Support structure and electronic device
By introducing stud parts, screws and metal capture parts into the support structure of the electronic module, the problem of easy screw falling in the disassembly and assembly operation of the electronic module is solved, and the workability of the disassembly and assembly operation and the maintenance of the equipment are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411692492.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-06
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-06
AI Technical Summary
During the disassembly and assembly operation of existing electronic modules, screws are prone to fall into the housing, resulting in a decrease in the workability of disassembly and assembly operation.
A support structure is adopted, which includes a stud member, a screw and a metal capture member. The stud member is fixed to the circuit board, and the screw is screwed together through a threaded hole to support the electronic module. The capture member is used to maintain the relative rotation state of the screw, and connects the stud connecting part and the screw holding part through the elastically deformable arm.
It improves the workingability of the disassembly and assembly of the electronic module, prevents the screw from falling into the housing or losing, and enhances maintenance and expansion.
Smart Images

Figure CN120111818A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a supporting structure for supporting an electronic module on a circuit board and an electronic device including the supporting structure. Background Art
[0002] Electronic devices such as notebook PCs are used by connecting electronic modules such as SSDs to connectors on a circuit board (motherboard) on which a CPU is mounted (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-057737.
[0004] As described in Patent Document 1, usually, one end of the electronic module is connected to a connector mounted on a circuit board, and the other end is supported on the circuit board by a screw. In addition, in addition to being installed by operators in factories, electronic modules may also be replaced by users themselves. In this case, there is a possibility that the screws fall into the housing and are difficult to retrieve or lost, which reduces the workability of the electronic module assembly and disassembly operation. Summary of the invention
[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a support structure capable of improving the workability of attaching and detaching an electronic module, and an electronic device including the support structure.
[0006] The supporting structure involved in the first embodiment of the present invention supports the other end of an electronic module connected to a connector mounted on a circuit substrate at one end on the above-mentioned circuit substrate, and the above-mentioned supporting structure comprises: a stud component having a flange fixed to the surface of the above-mentioned circuit substrate, and a cylindrical body having a threaded hole and rising from the above-mentioned flange; a screw capable of supporting the other end of the above-mentioned electronic module by screwing into the above-mentioned threaded hole; and a metal capturing component comprising: a stud connecting portion connected to the above-mentioned stud component; a screw retaining portion retaining the above-mentioned screw in a state capable of relative rotation; and an elastically deformable arm portion connecting the above-mentioned stud connecting portion and the above-mentioned screw retaining portion.
[0007] The electronic device involved in the second embodiment of the present invention comprises: a circuit substrate, on which a connector is installed; an electronic module, one end of which is connected to the above-mentioned connector; and a supporting structure portion, which supports the other end of the above-mentioned electronic module on the above-mentioned circuit substrate, and the above-mentioned supporting structure portion has: a stud component, which has a flange fixed to the surface of the above-mentioned circuit substrate, and a cylindrical body formed with a threaded hole and rising from the above-mentioned flange; a screw, which can support the other end of the above-mentioned electronic module by screwing into the above-mentioned threaded hole; and a metal capturing component, which has: a stud connecting portion connected to the above-mentioned stud component, a screw retaining portion, which retains the above-mentioned screw in a state capable of relative rotation; and an elastically deformable arm portion, which connects the above-mentioned stud connecting portion and the above-mentioned screw retaining portion.
[0008] According to the above aspect of the present invention, the workability of attaching and detaching the electronic module can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an electronic device according to one embodiment when viewed from above.
[0010] Figure 2 It is a top view schematically showing the internal structure of the housing.
[0011] Figure 3A It is an exploded perspective view of the support structure.
[0012] Figure 3B It is a perspective view of the support structure.
[0013] Figure 3C This is a perspective view showing a state where the electronic module is supported by the supporting structure.
[0014] Figure 4A It is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state where the electronic module is supported by the support structure.
[0015] Figure 4B is from Figure 4A Side sectional view of the screw being loosened as shown.
[0016] Figure 4C is from Figure 4B The side sectional view is shown with the screw removed.
[0017] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of a support structure according to a first modification.
[0018] Fig. 6A It means by Figure 5 The illustrated perspective view shows a state before the supporting structure supports the electronic module.
[0019] Figure 6B It means by Figure 5A perspective view showing a state where the supporting structure supports an electronic module.
[0020] Figure 7 It means by Figure 5 The figure is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state where the supporting structure supports the electronic module.
[0021] Figure 8 It is an exploded perspective view of a support structure according to a second modification.
[0022] Fig. 9A It means by Figure 8 The illustrated perspective view shows a state before the supporting structure supports the electronic module.
[0023] Fig. 9B It means by Figure 8 A perspective view showing a state where the supporting structure supports an electronic module.
[0024] Fig.10 It means by Figure 8 The figure is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state where the supporting structure supports the electronic module.
[0025] Fig.11A It is an exploded perspective view of a support structure according to a third modification.
[0026] Fig. 11B Yes Fig.11A A stereoscopic view showing the capture component passing through the cylinder.
[0027] Fig. 11C Yes Fig. 11B A stereoscopic view of the capture component shown in a rotated state.
[0028] Fig. 12A Yes Fig.11A A top view of the capture component shown passing through the barrel.
[0029] Fig. 12B Yes Fig. 12A A top view of the capture component shown in a rotated state.
[0030] Fig.13A It is a perspective view showing a state before the electronic module is supported by the support structure according to the fourth modification.
[0031] Fig. 13B It means by Fig.13A A perspective view showing a state where the supporting structure supports an electronic module.
