JP4200262B2

JP4200262B2 - Hinge connector

Info

Publication number: JP4200262B2
Application number: JP2001261336A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 博久田中
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 2001-08-30
Filing date: 2001-08-30
Publication date: 2008-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2021-08-30
Also published as: JP2003077592A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ヒンジ部を介して回動自在に連結された２つの筐体内にそれぞれ収納された回路基板の間を電気的に接続するヒンジコネクタに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、携帯電話機として、液晶画面をカラー化、大画面化したり携帯性を向上させるために、図１５に示すような折り畳み式の筐体１，２を有するものが提供されている。筐体１，２はそれぞれ前ケース１ａ，２ａと後ケース１ｂ，２ｂとで構成される。前ケース１ａ，２ａの一端側の両側部には、それぞれ、ヒンジ部３ａ，３ｂが設けられており、これらのヒンジ部３ａ，３ｂを軸にして前ケース１ａ，２ａが相互に回転することによって、２つの筐体１，２は開閉自在となっている。また図１６に示すように、前ケース１ａ，２ａの一端側の略中央には、後ケース１ｂ，２ｂ側が開放された断面半円形の半円部４ａ，５ａが設けられ、後ケース１ｂ，２ｂには前ケース１ａ，２ａと結合した状態で半円部４ａ，５ａとともに円筒部４，５を形成する断面半円形の半円部４ｂ，５ｂが設けられている。
【０００３】
このような折り畳み式の携帯電話機では、液晶ディスプレイ５１を内蔵した一方の筐体１にアンテナ５２や受話部（スピーカ）５３を配置し、もう一方の筐体２にダイヤルボタンなどの操作部５４や送話部（マイク）５５を配置したタイプが主流になっている。筐体１には液晶ディスプレイ５１や受話部５３などの部品を実装した回路基板（図示せず）が収納され、筐体２には操作部５４や送話部５５などの部品を実装した回路基板（図示せず）が収納されており、両回路基板の間で電気信号を伝えるために、両回路基板の間をフレキシブル基板５７を介して電気的に接続し、フレキシブル基板５７の中間部を１回巻回した状態で上述した円筒部４，５内に収納してある。
【０００４】
また、筐体２には外部インタフェースとして、例えば自動車内での電源供給や車載アンテナとの接続用のコネクタ５６が設けられているので、両回路基板にはアンテナ信号用の受け側（レセプタクル側）の同軸コネクタが実装され、両端に接続側（プラグ側）の同軸コネクタが接続された同軸ケーブル５８をフレキシブル基板５７の巻回部内に通すようにしてヒンジ部３内に配置し、同軸ケーブルの両端に設けた同軸コネクタを両回路基板に実装された同軸コネクタに接続していた。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上述のように、別々の筐体１，２にそれぞれ収納された回路基板の間を電気的に接続するために、従来は両回路基板にフレキシブル基板５７を接続し、フレキシブル基板５７の中間部を１回巻回した状態で円筒部４，５内に収納し、さらに同軸ケーブル５８をフレキシブル基板５７の巻回部内に通し、同軸ケーブル５８の両側に設けた同軸コネクタを両回路基板に実装した同軸コネクタに接続していたため、同軸コネクタを回路基板及び同軸ケーブル５８の両方に設ける必要があり、部品点数が増加してコストアップになるという問題があった。また、同軸ケーブル５８の両端に同軸コネクタを接続し、さらに同軸ケーブル５８をフレキシブル基板５７に巻回部内に通す必要があり、取付作業が煩わしいという問題もあった。また、同軸ケーブルは曲げにくいため、断線や折損事故が起きやすいという問題もあった。
【０００６】
本発明は上記問題点に鑑みて為されたものであり、その目的とするところは、部品点数が少なく、組立作業性が良好で、断線事故を防止したヒンジコネクタを提供することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、請求項１の発明では、ヒンジ部を介して回動自在に連結された２つの筐体を具備する電気機器に用いられ、各筐体の内部にそれぞれ収納された回路基板の間で高周波信号を伝えるために用いられるヒンジコネクタであって、一方の回路基板に実装されたプラグ側コネクタと、他方の回路基板に実装されたレセプタクル側コネクタとで構成され、プラグ側コネクタは、平面形状が円弧状に形成された板状の第１のガイド部を有する合成樹脂製の第１のボディと、第１のガイド部における中心軸方向の一側面の中心位置に配置され一側面から外側に向かって弾性付勢された第１の弾接部を有し、一方の回路基板に電気的に接続された導電性の第１の信号用コンタクトと、第１のガイド部における中心軸方向の他側面に第１の弾接部を中心とする円周上に第１の弾接部を取り囲むように配置され他側面から外側に向かって弾性付勢された第２の弾接部を有し、一方の回路基板に電気的に接続された導電性の第１の接地極用コンタクトとを備え、レセプタクル側コネクタは、平面形状がそれぞれ円弧状に形成され、第１のガイド部が挿入される隙間を介して第１のガイド部と同心に対向配置された第２及び第３のガイド部を有する合成樹脂製の第２のボディと、第２のガイド部における第１のガイド部との対向面の中心位置に配置されて第１の弾接部に弾接する第１の被弾接部を有し、他方の回路基板に電気的に接続された導電性の第２の信号用コンタクトと、第３のガイド部における第１のガイド部との対向面に第３のガイド部の中心位置を中心とする円周上に配置されて第２の弾接部に弾接する第２の被弾接部を有し、他方の回路基板に電気的に接続された導電性の第２の接地極用コンタクトとを備え、プラグ側コネクタの第１のガイド部の中心位置と、レセプタクル側コネクタの第２及び第３のガイド部の中心位置とを２つの筐体の回動軸方向に並べて配置し、プラグ側コネクタの第１及び第２の弾接部をレセプタクル側コネクタの第１及び第２の被弾接部に弾接させた状態で各回路基板を対応する筐体の内部にそれぞれ配置したことを特徴とする。
【０００８】
上述のように、一方の回路基板に実装されたプラグ側コネクタと、他方の回路基板に実装されたレセプタクル側コネクタとでヒンジコネクタを構成しているので、両回路基板の間を同軸ケーブルで接続する場合に比べて部品数が少なくなり、また同軸ケーブルが不要になるので、同軸ケーブルの引き回し作業がなくなり、組立作業の作業性が向上し、断線などの事故を無くすことができる。さらに、第１及び第２の信号用コンタクトに設けた第１の弾接部及び第１の被弾接部と、第１及び第２の接地極用コンタクトに設けた第２の弾接部及び第２の弾接部とは同心円状に隣接して配置されているので高周波特性に優れ、アンテナ信号などの高周波信号の伝達にも用いることができる。また更に、第１及び第２の信号用コンタクトに設けた第１の弾接部と第１の被弾接部、第１及び第２の接地極用コンタクトに設けた第２の弾接部と第２の弾接部はそれぞれ弾接しているだけなので、容易に着脱することができ、両回路基板の組立作業や分解作業を容易に行うことができる。
【０００９】
請求項２の発明では、請求項１の発明において、第１のボディにおける第１のガイド部の連結部位の外形寸法を第１のガイド部の外径よりも小さい寸法とし、第２及び第３のガイド部の間にできる隙間の円周方向の寸法を、第１のガイド部の回転角度範囲が少なくとも１８０度以上となるような寸法に設定したことを特徴とし、請求項１の発明の作用に加え、プラグ側コネクタとレセプタクル側コネクタとの回転角度範囲を１８０度以上とすることができ、且つ、第２及び第３のガイド部の間の隙間に第１のガイド部を１８０度以上の方向から差し込むことができるから、プラグ側コネクタとレセプタクル側コネクタとの着脱作業を容易に行うことができる。
【００１０】
請求項３の発明では、請求項１又は２の発明において、第２の弾接部における第２の被弾接部との対向面に、第２の被弾接部側に向かって突出する複数の突起を、回転角度範囲の略中央位置から略対称な位置であって、回転角度範囲において常に第２の被弾接部と弾接する位置に設けたことを特徴とし、請求項１又は２の発明の作用に加えて、第２の弾接部と第２の被弾接部とが複数の突起で弾接することになり、１箇所のみで弾接する場合に比べて電気的接触の信頼性が向上する。さらに、複数の突起は回転角度範囲の略中央位置から略対称な位置であって、回転角度範囲において常に第２の被弾接部と弾接する位置に設けられているので、回転角度範囲内では第２の弾接部と第２の被弾接部とが常に複数の箇所で弾接することになり、電気的接触の信頼性が向上する。
【００１１】
請求項４の発明では、請求項３の発明において、突起の形状を長円形状とし、突起の長手方向が円周方向に沿うように設けたことを特徴とし、請求項３の発明の作用に加え、突起による被弾接部の摩耗を少なくでき、耐摩耗性が向上する。
【００１２】
請求項５の発明では、請求項１の発明において、第１の接地極用コンタクトの外側を囲むように、第１のガイド部の中心位置を中心とする円環状の保護枠を第１のボディと一体に設けたことを特徴とし、請求項１の発明の作用に加えて、保護枠によって第１の接地極用コンタクトや第１の信号用コンタクトに外力が加わるのを防止でき、運搬時や組立時や組立後に第１の接地極用コンタクトや第１の信号用コンタクトが変形するのを防止できる。
【００１３】
