 5 interlocked with each other. The members can rotate along two axes via a two-axis hinge 7. The flexible connector 9 has a first circuit of the first member 3 of the communication device 1, namely a first printed circuit board PCB and a second of the second member 5 of the communication device 10. Circuit, i.e., connected between the second PCBs. The flexible connector 9 connects an electrical signal to / from a first circuit of the first member 3 of the communication device 10 to a second circuit of the second member 5 of the communication device 10. Is provided for.

4 shows a flexible connector 401 having a first connecting means 403 adapted to be attached to a first circuit. This connector is also provided with second connection means 405 suitable for attachment to the second circuit. A strip 407 having one or more connecting lines (not shown) is arranged between the first connecting means 403 and the second connecting means 405. The first portion 409 of the strip extends from the first connecting means 403 to the second curved portion 411, the second curved portion 411 of which the strip 407 substantially extends with the first portion 409. A bend 413 is formed that begins to expand into the third portion 413 that is vertical. The strip 407 is then given a fourth curved portion 415, which begins to expand into a fifth portion 417 where the strip is substantially perpendicular to the third portion 413. To form a bend. The strip 407 is again provided to the sixth curved portion 419, where the sixth curved portion is formed of a strip 407 substantially perpendicular to the fifth portion 417 and substantially parallel to the third portion 413. It forms a bend that begins to expand into seven portions 421. The seventh part 421 of the strip is connected to the second connecting means 405. The above description of the flexible connector 401 applies only when the flexible connector 401 is considered to be flat and in one plane.

The flexible connector 401 is preferably made of a flexible film material. The first and second connecting means 403, 405 are preferably made slightly harder than the remaining part 401 of the flexible connector, for example to facilitate its attachment in the PCB. The strip 407 is for example 20 connecting lines, each connecting line having a width of 100 μm and a width between the connecting lines of 75 μm, ie, the distance from the center of one connecting line to the center of the other connecting line is 175 μm. It is preferable to include the same plurality of connecting lines.

As more connecting lines are needed, an increase in the total width of the strip is not feasible, and when the reduction in the width of each connecting line is inadequate, the necessity of a multilayer structure emerges.

5 shows a flexible connector 501 with a first connection means 503 suitable for attachment to a first circuit. This connector also has second connecting means 505 suitable for attachment to the second circuit. A first strip 507 comprising one or more connecting lines (not shown) is arranged between the first connecting means 503 and the second connecting means 505. The first strip 507 is substantially shaped like a strip of the flexible connector shown in FIG. 4. The flexible connector 501 further includes a second strip 509 and a third strip 511. The second and third strips 509 and 511 are substantially shaped like the first strip 507. The strips 507, 509, 511 are of the same width, for example 8 mm. Alternatively, the strips 507, 509, 511 may be of different widths. For example, the first strip 507 may be 10 mm, the second strip 509 may be 8 mm, and the third strip 511 may be 6 mm. The flexible connector 501 has intermediate portions 529, 531, 533, 535 between each strip 507, 509, 511. These intermediate portions 529, 531, 533, 535 each include a first boundary line 513, 515, 521, 523 and a second boundary line 517, 519, 525, 527. The first and second boundary lines 513, 515, 517, 519, 521, 523, 525, 527 are parallel. The flexible connector is configured to be folded along a plurality of borders 513, 515, 517, 519, 521, 523, 525, 527. As will be explained in more detail below, it is preferable to fold the adhesive onto the medial portions 529, 531, 533, 535 to maintain the shape of the flexible connector after folding. The above description of the flexible connector 501 applies only when the flexible connector 501 is considered to be flat and in one plane.

6 is a perspective view of the flexible connector of FIG. 5. The flexible connector 601 has parallel boundaries 613, 615, 617, 619, 621, 623, 625, 627. This translates parallel to a position on the second strip 609 of the third strip 611 and then parallel to a position on the first strip 607 of the second and third strips 609, 611. It will make the move possible. Thus, the first, second, and third strips 607, 609, 611 will overlap after being folded.

7 and 8 illustrate the folding of the flexible connectors 701 and 801. The adhesive on the regions (not shown) in the intermediate portions 729, 731, 733, 735 will now adhere to the connecting means 703, 705 and the strip 709, thus fixing the folded portions. While the folded portions are somehow exposed to pressure during manufacture, it is desirable to use an adhesive that reacts to the pressure. This adhesive will prevent the monolayer flexible film from unrolling during use, processing, storage and transfer of the flexible connector.