[0032] Description of Reference Numerals
[0033] 10...electronic device; 12...housing; 24...circuit board; 30...connector; 32, 33...electronic module; 32e, 32f, 33e, 33f...grounding portion; 40, 40A~40D...supporting structure; 42, 42A...stud component; 42a...flange; 42b, 64...cylinder; 43...screw; 44, 44A, 44B...capturing component; 46, 66...stud connection portion; 47...screw retaining portion; 48...arm; 50...antenna element; 51...cable; 60...washer; 62...leaf spring component; 68...cable guide. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be listed and the electronic device and the supporting structure according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0035] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing an electronic device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. Figure 1 As shown, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment is a clamshell notebook PC. The electronic device 10 is a structure in which a cover 11 and a housing 12 are connected by a hinge 14 so as to be relatively rotatable. In this embodiment, the electronic device 10 of a notebook PC is illustrated, but the electronic device may be a desktop PC, a tablet PC, a smart phone, or a portable game console, etc. in addition to the notebook PC.
[0036] The cover 11 has a thin, flat box-shaped housing. The cover 11 carries a display 16. The display 16 is, for example, an organic EL display or a liquid crystal display.
[0037] The housing 12 is a thin, flat box. The keyboard device 18 and the touchpad 19 face the upper surface (surface 12a) of the housing 12. In the following, with respect to the housing 12 and the components mounted thereon, the posture of the operator operating the keyboard device 18 is used as a reference, and the width direction (left and right) of the housing 12 is referred to as the X1 and X2 directions, the depth direction (front and back) of the housing 12 is referred to as the Y1 and Y2 directions, and the thickness direction (up and down) of the housing 12 is referred to as the Z1 and Z2 directions. Sometimes the X1 and X2 directions are collectively referred to as the X direction, and the same is true for the Y1 and Y2 directions and the Z1 and Z2 directions, which are sometimes referred to as the Y direction and the Z direction. These directions are determined for the sake of convenience of explanation, and of course, they may change depending on the usage status or setting posture of the electronic device 10.
[0038] The housing 12 is a housing formed by overlapping a first cover 20 and a second cover 21 in the thickness direction and detachably connecting them to each other. The first cover 20 forms the upper surface and the surrounding side surfaces of the housing 12, for example, and has a substantially bathtub shape. The second cover 21 forms the lower surface of the housing 12, for example, and has a substantially flat plate shape. The hinge 14 is provided in a concave hinge configuration groove 12b formed at the rear edge of the housing 12, connecting the housing 12 and the cover 11.
[0039] Figure 2 It is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the housing 12 . Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the interior of the first cover 20 from the bottom surface side with the second cover 21 removed.
[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, a circuit board 24, a cooling module 25, and a battery device 26 are housed inside the housing 12. Various electronic components, mechanical components, and the like are also provided inside the housing 12.
[0041] The circuit substrate 24 is a printed circuit substrate that becomes the motherboard of the electronic device 10. The circuit substrate 24 is arranged on the Y2 side of the housing 12 and extends in the X direction. The circuit substrate 24 is mounted with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 28 and a pair of connectors 30, 30. The CPU 28 is a processing device that performs operations related to the main control and processing of the electronic device 10. The connector 30 is based on a predetermined connection standard, and in this embodiment, the M.2 (M point two) standard is used as a reference. Electronic modules 32, 33 are connected to each connector 30. The specific structure of the circuit substrate 24, the electronic modules 32, 33 and their peripheral parts will be described later. Various electronic components such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a memory can also be mounted on the circuit substrate 24. For example, the Z1 side surface (first surface 24a) of the circuit substrate 24 becomes the mounting surface relative to the first cover 20, and the Z2 side surface (second surface 24b) becomes the mounting surface of the CPU 28 and the connector 30. Of course, the shape, configuration and mounted electronic components of the circuit substrate 24 are not limited to the above.
[0042] The cooling module 25 can absorb the heat generated by the CPU 28 and discharge it to the outside of the housing 12. The cooling module 25 includes a heat pipe 34, a pair of radiators 35, 35, and a pair of fans 36, 36. The cooling module 25 can transfer the heat of the CPU 28 to each radiator 35 through the heat pipe 34, and promote the heat dissipation of each radiator 35 by the air supply from each fan 36.
[0043] The battery device 26 is a rechargeable battery that serves as a power source for the electronic device 10. The battery device 26 is disposed on the Y1 side of the circuit board 24 and extends in the X direction.
[0044] Next, a specific configuration example of the circuit board 24 and the electronic modules 32 and 33 will be described.
[0045] First, the circuit board 24 is a printed circuit board having a predetermined conductive pattern formed on the second surface 24b of a plate material having insulating properties. The circuit board 24 may also have a structure in which conductive patterns are formed on both surfaces 24a and 24b.
[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the circuit substrate 24 includes a pair of connectors 30, 30 and a pair of supporting structures 40, 40, and the electronic modules 32, 33 are supported by the connectors 30 and the supporting structures 40. A pair of ground pads 41, 41 for fixing the supporting structures 40 are provided on the second surface 24b of the circuit substrate 24 (see Figure 2 as well as Figure 4A ). The ground pad 41 is formed of, for example, a metal pattern having a substantially D shape formed by cutting a portion of a circle. The metal pattern is, for example, a copper foil printed by screen printing. The circuit substrate 24 has, for example, a through hole 24c, and the ground pad 41 is formed on the peripheral portion of the second surface 24b side thereof.
[0047] The connector 30 is mounted on the second surface 24b. The mounting type of the connector 30 is not limited, and for example, a drop-in mounting type (Pcie Gen3: PCI Express 3.0) or a vehicle mounting type (Pcie Gen4: PCI Express 4.0) can be used.