請求項６の発明では、請求項１の発明において、第２のガイド部の外形寸法を第３のガイド部の外形寸法よりも小さくし、第３のガイド部における第２のガイド部の投影部分に第３のガイド部を貫通する貫通孔を設けたことを特徴とし、請求項１の発明の作用に加え、第３のガイド部を貫通する貫通孔が無い場合は、インサート成形時に第２のガイド部と第３のガイド部との間の隙間を作成するためにスライドコアを用いる必要があり、金型の構造が複雑になったり、離型時にスライドコアが第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面を摺動するために第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面が摩耗するという問題があるが、第３のガイド部における第２のガイド部の投影部分に第３のガイド部を貫通する貫通孔を設けているので、この貫通孔を通して金型の一部を挿入することにより、スライドコアを用いることなくインサート成形を行うことができ、また金型の抜き方向を第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面と略直交する方向に設定することができるので、離型時に金型で第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面が摩耗するのを防止できる。また更に、インサート成形時に第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面と略直交する方向から金型で押さえることが出来るので、第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面と金型との間に隙間ができにくく、成型バリの発生を抑制することができる。
【００１４】
請求項７の発明では、請求項１の発明において、第２のボディは、第２及び第３のガイド部の一端を連結したコ字状部と、コ字状部における第２のガイド部側の端部から連続一体に延設されて他端部が回路基板に取り付けられる連結部とを有し、第２の接地極用コンタクトは連結部とコ字状部との連結部位から略直角に折曲されて第２の被弾接部が第３のガイド部に配置されるとともに、第２の信号用コンタクトは連結部とコ字状部との連結部位から斜めに折曲されて第１の被弾接部が第２のガイド部に配置されたことを特徴とし、請求項１の発明の作用に加え、第２の接地極用コンタクトは連結部とコ字状部との連結部位から略直角に折曲されて第２の被弾接部が第３のガイド部に配置されるとともに、第２の信号用コンタクトは連結部とコ字状部との連結部位から斜めに折曲されて第１の被弾接部が第２のガイド部に配置されているので、上記連結部位から第２の被弾接部までの第２の接地極用コンタクトの距離と、上記連結部位から第１の被弾接部までの第２の接地極用コンタクトの距離とを異ならせることができ、したがって第２の信号用コンタクトと第２の接地極用コンタクトとを同一のフープ材に抜き加工及び曲げ加工を施して製作する場合にも、抜き代を確保するために第１の被弾接部又は第２の被弾接部の寸法が小さくなることはなく、第１又は第２の弾接部との接触面積を確保できる。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明の実施の形態を図１乃至図１４を参照して説明する。
【００１６】
本実施形態のヒンジコネクタＡは、従来例で説明したような折り畳み式の筐体１，２を有する携帯電話機に用いられる。筐体１，２は従来例で説明した携帯電話機と同様の構成を有しており、図１５に示すように前ケース１ａ，２ａと後ケース１ｂ，２ｂとでそれぞれ構成され、前ケース１ａ，２ａの一端側の両側部に設けたヒンジ部３を軸にして互いに回動することにより、開閉自在に連結されている。また、前ケース１ａ，２ａの一端側の略中央には、後ケース１ｂ，２ｂ側が開放された断面半円形の半円部４ａ，５ａが設けられ、後ケース１ｂ，２ｂには前ケース１ａ，２ａと結合した状態で半円部４ａ，５ａとともに円筒部４，５を形成する断面半円形の半円部４ｂ，５ｂが設けられている。
【００１７】
一方の筐体１には液晶ディスプレイや受話部やアンテナが配置され、液晶ディスプレイや他の回路部品を実装した回路基板６が収納されている。他方の筐体１にはダイヤルボタンなどの操作部や送話部が配置され、操作部や送話部を実装した回路基板７が収納されている。
【００１８】
２つの回路基板６，７はそれぞれ別々の筐体１，２に収納されているので、両回路基板６，７の間で電気信号を伝えるために、両回路基板６，７の間をフレキシブル基板５７を介して電気的に接続し、このフレキシブル基板５７の中間部を１回巻回した状態で上述した円筒部４，５内に収納してある。ここで、筐体１，２の開閉時には、開閉動作に伴ってフレキシブル基板５７を屈曲させる力が加わるが、フレキシブル基板５７は中間部が巻回されており、寸法的に余裕があるので、フレキシブル基板５７に過大な力が加わって破損することはない。
【００１９】
また、本実施形態では両回路基板６，７の間でアンテナ信号を伝えるためのヒンジコネクタＡを設けてある。ヒンジコネクタＡは、筐体２側の回路基板７に実装されたプラグ側コネクタ１０と、筐体１側の回路基板６に実装されたレセプタクル側コネクタ２０とで構成される。
【００２０】
プラグ側コネクタ１０は、図４乃至図６に示すように、合成樹脂製のボディ１１（第１のボディ）に、第１の信号用コンタクト（以下、信号用コンタクトと略す）１２と第１の接地極用コンタクト（以下、接地極用コンタクトと略す）１３とをインサート成形して形成される。
【００２１】
ボディ１１は、回路基板７に取り付けられる矩形板状の取付片１１ａと、取付片１１ａの中央部から立設された短冊状の連結部１１ｂと、連結部１１ｂの長手方向一端側から連続一体に形成され、先端部の平面形状が略円環状に形成されたガイド片１１ｃ（第１のガイド部）とで構成される。ガイド片１１ｃは、回路基板７の表面と平行な方向に対して回路基板７側に約３０度傾斜した状態で突出しており、ガイド片１１ｃの中央部には丸孔と角孔とが連続したような形状の開口孔１４が貫設されている。また、取付片１１ａにおける回路基板７との対向面には、回路基板７に設けた嵌合孔（図示せず）と嵌合する嵌合突起１１ｄ，１１ｄが突設されている。
【００２２】
信号用コンタクト１２は弾性を有する板金に曲げ加工を施して形成され、ボディ１１の連結部１１ｂ内に埋設される細長の連結片１２ａと、連結片１２ａの長手方向一端部から連続一体に延設されて先端部がガイド片１１ｃに設けた開口孔１４内に突出する弾接片１２ｂと、連結片１２ａの長手方向他端部から連続一体に延設され回路基板７に設けた端子部（図示せず）に半田付けされる半田付け片１２ｃとで構成される。また、弾接片１２ｂの先端には略円形の弾接部１２ｄ（第１の弾接部）が設けられており、この弾接部１２ｄはガイド片１１ｃの中心位置に配置されている。
【００２３】
一方、接地極用コンタクト１３は弾性を有する板金に曲げ加工を施して形成され、ボディ１１の連結部１１ｂ内に埋設される細長の連結片１３ａと、連結片１３ａの長手方向一端部から連続一体に延設されてガイド片１１ｃに設けた開口孔１４内に突出する弾接片１３ｂと、連結片１３ａの長手方向他端部から連続一体に延設され回路基板７に設けた端子部（図示せず）に半田付けされる半田付け片１３ｃとで構成される。ここに、弾接片１３ｂは先端部が折り返されて、平面形状が略Ｕ字状に形成されており、その先端部はボディ１１のガイド片１１ｃに埋設固定されている。また弾接片１３ｂの中間部には略４分の３円の円弧部１３ｄ（第２の弾接部）が形成されており、この円弧部１３ｄはガイド片１１ｃの中心位置を中心とする円周上に配置されている。すなわち、接地極用コンタクト１３の弾接片１３ｂは、信号用コンタクト１２の弾接片１２ｂの周りを取り囲むようにして配置されている。
【００２４】
ここで、図７に示すように、信号用コンタクト１２と接地極用コンタクト１３とは、同一のフープ材６０を打ち抜いて、ボディ１１をインサート成形した後、曲げ加工を施すことにより形成され、繋ぎ部６１を切断することにより１つ１つに分離される。なお、信号用コンタクト１２の弾接片１２ｂに設けた弾接部１２ｄと、接地極用コンタクト１３の弾接片１３ｂに設けた円弧部１３ｄとは、図６に示すようにそれぞれ反対方向に向かって突出しており、ガイド片１１ｃの表面から外側に突出している。また、両コンタクト１２，１３の弾接片１２ｂ，１３ｂはガイド片１１ｃに貫設した開口孔１４内に配置されており、弾接片１２ｂ，１３ｂの周りには保護枠としてのガイド片１１ｃの円環部分が配置されているので、この円環部分で弾接片１２ｂ，１３ｂの先端に力が加わるのを防止でき、運搬時や組立時や組立後に両コンタクト１２，１３の弾接片１２ｂ，１３ｂが変形するのを防止できる。尚、図中の１１ｅはインサート成形時に金型のピンでコンタクト１２，１３を両側から押さえることによってできた穴であり、金型のピンでコンタクト１２，１３を両側から押さえることにより、コンタクト１２，１３の位置ずれを防止できる。
【００２５】
一方、レセプタクル側コネクタ２０は、図８乃至図１４に示すように、合成樹脂製のボディ２１（第２のボディ）に第２の信号用コンタクト（以下、信号用コンタクトと略す）２２と第２の接地極用コンタクト（以下、接地極用コンタクトと略す）２３とをインサート成形して構成される。
【００２６】
ボディ２１は、回路基板６に取り付けられる矩形板状の取付片２１ａと、取付片２１ａの中央部から立設された短冊状の連結部２１ｂと、連結部２１ｂの長手方向一端側から連続一体に形成され、先端部の平面形状が略円弧状に形成されたガイド部２１ｃ（コ字状部）とで構成される。ガイド部２１ｃは、回路基板６の表面と平行な方向に対して回路基板６側に約３０度傾斜した状態で突出しており、ガイド部２１ｃの先端部にはガイド片１１ｃが挿入される凹所２４が設けられ、断面コ字状に形成されている。ガイド部２１ｃは凹所２４の両側に、平面形状が長方形と円形とが連続したような形状に形成されたガイド片２１ｄ（第２のガイド部）と、平面形状が略円板状に形成されたガイド片２１ｅ（第３のガイド部）とを有し、円板状のガイド片２１ｅの中心位置にガイド片２１ｄ先端の円形部分を配置している。また、取付片２１ａにおける回路基板６との対向面には、回路基板６に設けた嵌合孔（図示せず）と嵌合する嵌合突起２１ｆ，２１ｆが突設されている。
【００２７】
信号用コンタクト２２は板金に曲げ加工を施して形成され、ボディ２１の連結部２１ｂ内に埋設される細長で中間部が連結部２１ｂに沿って屈曲した連結片２２ａと、連結片２２ａの長手方向一端部から連続一体に延設され、ガイド片２１ｄにおける凹所２４側の面の中心位置に先端が配置された接触片２２ｂと、連結片２２ａの長手方向他端部から連続一体に延設され回路基板６に設けた端子部（図示せず）に半田付けされる断面Ｌ字状の半田付け片２２ｃとで構成される。また、接触片２２ｂの先端には略円形の接触部２２ｄ（第１の被弾接部）が設けられており、この接触部２２ｄはガイド片２１ｄの中心位置に配置される。
【００２８】