9 shows a flexible connector 901 which is folded from a single layer flexible film into a multilayer structure as shown in FIGS. 5-8 and has a first connecting means 903 suitable for attachment to a first circuit. This flexible connector 901 also has a second connecting means 905 suitable for attachment to the second circuit. The first, second, and third strips 906, 907, 908 each have one or more connecting lines (not shown), between the first connecting means 903 and the second connecting means 905. Is sorted on. The first portion 909 of each strip extends from the first connecting means 903, wherein the second and third strips are connected to the second curved portion 911 through the intermediate portions 931, 935, The second curved portion forms a curved portion where the strips 906, 907, 908 begin to extend into the third portion 913, which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion 909. The strips 906, 907, and 908 then form a curved line in which the strips begin to extend into a fifth portion 917 substantially perpendicular to the third portion 913 and substantially parallel to the first portion 909. Four curved portion 915 is provided. The strips 906, 907, and 908 form a sixth curved line in which the strips begin to extend into a seventh portion 921 substantially perpendicular to the fifth portion 917 and substantially parallel to the third portion 913. It further includes a curved portion 919. The seventh portion 921 of the strips is connected to the second connecting means 905, wherein the second and third strips are connected via the intermediate portions 929, 933. The intermediate portions 929, 931, 933, 935 each include a first boundary line and a second boundary line for neighboring strips 906, 907. The first and second boundary lines are parallel. The above description of the flexible connector 901 applies only when the flexible connector 901 is considered to be flat and in one plane.

The flexible connector 901 is preferably made of a flexible film material. The first and second connecting means 903 and 905 are preferably made slightly harder than the rest of the flexible connector 901 to facilitate application in the circuit. The strips 906, 907, 908 have, for example, a width of each connecting line of 100 μm and a width between the connecting lines of 75 μm, ie a distance of 175 μm from the center of one connecting line to the center of the other connecting line, It is preferable to include a plurality of connection lines such as twenty connection lines.

Alternatively, it may be desirable for one strip line to be provided with only one connecting line, for example a copper layer of total width, to improve the performance associated with electromagnetic compatibility and / or electrostatic discharge. Since the first strip 906 has the shortest path between the connectors 903 and 906, it is preferred that the entirety be one layer of copper, which is generally associated with electromagnetic compatibility and / or electrostatic discharge. To ensure the best performance. This applies to many applications, but for some applications it may be more effective to use other strips for this purpose.

FIG. 10 shows the flexible connector of FIG. 9 when applied to a two-axis hinge (not shown) such as a communication device. The flexible connector 1001 has a first connecting means 1003 suitable for being attached to the first circuit. The flexible connector 1001 further includes second connecting means 1005 suitable for attaching to the second circuit. The first, second and third strips 1006, 1007, 1008 each have one or more connecting lines (not shown) and are placed between the first connecting means 1003 and the second connecting means 1005. . The first portion 1009 of each of the strips extends from the first connecting means 1003, and the second and third strips are connected via the intermediate portions 1031, 1035. The first portion 1009 forms a coil sub part 1010 surrounding the first axis A-A. The length of the first portion 1009 of the respective strips 1006, 1007, 1008 differs slightly so that the coil subpart 1010 can be formed, which means that the respective strips 1006, 1007, 1008 This is because the part 1010 will have a slightly different curvature. The second curved portion 1011 forms a bend in which each of the strips 1006, 1007, 1008 begins to extend into the third portion 1013 toward the second axis BB in the direction of the first axis AA. . The third portion 1013 creates a curve that may be possible due to its flexible nature, which is substantially parallel to the second axis B-B at the end adjacent to the fourth curved portion 1015. The fourth curved portion 1015 forms a bend in which the strips extend into the fifth portion 1017, where the fifth portion 1017 forms a coil subpart 1018 surrounding the second axis B-B. The length of the fifth portion 1017 of the respective strips 1006, 1007, 1008 differs slightly so that the coil sub-part 1018 can be formed, which means that the respective strips 1006, 1007, 1008 This is because the coil sub part 1018 will have a slightly different curvature. The strips 1006, 1007, 1008 further include a sixth curved portion 1019, which forms a curvature extending into the seventh portion 1021 in a direction substantially parallel to the second axis B-B. The seventh part 1021 of the strips is connected to the second connecting means 1005, wherein the second and third strips are connected via intermediate parts (not shown).

The flexible connector 1001 is arranged to pass through a two-axis hinge, where the first connecting means 1003 is attached to the first circuit and the first part 1009 of the strips 1006, 1007, 1008 packs. ) Extends into the hinge and wraps around the first axis AA (1010) to allow the members of the communication device to extinguish the movement caused when rotating along the first axis AA. Similarly, the fifth portion 1017 wraps around the second axis B-B 1018 so as to extinguish the movement caused when members of the communication device rotate around the second axis B-B. The seventh portion 1021 of the strips 1006, 1007, 10008 packs comes out of the coil portion 1018 formed by the third portion 1021 of the strips 1006, 1007, 10008 packs and is attached to the second circuit. Toward the second connecting means 1005.

Thus, when the communication device is folded, unfolded and rotated several times along the axes A-A and B-B, the physical stress of the flexible connector is minimal. Accordingly, stable connection between circuits of communication device members is supported.