[0048] Figure 3A It is an exploded perspective view of the support structure 40 . Figure 3B It is a perspective view of the support structure 40 . Figure 3C It is a perspective view showing a state where the electronic module 32 is supported by the support structure 40 . Figure 4A It is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a state where the electronic module 32 is supported by the support structure 40 . Figure 4B is from Figure 4A The state shown is a side sectional view of the screw 43 being loosened. Figure 4C is from Figure 4B The state shown is a side cross-sectional view with the screw 43 removed. Here, the structure in which the support structure 40 supports one electronic module 32 is described as a representative example, but the structure in which the support structure 40 supports another electronic module 33 can also be the same or similar structure.
[0049] Figure 3A to Figure 4CAs shown, the support structure 40 includes a stud member 42, a screw 43, and a catch member 44. The support structure 40 is a member for supporting the electronic module 32 (33) on the circuit board 24 by fastening the screw 43 to the stud member 42 fixed to the circuit board 24.
[0050] The stud member 42 is a metal component having a flange 42a and a cylinder 42b.
[0051] Flange 42a is a metal disc having a shape formed by cutting a part of a circle at cut surface 42a1. Thus, flange 42a forms a roughly D shape when viewed from above. Cylinder 42b is a cylinder formed integrally with flange 42a and rising from the center of flange 42a along the Z direction. Cylinder 42b is provided with a threaded hole 42b1 formed with an internal thread on the inner circumference. On the outer circumference of cylinder 42b, a stopper 42b2 is provided on the side opposite to the cut surface 42a1 side in its diameter direction. Stopper 42b2 is a rib extending along the axial direction (Z direction) of cylinder 42b. A flange-shaped enlarged diameter portion 42b3 that is enlarged in diameter than other outer circumferences is provided on the front edge of cylinder 42b.
[0052] The Z1 side surface of the flange 42a is fixed to the ground pad 41 by, for example, reflow soldering. Thus, the stud member 42 is mounted on the circuit board 24. The stud member 42 can be fixed simultaneously with the process of mounting the connector 30 and other mounting components on the circuit board 24 by, for example, reflow soldering.
[0053] In addition, the outer shape of the grounding pad 41 is preferably roughly similar to the outer shape of the flange 42a, that is, it is preferably formed in a roughly D shape when viewed from above. As a result, the flange 42a and the grounding pad 41 are respectively rotationally asymmetric when viewed from above. Therefore, when the flange 42a of the circuit substrate 24 is fixed to the grounding pad 41 by reflow soldering, the flange 42a is always positioned in a constant rotation direction on the grounding pad 41 due to the surface tension of the heated and molten solder. Specifically, the flange 42a is always welded in a rotation direction in which the cut surface 42a1 is consistent with the straight portion of the grounding pad 41. As a result, the support structure 40 can always configure the arm 48 of the capture component 44 described later on the opposite side of the connector 30, thereby improving the manufacturing efficiency and the assembly efficiency of the electronic modules 32 and 33.
[0054] The screw 43 is a metal screw including a head 43a having an outer shape substantially the same as that of the flange 42a, and a threaded portion 43b capable of being screwed into the threaded hole 42b1. An operating hole 43a1 is formed at the center of the head 43a. The operating hole 43a1 is a cross hole into which a tool such as a cross screwdriver is engaged for rotational operation. The screw 43 may also be provided with a shaft portion 43c without thread teeth at the root of the threaded portion 43b relative to the head 43a. Preferably, the shaft portion 43c is formed to be, for example, slightly smaller than the outer diameter (nominal diameter) of the threaded portion 43b.
[0055] The capture member 44 is a metal member having a stud connection portion 46, a screw holding portion 47, and an arm portion 48. The capture member 44 is a holding member for connecting to the stud member 42 in a state where the screw 43 can be fastened to the threaded hole 42b1. The capture member 44 is, for example, a metal plate member made of stainless steel. The capture member 44 as a whole can be formed in a substantially L shape (see FIG. 1 ) when viewed from the side. Figure 3A ) and roughly U-shaped (refer to Figure 3C ) between elastic deformation.
[0056] The stud connection part 46 is a part connected to the stud member 42. The stud connection part 46 has a hole part 46a and a plurality of protrusions 46b, and is formed into a thin ring shape. The hole part 46a has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cylinder 42b, and can be inserted into the cylinder 42b. The protrusion 46b is a plate protruding from the inner periphery of the hole part 46a toward the center direction. A claw-shaped part bent toward the Z2 side can also be provided at the front end of the protrusion 46b. The protrusions 46b are arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the hole part 46a. A gap G slightly wider than the gap between the other protrusions 46b, 46b is formed between two protrusions 46b, 46b on the opposite side to the arm part 48 side in the diameter direction of the hole part 46a. The gap G is provided for the blocking part 42b2 of the cylinder 42b.
[0057] The screw holding portion 47 is a part that holds the screw 43 in a state that can rotate relative to each other. The screw holding portion 47 has a hole portion 47a and is formed into a thin ring shape. The outer shape of the screw holding portion 47 can be the same as the outer shape of the head 43a of the screw 43, or it can be slightly larger or smaller than the outer shape of the head 43a. The shaft portion 43c of the screw 43 can be relatively rotatably engaged with the hole portion 47a and prevented from falling off. Therefore, the hole portion 47a needs to be able to insert the threaded portion 43b and the inserted threaded portion 43b is not easy to fall off. Therefore, it is preferred that the inner diameter of the hole portion 47a is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded portion 43b. When the screw 43 does not have the shaft portion 43c, the screw holding portion 47 only needs to make the hole portion 47a inserted to the root of the threaded portion 43b, and the screw 43 is kept here to be relatively rotatable.