一方、接地極用コンタクト２３は板金に曲げ加工を施して形成され、ボディ２１の連結部２１ｂ内に埋設される細長で中間部が連結部２１ｂに沿って屈曲した連結片２３ａと、連結片２３ａの長手方向一端部から連続一体に延設され、ガイド片２１ｅにおける凹所２４側の面にガイド片２１ｅと同心円状に配置される接触片２３ｂと、連結片２３ａの長手方向他端部から連続一体に延設され回路基板７に設けた端子部（図示せず）に半田付けされる断面略Ｌ字状の半田付け片２３ｃとで構成される。接触片２３ｂは略Ｕ字状に折り返され、その先端部はボディ２１の連結部２１ｂに埋設されている。また接触片２３ｂの中間部には略４分の３円の円弧部２３ｄ（第２の被弾接部）が形成されており、この円弧部２３ｄはガイド片２１ｅの中心位置を中心とする円周上に配置されている。すなわち、接地極用コンタクト２３の接触片２３ｂは、信号用コンタクト２２の接触片２２ｂの周りを取り囲むようにして配置されている。
【００２９】
図１２に示すように、信号用コンタクト２２と接地極用コンタクト２３とは、同一のフープ材６２を打ち抜いて、曲げ加工を施した後、ボディ２１をインサート成形して形成され、繋ぎ部６３を切断することにより１つ１つに分離される。ここで、図１１中に点線で示すように接触片２２ｂの中間部を略直角に屈曲した場合、連結片２２ａとの連結部位から先端部までの接触片２２ｂの長さが長くなって、図１２中に点線で示すように接触片２２ｂの先端部の位置が接地極用コンタクト２３の円弧部２３ｄ付近にくるため、抜き代を確保するためには接触片２２ｂの先端に設けた接触部２２ｄの径を小さくするか、又は、円弧部２３ｄの幅寸法を小さくする必要がある。そこで、本実施形態では接地極用コンタクト２３は、ボディ２１における連結部２１ａとガイド部２１ｃとの連結部位から略直角に折曲して円弧部２３ｄをガイド片２１ｅに配置するように形成し、信号用コンタクト２２は、ボディ２１における連結部２１ａとガイド部２１ｃとの連結部位から斜めに折曲して接触部２２ｄをガイド片２１ｄの中心位置に配置するようにしているので、連結片２２ａとの連結部位から先端部までの接触片２２ｂ（信号用コンタクト２２）の長さが、連結片２３ａとの連結部位から先端部までの接触片２３ｂ（接地極用コンタクト２３）の長さに比べて短くなり、接触部２２ｄの位置が円弧部２３ｄから十分遠ざかるので、接触部２２ｄの径や円弧部２３ｄの幅寸法を小さくする必要が無く、電気的接続の信頼性が向上する。尚、図中の２１ｇはインサート成形時に金型のピンでコンタクト２２，２３を両側から押さえることによってできた穴であり、金型のピンでコンタクト２２，２３を両側から押さえることにより、コンタクト２２，２３の位置ずれを防止できる。
【００３０】
また、図９に示すように、ガイド片２１ｄの外径寸法はガイド片２１ｅの外径寸法よりも小さい寸法に形成してあり、ガイド片２１ｅにおけるガイド片２１ｄの投影部位にはガイド片２１ｅを貫通する開口孔２５を設けている。この開口孔２５がない場合は凹所２４を形成するために、インサート成形時に図８（ａ）中の下方からスライドコア（図示せず）を挿入する必要があるが、スライドコアを用いた場合は離型時にスライドコアが接触部２２ｄや円弧部２３ｄの表面と接触して、接触部２２ｄや円弧部２３ｄが摩耗する虞があり、またスライドコアを用いることによって金型の形状が複雑になるという問題もある。そこで本実施形態では、凹所２４を挟んでガイド片２１ｄと対向するガイド片２１ｅの部位に金型の一部を挿入するための開口孔２５を形成しており、図８（ａ）中の左右両側から両コンタクト２２，２３を金型で挟み、開口孔２５に対応する部位に金型の一部（図８（ａ）中のＢ）を挿入することによって、凹所２４を形成することができる。また、スライドコアを用いる必要がないので、金型の形状を簡単にでき、且つ、離型時には接触部２２ｄや円弧部２３ｄの表面と略直交する方向に金型が移動するので、接触部２２ｄや円弧部２３ｄの表面と金型とが摺れて接触部２２ｄや円弧部２３ｄの表面が摩耗するのを防止でき、さらに接触部２２ｄや円弧部２３ｄの表面と略直交する方向から金型で押さえているので、接触部２２ｄや円弧部２３ｄの表面と金型との間に隙間ができにくく、成型バリの発生を抑制できる。
【００３１】
本実施形態のヒンジコネクタＡは上述のような構造を有しており、プラグ側コネクタ１０が実装された回路基板７と、レセプタクル側コネクタ２０が実装された回路基板６とを結合する際は、プラグ側コネクタ１０のガイド片１１ｃを、レセプタクル側コネクタ２０の両ガイド片２１ｄ，２１ｅの間の凹所２４内に挿入すると、プラグ側コネクタ１０の信号用コンタクト１２及び接地極用コンタクト１３にそれぞれ設けた弾接部１２ｄ及び円弧部１３ｄが、レセプタクル側コネクタ２０の信号用コンタクト２２及び接地極用コンタクト２３にそれぞれ設けた接触部２２ｄ及び円弧部２３ｄと弾接し、両回路基板６，７の間でアンテナ信号が伝達される。そして、プラグ側コネクタ１０は筐体２に設けた円筒部５内に配置されるとともに、レセプタクル側コネクタ２０は筐体１に設けた円筒部４内に配置されており、レセプタクル側コネクタ２０のガイド部２１ｃは円筒部４，５の連結部位を通して円筒部４内に挿入されている。この時、プラグ側コネクタ１０の弾接部１２ｄとレセプタクル側コネクタ２０の接触部２２ｄとは筐体１，２の回動中心に配置され、プラグ側コネクタ１０の円弧部１３ｄとレセプタクル側コネクタ２０の円弧部２３ｄとは筐体１，２の回動中心を中心とする同一円周上に配置される。而して、筐体１，２の開閉動作に伴って、筐体１，２がヒンジ部３を中心として相対的に回動すると、プラグ側コネクタ１０のガイド片１１ｃとレセプタクル側コネクタ２０のガイド片２１ｄ，２１ｅとが相対的に回動し、弾接部１２ｄ及び円弧部１３ｂが、それぞれ接触部２２ｄ及び円弧部２３ｄ上を摺動するので、筐体１，２の回動範囲内で両コネクタ１０，２０間の電気的接続が維持される。
【００３２】
このように、プラグ側コネクタ１０の両コンタクト１２，１３に設けた弾接部１２ｄ及び円弧部１３ｄは、それぞれ、レセプタクル側コネクタ２０の両コンタクト２２，２３に設けた接触部２２ｄ及び円弧部２３ｄと弾接しており、半田接続や溶接接合ではないため、容易に取り外すことができる。また更に、ガイド片１１ｃの連結部位に幅寸法はガイド片１１ｃの外径よりも小さく、またガイド片２１ｄ，２１ｅの間の隙間は円周方向において１８０度以上の角度範囲で開口しているので、両コネクタ１０，２０の回動角度範囲を１８０度以上とすることができ、また両ガイド片２１ｄ，２１ｅの間にガイド片１１ｃを１８０度以上の方向から差し込むことができるから、プラグ側コネクタとレセプタクル側コネクタとの着脱作業を容易に行うことができる。尚、ガイド片１１ｃの連結部位に幅寸法や、ガイド片２１ｄ，２１ｅの間の隙間の円周方向における開口範囲はボディ１１，２１の強度などによって決定され、これらの値などで両コネクタ１０，２０の回転角度範囲の上限値が決定される。
【００３３】
また、プラグ側コネクタ１０の接地極用コンタクト１３の弾接片１３ｂには、プラグ側コネクタ１０の回転角度範囲の中央位置を挟んで等角度の位置（本実施形態では例えば４５°の振り分け位置）に、接触片２３ｂ側に突出する長円状の突起１３ｅ，１３ｅを設けてあり、レセプタクル側コネクタ２０側の接地極用コンタクト２３の接触片２３ｂと２点で接触しているので、弾接片１３ｂと接触片２３ｂとが１点で接触している場合に比べて電気的接続の信頼性が向上する。また、上述のように突起１３ｅ，１３ｅは、プラグ側コネクタ１０の回転角度範囲の中央位置を挟んで約４５°の振り分け位置に配置されているので、筐体１，２が約１８０°回転する場合でも全ての回転角度範囲で２つの突起１３ｅ，１３ｅが接触片２３ｂと接触することになり、携帯電話機の場合に想定される使用位置（すなわち筐体１，２を完全に開いた状態か完全に閉じた状態）でも２つの突起１３ｅ，１３ｅが接触片２３ｂと接触しているから、電気的接続の信頼性が向上する。また、突起１３ｅの形状を長円形状とし、突起１３ｅの長手方向が円周方向に沿うように配置されているので、摺動時の耐摩耗性が向上するという利点もある。
【００３４】
【発明の効果】
上述のように、請求項１の発明は、ヒンジ部を介して回動自在に連結された２つの筐体を具備する電気機器に用いられ、各筐体の内部にそれぞれ収納された回路基板の間で高周波信号を伝えるために用いられるヒンジコネクタであって、一方の回路基板に実装されたプラグ側コネクタと、他方の回路基板に実装されたレセプタクル側コネクタとで構成され、プラグ側コネクタは、平面形状が円弧状に形成された板状の第１のガイド部を有する合成樹脂製の第１のボディと、第１のガイド部における中心軸方向の一側面の中心位置に配置され一側面から外側に向かって弾性付勢された第１の弾接部を有し、一方の回路基板に電気的に接続された導電性の第１の信号用コンタクトと、第１のガイド部における中心軸方向の他側面に第１の弾接部を中心とする円周上に第１の弾接部を取り囲むように配置され他側面から外側に向かって弾性付勢された第２の弾接部を有し、一方の回路基板に電気的に接続された導電性の第１の接地極用コンタクトとを備え、レセプタクル側コネクタは、平面形状がそれぞれ円弧状に形成され、第１のガイド部が挿入される隙間を介して第１のガイド部と同心に対向配置された第２及び第３のガイド部を有する合成樹脂製の第２のボディと、第２のガイド部における第１のガイド部との対向面の中心位置に配置されて第１の弾接部に弾接する第１の被弾接部を有し、他方の回路基板に電気的に接続された導電性の第２の信号用コンタクトと、第３のガイド部における第１のガイド部との対向面に第３のガイド部の中心位置を中心とする円周上に配置されて第２の弾接部に弾接する第２の被弾接部を有し、他方の回路基板に電気的に接続された導電性の第２の接地極用コンタクトとを備え、プラグ側コネクタの第１のガイド部の中心位置と、レセプタクル側コネクタの第２及び第３のガイド部の中心位置とを２つの筐体の回動軸方向に並べて配置し、プラグ側コネクタの第１及び第２の弾接部をレセプタクル側コネクタの第１及び第２の被弾接部に弾接させた状態で各回路基板を対応する筐体の内部にそれぞれ配置したことを特徴とする。
【００３５】