Although three strips have been disclosed in the preferred embodiment, a flexible connector with only one strip may also be provided as shown in FIG. It is also possible to provide a flexible connector with strips of 2, 4, 5 or its moving parts.

As disclosed through the three strip embodiments, when the flexible connector has two or more strips and each strip has a substantially identical shape, the flexible connector has intervening portions between each strip, The intermediate portion includes first and second boundary lines. The first and second boundary lines, like the preferred embodiment, are parallel to each other to allow parallel displacement of the strips. The lengths of the first portions of the respective strips are preferably slightly different from each other to enable the formation of the coil subparts, since the respective strips have slightly different curvatures in the coil subparts. The lengths of the fifth portions of the respective strips are preferably slightly different from each other to enable the formation of the coil subparts, since the respective strips have slightly different curvatures in the coil subparts. Each strip preferably has the same width, such as 8 mm. Alternatively, their respective strips may be of different widths.

Claims (14)

A flexible connector formed from a single layer flexible film with printed circuit lines, the flexible connector comprising a first connecting means and a second connecting means, A first portion extending from the first connecting means and forming a coiled portion surrounding the first axis; A second curved portion extending from the first portion and forming a bend; A third portion extending from the second curved portion and forming a curve; A fourth curved portion extending from the third portion and forming a bend; A fifth portion extending from the fourth curved portion and forming a coiled portion surrounding the second axis; A sixth curved portion extending from the fifth portion and forming curvature; And And a seventh portion extending from the sixth curved portion and connected to the second connecting means. The method of claim 1, The first portion, the second curved portion, the third portion, the fourth curved portion, the fifth portion, the sixth curved portion, and the seventh portion include two or more strips of substantially the same shape, and the intermediate portions, Each of the intermediate portions comprises a first and a second boundary line, the first and second boundary lines are parallel to each other, and the intermediate portions are disposed between respective ends of the strips so that the two or more strips are folded after folding. A flexible connector foldable along the boundaries to form overlapping layers. The method of claim 2, A flexible connector, wherein the intermediate portions are provided with an adhesive. The method of claim 3, wherein And the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive. delete A method of manufacturing a flexible connector comprising a first connecting means and a second connecting means, The flexible connector is: A first portion extending from the first connecting means and forming a coiled portion surrounding the first axis; A second curved portion extending from the first portion and forming a bend; A third portion extending from the second curved portion and forming a curve; A fourth curved portion extending from the third portion and forming a bend; A fifth portion extending from the fourth curved portion and forming a coiled portion surrounding the second axis; A sixth curved portion extending from the fifth portion and forming curvature; And And a seventh portion extending from the sixth curved portion and connected to the second connecting means. The method comprises: a first connecting means, a second connecting means, and connecting lines between the first connecting means and the second connecting means, arranged between the first connecting means and the second connecting means, the first portion, the first Printing at least one strip on the monolayer flexible film to form a bicurve portion, a third portion, a fourth curve portion, a fifth portion, a sixth curve portion, and a seventh portion; And cutting out the printed flexible film. The method of claim 6, The first portion, the second curved portion, the third portion, the fourth curved portion, the fifth portion, the sixth curved portion, and the seventh portion of the flexible connector may have two or more strips of substantially the same shape, and A portion, each of the intermediate portions comprising a first and a second boundary line, the first and second boundary lines being parallel to each other, the intermediate portions being disposed between each end of the strips, the method Silver: folding along the boundaries to form layers where the two or more strips overlap after being folded. The method of claim 7, wherein And providing an adhesive to the intermediate portions. The method of claim 8, Wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive, and the folding step further comprises applying pressure to the folded portion to activate the pressure sensitive adhesive. A communication device comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first and second members are physically connected through a two-axis hinge. The communication device comprises: first connection means formed from a single layer flexible film with printed circuit lines and configured to be connected to a circuit in a second member of the communication device and a circuit in the first member of the communication device. A flexible connector comprising a second connecting means configured to be connected; The flexible connector is: A first portion extending from the first connecting means and forming a coiled portion surrounding the first axis; A second curved portion extending from the first portion and forming a bend; A third portion extending from the second curved portion and forming a curve; A fourth curved portion extending from the third portion and forming a bend; A fifth portion extending from the fourth curved portion and forming a coiled portion surrounding the second axis; A sixth curved portion extending from the fifth portion and forming curvature; And And a seventh portion extending from the sixth curved portion and connected to the second connecting means. The method of claim 10, The first portion, the second curved portion, the third portion, the fourth curved portion, the fifth portion, the sixth curved portion, and the seventh portion include two or more strips of substantially the same shape, and the intermediate portions, Each of the intermediate portions comprises a first and a second boundary line, the first and second boundary lines are parallel to each other, and the intermediate portions are disposed between respective ends of the strips so that the two or more strips are folded after folding. And can be folded along the boundaries to form overlapping layers. The method of claim 11, Wherein said media portions are provided with an adhesive. The method of claim 12, And the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive. delete

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