[0058] The arm portion 48 is a bent portion connecting the stud connection portion 46 and the screw holding portion 47, and is a leaf spring-like component that can be elastically deformed. The capture component 44 of the present embodiment is a metal plate member formed by punching a metal plate by stamping or the like. Therefore, one end of the arm portion 48 is formed integrally with the stud connection portion 46, and the other end is formed integrally with the screw holding portion 47. The length of the arm portion 48 and the opening and closing angle at which it can be elastically deformed are not limited. Among them, the arm portion 48 needs to at least allow the screw 43 held by the screw holding portion 47 to be fastened to the threaded hole 42b1 (refer to Figure 3C as well as Figure 4A ) and a position that does not hinder the disassembly and assembly of the electronic module 32 (33) (refer to Figure 3B as well as Figure 4C ) to move smoothly between.
[0059] As one step of the assembly operation of the capture member 44, first, the cylinder 42b is inserted into the hole 46a (see FIG. 4A ) of the stud connection portion 46. Figure 3A as well as Figure 3B ). At this time, the stud connection part 46 expands the protrusion 46b at the enlarged diameter part 42b3 and allows the cylinder 42b to pass through the hole part 46a. At this time, the blocking part 42b2 is arranged in the gap G. Thus, the stud connection part 46 is installed on the cylinder 42b in a state where the enlarged diameter part 42b3 and the flange 42a can move relative to each other in the axial direction (ZZ direction) of the cylinder 42b. On the other hand, the screw 43 passes through the hole part 47a before and after the operation of connecting the stud connection part 46 to the stud component 42, and is retained by the screw retaining part 47.
[0060] According to the above, the capture member 44 of the retaining screw 43 is connected to the stud member 42 (see Figure 3B to Figure 4B ). At this time, the protrusions 46b on both sides of the stud connection part 46 forming the gap G are locked to the stopper part 42b2. As a result, the relative rotation of the stud connection part 46 with respect to the cylinder 42b is restricted. The stopper part 42b2 also has the function of guiding the stud connection part 46 to move up and down.
[0061] Next, the electronic modules 32 and 33 are card-type module components that can be connected to the connector 30 based on the M.2 standard as described above.
[0062] The electronic module 32 is, for example, a storage device. The electronic module 32 of this embodiment is an SSD (Solid State Drive). Figure 2As shown, the electronic module 32 includes a module substrate 32a, a terminal 32b formed at one end 32a1 of the module substrate 32a, and a semiconductor chip 32c mounted on the module substrate 32a. When the terminal 32b of the electronic module 32 is connected to the connector 30, the other end 32a2 of the module substrate 32a is pressed in the Z direction by the support structure 40. Thus, the electronic module 32 is mounted on the circuit substrate 24. A semicircular notch 32d is formed at the center of the other end 32a2 in the long side direction, in which the cylinder 42b of the stud member 42 can be arranged (see FIG. 4).
[0063] Grounding portions 32e and 32f are provided on one surface 32a3 and the other surface 32a4 of the module substrate 32a, respectively (see Figure 4A The grounding portions 32e and 32f are metal patterns provided at the peripheral edge of the notch 32d, and are, for example, copper foils printed by screen printing.
[0064] The electronic module 33 is, for example, a communication module. The electronic module 33 of this embodiment corresponds to WWAN (Wireless Wide Area Network). The communication standard corresponding to the electronic module 33 may also be, for example, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). Figure 2 As shown, the electronic module 33 includes a module substrate 33a, a terminal 33b formed at one end 33a1 of the module substrate 33a, and a semiconductor chip 33c mounted on the module substrate 33a. When the terminal 33b of the electronic module 33 is connected to the connector 30, the other end 33a2 of the module substrate 33a is pressed in the Z direction by the support structure 40. Thus, the electronic module 33 is mounted on the circuit substrate 24. A semicircular notch 33d is formed at the center of the other end 33a2 in the long side direction, in which the cylinder 42b of the stud member 42 can be arranged.
[0065] Grounding portions 33e and 33f similar to the grounding portions 32e and 32f are also provided on one surface 33a3 and the other surface 33a4 of the module substrate 33a, respectively (see Figure 4A The ground portions 33e and 33f are also metal patterns provided at the peripheral edge of the notch 33d, and are, for example, copper foils printed by screen printing.
[0066] A plurality of connection parts 33g are provided at the other end 33a2 of the electronic module 33. The connection parts 33g are appropriately connected to the cables 51 from the antenna elements 50 provided at various locations of the housing 12 and the cover 11. Figure 2 In the illustrated configuration example, a total of six cables 51 are connected to the electronic module 33. Therefore, a total of six connecting portions 33g are arranged in parallel so as to straddle the notch 33d.
[0067] Next, the attachment and detachment operation of the electronic modules 32 and 33 with respect to the circuit board 24 will be described. Here, the attachment and detachment operation of one electronic module 32 will be described as a representative example, but the attachment and detachment operation of the other electronic module 33 can also be set to the same or similar structure.
[0068] First, when the electronic module 32 is mounted on the circuit board 24, the screw 43 is removed from the threaded hole 42b1, and the arm portion 48 is opened to allow the screw 43 to be retracted from the stud member 42 (see FIG. Figure 3B ). After the terminal 32b of the electronic module 32 is connected to the connector 30, the other end 32a2 is placed near the cylinder 42b. At this time, the stud connection part 46 is arranged around the cylinder 42b. Therefore, in the electronic module 32, if the cylinder 42b is arranged in the notch 32d, the other side 32a4 is placed on the Z2 side surface of the stud connection part 46.