このように、一方の回路基板に実装されたプラグ側コネクタと、他方の回路基板に実装されたレセプタクル側コネクタとでヒンジコネクタを構成しているので、両回路基板の間を同軸ケーブルで接続する場合に比べて部品数が少なくなり、また同軸ケーブルが不要になるので、同軸ケーブルの引き回し作業がなくなり、組立作業の作業性が向上し、断線などの事故を無くすことができるという効果がある。さらに、第１及び第２の信号用コンタクトに設けた第１の弾接部及び第１の被弾接部と、第１及び第２の接地極用コンタクトに設けた第２の弾接部及び第２の弾接部とは同心円状に隣接して配置されているので高周波特性に優れ、アンテナ信号などの高周波信号の伝達にも用いることができるという効果もある。また更に、第１及び第２の信号用コンタクトに設けた第１の弾接部と第１の被弾接部、第１及び第２の接地極用コンタクトに設けた第２の弾接部と第２の弾接部はそれぞれ弾接しているだけなので、容易に着脱することができ、両回路基板の組立作業や分解作業を容易に行えるという効果もある。
【００３６】
請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明において、第１のボディにおける第１のガイド部の連結部位の外形寸法を第１のガイド部の外径よりも小さい寸法とし、第２及び第３のガイド部の間にできる隙間の円周方向の寸法を、第１のガイド部の回転角度範囲が少なくとも１８０度以上となるような寸法に設定したことを特徴とし、請求項１の発明の効果に加え、プラグ側コネクタとレセプタクル側コネクタとの回転角度範囲を１８０度以上とすることができ、且つ、第２及び第３のガイド部の間の隙間に第１のガイド部を１８０度以上の方向から差し込むことができるから、プラグ側コネクタとレセプタクル側コネクタとの着脱作業を容易に行えるという効果がある。
【００３７】
請求項３の発明は、請求項１又は２の発明において、第２の弾接部における第２の被弾接部との対向面に、第２の被弾接部側に向かって突出する複数の突起を、回転角度範囲の略中央位置から略対称な位置であって、回転角度範囲において常に第２の被弾接部と弾接する位置に設けたことを特徴とし、請求項１又は２の発明の効果に加えて、第２の弾接部と第２の被弾接部とが複数の突起で弾接することになり、１箇所のみで弾接する場合に比べて電気的接触の信頼性が向上するという効果がある。さらに、複数の突起は回転角度範囲の略中央位置から略対称な位置であって、回転角度範囲において常に第２の被弾接部と弾接する位置に設けられているので、回転角度範囲内では第２の弾接部と第２の被弾接部とが常に複数の箇所で弾接することになり、電気的接触の信頼性が向上するという効果がある。
【００３８】
請求項４の発明は、請求項３の発明において、突起の形状を長円形状とし、突起の長手方向が円周方向に沿うように設けたことを特徴とし、請求項３の発明の効果に加え、突起による被弾接部の摩耗を少なくでき、耐摩耗性が向上するという効果がある。
【００３９】
請求項５の発明は、請求項１の発明において、第１の接地極用コンタクトの外側を囲むように、第１のガイド部の中心位置を中心とする円環状の保護枠を第１のボディと一体に設けたことを特徴とし、請求項１の発明の効果に加えて、保護枠によって第１の接地極用コンタクトや第１の信号用コンタクトに外力が加わるのを防止でき、運搬時や組立時や組立後に第１の接地極用コンタクトや第１の信号用コンタクトが変形するのを防止できるという効果がある。
【００４０】
請求項６の発明は、請求項１の発明において、第２のガイド部の外形寸法を第３のガイド部の外形寸法よりも小さくし、第３のガイド部における第２のガイド部の投影部分に第３のガイド部を貫通する貫通孔を設けたことを特徴とし、請求項１の発明の効果に加え、第３のガイド部を貫通する貫通孔が無い場合は、インサート成形時に第２のガイド部と第３のガイド部との間の隙間を作成するためにスライドコアを用いる必要があり、金型の構造が複雑になったり、離型時にスライドコアが第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面を摺動するために第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面が摩耗するという問題があるが、第３のガイド部における第２のガイド部の投影部分に第３のガイド部を貫通する貫通孔を設けているので、この貫通孔を通して金型の一部を挿入することにより、スライドコアを用いることなくインサート成形を行うことができ、また金型の抜き方向を第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面と略直交する方向に設定することができるので、離型時に金型で第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面が摩耗するのを防止できるという効果がある。また更に、インサート成形時に第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面と略直交する方向から金型で押さえることが出来るので、第１及び第２の被弾接部の表面と金型との間に隙間ができにくく、成型バリの発生を抑制できるという効果がある。
【００４１】
請求項７の発明は、請求項１の発明において、第２のボディは、第２及び第３のガイド部の一端を連結したコ字状部と、コ字状部における第２のガイド部側の端部から連続一体に延設されて他端部が回路基板に取り付けられる連結部とを有し、第２の接地極用コンタクトは連結部とコ字状部との連結部位から略直角に折曲されて第２の被弾接部が第３のガイド部に配置されるとともに、第２の信号用コンタクトは連結部とコ字状部との連結部位から斜めに折曲されて第１の被弾接部が第２のガイド部に配置されたことを特徴とし、請求項１の発明の効果に加え、第２の接地極用コンタクトは連結部とコ字状部との連結部位から略直角に折曲されて第２の被弾接部が第３のガイド部に配置されるとともに、第２の信号用コンタクトは連結部とコ字状部との連結部位から斜めに折曲されて第１の被弾接部が第２のガイド部に配置されているので、上記連結部位から第２の被弾接部までの第２の接地極用コンタクトの距離と、上記連結部位から第１の被弾接部までの第２の接地極用コンタクトの距離とを異ならせることができ、したがって第２の信号用コンタクトと第２の接地極用コンタクトとを同一のフープ材に抜き加工及び曲げ加工を施して製作する場合にも、抜き代を確保するために第１の被弾接部又は第２の被弾接部の寸法が小さくなることはなく、第１又は第２の弾接部との接触面積を確保できるという効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本実施形態のヒンジコネクタを携帯電話機に取り付けた状態を示し、後カバーを外した状態を後側から見た図である。
【図２】同上の一部省略せる断面図である。
【図３】同上の一部省略せる側面図である。
【図４】同上のプラグ側のコネクタを示す側面図である。
【図５】同上の正面図である。
【図６】同上の前面側から見た断面図である。
【図７】同上の製造工程を説明する説明図である。
【図８】同上のレセプタクル側のコネクタを示し、（ａ）は正面図、（ｂ）は側面図である。
【図９】同上の一部省略せる左側面図である。
【図１０】同上の下面図である。
【図１１】同上の一部破断せる断面図である。
【図１２】同上の製造工程を説明する説明図である。
【図１３】同上を示し、図１１中のＣ−Ｃ断面図である。
【図１４】同上を示し、図１２中のＤ−Ｄ断面図である。
【図１５】同上を用いる携帯電話機の外観斜視図である。
【図１６】従来の携帯電話機の要部分解斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１０プラグ側コネクタ
１１，２１ボディ
１１ｃガイド片
１２，２２信号用コンタクト
１２ｂ，１３ｂ弾接片
１３，２３接地極用コンタクト
２０レセプタクル側コネクタ
２１ｄ，２１ｅガイド片
２２ｂ，２３ｂ接触片[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hinge connector for electrically connecting between circuit boards respectively housed in two housings that are rotatably connected via a hinge portion.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a cellular phone having a foldable casing 1 or 2 as shown in FIG. 15 has been provided in order to make a liquid crystal screen a color screen, a large screen, or improve portability. The casings 1 and 2 are respectively composed of front cases 1a and 2a and rear cases 1b and 2b. Hinge portions 3a and 3b are provided on both side portions on one end side of the front cases 1a and 2a, respectively, and the front cases 1a and 2a rotate relative to each other around the hinge portions 3a and 3b. The two casings 1 and 2 are openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 16, semi-circular portions 4a and 5a having a semicircular cross section with the rear cases 1b and 2b open are provided at substantially the center of one end of the front cases 1a and 2a, and the rear cases 1b and 2b are provided. Are provided with semicircular portions 4b and 5b having a semicircular cross section that form cylindrical portions 4 and 5 together with the semicircular portions 4a and 5a in a state of being coupled to the front cases 1a and 2a.