[0069] Next, the arm portion 48 is elastically deformed and the screw 43 is tightened from the electronic module 32 to the threaded hole 42b1. Then, the head 43a presses the other end 32a2 of the electronic module 32 in the Z1 direction with the help of the screw retaining portion 47. At this time, the stud connecting portion 46 of the supporting structure portion 40 also moves toward the Z1 side along the axial direction of the cylinder 42b. Therefore, the arm portion 48 is prevented from being damaged or plastically deformed due to excessive load in the closing direction. In addition, it is also possible to prevent the screw 43 from falling off from the screw retaining portion 47. If the tightening of the screw 43 is completed, the other end 32a2 of the electronic module 32 is supported by the screw 43 and the screw retaining portion 47. Thereby, the installation action of the electronic module 32 relative to the circuit substrate 24 is completed (refer to Figure 3C as well as Figure 4A ).
[0070] Next, when removing the electronic module 32 from the circuit board 24, loosen the screw 43 (see Figure 4B ). As a result, the pressing force of the electronic module 32 generated by the screw 43 is gradually released, and the force at the connection portion between the connector 30 and the terminal 32b causes one end 32a1 to serve as a rotation fulcrum, and the other end 32a2 floats toward the Z2 side. In other words, the other end 32a2 moves toward the Z2 side along with the screw 43. At this time, the stud connection portion 46 of the supporting structure portion 40 also moves toward the Z2 side along the axial direction of the cylinder 42b. Therefore, the arm portion 48 is prevented from being damaged or plastically deformed due to excessive load in the opening direction. In addition, the screw 43 can also be prevented from falling off from the screw retaining portion 47. When the screw 43 is removed, the screw 43 retreats from the other end 32a2 due to the elastic force of the arm portion 48 (refer to Figure 3B as well as Figure 4C ). Thus, the electronic module 32 can be easily removed from the circuit board 24.
[0071] As described above, the supporting structure 40 of the present embodiment includes the stud member 42, the screw 43, and the metal capture member 44. The capture member 44 includes: a stud connection portion 46 connected to the stud member 42; a screw holding portion 47 that holds the screw 43 in a relatively rotatable state; and an elastically deformable arm portion 48 that connects the stud connection portion 46 and the screw holding portion 47.
[0072] Therefore, the screw 43 of the supporting structure 40 is always captured by the stud component 42 fixed to the circuit substrate 24 by means of the capture component 44. Therefore, the supporting structure 40 can prevent the screw 43 from falling into the housing 12 or being lost during the disassembly and assembly of the electronic modules 32 and 33, thereby improving the workability. In addition, the capture component 44 can be installed and set later on the stud component 42 fixed to the circuit substrate 24, so the versatility is also high. Moreover, the capture component 44 is made of metal, so even if it is sandwiched between the screw 43 and the stud component 42 and the electronic modules 32 and 33, it will not affect the grounding of the electronic modules 32 and 33. In addition, the electronic device 10 having the circuit substrate 24 supporting the electronic modules 32 and 33 by such a supporting structure 40 can reduce the risk of the screw 43 falling off or being lost, not only during the operation in the factory, but also when the user replaces the electronic modules 32 and 33 by himself, thereby improving the maintainability and expandability.
[0073] The electronic modules 32 and 33 of the present embodiment have grounding portions (first grounding portions) 32e and 33e on one side 32a3 and 33a3 of the other end 32a2 and 33a2. The screw retaining portion 47 is in contact with the grounding portions 32e and 33e. Specifically, in the supporting structure portion 40, the screw retaining portion 47 sandwiched between the stud component 42 fixed to the grounding pad 41 and the screw 43 fastened to the stud component is in contact with the grounding portions 32e and 33e. For example, in the case where the electronic module 32 is a storage device, the grounding portion 32e is usually provided only on one side 32a3. For the supporting structure portion 40, even with such an electronic module 32, the grounding portion 32e can be reliably electrically connected to the grounding pad 41.
[0074] In the supporting structure 40, it is preferred that a blocking portion 46b2 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 42b, and the blocking portion 46b2 limits the relative rotation of the capture component 44 with respect to the cylinder 42b by locking the protrusion 46b of the stud connecting portion 46. Therefore, the capture component 44 (arm 48) can control the rotation posture when installed on the stud component 42 in a constant direction. Specifically, the capture component 44 can always configure the arm 48 on the opposite side of the other end 32a2, 33a2 of the electronic modules 32, 33. Thus, the supporting structure 40 can avoid interference between the arm 48 and the electronic modules 32, 33, and can smoothly open and close the arm 48 and smoothly disassemble and assemble the electronic modules 32, 33.
[0075] In the above, an example is given of a structure in which two electronic modules 32 and 33 are mounted and supported by the support structure 40. However, the electronic device 10 (circuit board 24) may be mounted with only one of the electronic modules 32 and 33, or may be mounted with other types of electronic modules. In addition, the support structure 40 may be applied to only a part of the mounted electronic modules, and other electronic modules may be supported by other structures.
[0076] Figure 5 to Figure 7 40A is an explanatory diagram of a support structure portion according to a first modification. Figure 5 to Figure 7 In, with Figure 1 to Figure 4C The same reference numerals as shown in the figure indicate the same or similar structure, and therefore, the same or similar functions and effects are achieved, and detailed descriptions are omitted. Figure 8 to Figure 13B Same here.