[0003]
In such a foldable mobile phone, an antenna 52 and a receiver (speaker) 53 are arranged in one housing 1 containing a liquid crystal display 51, and an operation unit 54 such as a dial button or the like is installed in the other housing 2. A type in which a transmitter (microphone) 55 is arranged has become mainstream. A circuit board (not shown) on which components such as the liquid crystal display 51 and the receiver unit 53 are mounted is housed in the housing 1, and a circuit board on which components such as the operation unit 54 and the transmitter unit 55 are mounted in the housing 2. (Not shown) is housed, and in order to transmit an electric signal between the two circuit boards, the two circuit boards are electrically connected via the flexible board 57, and an intermediate portion of the flexible board 57 is set to 1 It is housed in the cylindrical parts 4 and 5 described above in a wound state.
[0004]
Further, since the housing 2 is provided with a connector 56 as an external interface, for example, for supplying power in a car or connecting to a vehicle-mounted antenna, both circuit boards have an antenna signal receiving side (receptacle side). The coaxial cable 58 is mounted in the hinge portion 3 so as to pass through the winding portion of the flexible substrate 57, and the coaxial cable is connected to both ends of the coaxial cable. The coaxial connector provided in the circuit board is connected to the coaxial connector mounted on both circuit boards.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in order to electrically connect between the circuit boards housed in the separate casings 1 and 2, conventionally, the flexible board 57 is connected to both circuit boards, and the intermediate portion of the flexible board 57 is connected to the circuit board. Coaxial housing in which it is housed in the cylindrical portions 4 and 5 after being wound once, the coaxial cable 58 is further passed through the winding portion of the flexible substrate 57, and coaxial connectors provided on both sides of the coaxial cable 58 are mounted on both circuit boards. Since it was connected to the connector, it was necessary to provide the coaxial connector on both the circuit board and the coaxial cable 58, and there was a problem that the number of parts increased and the cost was increased. In addition, it is necessary to connect a coaxial connector to both ends of the coaxial cable 58, and further pass the coaxial cable 58 through the flexible substrate 57 into the winding portion. In addition, since the coaxial cable is difficult to bend, there is a problem that disconnection and breakage are liable to occur.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hinge connector having a small number of parts, good assembly workability, and preventing a disconnection accident.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is used in an electric device having two casings that are rotatably connected via a hinge portion, and is housed in each casing. A hinge connector used to transmit high-frequency signals between circuit boards, comprising a plug-side connector mounted on one circuit board and a receptacle-side connector mounted on the other circuit board. The connector is disposed at a central position on one side surface in the central axis direction of the first guide portion and a first body made of a synthetic resin having a plate-like first guide portion whose planar shape is formed in an arc shape. A conductive first signal contact having a first elastic contact portion elastically biased outward from one side surface and electrically connected to one circuit board; and a first guide portion On the other side of the central axis direction One circuit having a second elastic contact portion disposed on the circumference centering on the first elastic contact portion so as to surround the first elastic contact portion and elastically biased outward from the other side surface A conductive first grounding electrode contact electrically connected to the board, and the receptacle-side connector is formed in a circular arc shape in each plane, and through a gap into which the first guide portion is inserted. The center position of the opposing surface of the 2nd body made from a synthetic resin which has the 2nd and 3rd guide part arranged concentrically and opposed to the 1st guide part, and the 1st guide part in the 2nd guide part A conductive second signal contact electrically connected to the other circuit board, and a third guide portion. On the circumference of the third guide portion centered on the surface facing the first guide portion A plug-side connector comprising a conductive second grounding electrode contact that is disposed and has a second elastic contact portion that elastically contacts the second elastic contact portion and is electrically connected to the other circuit board The center position of the first guide part and the center positions of the second and third guide parts of the receptacle-side connector are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis of the two housings, and the first and second of the plug-side connector are arranged. Each circuit board is disposed inside a corresponding housing in a state where the two elastic contact portions are in elastic contact with the first and second elastic contact portions of the receptacle-side connector.
[0008]
As described above, the hinge connector is configured with the plug-side connector mounted on one circuit board and the receptacle-side connector mounted on the other circuit board, so the two circuit boards are connected with a coaxial cable. The number of parts is reduced compared to the case of using a coaxial cable, and the coaxial cable is not necessary. Therefore, the operation of drawing the coaxial cable is eliminated, the workability of the assembly work is improved, and accidents such as disconnection can be eliminated. Furthermore, the first elastic contact portion and the first elastic contact portion provided in the first and second signal contacts, the second elastic contact portion provided in the first and second ground electrode contacts, and the second The two elastic contact portions are arranged concentrically adjacent to each other so that they have excellent high frequency characteristics and can be used for transmission of high frequency signals such as antenna signals. Furthermore, the first elastic contact portion and the first elastic contact portion provided in the first and second signal contacts, the second elastic contact portion provided in the first and second ground electrode contacts, and the second Since the two elastic contact portions are only in elastic contact with each other, they can be easily attached and detached, and assembly and disassembly operations of both circuit boards can be easily performed.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the outer dimensions of the connecting portion of the first guide portion in the first body are smaller than the outer diameter of the first guide portion, and the second and third The circumferential dimension of the gap formed between the guide portions of the first guide portion is set such that the rotation angle range of the first guide portion is at least 180 degrees or more. In addition, the rotation angle range between the plug-side connector and the receptacle-side connector can be 180 degrees or more, and the first guide part is 180 degrees or more in the gap between the second and third guide parts. Since it can be inserted from the direction, it is possible to easily attach and detach the plug-side connector and the receptacle-side connector.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, a plurality of protrusions projecting toward the second ball-contacted portion side on the surface of the second ball-contact portion facing the second ball-contacted portion. Is provided at a position that is substantially symmetrical from the substantially central position of the rotation angle range and is always in contact with the second ball contact portion in the rotation angle range. In addition, the second elastic contact portion and the second elastic contact portion are elastically contacted by a plurality of protrusions, and the reliability of electrical contact is improved as compared with the case of elastic contact at only one location. Further, the plurality of protrusions are substantially symmetrical positions from the substantially central position of the rotation angle range, and are always provided at positions where they are elastically contacted with the second ball contact portion in the rotation angle range. The second elastic contact portion and the second elastic contact portion are always in elastic contact at a plurality of locations, and the reliability of electrical contact is improved.
[0011]
The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 3, the shape of the protrusion is an ellipse, and the longitudinal direction of the protrusion is provided along the circumferential direction. In addition, wear of the ball contact portion due to the protrusion can be reduced, and wear resistance is improved.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an annular protective frame centering on the center position of the first guide portion is provided in the first body so as to surround the outside of the first ground electrode contact. In addition to the action of the invention of claim 1, it is possible to prevent external force from being applied to the first grounding electrode contact and the first signal contact by the protective frame. It is possible to prevent the first ground electrode contact and the first signal contact from being deformed during or after assembly.
[0013]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the outer dimension of the second guide portion is made smaller than the outer dimension of the third guide portion, and the projected portion of the second guide portion in the third guide portion. In addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, when there is no through hole penetrating the third guide portion, the second guide portion is formed at the time of insert molding. It is necessary to use a slide core in order to create a gap between the guide portion and the third guide portion, and the structure of the mold becomes complicated, or the slide core is in contact with the first and second impacted parts at the time of release. There is a problem that the surfaces of the first and second ball contact parts wear due to sliding on the surface of the part, but the third guide part is attached to the projection part of the second guide part in the third guide part. Since there is a through hole that penetrates, one of the molds is passed through this through hole. By inserting, insert molding can be performed without using a slide core, and the mold drawing direction can be set in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the first and second ball contact parts. It is possible to prevent the surfaces of the first and second ball contact parts from being worn by the mold during mold release. Furthermore, since it can be pressed with a mold from the direction substantially orthogonal to the surfaces of the first and second ball contact parts during insert molding, the surface between the surface of the first and second ball contact parts and the mold. It is difficult to form a gap, and the generation of molding burrs can be suppressed.
[0014]
In the invention of claim 7, in the invention of claim 1, the second body includes a U-shaped portion connecting one ends of the second and third guide portions, and the second guide portion side of the U-shaped portion. The second grounding contact is substantially perpendicular to the connecting portion between the connecting portion and the U-shaped portion. The second bullet contact portion is bent and disposed on the third guide portion, and the second signal contact is bent obliquely from the connecting portion between the connecting portion and the U-shaped portion. In addition to the function of the first aspect of the invention, the second contact for grounding electrode is substantially perpendicular to the connecting portion between the connecting portion and the U-shaped portion. And the second ball contact portion is disposed on the third guide portion, and the second signal contact is connected to the connecting portion. Since the first ball contact portion is arranged at the second guide portion by being bent obliquely from the connection portion with the character-shaped portion, the second grounding electrode from the connection portion to the second ball contact portion And the second grounding electrode contact from the connecting part to the first ball contact portion can be made different, and therefore the second signal contact and the second grounding electrode contact can be made different. In the case of producing the same hoop material by punching and bending, the dimension of the first ball contact part or the second ball contact part is not reduced in order to secure the allowance, A contact area with the first or second elastic contact portion can be ensured.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0016]
The hinge connector A of this embodiment is used for a mobile phone having the foldable casings 1 and 2 as described in the conventional example. The casings 1 and 2 have the same configuration as that of the mobile phone described in the conventional example, and are configured by front cases 1a and 2a and rear cases 1b and 2b, respectively, as shown in FIG. The hinges 3 provided on both sides on one end side of the 2a are pivotally connected to each other so as to be freely opened and closed. Also, semi-circular portions 4a and 5a having a semicircular cross section with the rear cases 1b and 2b open are provided at substantially the center of one end side of the front cases 1a and 2a, and the front cases 1a and 2b are provided in the front cases 1a and 2b. The semicircular portions 4b and 5b having a semicircular cross section are provided to form the cylindrical portions 4 and 5 together with the semicircular portions 4a and 5a in a state of being coupled to 2a.
[0017]
One housing 1 is provided with a liquid crystal display, a receiver, and an antenna, and a circuit board 6 on which the liquid crystal display and other circuit components are mounted is accommodated. The other casing 1 is provided with an operation unit such as a dial button and a transmission unit, and a circuit board 7 on which the operation unit and the transmission unit are mounted is accommodated.
[0018]
Since the two circuit boards 6 and 7 are housed in separate housings 1 and 2, respectively, a flexible board is provided between the circuit boards 6 and 7 in order to transmit an electric signal between the circuit boards 6 and 7. Electrical connection is made via 57, and the intermediate portion of the flexible substrate 57 is housed in the cylindrical portions 4 and 5 described above in a state of being wound once. Here, when the casings 1 and 2 are opened and closed, a force is applied to bend the flexible board 57 in accordance with the opening and closing operation. However, the flexible board 57 is wound around the intermediate portion and has a dimensional allowance. The substrate 57 is not damaged by applying excessive force.
[0019]
In this embodiment, a hinge connector A for transmitting an antenna signal between the circuit boards 6 and 7 is provided. The hinge connector A includes a plug-side connector 10 mounted on the circuit board 7 on the housing 2 side and a receptacle-side connector 20 mounted on the circuit board 6 on the housing 1 side.
[0020]
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the plug-side connector 10 includes a synthetic resin body 11 (first body), a first signal contact (hereinafter abbreviated as signal contact) 12, and a first signal contact. It is formed by insert molding a contact for ground electrode (hereinafter abbreviated as contact for ground electrode) 13.
[0021]
The body 11 includes a rectangular plate-like attachment piece 11a attached to the circuit board 7, a strip-like connection portion 11b erected from the center portion of the attachment piece 11a, and a continuous integral from one end in the longitudinal direction of the connection portion 11b. The guide piece 11c (first guide portion) is formed, and the planar shape of the tip portion is formed in a substantially annular shape. The guide piece 11c protrudes in a state inclined about 30 degrees toward the circuit board 7 with respect to the direction parallel to the surface of the circuit board 7, and a round hole and a square hole are continuous at the center of the guide piece 11c. The opening hole 14 having such a shape is provided through the hole. Further, fitting projections 11d and 11d that fit into fitting holes (not shown) provided in the circuit board 7 project from the surface of the mounting piece 11a facing the circuit board 7.
[0022]
The signal contact 12 is formed by bending a sheet metal having elasticity, and the elongated connection piece 12a embedded in the connection portion 11b of the body 11 and a continuous and continuous extension from one end in the longitudinal direction of the connection piece 12a. Then, the elastic contact piece 12b projecting into the opening hole 14 provided in the guide piece 11c and the terminal portion provided on the circuit board 7 extending continuously from the other longitudinal end of the connecting piece 12a (see FIG. And a soldering piece 12c to be soldered. Further, a substantially circular elastic contact portion 12d (first elastic contact portion) is provided at the tip of the elastic contact piece 12b, and this elastic contact portion 12d is disposed at the center position of the guide piece 11c.
[0023]
On the other hand, the contact 13 for the ground electrode is formed by bending a sheet metal having elasticity, and is continuously integrated from an elongated connecting piece 13a embedded in the connecting portion 11b of the body 11 and one longitudinal end of the connecting piece 13a. Elastic contact piece 13b projecting into opening hole 14 provided in guide piece 11c, and terminal part provided on circuit board 7 extending continuously from the other longitudinal end of connecting piece 13a (see FIG. And a soldering piece 13c to be soldered. Here, the tip of the elastic contact piece 13b is folded back and the planar shape is formed in a substantially U shape, and the tip is embedded and fixed in the guide piece 11c of the body 11. In addition, an arc portion 13d (second elastic contact portion) of approximately three quarters is formed in the middle portion of the elastic contact piece 13b, and this circular arc portion 13d is a circle centered on the center position of the guide piece 11c. It is arranged on the circumference. That is, the elastic contact piece 13 b of the ground electrode contact 13 is arranged so as to surround the elastic contact piece 12 b of the signal contact 12.
[0024]
Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the signal contact 12 and the ground electrode contact 13 are formed by punching the same hoop material 60 and insert-molding the body 11, and then bending and connecting the body 11. By cutting the parts 61, they are separated one by one. The elastic contact portion 12d provided on the elastic contact piece 12b of the signal contact 12 and the circular arc portion 13d provided on the elastic contact piece 13b of the ground electrode contact 13 are directed in opposite directions as shown in FIG. Projecting outward from the surface of the guide piece 11c. Further, the elastic contact pieces 12b and 13b of both the contacts 12 and 13 are arranged in an opening hole 14 penetrating the guide piece 11c, and around the elastic contact pieces 12b and 13b, a guide piece 11c as a protective frame is provided. Since the annular portion is arranged, it is possible to prevent a force from being applied to the tips of the elastic contact pieces 12b and 13b at the annular portion, and the elastic contact pieces 12b of the both contacts 12 and 13 during transportation, assembly or after assembly. , 13b can be prevented from being deformed. In addition, 11e in the figure is a hole made by pressing the contacts 12, 13 from both sides with a mold pin during insert molding. By pressing the contacts 12, 13 from both sides with a mold pin, the contact 12, 13 misalignment can be prevented.
[0025]
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 14, the receptacle-side connector 20 includes a synthetic resin body 21 (second body), a second signal contact (hereinafter abbreviated as a signal contact) 22 and a second signal contact. Are formed by insert molding a contact for a ground electrode (hereinafter abbreviated as a contact for a ground electrode) 23.
[0026]
The body 21 includes a rectangular plate-like attachment piece 21a attached to the circuit board 6, a strip-like connection portion 21b erected from the central portion of the attachment piece 21a, and a continuous integral from one end side in the longitudinal direction of the connection portion 21b. The guide portion 21c (the U-shaped portion) is formed and the planar shape of the tip portion is formed in a substantially arc shape. The guide part 21c protrudes in a state inclined about 30 degrees toward the circuit board 6 with respect to the direction parallel to the surface of the circuit board 6, and a recess into which the guide piece 11c is inserted at the tip part of the guide part 21c. 24 is provided and has a U-shaped cross section. The guide portion 21c is formed on both sides of the recess 24 with a guide piece 21d (second guide portion) formed in a shape in which a rectangular shape and a circular shape are continuous with each other, and a planar shape in a substantially disk shape. And a circular portion at the tip of the guide piece 21d is arranged at the center position of the disc-shaped guide piece 21e. Further, fitting projections 21f and 21f that fit into fitting holes (not shown) provided in the circuit board 6 project from the surface of the mounting piece 21a facing the circuit board 6.
[0027]
The signal contact 22 is formed by bending a sheet metal. The signal contact 22 is an elongated connecting piece 22a embedded in the connecting portion 21b of the body 21 and a middle portion bent along the connecting portion 21b, and the longitudinal direction of the connecting piece 22a. A contact piece 22b extending continuously and integrally from one end, and having a tip disposed at the center position of the surface on the recess 24 side of the guide piece 21d, and continuously extending integrally from the other longitudinal end of the connecting piece 22a. It is comprised with the soldering piece 22c of the L-shaped cross section soldered to the terminal part (not shown) provided in the circuit board 6. FIG. Further, a substantially circular contact portion 22d (first bullet contact portion) is provided at the tip of the contact piece 22b, and the contact portion 22d is disposed at the center position of the guide piece 21d.