[0077] As described above, the capture member 44 contacts the screw holding portion 47 (see FIG. 1 ) at the grounding portion 32e, 33e of the surface 32a3, 33a3 of the electronic module 32, 33 mounted on the circuit board 24. Figure 4A Here, the electronic modules 32 and 33 of this embodiment may also have grounding portions (second grounding portions) 32f and 33f on the other surfaces 32a4 and 33a4 of the other ends 32a2 and 33a2 (see Figure 4A ). In particular, for example, a communication module based on the WWAN standard, that is, an electronic module 33, needs to be grounded on both sides. In this case, it is difficult for the support structure 40 to make the stud connection portion 46 stably contact the grounding portion 32f, 33f of the other side 32a4, 33a4 of the electronic module 32, 33. This is because if the electronic module 32, 33 is firmly fastened by the screw 43, and the electronic module 32, 33 is firmly clamped between the screw 43 (screw retaining portion 47) and the stud connection portion 46, there is a concern that the electronic module 32, 33 may be damaged or a malfunction may occur.
[0078] therefore, Figure 5 to Figure 7 The support structure 40A shown in the figure has a gasket 60 as a conductive member. The gasket 60 is, for example, a conductive cushioning material. The gasket 60 is, for example, formed in a ring shape with a predetermined thickness. The gasket 60 is arranged on the Z2 side of the stud connection part 46 in a state where the cylinder 42b passes through the central hole 60a. Figure 6A to Figure 7 As shown, the washer 60 is sandwiched between the electronic module 32 (33) and the stud connection portion 46, and contacts both. In other words, the washer 60 contacts the grounding portion 32f (33f) and the stud connection portion 46. Thus, the support structure 40A can also electrically connect the grounding portion 32f (33f) and the stud member 42.
[0079] Figure 8 to Figure 10 It is an explanatory diagram of a support structure 40B according to a second modification.
[0080] Figure 8 to Figure 10 The support structure 40B shown is Figure 5 to Figure 7 Compared with the supporting structure 40A shown in the figure, the difference is that a metal leaf spring member 62 is provided as a conductive member instead of the washer 60. The leaf spring member 62 is, for example, a metal plate member made of stainless steel. The leaf spring member 62 is integrally mounted on the capture member 44. The leaf spring member 62 has a ring portion 62a and a fixing portion 62b. Figure 8 In the figure, the stud member 42 constituting the support structure 40B is omitted, and only the capture member 44 is shown.
[0081] The ring portion 62a has a hole 62a1 at the center. The hole 62a1 allows the cylinder 42b to pass through. The outer peripheral end surface of the ring portion 62a on the opposite side (X1 side) to the fixing portion 62b side is cut at the cut surface 62a2. As a result, the ring portion 62a has a substantially D shape when viewed from above.
[0082] The fixing portion 62b is a portion fixed to the capture member 44. The fixing portion 62b is a plate-shaped member integrally formed on the outer peripheral end surface on the opposite side to the cut surface 62a2 side of the ring portion 62a. The fixing portion 62b is fixed to the Z2 side surface of the root of the arm portion 48 relative to the stud connection portion 46, for example, by spot welding. The fixing portion 62b has a plurality of positioning holes 62b1 and a plurality of positioning pieces 62b2. The positioning holes 62b1 can be used to align the fixing position of the fixing portion 62b relative to the capture member 44. The positioning piece 62b2 is, for example, a plate piece obtained by bending the peripheral portion of the fixing portion 62b toward the Z1 side. The positioning piece 62b2 is configured to be hooked on the two side edge portions of the arm portion 48 and the engaging hole 48a (refer to Fig. 9A ), and the inner peripheral wall of the hole 46a. Thus, the positioning piece 62b2 can prevent the position of the fixing portion 62b from being offset relative to the capture member 44.
[0083] The ring portion 62a is in an inclined posture that gradually inclines toward the Z2 side from the base end side (fixed portion 62b) fixed to the arm portion 48 toward the front end side (cut surface 62a2 side). Therefore, the fixing portion 62b and the ring portion 62a are slightly bent. The ring portion 62a is arranged on the Z2 side of the stud connecting portion 46 when the cylinder 42b passes through the hole portion 62a1. If the screw 43 is tightened to the stud component 42, the ring portion 62a of the leaf spring component 62 is sandwiched between the electronic module 32 (33) and the stud connecting portion 46, and contacts the grounding portion 32f (33f) (refer to Fig. 9B as well as Fig.10). The ring portion 62a of the leaf spring member 62 is pressed by the grounding portion 32f (33f) and elastically displaced, and is therefore further reliably pressed against the grounding portion 32f (33f).
[0084] Therefore, in the support structure 40B, the grounding portion 32f (33f) and the stud member 42 can also be electrically connected. In addition, the cutting surface 62a2 is provided at the front end of the ring portion 62a. Therefore, the ring portion 62a can contact the grounding portion 32f (33f) in a line rather than a point, and the electrical connection state is more stable.
[0085] Figures 11A to 12B It is an explanatory diagram of a support structure 40C according to a third modification.
[0086] Figures 11A to 12B The support structure 40C shown in the figure has a stud member 42A and a catch member 44A having structures different from the stud member 42 and the catch member 44 of the above-mentioned support structures 40, 40A, and 40B. That is, in the above-mentioned catch member 44, the stopper 42b2 of the cylinder 42b is engaged with the protrusion 46b of the stud connecting portion 46. Thus, the relative rotation of the catch member 44 with respect to the stud member 42 is restricted, and the rotation posture of the arm portion 48 when mounted on the stud member 42 is controlled in a constant direction. On the other hand, the support structure 40C has a structure replacing the stopper 42b2 and the protrusion 46b.