[0028]
On the other hand, the contact 23 for the ground electrode is formed by bending a sheet metal, and is an elongated connecting piece 23a embedded in the connecting portion 21b of the body 21 and having an intermediate portion bent along the connecting portion 21b, and a connecting piece 23a. The contact piece 23b extends continuously and integrally from one end in the longitudinal direction, and is arranged concentrically with the guide piece 21e on the surface on the recess 24 side of the guide piece 21e, and continuous from the other end in the longitudinal direction of the connecting piece 23a. A soldering piece 23c having a substantially L-shaped cross section that is integrally extended and soldered to a terminal portion (not shown) provided on the circuit board 7. The contact piece 23b is folded back in a substantially U shape, and its tip is embedded in the connecting portion 21b of the body 21. Further, an arc portion 23d (second ball contact portion) of approximately three quarters is formed in the middle portion of the contact piece 23b, and this arc portion 23d has a circumference centered on the center position of the guide piece 21e. Is placed on top. That is, the contact piece 23 b of the ground electrode contact 23 is disposed so as to surround the contact piece 22 b of the signal contact 22.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 12, the signal contact 22 and the ground electrode contact 23 are formed by punching the same hoop material 62 and bending it, and then insert-molding the body 21. They are separated one by one by cutting. Here, when the intermediate portion of the contact piece 22b is bent at a substantially right angle as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 11, the length of the contact piece 22b from the connection portion with the connection piece 22a to the tip end portion is increased. 12, the position of the tip of the contact piece 22 b comes near the arc 23 d of the ground electrode contact 23, so that the contact portion 22 d provided at the tip of the contact piece 22 b can be secured. It is necessary to reduce the diameter of the circular arc portion 23d or to reduce the width dimension of the arc portion 23d. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the ground electrode contact 23 is formed so as to be bent at a substantially right angle from the connecting portion of the connecting portion 21a and the guide portion 21c in the body 21 so that the arc portion 23d is disposed on the guide piece 21e. Since the signal contact 22 is bent obliquely from the connecting portion of the connecting portion 21a and the guide portion 21c in the body 21 and the contact portion 22d is arranged at the center position of the guide piece 21d, the connecting piece 22a The length of the contact piece 22b (signal contact 22) from the connecting portion to the tip portion is larger than the length of the contact piece 23b (ground electrode contact 23) from the connecting portion to the tip portion to the connecting piece 23a. Since the position of the contact portion 22d is sufficiently far from the arc portion 23d, it is not necessary to reduce the diameter of the contact portion 22d or the width of the arc portion 23d, and the reliability of electrical connection is reduced. There is improved. In addition, 21g in the figure is a hole formed by pressing the contacts 22, 23 from both sides with a mold pin at the time of insert molding. By pressing the contacts 22, 23 from both sides with a mold pin, the contact 22, 23 can be prevented from being displaced.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 9, the outer diameter of the guide piece 21d is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the guide piece 21e, and the guide piece 21e is formed on the projected portion of the guide piece 21d in the guide piece 21e. An opening hole 25 penetrating therethrough is provided. When there is no opening hole 25, in order to form the recess 24, it is necessary to insert a slide core (not shown) from below in FIG. 8A at the time of insert molding. When the mold is released, the slide core may come into contact with the surface of the contact portion 22d or the arc portion 23d, and the contact portion 22d or the arc portion 23d may be worn. The use of the slide core complicates the shape of the mold. There is also a problem. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an opening hole 25 for inserting a part of the mold is formed in a portion of the guide piece 21e facing the guide piece 21d across the recess 24, which is shown in FIG. Forming the recess 24 by sandwiching both contacts 22 and 23 from the left and right sides with a mold and inserting a part of the mold (B in FIG. 8A) into a portion corresponding to the opening hole 25. Can do. Further, since it is not necessary to use a slide core, the shape of the mold can be simplified, and the mold moves in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surfaces of the contact portion 22d and the arc portion 23d at the time of mold release. And the surface of the arc part 23d and the mold can be prevented from sliding and the surface of the contact part 22d and the arc part 23d can be prevented from being worn, and the mold can be used from the direction substantially orthogonal to the surface of the contact part 22d and the arc part 23d. Since they are pressed, it is difficult to form a gap between the surface of the contact portion 22d or the arc portion 23d and the mold, and the generation of molding burrs can be suppressed.
[0031]
The hinge connector A of the present embodiment has the above-described structure. When the circuit board 7 on which the plug-side connector 10 is mounted and the circuit board 6 on which the receptacle-side connector 20 is mounted are coupled, When the guide piece 11c of the plug-side connector 10 is inserted into the recess 24 between the two guide pieces 21d and 21e of the receptacle-side connector 20, the signal contact 12 and the ground electrode contact 13 of the plug-side connector 10 are respectively provided. The elastic contact portion 12d and the circular arc portion 13d are in elastic contact with the contact portion 22d and the circular arc portion 23d provided on the signal contact 22 and the ground electrode contact 23 of the receptacle-side connector 20, respectively, between the circuit boards 6 and 7. An antenna signal is transmitted. The plug-side connector 10 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 5 provided in the housing 2, and the receptacle-side connector 20 is disposed in the cylindrical portion 4 provided in the housing 1, and guides for the receptacle-side connector 20. The portion 21 c is inserted into the cylindrical portion 4 through the connecting portion of the cylindrical portions 4 and 5. At this time, the elastic contact portion 12d of the plug-side connector 10 and the contact portion 22d of the receptacle-side connector 20 are arranged at the center of rotation of the housings 1 and 2, and the arc portion 13d of the plug-side connector 10 and the receptacle-side connector 20 The arc portion 23d is arranged on the same circumference centering on the rotation center of the casings 1 and 2. Thus, when the casings 1 and 2 are relatively rotated around the hinge portion 3 as the casings 1 and 2 are opened and closed, the guide pieces 11c of the plug-side connector 10 and the guides of the receptacle-side connector 20 are guided. The pieces 21d and 21e rotate relative to each other, and the elastic contact portion 12d and the arc portion 13b slide on the contact portion 22d and the arc portion 23d, respectively. The electrical connection between the connectors 10 and 20 is maintained.
[0032]
In this way, the elastic contact portion 12d and the arc portion 13d provided in the both contacts 12 and 13 of the plug-side connector 10 are respectively the contact portion 22d and the arc portion 23d provided in the both contacts 22 and 23 of the receptacle-side connector 20. Since it is elastically contacted and not soldered or welded, it can be easily removed. Furthermore, the width dimension of the connecting portion of the guide piece 11c is smaller than the outer diameter of the guide piece 11c, and the gap between the guide pieces 21d and 21e is open in an angular range of 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction. The rotation angle range of both the connectors 10 and 20 can be 180 degrees or more, and the guide piece 11c can be inserted between the guide pieces 21d and 21e from the direction of 180 degrees or more. And the receptacle-side connector can be easily attached and detached. The width of the connecting portion of the guide piece 11c and the opening range in the circumferential direction of the gap between the guide pieces 21d and 21e are determined by the strength of the bodies 11 and 21 and the like. An upper limit value of 20 rotation angle ranges is determined.
[0033]
Further, the elastic contact piece 13b of the ground electrode contact 13 of the plug-side connector 10 has an equiangular position (for example, a 45 ° distribution position in this embodiment) across the center position of the rotation angle range of the plug-side connector 10. Are provided with oval projections 13e and 13e projecting to the contact piece 23b side, and are in contact with the contact piece 23b of the ground electrode contact 23 on the receptacle-side connector 20 side at two points. Compared with the case where 13b and the contact piece 23b are in contact at one point, the reliability of electrical connection is improved. Further, as described above, since the protrusions 13e and 13e are arranged at a distribution position of about 45 ° across the center position of the rotation angle range of the plug-side connector 10, the housings 1 and 2 rotate about 180 °. Even in this case, the two protrusions 13e and 13e are in contact with the contact piece 23b in the entire rotation angle range, and the use position assumed in the case of the mobile phone (that is, the housings 1 and 2 are completely opened or completely 2), the two protrusions 13e and 13e are in contact with the contact piece 23b, so that the reliability of electrical connection is improved. In addition, since the protrusion 13e has an oval shape and the protrusion 13e is arranged so that the longitudinal direction thereof is along the circumferential direction, there is an advantage that wear resistance during sliding is improved.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the invention of claim 1 is used in an electric device including two casings rotatably connected via a hinge portion, and each circuit board housed in each casing is provided. A hinge connector used to transmit a high-frequency signal between the plug-side connector mounted on one circuit board and a receptacle-side connector mounted on the other circuit board. A first body made of a synthetic resin having a plate-like first guide portion whose planar shape is formed in an arc shape, and a central position of one side surface in the central axis direction of the first guide portion, arranged from one side surface A conductive first signal contact having a first elastic contact portion elastically biased toward the outside and electrically connected to one of the circuit boards, and a central axis direction of the first guide portion The first elastic contact on the other side A second elastic contact portion disposed on the circumference of the center so as to surround the first elastic contact portion and elastically biased outward from the other side surface and electrically connected to one circuit board The receptacle-side connector has a planar shape formed in an arc shape, and the first guide portion is inserted through a gap into which the first guide portion is inserted. The second body made of synthetic resin having the second and third guide portions concentrically opposed to each other and the first guide portion disposed at the center position of the second guide portion facing the first guide portion. A conductive second signal contact that is electrically connected to the other circuit board, and a first guide portion in the third guide portion. Is arranged on a circumference centering on the center position of the third guide portion on the opposite surface to And a second grounded contact that is electrically connected to the other circuit board and has a second elastic contact portion that elastically contacts the elastic contact portion of the first connector of the plug-side connector. The first and second elastic contact portions of the plug-side connector are arranged such that the center position of the portion and the center positions of the second and third guide portions of the receptacle-side connector are arranged in the direction of the rotation axis of the two housings. Each circuit board is disposed inside a corresponding housing in a state where the circuit board is in elastic contact with the first and second ball contact portions of the receptacle-side connector.
[0035]
In this way, the hinge connector is configured by the plug-side connector mounted on one circuit board and the receptacle-side connector mounted on the other circuit board, so the two circuit boards are connected by a coaxial cable. Compared to the case, the number of parts is reduced, and a coaxial cable is not required. Therefore, there is an effect that a coaxial cable routing work is eliminated, an assembling workability is improved, and an accident such as disconnection can be eliminated. Furthermore, the first elastic contact portion and the first elastic contact portion provided in the first and second signal contacts, the second elastic contact portion provided in the first and second ground electrode contacts, and the second Since the second elastic contact portion is arranged concentrically adjacent to each other, it has excellent high-frequency characteristics and can be used for transmission of high-frequency signals such as antenna signals. Furthermore, the first elastic contact portion and the first elastic contact portion provided in the first and second signal contacts, the second elastic contact portion provided in the first and second ground electrode contacts, and the second Since the two elastic contact portions are only in elastic contact with each other, they can be easily attached and detached, and there is also an effect that both circuit boards can be easily assembled and disassembled.
[0036]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the outer dimension of the connecting portion of the first guide portion in the first body is smaller than the outer diameter of the first guide portion, and the second and third The circumferential dimension of the gap formed between the guide parts of the first guide part is set to such a dimension that the rotation angle range of the first guide part is at least 180 degrees or more. In addition, the rotation angle range between the plug-side connector and the receptacle-side connector can be 180 degrees or more, and the first guide part is 180 degrees or more in the gap between the second and third guide parts. Since it can be inserted from the direction, it is possible to easily attach and detach the plug-side connector and the receptacle-side connector.
[0037]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, a plurality of protrusions projecting toward the second ball-contacted portion side on a surface of the second ball-contact portion facing the second ball-contacted portion. Is provided at a position that is substantially symmetrical from the substantially central position of the rotation angle range and is always in contact with the second ball contact portion in the rotation angle range, and the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2 In addition, the second elastic contact portion and the second elastic contact portion are elastically contacted by a plurality of protrusions, and the reliability of electrical contact is improved as compared to the case of elastic contact at only one location. There is. Further, the plurality of protrusions are substantially symmetrical positions from the substantially central position of the rotation angle range, and are always provided at positions where they are elastically contacted with the second ball contact portion in the rotation angle range. The second elastic contact portion and the second elastic contact portion are always in elastic contact at a plurality of locations, and there is an effect that the reliability of electrical contact is improved.
[0038]
The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 3, the shape of the protrusion is an ellipse, and the longitudinal direction of the protrusion is provided along the circumferential direction. In addition, there is an effect that wear of the portion to be contacted by the protrusion can be reduced, and wear resistance is improved.
[0039]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, an annular protective frame centering on the center position of the first guide portion is provided in the first body so as to surround the outside of the first ground electrode contact. In addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, it is possible to prevent external force from being applied to the first grounding electrode contact and the first signal contact by the protective frame. There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the first ground electrode contact and the first signal contact from being deformed during and after assembly.
[0040]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the outer dimension of the second guide portion is made smaller than the outer dimension of the third guide portion, and the projected portion of the second guide portion in the third guide portion. In addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, in the case where there is no through hole penetrating the third guide portion, a second hole is formed at the time of insert molding. It is necessary to use a slide core in order to create a gap between the guide portion and the third guide portion, and the structure of the mold becomes complicated, or the slide core is in contact with the first and second impacted parts at the time of release. There is a problem that the surfaces of the first and second ball contact parts wear due to sliding on the surface of the part, but the third guide part is attached to the projection part of the second guide part in the third guide part. Since a through-hole is provided, a part of the mold is passed through this through-hole. By inserting, it is possible to perform insert molding without using a slide core, and it is possible to set the punching direction of the mold in a direction substantially orthogonal to the surfaces of the first and second ball contact parts, There is an effect that it is possible to prevent the surfaces of the first and second ball contact portions from being worn by the mold during the mold release. Furthermore, since it can be pressed with a mold from the direction substantially orthogonal to the surfaces of the first and second ball contact parts during insert molding, the surface between the surface of the first and second ball contact parts and the mold. There is an effect that it is difficult to form a gap and the generation of molding burrs can be suppressed.
[0041]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the second body includes a U-shaped portion connecting one ends of the second and third guide portions, and a second guide portion side of the U-shaped portion. The second grounding contact is substantially perpendicular to the connecting portion between the connecting portion and the U-shaped portion. The second bullet contact portion is bent and disposed on the third guide portion, and the second signal contact is bent obliquely from the connecting portion between the connecting portion and the U-shaped portion. In addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, the second contact for grounding electrode is substantially perpendicular to the connecting portion between the connecting portion and the U-shaped portion. And the second ball contact portion is arranged on the third guide portion, and the second signal contact is connected to the connecting portion. Since the first ball contact part is disposed at the second guide part by being bent obliquely from the connection part with the shape part, the second grounding electrode for the second ball contact part from the connection part to the second ball contact part The distance of the contact and the distance of the second ground electrode contact from the connecting portion to the first ball contact portion can be made different. Therefore, the second signal contact and the second ground electrode contact Even when the same hoop material is manufactured by punching and bending, the dimensions of the first ball contact portion or the second ball contact portion are not reduced in order to secure the allowance, There is an effect that a contact area with the first or second elastic contact portion can be secured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a view showing a state in which a hinge connector according to an embodiment is attached to a mobile phone, and a state in which a rear cover is removed as viewed from the rear side.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in which a part can be omitted.
FIG. 3 is a side view in which a part can be omitted.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the plug-side connector of the above.
FIG. 5 is a front view of the above.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view seen from the front side.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram explaining the manufacturing process of the above.
8A and 8B show the receptacle-side connector of the same, where FIG. 8A is a front view and FIG. 8B is a side view.
FIG. 9 is a left side view in which a part can be omitted.
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the above.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view in which the same is partially broken.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram explaining the manufacturing process of the above.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG.
14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 12, showing the same as above. FIG.
FIG. 15 is an external perspective view of a mobile phone using the same as above.
FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a conventional mobile phone.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Plug side connector
11,21 body
11c guide piece
12,22 Signal contact
12b, 13b Elastic contact piece
13, 23 Contact for ground electrode
20 Receptacle side connector
21d, 21e Guide piece
22b, 23b contact piece

Claims

Hinge connector used for electrical equipment having two casings rotatably connected via a hinge part, and for transmitting a high frequency signal between circuit boards housed in the respective casings Because
It is composed of a plug-side connector mounted on one circuit board and a receptacle-side connector mounted on the other circuit board.
The plug-side connector has a first body made of a synthetic resin having a plate-shaped first guide portion whose planar shape is formed in an arc shape, and a central position on one side surface in the central axis direction of the first guide portion. A conductive first signal contact having a first elastic contact portion disposed and elastically biased outward from the one side surface and electrically connected to the one circuit board; Elastically biasing outward from the other side surface disposed on the other side surface in the central axis direction of the guide portion so as to surround the first elastic contact portion on a circumference centered on the first elastic contact portion A conductive first grounding electrode contact having a second elastic contact portion and electrically connected to the one circuit board,
The receptacle-side connector has second and third guide portions that are formed concentrically and opposed to the first guide portion through a gap into which the first guide portion is inserted, each having a planar shape. A first elastic contact portion which is arranged at a center position of a surface of the second body made of a synthetic resin and the first guide portion of the second guide portion and is in elastic contact with the first elastic contact portion And the center of the third guide portion on the surface of the third guide portion facing the first guide portion and the conductive second signal contact electrically connected to the other circuit board. A second conductive contact portion disposed on a circumference centered at a position and having a second elastic contact portion elastically contacting the second elastic contact portion and electrically connected to the other circuit board; With a contact for the ground electrode,
The center position of the first guide part of the plug-side connector and the center positions of the second and third guide parts of the receptacle-side connector are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis of the two casings, A hinge characterized in that each circuit board is disposed inside a corresponding housing in a state where the first and second elastic contact portions are elastically contacted with the first and second elastic contact portions of the receptacle-side connector. connector.

The outer dimension of the connecting portion of the first guide portion in the first body is smaller than the outer diameter of the first guide portion, and a gap circle formed between the second and third guide portions The hinge connector according to claim 1, wherein a dimension in a circumferential direction is set to a dimension such that a rotation angle range of the first guide portion is at least 180 degrees or more.

A plurality of protrusions projecting toward the second ball contacted part side on the surface of the second ball contact part facing the second ball contact part are substantially symmetric from a substantially central position in a rotation angle range. The hinge connector according to claim 1, wherein the hinge connector is provided at a position that is always in elastic contact with the second ball contact portion in a rotation angle range.

The hinge connector according to claim 3, wherein the protrusion has an oval shape and is provided so that a longitudinal direction of the protrusion is along a circumferential direction.

The annular protective frame centering on the center position of the first guide portion is provided integrally with the first body so as to surround the outside of the first ground electrode contact. 1. The hinge connector according to 1.

The outer dimension of the second guide part is made smaller than the outer dimension of the third guide part, and the third guide part penetrates the projected portion of the second guide part in the third guide part. The hinge connector according to claim 1, wherein a through hole is provided.

The second body includes a U-shaped portion that connects one ends of the second and third guide portions, and a second body that extends continuously and integrally from an end portion of the U-shaped portion on the second guide portion side. The second grounding electrode contact is bent at a substantially right angle from the connecting portion between the connecting portion and the U-shaped portion, and the second ball contacted portion has a connecting portion attached to the circuit board. The second signal contact is bent obliquely from the connecting portion between the connecting portion and the U-shaped portion so that the first ball contact portion becomes the second guide portion. The hinge connector according to claim 1, wherein the hinge connector is arranged.