[0087] The stud member 42A includes a barrel 64 having a structure different from that of the barrel 42b described above. The barrel 64 includes a first portion 64a provided on the root side rising from the flange 42a, and a second portion 64b provided on the front end side in the rising direction. The barrel 64 has a stepped rod shape with a smaller diameter on the root side (first portion 64a) than on the front end side (second portion 64b).
[0088] The first portion 64a is a cylinder or a column. The height in the Z direction of the first portion 64a is significantly smaller than that of the second portion 64b and is slightly larger than the plate thickness of the stud connection portion 66 of the capture member 44A.
[0089] The second part 64b is provided continuously on the Z2 side of the first part 64a. The second part 64b has a cylinder with a larger diameter than the first part 64a, and a pair of plane portions 64b1, 64b1 are formed on its outer peripheral surface. The plane portions 64b1 are parallel to each other and extend in the axial direction (Z direction) of the cylinder 64. Thus, the second part 64b has a roughly elliptical shape formed by a straight line (plane portion 64b1) on the short diameter side when viewed from above. In other words, the outer peripheral surface of the second part 64b is formed by two plane portions 64b1 and two curved surface portions 64b2. The straight-line distance between the pair of plane portions 64b1, 64b1 is the same as the outer diameter of the first part 64a or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first part 64a.
[0090] The catch member 44A includes a stud connection portion 66 having a structure different from that of the above-described stud connection portion 46. Furthermore, the catch member 44A includes a pair of stopper portions 67, 67 at the base of the arm portion 48 relative to the stud connection portion 66.
[0091] The stud connection portion 66 has a hole portion 66a, which is formed into a thin ring shape. The hole portion 66a is similar to the outer shape of the second portion 64b of the cylinder 64, and has an outer shape slightly larger than the second portion 64b. In other words, the hole portion 66a has a substantially elliptical shape formed by a pair of straight portions 66a1, 66a1 on the short diameter side when viewed from above. In other words, the inner circumferential surface of the hole portion 66a is formed by two straight portions 66a1 and two arc portions 66a2. As a result, the hole portion 66a can be inserted through the second portion 64b without shaking. On the other hand, the hole portion 66a can rotate relative to the first portion 64a around its axis.
[0092] The stopper 67 is formed on both sides of the base of the arm 48 relative to the stud connection portion 66. Each stopper 67 is a crank-shaped plate that protrudes in a direction away from the edge of the arm 48 in the width direction (outward), is temporarily bent toward the Z1 side, and then is bent outward again.
[0093] As one step of the assembly operation of the capture member 44A, first, the second portion 64b of the cylinder 64 is inserted into the hole 66a (see FIG. 1 ) of the stud coupling portion 66. Fig.11A , Fig. 11B as well as Fig. 12A At this time, the hole 66a allows the second portion 64b to pass through and is pressed to a position where it engages with the first portion 64a. Then, each stopper 67 abuts against the Z2 side surface of the flange 42a and is in a pressed state.
[0094] Next, the capture member 44A (stud connection portion 66) is rotated a predetermined angle around the axis of the first portion 64a. The rotation direction is 90 degrees if the stopper portion 67 can reach the cut surface 42a1 of the flange 42a at the shortest distance, and 270 degrees in the opposite direction. Fig. 11C as well as Fig. 12B As shown in FIG. 1 , each straight portion 66a1 of the hole portion 66a is disposed directly below each curved portion 64b2 of the second portion 64b. Thus, the second portion 64b acts as a stopper for the stud connection portion 66, preventing it from falling off from the cylinder 64 in the Z direction. At the same time, each stopper 67 falls off from the Z2 side surface of the flange 42a, falls to the Z1 side, and abuts against the cut surface 42a1.
[0095] As described above, for the stud connection portion 66, each stopper 67 is locked to the flange 42a (cut surface 42a1), restricting further relative rotation around the axis of the cylinder 64. As a result, the capture member 44A is mounted on the stud member 42A in a rotational posture with the arm portion 48 facing the predetermined rotation direction, that is, the side opposite to the connector 30 side.
[0096] Therefore, the capture part 44A of the supporting structure 40C can also always arrange the arm 48 on the opposite side of the other end 32a2, 33a2 of the electronic modules 32, 33. Therefore, the supporting structure 40C can also avoid the interference of the arm 48 with the electronic modules 32, 33, and can smoothly open and close the arm 48 and smoothly disassemble and assemble the electronic modules 32, 33. Moreover, compared with the above-mentioned stud part 42, the stud part 42A does not require the blocking part 42b2, so the shape can be simply constructed. Similarly, compared with the above-mentioned stud connecting part 46, the stud connecting part 46A does not require the protrusion 46b, so the shape can be simply constructed. As a result, the supporting structure 40C can suppress the manufacturing cost compared with the above-mentioned supporting structure 40 and the like.
[0097] In addition, the capture member 44A does not move up and down along the axial direction of the cylinder 64. Therefore, it is preferable that the capture member 44A has a larger deformation amount of the arm portion 48 than the capture member 44. Therefore, in the capture member 44A, it is also possible to suppress the damage of the arm portion 48, the fall-off of the screw 43 from the screw holding portion 47, etc., and to enable smooth operation of the screw 43.
[0098] Fig.13A as well as Fig. 13B It is an explanatory diagram of a support structure 40D according to a fourth modification.
[0099] Fig.13A as well as Fig. 13B The support structure 40D shown is Figures 11A to 12B The support structure 40C shown in the figure is different in that a capture member 44B is provided with a cable guide 68 provided on the screw holding portion 47. The cable guide 68 is a guide member that holds the end of the cable 51 connected to the connection portion 33g of the electronic module 33. Fig.13A as well as Fig. 13B Reference numeral 70 in FIG. 1 is a heat sink that covers the semiconductor chip 33 c of the electronic module 33 .
[0100] The cable guide 68 is formed with guide plates 68a integrally on both sides of the screw holding portion 47. Each guide plate 68a is provided in a blade shape protruding from the screw holding portion 47 along the long side direction of the other end 33a2. For example, a plurality of clamping portions 68b are formed on each guide plate 68a. In the electronic device 10 of this embodiment, a total of six cables 51 are connected to the electronic module 33. Therefore, the cable guide 68 has three clamping portions 68b on each guide plate 68a, for a total of six clamping portions 68b.
[0101] Therefore, when the support structure 40D is used to disassemble and assemble the electronic module 33, if the screw 43 is removed from the threaded hole 42b1 and the arm 48 is opened, the cable guide 68 is also moved in a manner of opening and closing integrally with the screw holding portion 47. Therefore, when each cable 51 is removed from each connection portion 33g, the correspondence between each cable 51 and each connection portion 33g is prevented from being mixed up. In addition, when each cable 51 is connected to each connection portion 33g, it is also possible to reliably and easily connect the specified cable 51 and the connection portion 33g. As a result, the efficiency of the disassembly and assembly operation of the antenna element 50 and the electronic module 33 is also improved for the support structure 40D. In addition, the capture component 44B can also be installed and set later on the stud component 42A fixed to the circuit substrate 24, so the versatility is also high.
[0102] Fig.13A as well as Fig. 13B The support structure 40D shown illustrates an example of Figures 11A to 12B The capture member 44A of the illustrated support structure 40C is provided with the structure of the cable guide 68. However, the cable guide 68 may also be applied to other support structures 40, 40A, 40B.
[0103] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it is of course possible to freely change it within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.
Claims
1. A supporting structure for supporting an electronic module whose one end is connected to a connector mounted on a circuit board and whose other end is supported on the circuit board, characterized in that: The supporting structure comprises: A stud component having a flange fixed to the surface of the circuit substrate and a cylindrical body having a threaded hole and rising from the flange; a screw, which is screwed into the threaded hole to support the other end of the electronic module; and The metal capture component comprises: a stud connecting portion connected to the stud component; a screw holding portion for holding the screw in a relatively rotatable state; and an elastically deformable arm portion for connecting the stud connecting portion and the screw holding portion.
2. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that The electronic module has a first grounding portion on one side of the other end. The screw holding portion is in contact with the first grounding portion.
3. The support structure according to claim 2, characterized in that The electronic module has a second grounding portion on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the other end. The support structure further includes a conductive member that is disposed between the stud connection portion and the electronic module and is in contact with the second ground portion.
4. The support structure according to claim 3, characterized in that The conductive member is an annular gasket passing through the cylindrical body.
5. The support structure according to claim 3, characterized in that The conductive member is a metal leaf spring member fixed to the capture member.
6. The support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that The stud connection portion is relatively movable with respect to the cylindrical body along an axial direction of the cylindrical body.
7. The supporting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The stud connection portion includes: a hole portion passing through the cylindrical body, and a protrusion protruding from the inner periphery of the hole portion, A stopper is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder, and the stopper restricts the relative rotation of the capture member with respect to the cylinder by locking the protrusion.
8. The supporting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The stud connection portion has a hole portion passing through the cylinder, The cylinder has: A first portion is provided on the root side of the flange and is inserted into the hole in a relatively rotatable manner; and The second portion is provided continuously with the front end side of the first portion in the rising direction from the flange, can be inserted through the hole, and prevents the stud connection portion rotated by a predetermined angle on the first portion from falling off from the cylinder. The capture member further includes a stopper that is engaged with the stud member when the stud coupling portion is rotated by the first portion by the predetermined angle and is prevented from falling off the cylinder by the second portion, thereby restricting the stud coupling portion from rotating beyond the predetermined angle.
9. The supporting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The capture member further includes a cable guide that is provided integrally with the screw holding portion and holds a cable connected to the other end of the electronic module.
10. An electronic device, characterized in that: have: A circuit substrate having a connector mounted thereon; an electronic module, one end of which is connected to the connector; and A supporting structure supports the other end of the electronic module on the circuit substrate. The support structure has: A stud component having a flange fixed to the surface of the circuit substrate and a cylindrical body having a threaded hole and rising from the flange; a screw, which is screwed into the threaded hole to support the other end of the electronic module; and The metal capture component comprises: a stud connecting portion connected to the stud component; a screw holding portion for holding the screw in a relatively rotatable state; and an elastically deformable arm portion for connecting the stud connecting portion and the screw holding portion.
11. The electronic device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The electronic module has a first grounding portion on one side of the other end. The screw holding portion is in contact with the first grounding portion.
12. The electronic device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The electronic module has a second grounding portion on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the other end. The electronic device further includes a conductive member that is disposed between the stud connection portion and the electronic module and is in contact with the second ground portion.
13. The electronic device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The electronic module is a storage device.
14. The electronic device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The electronic module is a communication module, The electronic device further includes an antenna element connected to a connection portion provided at the other end of the communication module via a cable. The capture member further includes a cable guide that is provided integrally with the screw holding portion and holds the cable.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Electronic apparatus
JP2020057737A